Introduction to Feminist Therapy: Strategies for Social and Individual Change

The Body Politic: The relevance of an intersectional framework for therapeutic performance research in drama therapy

“…Feminist psychologists critiqued prevailing paradigms and documented how internalized sexism can manifest as anxiety, depression, apathy and, in some cases, lead to death (Brown, 1994;Buhle, 1998). They pressed for therapies that legitimized women's memories and lived experiences, and that linked women's individual experiences to their experiences of gender socialization within a context of transparent, egalitarian relationships (Evans et al, 2011). While this analysis has not been fully integrated in the creative arts therapies, it arose with the same sense of urgency (Hadley, 2006;Hogan, 1997).…”

“….Looking back now I wonder how I managed to withstand the oft-time abuse and cynicism. (Jennings, 2010, p. 6) These brief excerpts from Jennings' narrative reflect the central thrust of the feminist movement which has been to address the social contexts of women's lives and the need to change oppressive systems of power that subjugate women (Evans, Kincade, & Seem, 2011). Her memories reflect one of the most enduring adages of the feminist movement, the personal is political, for each of her private encounters with authorities were symptoms of the misogynistic, reductionist, heterosexist social disease which has attempted to regulate women's bodies under the guise of morality, religion, and/or politics throughout history and to devastating effect.…”

Aging, Agency, and Activism: Older Women as Social Change Agents

“…Feminist therapists recognize the impact of social injustice on the experiences of women in general, and their clients in particular. They believe that the personal is political: The personal problems that women encounter are related to the social context of their lives (Evans, Kincade, & Seem, 2011). Thus, feminist therapists resist pathologizing the client and locate the ''disorder'' (or its roots) in the society and culture.…”

“…Feminists recognize that many women's lives and problems are rooted in gender-based power imbalances and that many clients report feelings of powerlessness (Evans et al, 2011). The experience of oppression as an important influence on the client argues for the elimination of oppression as an ultimate goal.…”

“…Working for change in cultural and political systems and social practices can contribute to healing or enhance mental health on a number of levels. Feminist therapists, along with their clients, contribute to social change efforts because feminist therapy is focused on empowering women to make changes in their own lives and in the way the world works (Evans et al, 2011).…”