No single individual is coined as the founder of FT. Instead, it emerged from feminist political philosophies. However, two early therapists who demonstred feminism in counseling early on include Alfred Adler and Karen Horney. Seemingly the main focus of Feminist Therapy is gender equity. Femist Therapy aims to eliminate patriarchy and end inequites based on gender. Feminists believe that gender is socially constructed and sex is biological. One saying that helps me with this concept is: "Gender is what it between your ears, sex is what is between your legs." Feminist counselors emphasize that clients have the power to define themselves. The oppression of women is a huge focus.
One scenario that I could imagine using this approach is with domestic abuse. Many teens experience violence from their partner. In American culture we are very patriarchal. We believe that males dominate and females should be pleasing to males. As a school counselor I would work with students who are experience violence and help them gain a sense of power and educate them on these very serious and real issues. Women can be strong and powerful. A glass ceiling may make it more difficult, but not impossible to succeed.
Video: Feminist Session: Dr. Moore and Helen
In this video the client discusses instances when she feels mad and takes it out on her kids, even though she knows it is inappropriate. She talks about how her whole life is about getting things done for everyone else, and at first she was not aware that it was like that. However, when became aware, she resented it. The counselor talks with the client about her role as a mother and how that role is valuable. But, it isn't seen as valuable in our culture. The counselor helps the client to feel like she isn't alone in her struggle. She talks about how many mothers feel powerlessness, and they too feel that what they're doing isn't valued. The two of them then discuss the lack of support in American culture for women, which is a feminist belief.
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