Feminist Therapy for All Genders

In the opening chapter of Feminist therapy (2nd ed, published by the American Psychological Association, 2018), Laura S. Brown explains how feminist therapy is "Not for Cisgender Women Only."

Feminist therapy focuses on the experiences and standpoints of those whose lives are characterized by marginalization, such as women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, disabled individuals, and persons with low socioeconomic status. It draws from many interdisciplinary sources, including feminist psychology, literature, and the arts. It has no single founder; rather, it reflects the efforts of many grassroots organizations. This means that there are sometimes debates about its boundaries. Feminist therapies share certain core elements, however, many of which trace back to its origins in the 1960s.

Feminist therapy began as a response to women’s experiences of sexism in therapy. It still includes the practice of consciousness raising, in which individuals deepen their awareness by exchanging personal reflections within a group. However, feminist therapy has also diverged from its historical roots. It is now more intersectional and inclusive. It attends to how power and powerlessness relate to gender more generally, and not only to cis-women’s experience. Today, feminist therapists and therapies reflect various genders, approaches, and innovations. Feminist therapy is thus relevant for people of all genders, ages, and family types.

Feminist therapy now pays close attention to matters of power and inequality. It asserts that individuals are capable of solving the problems in their lives.  Feminist therapy intentionally highlights what it calls the wisdom of the marginalized. This means centering the voices and perspectives that have previously been pushed to the side.

Another important principle of feminist therapy is subversion. Subversion is a therapeutic strategy in which the therapist and client work together to undermine patriarchal assumptions and experiences that prevent growth and development.  Feminist therapy addresses distress that patriarchy causes. (Patriarchy refers to the hierarchically organized social structure in which cis-male characteristics and men are privileged, and female characteristics and women are marginalized.) Feminist therapy treats every one of its components – including the process of therapy itself – as a potential challenge to patriarchal norms.