The Personal is Political

Abstract

The following case study highlights the application of a conceptual framework that incorporates feminist theory, trauma theory, and the importance of attending to identity development with individuals who have experienced gender-based violence. This case study illustrates the treatment of a 25-year-old female survivor of sexual assault suffering from depression, anxiety, and feelings of self-blame. Findings show a decrease in depression and anxiety, which provides support for the effectiveness of an integrated feminist and trauma-informed therapeutic approach. Because very few graduate training programs incorporate feminist theory and trauma theory in their curricula, recommendations for clinicians and students are provided.

A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Treatments for Adolescent and Adult Sexual Assault Victims

“…While 20 case studies were included to explore the feasibility of possible treatments for SA trauma, the evidence on specific treatments was low quality ( Abbas & Macfie, 2013 ; Baggett et al, 2017 ; Barglow, 2014 ; Billette et al, 2008 ; Burrows, 2013 ; Cloitre et al, 2016 ; Fahs, 2011 ; Hiraoka et al, 2015 ; Koelsch, 2007 ; Kroese & Thomas, 2006 ; Mott et al, 2012 ; Nijdam et al, 2013 ; Padmanabhanunni & Edwards, 2013 ; Payne & Edwards, 2009 ; Pole & Bloomberg-Fretter, 2006 ; Poon, 2009 ; Reuman & Davison, 2021 ; Richmond et al, 2013 ; Rocha & Téllez, 2016 ; Wilson & Jones, 2010 ). A summary of treatment recommendations for SA trauma is contained in Tables 2 and 5 .…”

Using feminist theory as a research method in the examination of trauma-informed care in a non-profit organisation

“…Feminist theory is used not only in therapeutic approaches with clients who have trauma histories (Clemans, 2006;Cohen, 2008;Richmond et al, 2013;Tseris, 2013), but also in the methods used to study interventions and organisations (Beckman, 2014). While there are several models of application of feminist theory (Nes and Iadicola, 1989), the commonality among all of them is the attention towards power imbalances, oppression and social justice (Clemans, 2006;Gringeri et al, 2010;Beckman, 2014).…”

Sexual Violence and Mental Health: An Analysis of the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion Using a Feminist Lens

“…A main tenet of the feminist critiques of cognitive trauma theory is that sexual violence does not happen independent of sexism: the patriarchal structures that privilege certain identities over others thereby deciding who has value (men) and who does not (women; Richmond, Geiger, & Reed, 2013). Much of the discrimination stemming from sexism is sexual in nature (e.g., sexual objectification, reproductive control; Beckman, 2017;Miles-McLean et al, 2015) and leads to increased rates of sexual violence against women (Black et al, 2011).…”