Feminist Therapy
Feminist Therapy is a therapeutic approach that recognizes how social, cultural, and systemic factors—such as gender roles, power dynamics, discrimination, and oppression—can impact mental health and well-being.
What Is Feminist Therapy?
Feminist Therapy is a therapeutic approach that recognizes how social, cultural, and systemic factors—such as gender roles, power dynamics, discrimination, and oppression—can impact mental health and well-being. This approach emphasizes empowerment, self-advocacy, and collaboration, while honoring each individual’s lived experience.
Feminist Therapy is grounded in the belief that personal struggles often exist within broader social contexts, and that healing can occur when individuals are supported in understanding both their internal experiences and the external influences affecting their lives.
How Feminist Therapy Works
Feminist Therapy focuses on creating a collaborative and egalitarian relationship between the client and therapist. Rather than positioning the therapist as an authority figure, this approach values shared power, mutual respect, and transparency.
In Feminist Therapy, individuals are supported in:
Exploring how societal expectations and roles impact mental health
Understanding the effects of power, privilege, and oppression
Strengthening self-confidence and personal agency
Developing coping strategies aligned with personal values
Building skills for self-advocacy and boundary setting
Therapy is tailored to each person’s identity, experiences, and goals.
Core Principles of Feminist Therapy
Feminist Therapy is guided by several foundational principles:
- Empowerment – Supporting individuals in reclaiming personal power
- Collaboration – Working together as equals in the therapeutic process
- Social Awareness – Recognizing the influence of cultural and systemic factors
- Respect for Diversity – Honoring intersecting identities and lived experiences
- Strength-Based Focus – Emphasizing resilience, insight, and growth
These principles help foster self-understanding, confidence, and meaningful change.
Columbus Behavioral Health
Who Can Benefit from Feminist Therapy?
Feminist Therapy can benefit individuals of all genders and identities. It may be especially helpful for those experiencing:
- Anxiety or depression related to societal pressures
- Low self-esteem or identity concerns
- Relationship or boundary challenges
- Experiences of discrimination or marginalization
- Trauma, including interpersonal or systemic trauma
- Life transitions, caregiving stress, or role strain
This approach is well-suited for individuals seeking therapy that acknowledges social context alongside personal healing.
What to Expect in Feminist Therapy
Feminist Therapy sessions are guided by your goals and experiences. You can expect:
- A supportive, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment
- Open discussion of personal experiences and social influences
- Collaborative goal setting and shared decision-making
- Validation of emotions and lived experiences
- Practical tools to support empowerment and self-advocacy
Therapy moves at a pace that feels safe and respectful to each individual.
Feminist Therapy at Columbus Behavioral Health
At Columbus Behavioral Health, our clinicians offer Feminist Therapy as part of a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to care. We strive to create a welcoming space where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Feminist Therapy may be provided on its own or integrated with other evidence-based approaches to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.
If you are seeking a therapeutic approach that values empowerment, collaboration, and social awareness, Feminist Therapy may be a meaningful fit.
Contact Columbus Behavioral Health today to learn more or schedule an appointment.