Humanistic Psychology and Women: A Critical-Historical Perspective

Abstract

The role of women in humanistic psychology is a complex one. On the one hand, much of humanistic thought, especially in regard to the centrality of personal experience and holistic and tacit ways of knowing (

Counseling Supervision Within a Feminist Framework: Guidelines for Intervention

“…However, Frain, Tschopp, and Bishop (2009) explored the components that actually contribute to empowerment and found four variables: self-efficacy, self-advocacy, competence, and the ability to acknowledge and overcome self-perceived stigma. Each of these components echoes the humanistic emphasis on freewill as well as the essential need to confront and overcome stereotypes (Serlin & Criswell, 2001). It has been determined that empowerment of supervisees is generally dependent on the quality of the supervisory relationship, which must be strong (Porter, 1985).…”

“…cOncLusIOn Feminist supervision is a framework in which special attention is paid to variables such as gender, diversity, oppression, and power differentials (Douglas & Rave, 1990). Humanistic psychology has long been viewed as a movement with clear ties to feminist theory and practice (Serlin & Criswell, 2001). Feminist supervision also stresses supervisors' commitment to the professional development and personal growth of their supervisees.…”

“…They also closely mirror the humanistic belief that people possess the right and ability to generate their own goals, both personally and professionally, and to actively develop achievable plans to meet their self‐constructed goals (Cain, 2001). In short, since the early days of the women's movement, the ties between feminism and humanism have been explored because both constructs focus on self‐efficacy and self‐direction (Serlin & Criswell, 2001). And although there is deep and rich literature addressing both constructs, there remains a paucity of literature detailing the practices of feminist supervision within a counseling paradigm.…”

Women Psychologists

“…The role of women in humanistic psychology was discussed by Serlin and Criswell (2001). At the height of the second modern women’s movement in the 1970s, women members of the Association for Humanistic Psychology “began to assert their feelings about not having enough of a voice” in the organization (Serlin & Criswell, 2001, p. 31).…”

“…The role of women in humanistic psychology was discussed by Serlin and Criswell (2001). At the height of the second modern women’s movement in the 1970s, women members of the Association for Humanistic Psychology “began to assert their feelings about not having enough of a voice” in the organization (Serlin & Criswell, 2001, p. 31). Women were therefore “encouraged to move into leadership positions in the organization and were given more program time devoted to women’s issues” (Serlin & Criswell, 2001, p. 31).…”