So, what is Feminist therapy exactly?

TL;DR: Feminist therapy centers on empowering clients, recognizing the impact of societal influences on mental health, and valuing clients’ lived experiences. Grounded in empathy, equality, and collaboration, feminist therapy encourages clients to understand the impact of social structures, build personal agency, and foster self-acceptance—creating an empowering and supportive foundation for personal growth.

What Does It Really Mean to Be a Feminist Therapist?

Imagine this: a client walks into therapy, shoulders hunched with the weight of self-doubt, battling insecurities that feel larger than life. She’s convinced these feelings are hers alone, a reflection of her “flaws.” As a feminist therapist, the first step isn’t diving into a list of solutions; it’s stepping back, inviting her to put her story on the table. There’s no judgment—only space, empathy, and a deep commitment to understanding her world from her perspective.

Contrary to popular misconceptions, feminist therapy isn’t just “women’s issues” or about holding certain political beliefs. It’s about creating an equal, collaborative relationship and acknowledging that our stories—our struggles and strengths—are shaped by a web of societal forces. A feminist therapist’s role is to help clients see the bigger picture: to notice how external expectations might be fueling self-doubt, or how social norms could be tangled into the way they view themselves. At its core, feminist therapy empowers clients to become advocates in their own lives, helping them see and honor their truths, no matter what society says.

Core Principles of Feminist Therapy

Acknowledging Power Dynamics:

Being a therapist means holding space, yes, but it also comes with inherent power dynamics. A feminist therapist is mindful of this, working to create a balanced relationship where the client’s voice matters just as much. It’s not about handing down answers from on high; it’s about listening, respecting, and honoring the client’s expertise on their own life.

Understanding Sociocultural Influences:

Think about all the “shoulds” society hands us—what we should look like, how we should act, what we should strive for. A feminist therapist helps clients untangle these “shoulds” to see how cultural beliefs, discrimination, and systemic oppression can impact mental health. It’s about understanding that our personal battles don’t happen in a vacuum—they’re part of a much larger picture.

Encouraging Empowerment and Agency:

This approach emphasizes the client’s right to make their own choices. It’s about rediscovering the strength to say, “This is who I am, and I choose to honor that.” A feminist therapist encourages clients to reclaim their power, particularly when they’ve been told to “be small” or “stay quiet” by society.

Validating Lived Experiences:

When a client shares their story, a feminist therapist doesn’t brush off or downplay their experiences. Each narrative is seen as vital and valuable. This validation creates a space where clients feel safe to open up about their struggles, knowing their voice will be heard without judgment.

Commitment to Social Justice:

Personal healing and societal change go hand in hand. Feminist therapists are often advocates for broader social change because they understand that individual growth is deeply connected to societal structures. They encourage clients to embrace their voices—not only for their own well-being but, where possible, to spark change beyond themselves.

How Feminist Therapy Empowers Clients

Feminist therapy isn’t just a process of recognizing inequality—it’s about nurturing resilience, self-worth, and agency. Here’s how this approach empowers clients on their journey:

1. Building Self-Trust and Confidence:

Clients often come to therapy feeling weighed down by self-doubt and shame, voices that echo from societal expectations. A feminist therapist helps them trace these voices back, recognizing where those beliefs started, and begins the work of rebuilding self-trust. It’s about helping them look inward and think, “I am enough, and I trust myself to make decisions that honor my values.”

2. Promoting Body Acceptance and Self-Compassion:

In a world obsessed with appearances, clients struggle under the pressure of beauty standards. A feminist therapist encourages a shift in focus—from how they look to who they are (being good vs. looking good). It’s not about changing the body; it’s about changing the way they see themselves. Self-compassion and inner strength take precedence over fear of judgment or rejection.

3. Setting Boundaries and Advocating for Themselves:

A feminist therapist empowers clients to honor their boundaries, recognizing that saying “no” is a powerful act of self-care. It’s about unlearning the cultural messages that have discouraged them from advocating for themselves, so they can make choices that align with their truth.

4. Addressing Trauma with Compassion and Context:

Clients who’ve experienced trauma often face layers of stigma or shame. A feminist therapist brings compassion and awareness to the fact that trauma isn’t just an isolated event; it can be influenced by larger issues like sexism, racism, or the product of a faulty system (ie: the medical system not being able to attend to the needs of a patient with disabilities or a patient avoiding healthcare because of the cost). This psychoeducational is necessary in hopes of clients feeling truly seen and understood as they work through their experiences.

5. Fostering Community and Connection:

Isolation can amplify pain, so feminist therapy encourages clients to find solidarity in shared experiences. When clients realize they’re not alone in their struggles, it can lift an enormous weight. One way of doing it is through support groups or community resources to foster that sense of connection and healing.

What Feminist Therapy Looks Like in Practice

Imagine a session with a feminist therapist. A client grapples with perfectionism, an unyielding need to “measure up.” The therapist gently guides them to explore where these feelings started, and how society taught them to equate worth with achievement. Slowly, they begin to rewrite this narrative, shifting toward goals that align with self-compassion, not external validation. This is the work of feminist therapy: peeling back layers of inherited beliefs, and empowering clients to forge paths that are genuinely theirs.

Feminist therapy can also involve tangible exercises—whether it’s practicing body positivity, engaging in boundary-setting discussions, or clarifying the client’s personal values. It’s about helping them understand the origins of their beliefs and showing them how to reshape those beliefs to foster a more fulfilling life.

Why This Approach Can Be Life-Changing

Feminist therapy offers something profound: the opportunity to see oneself not as “broken” or in need of “fixing,” but as a resilient person navigating life’s complexities. Clients often leave with a stronger sense of self, clarity on their values, and the confidence to advocate for their happiness and growth. They recognize that, while life will present challenges, they have the tools—and the right—to navigate them on their terms.

Final Thoughts

At its heart, feminist therapy is about fostering a compassionate, empowering relationship with oneself. It’s a journey of self-discovery and acceptance that transcends societal labels and restrictive beliefs. By supporting individual growth with an understanding of larger social influences, feminist therapy offers clients a path toward lasting empowerment. In doing so, it builds a foundation that can sustain clients long after they graduate from therapy.

References

Brown, L. S. (2010). Feminist therapy. American Psychological Association.

Worell, J., & Remer, P. (2002). Feminist perspectives in therapy: Empowering diverse women. John Wiley & Sons.