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Psychotherapy and Counselling for Women In-Person and Online in Singapore with Cheryl Kennedy MacDonald

Feminist Therapy: Why I’ve Adopted This Approach to Help Women Thrive

Feminist Therapy: Why I’ve Adopted This Approach to Help Women Thrive

As a psychotherapist dedicated to supporting women, I’ve embraced feminist therapy as a core component of my practice. Feminist therapy is an integrative approach that directly addresses the unique challenges women face due to societal biases, stereotyping, oppression, and discrimination. The impact of these factors on mental health cannot be overstated, and feminist therapy recognises that a woman’s wellbeing is deeply intertwined with her social, cultural, and political environment.

Why Feminist Therapy Matters

Feminist therapy is built on the foundation of equality between therapist and client. In my practice, this means fostering a genuine, authentic connection where we work together to understand the societal factors that may be contributing to your mental health challenges. This collaborative approach allows you to discover and reclaim your unique identity, build on your strengths, and take charge of your life in a way that feels empowering and true to who you are.

One of the reasons I’ve chosen to specialise in working with women is because traditional psychotherapy often overlooks the social and cultural contexts that shape our experiences. Feminist therapy, on the other hand, puts these factors at the forefront, offering a more holistic and relevant approach to healing for women. While this method doesn’t follow a rigid protocol, it’s precisely this flexibility that allows us to tailor the therapy to your specific needs, experiences, and goals.

When Feminist Therapy is Beneficial

Feminist therapy emerged in the late 1960s as a response to the male-dominated field of psychotherapy, which often failed to consider the unique challenges women face. While it started as a way for women to support other women in therapy, it has since evolved to include anyone who seeks to explore how gender influences their emotional lives and relationships. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals who have been marginalised, including women of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, refugees, and those living with disabilities.

In my work, I’ve found feminist therapy to be especially effective for addressing issues like sexual abuse, eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, and relationship challenges. It’s a versatile approach that can be applied in one-on-one sessions, group settings, or community environments like women’s health clinics or LGBTQ+ organisations.

The Role of Intersectionality in Feminist Therapy

One of the key aspects of feminist therapy is its commitment to intersectionality – the recognition that various aspects of a person’s identity, such as race, gender, and sexual orientation, intersect and influence their experiences. For example, Black feminist therapy specifically addresses the unique challenges faced by Black women, while mujerista counselling focuses on the experiences of Hispanic or Latinx women. By incorporating intersectionality into my practice, I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is inclusive, respectful, and deeply understanding of the diverse experiences women face.

What You Can Expect from Feminist Therapy

When you engage in feminist therapy, you can expect a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Together, we will explore your identity, uncover your strengths, and work on building the confidence to navigate societal pressures and expectations. Beyond traditional talk therapy, feminist therapy often includes tools like role-playing, assertiveness training, and mindfulness practices to help you develop a stronger sense of self and resilience.

In feminist therapy, we don’t just focus on individual change; we also consider the broader social context and how it affects your mental health. This approach often involves reframing your experiences through a societal lens, helping you understand that many of the challenges you face are not personal failings but are rooted in systemic issues. By shifting this perspective, we can work together to reduce the tendency to pathologise your thoughts and feelings and instead focus on building your power and agency.

Why I’ve Chosen Feminist Therapy

I’ve adopted feminist therapy in my practice because I believe that women deserve a therapeutic approach that fully acknowledges and addresses the unique challenges they face. As someone who has dedicated my career to supporting women through various life stages, I’ve seen firsthand how societal pressures can impact mental health. Feminist therapy allows us to dig deep into these issues, providing a space where you can feel seen, heard, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life.

This approach is not just about addressing symptoms – it’s about creating lasting change by helping you recognise and embrace your own power. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, navigating a difficult relationship, or seeking to understand your identity, feminist therapy offers a compassionate, insightful, and effective path forward.

Finding the Right Feminist Therapist

If you’re considering feminist therapy, it’s important to find a therapist who shares your values and makes you feel comfortable and respected. In my practice, I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is supportive, empowering, and attuned to your unique needs as a woman. While there’s no separate accreditation for feminist therapists, having a conversation before starting therapy can help ensure that you’re choosing someone who aligns with your goals and expectations.

Feminist therapy is about more than just addressing mental health issues; it’s about understanding and challenging the societal norms that contribute to those issues. By focusing on your strengths, fostering an egalitarian therapist-client relationship, and considering the broader social context, feminist therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and empowerment. If you’re ready to explore this approach, I’m here to support you on your journey towards greater self-understanding, confidence, and wellbeing.

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