Chapter 12: Feminist Therapy

     Feminist Therapy in part developed due to discontent with traditional approaches such as psychotherapy. There was no single individual to develop this therapy form but rather it evolved form the application of feminist political philosophy. Feminism as described by Laura Brown is a collection of political philosophies that aim to over throw patriarchy and gender inequality through cultural and social change. Feminist Therapy lacks theory in the traditional sense as rather than developing with in academia it developed it the field. Gender is the first central construct of feminist therapy, defining the difference between men and women. These differences are highlighted by the social and cultural treatment of raising children. Another basic principal, as apart of the Personal is Political construct, is that Feminist Theories emphasizes women's experiences as connected to external factors rather than internal as most theories present.

     Gender inequality is a major part of everyday life and a factor everybody, especially students newly entering into the workforce will encounter. In college this also may extend to the treatment of students by professors, or feeling of oppression female students may have in class. Feminist Therapy may help these students in handling these situations. Through realization that feelings they may have are due to external forces rather than internal may assist them in coping with these experiences. it can help women embrace roles to transform culture and change socially constructed roles.