Feminist Therapists in Arizona
Kathryn Fenster
Counselor, MS, NCC, LAC
Verified Verified
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
I ground my counseling in the postmodern collection of theories, most notably feminist counseling, using a strengths-based approach to empower clients to understand the impacts of systems: from family of origin to larger communities, and take agency in both the counseling relationship and in their lives.
I am a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Associate Counselor working towards my Professional Counselor license (LPC) under the clinical supervision of Patrica Dobratz. I earned my BA in Anthropology and Mathematics from Grinnell College and my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South Dakota State University. I am EMDR trained, DC 0-5 trained, and have extensive training in play therapy, including neurobiology, brain development and trauma. I take a trauma informed approach to counseling, working to understand the impacts of past experiences and increasing your ability to live life as your authentic self.
I ground my counseling in the postmodern collection of theories, most notably feminist counseling, using a strengths-based approach to empower clients to understand the impacts of systems: from family of origin to larger communities, and take agency in both the counseling relationship and in their lives.
I am a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Associate Counselor working towards my Professional Counselor license (LPC) under the clinical supervision of Patrica Dobratz. I earned my BA in Anthropology and Mathematics from Grinnell College and my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South Dakota State University. I am EMDR trained, DC 0-5 trained, and have extensive training in play therapy, including neurobiology, brain development and trauma. I take a trauma informed approach to counseling, working to understand the impacts of past experiences and increasing your ability to live life as your authentic self.
Melissa Keller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, RYT
Verified Verified
Tucson, AZ 85719 (Online Only)
Feminist, abolitionist, liberatory, and somatic frameworks inform my work.
As a therapist and witness to your growth, I believe that you have an intuitive and innate capacity for balance. However, ongoing stressors of living in intersecting systems of oppression erode our connection with ourselves and others. Through curious, compassionate awareness in supportive relationships and community, we find our way back to our inner wisdom and wellness. I am here to support and witness your process of uncovering your most authentic self so that you can take actions in your life that align with your values and dreams. Find out more at www.awakenheartsomatics.com.
Feminist, abolitionist, liberatory, and somatic frameworks inform my work.
As a therapist and witness to your growth, I believe that you have an intuitive and innate capacity for balance. However, ongoing stressors of living in intersecting systems of oppression erode our connection with ourselves and others. Through curious, compassionate awareness in supportive relationships and community, we find our way back to our inner wisdom and wellness. I am here to support and witness your process of uncovering your most authentic self so that you can take actions in your life that align with your values and dreams. Find out more at www.awakenheartsomatics.com.
Kelly Wilt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
Tucson, AZ 85701
Warm and open, my therapeutic style is grounded in curiosity and compassion. I work to transform typical therapeutic spaces into empowering environments that cultivate inner-knowing and greater connection. I work from humanistic and feminist theoretical orientations, meaning that I'm relational and collaborative as a therapist. I believe trust is built and shame diminished when we’re met with authentic connection. I work with individuals and people in relationships working toward greater embodiment, connection, and healing. Many of my clients want to strengthen self-trust, grow their relational skills, and navigate life transitions.
Warm and open, my therapeutic style is grounded in curiosity and compassion. I work to transform typical therapeutic spaces into empowering environments that cultivate inner-knowing and greater connection. I work from humanistic and feminist theoretical orientations, meaning that I'm relational and collaborative as a therapist. I believe trust is built and shame diminished when we’re met with authentic connection. I work with individuals and people in relationships working toward greater embodiment, connection, and healing. Many of my clients want to strengthen self-trust, grow their relational skills, and navigate life transitions.
Adrienne Elias
Pre-Licensed Professional, Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85716
I am a BIPOC allied provider, am part of the LGBTQ+ community and work from a feminist and anti-oppressive lens.
Have you been told you are too sensitive, too emotional, or too angry? Do you identify as an outsider, and/or experience discrimination for who you are? If any of this resonates with you, we might be a good fit! We can work together to identify changes you’d like to make, or provide an understanding and non-judgemental space to talk. Therapy can be a place to learn how to feel more comfortable setting boundaries with others, feel more comfortable saying “no,” and learn to make room for the things you want in your life.
I am a BIPOC allied provider, am part of the LGBTQ+ community and work from a feminist and anti-oppressive lens.
Have you been told you are too sensitive, too emotional, or too angry? Do you identify as an outsider, and/or experience discrimination for who you are? If any of this resonates with you, we might be a good fit! We can work together to identify changes you’d like to make, or provide an understanding and non-judgemental space to talk. Therapy can be a place to learn how to feel more comfortable setting boundaries with others, feel more comfortable saying “no,” and learn to make room for the things you want in your life.
Aspen Turney
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mesa, AZ 85206
The therapy modalities I utilize are based on my clients’ unique needs, though I primarily lean on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Reality Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Feminist Therapy, and somatics.
Hello! I am passionate about empowering my clients to live their most authentic lives. I believe that we all have intuition that helps each of us define our unique values & priorities but that external pressures, social norms, lack of confidence, and trauma often lead us away from that intuition. In therapy, we can work together to rediscover that intuition, build confidence, and pursue goals that help you create the life you desire. I am empathetic, unconditionally accepting, & open, and I believe vulnerability, humor, and compassionate confrontation are all part of a strong therapeutic alliance.
The therapy modalities I utilize are based on my clients’ unique needs, though I primarily lean on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Reality Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Feminist Therapy, and somatics.
Hello! I am passionate about empowering my clients to live their most authentic lives. I believe that we all have intuition that helps each of us define our unique values & priorities but that external pressures, social norms, lack of confidence, and trauma often lead us away from that intuition. In therapy, we can work together to rediscover that intuition, build confidence, and pursue goals that help you create the life you desire. I am empathetic, unconditionally accepting, & open, and I believe vulnerability, humor, and compassionate confrontation are all part of a strong therapeutic alliance.
Beth Rosenberg
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85016
I use Mindfulness with a Feminist, Multicultural, and Emotionally Focused Theory lens, and take an intersectional approach when working with clients.
My goal as a counselor is to uplift those who are struggling. My work focuses on affirmative therapy for all individuals regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, or culture. As a queer woman, I have significant work with LGBTQIA+ individuals and those working to support other such members as allies in both parental and friendship relationships. I currently have limited availability for individuals and couples seeking counseling services.
I use Mindfulness with a Feminist, Multicultural, and Emotionally Focused Theory lens, and take an intersectional approach when working with clients.
My goal as a counselor is to uplift those who are struggling. My work focuses on affirmative therapy for all individuals regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, or culture. As a queer woman, I have significant work with LGBTQIA+ individuals and those working to support other such members as allies in both parental and friendship relationships. I currently have limited availability for individuals and couples seeking counseling services.
Stacy Bliss-Lefebvre
Counselor, LPC, MC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mesa, AZ 85209
I do this using a trauma informed feminist theory approach.
The relationship between counselor and client is the backbone of therapy. A client needs a person they can open up to and trust. A counselor needs a client who will be open and honest. I work hard to make every client know that they are the focus of each and every session. By whatever path a client arrives in my office, I seek to know and understand that journey. My approach to therapy comes from both my life experiences as well as my educational journey. These experiences allow me to create a non-judgmental space where I can meet each client where they currently are.
I do this using a trauma informed feminist theory approach.
The relationship between counselor and client is the backbone of therapy. A client needs a person they can open up to and trust. A counselor needs a client who will be open and honest. I work hard to make every client know that they are the focus of each and every session. By whatever path a client arrives in my office, I seek to know and understand that journey. My approach to therapy comes from both my life experiences as well as my educational journey. These experiences allow me to create a non-judgmental space where I can meet each client where they currently are.
Dr. Elise Dossaji
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85012 (Online Only)
I draw from a variety of modalities, existential therapy, feminist therapy, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic techniques.
Do you feel stuck? I understand that seeking therapy is a personal and often courageous choice. Life is constantly changing and navigating those changes on your own can be difficult. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental, and confidential space where you can share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Together, we'll work collaboratively to develop a tailored approach that suits your unique needs and goals. I'm here to help you build resilience, enhance self-esteem, and cultivate positive relationships. I am committed to creating an inclusive, safe, and affirming environment for clients of all backgrounds.
I draw from a variety of modalities, existential therapy, feminist therapy, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic techniques.
Do you feel stuck? I understand that seeking therapy is a personal and often courageous choice. Life is constantly changing and navigating those changes on your own can be difficult. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental, and confidential space where you can share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Together, we'll work collaboratively to develop a tailored approach that suits your unique needs and goals. I'm here to help you build resilience, enhance self-esteem, and cultivate positive relationships. I am committed to creating an inclusive, safe, and affirming environment for clients of all backgrounds.
Charmaine Fuller
Counselor, MC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mesa, AZ 85207
I approach counseling and the individual from an intersectional feminist and Buddhist-psychology informed background.
I view the client as their own greatest expert and try to use the therapeutic relationship and counseling space as a place for the client to explore all their thoughts and feelings, the shameful, prideful, distressing, exciting and everything in between. I use research-based interventions and treatments along with my own education and experiences to guide the client to their best self. I view the client as a fellow traveler through life and look forward to taking this journey with you.
I approach counseling and the individual from an intersectional feminist and Buddhist-psychology informed background.
I view the client as their own greatest expert and try to use the therapeutic relationship and counseling space as a place for the client to explore all their thoughts and feelings, the shameful, prideful, distressing, exciting and everything in between. I use research-based interventions and treatments along with my own education and experiences to guide the client to their best self. I view the client as a fellow traveler through life and look forward to taking this journey with you.
Suzanne Walker: EMDR and EMDR Intensives
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LISW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gilbert, AZ 85295
I employ a compassionate, relatable, warm, person-centered, feminist and empowering approach.
Accepting new clients for Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), traditional EMDR, as well as for EMDR Intensives! Your heart is heavy. Heavy with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression. With life stress, life transitions, the intense demands of work and parenthood and relationships. You feel disconnection, a lack of existential fulfillment. Stuck. You have this person you want to be. These things you want to do. You want to move forward in life; deeply, wholly, mindfully. And you've decided that you are ready to lay it out, harness your strength, and heal. You are worthy of relief. Your children are worthy of the best version of You.
I employ a compassionate, relatable, warm, person-centered, feminist and empowering approach.
Accepting new clients for Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), traditional EMDR, as well as for EMDR Intensives! Your heart is heavy. Heavy with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression. With life stress, life transitions, the intense demands of work and parenthood and relationships. You feel disconnection, a lack of existential fulfillment. Stuck. You have this person you want to be. These things you want to do. You want to move forward in life; deeply, wholly, mindfully. And you've decided that you are ready to lay it out, harness your strength, and heal. You are worthy of relief. Your children are worthy of the best version of You.
Rory Bergstrom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85705
My therapeutic approach integrates relational psychotherapy, non-dualism, transpersonal psychology, feminist psychotherapy, EMDR, parts-work, body centered/somatic techniques, and embodied practices for unlearning white-body supremacy and other forms of oppression.
Have you tried traditional talk-therapy and made progress at the beginning, only to find yourself stuck and frustrated months down the line? I offer treatments that catalyze deeper healing and growth to help my clients move forward; including EMDR, Ketamine Assisted Therapy and psychedelic integration. If you have struggled with depression, anxiety or PTSD and haven't found relief with standard treatments then my practice is for you. I offer in-person sessions in Tucson and virtual sessions throughout Arizona.
My therapeutic approach integrates relational psychotherapy, non-dualism, transpersonal psychology, feminist psychotherapy, EMDR, parts-work, body centered/somatic techniques, and embodied practices for unlearning white-body supremacy and other forms of oppression.
Have you tried traditional talk-therapy and made progress at the beginning, only to find yourself stuck and frustrated months down the line? I offer treatments that catalyze deeper healing and growth to help my clients move forward; including EMDR, Ketamine Assisted Therapy and psychedelic integration. If you have struggled with depression, anxiety or PTSD and haven't found relief with standard treatments then my practice is for you. I offer in-person sessions in Tucson and virtual sessions throughout Arizona.
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Katharine Furio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Along with a strong relational base, I use a variety of integrative and holistic treatment modalities including MBSR,CBT, meditation & feminist/empowerment based interventions.
Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression are all too common in today's high-paced, high-stress lifestyle. We often find ourselves distracted & disconnected in our work and relationships. We react instead of act. We are impulsive & make decisions on a whim. These ways of relating to each other & our environment tend to increase our stress and often exacerbate the physical, mental and emotional problems in our lives. Finding ways to cope with stress, addressing underlying issues, and learning to pay attention to our internal needs can produce tremendous benefits in our lives & our relationships.
Along with a strong relational base, I use a variety of integrative and holistic treatment modalities including MBSR,CBT, meditation & feminist/empowerment based interventions.
Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression are all too common in today's high-paced, high-stress lifestyle. We often find ourselves distracted & disconnected in our work and relationships. We react instead of act. We are impulsive & make decisions on a whim. These ways of relating to each other & our environment tend to increase our stress and often exacerbate the physical, mental and emotional problems in our lives. Finding ways to cope with stress, addressing underlying issues, and learning to pay attention to our internal needs can produce tremendous benefits in our lives & our relationships.
Marr Hassan
Counselor, LAC
Verified Verified
Tucson, AZ 85705
I use a basis of Liberation Psychology, mindfulness, and feminist counseling theory to empower and guide clients towards fulfilling their counseling goals.
Do you have a desire to feel comforted, listened to, heard, and experience healing without judgement? Together we can facilitate an honest and open environment to explore your innermost feelings and trauma without fear of stigma. I take a collaborative and client-centered approach to work towards developing a fulfilling relationship with yourself and others. My practice is tailored to those that have been considered "outsiders" such as (but not limited to) people from LGBTQ+, polyamorous, leftist, and kink communities who have traditionally been left out or exploited by the mental health field. Email is the fastest way to reach me.
I use a basis of Liberation Psychology, mindfulness, and feminist counseling theory to empower and guide clients towards fulfilling their counseling goals.
Do you have a desire to feel comforted, listened to, heard, and experience healing without judgement? Together we can facilitate an honest and open environment to explore your innermost feelings and trauma without fear of stigma. I take a collaborative and client-centered approach to work towards developing a fulfilling relationship with yourself and others. My practice is tailored to those that have been considered "outsiders" such as (but not limited to) people from LGBTQ+, polyamorous, leftist, and kink communities who have traditionally been left out or exploited by the mental health field. Email is the fastest way to reach me.
Hayley B. Miller
Counselor, LAC, NCC®, CYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85716
I believe in multicultural & post-modern feminist counseling theories which recognize the reality of systemic barriers that impact our lives and health.
Hi! I am a Licensed Associate Counselor & I enjoy working with both teens and adults. I have a passion for older adolescents & transition-aged youth (16-26yrs). I will meet you where you are, from a warm & nonjudgmental place. I approach counseling from a person-centered, strengths-based & identity-affirming approach. I believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, heard & empowered to live in joy as their authentic selves. I consider empathy, validation & humor as the key to building a strong therapeutic alliance. "If a person is understood, he or she (or they) belongs." -Carl Rogers
I believe in multicultural & post-modern feminist counseling theories which recognize the reality of systemic barriers that impact our lives and health.
Hi! I am a Licensed Associate Counselor & I enjoy working with both teens and adults. I have a passion for older adolescents & transition-aged youth (16-26yrs). I will meet you where you are, from a warm & nonjudgmental place. I approach counseling from a person-centered, strengths-based & identity-affirming approach. I believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, heard & empowered to live in joy as their authentic selves. I consider empathy, validation & humor as the key to building a strong therapeutic alliance. "If a person is understood, he or she (or they) belongs." -Carl Rogers
Amanda S Malak
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (Online Only)
Grounded in decolonizing mental health, liberation, and feminist psychologies, my practice employs multimodal approaches, including dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, cognitive processing therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, somatic experiencing, emotionally focused couples therapy, Gottman, family systems, and psychoanalysis.
Via psychotherapy and assessment, I support individuals, couples, families, and organizations through the changing seasons of life. Intersectional identity shifts, intergenerational trauma, faith transitions, pregnancy/postpartum, sexual trauma, systemic oppression, multicultural couples (polyamory affirming), and families navigating members "coming out" or "letting in" with diverse political or spiritual views are a few specialty areas. Particular attunement is provided to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodiverse/autistic communities. My goal is to help communities live in alignment with their values.
Grounded in decolonizing mental health, liberation, and feminist psychologies, my practice employs multimodal approaches, including dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, cognitive processing therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, somatic experiencing, emotionally focused couples therapy, Gottman, family systems, and psychoanalysis.
Via psychotherapy and assessment, I support individuals, couples, families, and organizations through the changing seasons of life. Intersectional identity shifts, intergenerational trauma, faith transitions, pregnancy/postpartum, sexual trauma, systemic oppression, multicultural couples (polyamory affirming), and families navigating members "coming out" or "letting in" with diverse political or spiritual views are a few specialty areas. Particular attunement is provided to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodiverse/autistic communities. My goal is to help communities live in alignment with their values.
Callie Miller - Gender Identity Center
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85016
My approach is deeply person-centered, focusing on building resilience and empowering individuals on their ever evolving journey of self discovery to navigate life’s challenges. My background is rooted in community based services, and for the last four years I have worked with survivors of domestic abuse, individuals in crisis and children ages 3+ in various settings. I am a proud feminist and my work is centered around the recognition and subsequent destructing of the harsh systemic realities we find ourselves in. I am here to be your staunch advocate, encourager, and counsel. Together we will learn, unlearn, and grow as necessary.
My approach is deeply person-centered, focusing on building resilience and empowering individuals on their ever evolving journey of self discovery to navigate life’s challenges. My background is rooted in community based services, and for the last four years I have worked with survivors of domestic abuse, individuals in crisis and children ages 3+ in various settings. I am a proud feminist and my work is centered around the recognition and subsequent destructing of the harsh systemic realities we find ourselves in. I am here to be your staunch advocate, encourager, and counsel. Together we will learn, unlearn, and grow as necessary.
Tristan Mitchell-Shannon - Gender Identity Center
Counselor, LAC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85704
Given that, I generally work within CBT, feminist, person-centered, and/or DBT modalities.
I am a Licensed Associate Counselor, holding a Master’s degree in Community and Trauma Counseling. In 2016 I received my Bachelor’s degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality studies and I could not be more excited to walk alongside you in your identity journey! No matter what part of it you are in, everyone deserves a kind person to lean on for support. I value autonomy and your ability to make decisions that feel best for you, even if it takes some time to figure out what those are. Therapy, inherently, is a very vulnerable process but seeking it out when life has been challenging is a brave decision.
Given that, I generally work within CBT, feminist, person-centered, and/or DBT modalities.
I am a Licensed Associate Counselor, holding a Master’s degree in Community and Trauma Counseling. In 2016 I received my Bachelor’s degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality studies and I could not be more excited to walk alongside you in your identity journey! No matter what part of it you are in, everyone deserves a kind person to lean on for support. I value autonomy and your ability to make decisions that feel best for you, even if it takes some time to figure out what those are. Therapy, inherently, is a very vulnerable process but seeking it out when life has been challenging is a brave decision.
Sara Graper
Counselor, LAC
Verified Verified
Tucson, AZ 85712
Waitlist for new clients
I approach from a person-centered, intersectional feminist lens that allows clients to transparently communicate about what they need, while also acknowledging structural inequities that may be impacting their life.
One of my core beliefs is that all of us deserve space to connect and play in a way that allows us to show up as our whole selves. Connecting with that joy can feel daunting when communication no longer feels reliable or we're struggling to identify what brings us that sense of excitement. Through collaboration and transparency, I aim to create an affirming space that fosters growth and embraces all your identities.
I approach from a person-centered, intersectional feminist lens that allows clients to transparently communicate about what they need, while also acknowledging structural inequities that may be impacting their life.
One of my core beliefs is that all of us deserve space to connect and play in a way that allows us to show up as our whole selves. Connecting with that joy can feel daunting when communication no longer feels reliable or we're struggling to identify what brings us that sense of excitement. Through collaboration and transparency, I aim to create an affirming space that fosters growth and embraces all your identities.
Diana Miranda
Counselor, MS, LAC
Verified Verified
Glendale, AZ 85308
This approach may include elements of DBT, CBT, Motivational interviewing, Mindfulness, Existential Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, ACT, Expressive Arts Therapy and Feminist Therapy.
We all experience life in a different way. This may include how we are raised, what we observe and how we experience it. Although, we are human, our perspectives are different. With that being said, counseling may be beneficial in addressing problems we are currently facing or issues that have been persistent for years. Counseling provides a safe non-judgment environment with guidance to explore the root cause to the presenting problem. A goal would be working towards a greater well-being. With that come self-awareness, self-compassion, self-kindness, self-care, and most importantly self-love.
This approach may include elements of DBT, CBT, Motivational interviewing, Mindfulness, Existential Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, ACT, Expressive Arts Therapy and Feminist Therapy.
We all experience life in a different way. This may include how we are raised, what we observe and how we experience it. Although, we are human, our perspectives are different. With that being said, counseling may be beneficial in addressing problems we are currently facing or issues that have been persistent for years. Counseling provides a safe non-judgment environment with guidance to explore the root cause to the presenting problem. A goal would be working towards a greater well-being. With that come self-awareness, self-compassion, self-kindness, self-care, and most importantly self-love.
Kristen Barry
MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85016
My therapeutic approach in sessions is from a feminist perspective.
In the therapeutic setting, my goal is to provide clients the space to be their most authentic selves. Too often in society, we are forced to wear a façade, or be a fraction of ourselves in any given space, for fear of being “too much” or fear of not being accepted fully. In our sessions, I encourage you to take up space unapologetically. I love being able to help my clients discover their real selves and give them the tools to overcome any obstacles in their journeys towards wellness. I show up to sessions as my authentic self, and I encourage my clients to do the same. The work begins where the masks end.
My therapeutic approach in sessions is from a feminist perspective.
In the therapeutic setting, my goal is to provide clients the space to be their most authentic selves. Too often in society, we are forced to wear a façade, or be a fraction of ourselves in any given space, for fear of being “too much” or fear of not being accepted fully. In our sessions, I encourage you to take up space unapologetically. I love being able to help my clients discover their real selves and give them the tools to overcome any obstacles in their journeys towards wellness. I show up to sessions as my authentic self, and I encourage my clients to do the same. The work begins where the masks end.
See more therapy options for Arizona
Feminist Therapists
How does feminist therapy work?
Feminist therapy sessions are not only personal but often cultural or political in nature, as the approach is based on the belief that people are affected by, and often struggle with, cultural and societal norms and biases, and need to move beyond those external pressures or stressors to tap their own confidence and engage more fully in their own identity. Sessions may therefore include discussions of sexism, diversity, and gender issues and talk of steps toward greater empowerment for patients who believe they have been silenced and seek to raise their voices.
What are examples of feminist therapy techniques?
Along with traditional talk therapy and analysis, a feminist therapist may employ techniques such as role-playing and assertiveness training to help clients build their self-esteem so that they feel they can act freely, and not based on cultural expectations or gender roles dictated by others. A feminist therapist may also engage in bibliotherapy, offering suggested readings on gender identity or social power inequities as they work toward viewing mental-health concerns through a broad cultural lens before focusing on how they affect the individual. Somatic therapy techniques, with an emphasis on body awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness practices are also often part of feminist therapist practice.
How long does feminist therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for feminist therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. It may take some time to become comfortable discussing personal issues, but once a client feels they can do so, they could expect therapy to last for a number of months, typically including at least 12 sessions.
Does feminist therapy work?
As a relatively recent therapeutic technique, there is not yet a body of evidence proving the efficacy of feminist therapy. However, the approach is based on proven core principles of talk therapy, with a particular emphasis on developing a therapeutic relationship based on equality and authentic connection between therapist and client and discovering and building on clients’ personal strengths to help them gain a greater sense of personal power and agency.