Clinical Applications of Feminist Identity Development

Abstract

This case study applies feminist identity development (FID) theory to a feminist-oriented psychotherapy treatment. Although there is a strong body of literature on the principles of feminist psychotherapy, the concept of FID must be further integrated into this work. As a link between psychiatric symptoms and different levels of FID has been empirically supported, FID has a natural connection with psychotherapeutic treatment. This case presentation follows Tara, a working-class woman in her midtwenties, who initially presented in psychotherapy with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and some indication of thought disorder. During her 3½ year treatment, she confronted issues of her mental health, employment and education, and issues related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. These topics were addressed in the context of Tara's emerging understanding of her identity as a woman in a patriarchal society. Attention to issues related to FID facilitated understanding of key issues in treatment.

Applied feminism: convergences with social managment

“…As an example of a theory that meets individual feminist demands, there is the Feminist Identity Development Model for Women (Downing & Roush, 1985), in which characteristics of different female stages of empowerment are outlined in the light of feminism. These characteristics can be used to map the development of feminist thinking in groups and also to guide women through feminist therapy approach (Rederstorff & Levendosky, 2007). There are authors (e.g., Mcnamara & Rickard, 1989), however, who consider these characteristics as constituents of different moments in female life, not necessarily representing evolutionary stages towards empowerment.…”

The Personal is Political

“…Because there is no one feminist therapeutic modality, practitioners are connected through shared values (Rederstorff & Levendosky, 2007). A common goal among feminist therapists is to encourage the development of a feminist consciousness (Brown, 2004).…”

“…Controlled clinical trials, qualitative studies, clinical case studies, and single-participant designs support the validity of feminist therapy (Israeli & Santor, 2000). Feminist therapies have been found to reduce depression and anxiety, increase a sense of control and empowerment, promote positive identity development, help a client feel understood, and restore self-trust (Brown & Bryan, 2007; Rader & Gilbert, 2005; Rederstorff & Levendosky, 2007). Furthermore, the use of consciousness-raising in feminist therapy increases clients’ awareness of sexism and discrimination in their lives and provides support and tools to combat future discrimination (Worell & Remer, 2003).…”

“…To facilitate positive identity development, contemporary feminist clinicians have utilized the Feminist Identity Development Scale (FIDS) model to guide therapeutic work (Downing & Roush, 1985; McNamara & Rickard, 1989; Rederstorff & Levendosky, 2007), as well as the ADDRESSING model (Brown, 2008; Hays, 2001). The FIDS model (Downing & Roush, 1985) encourages clients to progress through identity stages, leading to an affirmed feminist-informed identity.…”

“…This can illuminate conflicts between external pressures and internal desires of self-definition. Ultimately, a therapeutic goal is to have the client resolve these conflicts and develop a sense of interdependence among social identities while also incorporating feminist ideals into self-definition (Root, 1992; Rederstorff & Levendosky, 2007). Such focus on identity development promotes empowerment and subsequently reduces depression and anxiety (Worell & Remer, 2003).…”