Feminist Therapy Chapter 13

The Case of Susan 30-year-old divorced Korean American female Referred for therapy by her medical school counselor due to “problems with anger management” Complains of lack of self-confidence, numbness during conflict, tendency to avoid uncomfortable situations Skeptical about therapy

Basic Philosophy Overthrow patriarchy End inequities that are based on gender Individual is oppressed by society Language reflects and influences individual’s world views

Feminist Philosophies Liberal Radical and socialist Cultural Woman of color Postmodern

Human Motivation Little focus on human motivation May draw ideas from existing theories of human behavior

Central Constructs Gender The Personal Is Political

Theory of the Person Sex differences Self in relation to others Feminist Identity Development Theory

Psychological Health and Dysfunction Standard of health resides in traditionally male qualities Dysfunction is often equated to qualities and behaviors stereotypically associated with women from nonwhite, non-middle- class backgrounds

Nature of Therapy Assessment Role of the Client Role of the Counselor Goals for therapy

Process of Therapy Counselor increases awareness of personal values and beliefs Educate client about Feminist Therapy Develop a therapy contract

Therapeutic Techniques Gender-role analysis Self-disclosure Assertiveness training

Evaluation Qualities Precision Testability Empirical validity Research Support Outcome research Theory-testing research

Issues of Individual and Cultural Diversity Pros Contemporary FT recognizes multiple influences in addition to race Cons Liberal FT upholds the patriarchal status quo Early versions are based on the white middle-class experience