Feminist Therapy

My approach is built on a foundation of feminist, anti-oppression values. I believe therapy is ineffective if the greater social context a person lives in is not examined critically; most of the time, doing so is empowering for all genders.

I specialize in integrating feminist theory into therapy, providing a framework that addresses power imbalances, social inequalities, and the impact of gender roles on mental health. Through a feminist lens, I empower clients to explore and challenge societal norms, fostering self-awareness and personal agency. This approach aims to promote equality, inclusivity, and a deeper understanding of the intersectionality of clients' experiences.

I practice from an anti-oppressive and fat positive framework. I recognize how systems at multiple levels intersect and can impact someone's ability to thrive, or even survive.

Examining and embracing our full identities is the most therapeutic practice I've experienced both as a client and as a therapist. So many people have been made to feel invisible, unseen, or merely "tolerated" rather than being fully seen, fully loved, and fully celebrated. All facets of our complex identities, including the parts that have experienced privilege, can teach us something about our path through the world including the past, present, and future.

Feminist therapy offers a unique lens, focusing on societal influences on mental health and advocating for gender equality. It emphasizes empowerment, challenging traditional gender roles, and addressing power dynamics in therapy. While historically focused on women's experiences, feminist therapy is inclusive and beneficial for people of all genders. It encourages men to explore how societal expectations impact their mental health and relationships, fostering personal growth and connection.

I specialize in feminist therapy, a framework rooted in gender equality and empowerment. I address societal influences, power dynamics, and how they impact mental health. By acknowledging the intersectionality of identities, I help clients explore and challenge oppressive norms. Together, we work to foster self-acceptance, autonomy, and resilience, promoting positive mental health from a feminist perspective.

Let's be honest, systems of oppression are to blame here. I love supporting my clients in healing from systemic racism, sexism, fat-phobia, ableism, and queerphobia. You may not have control over these systems, but you do have control over how you show up for yourself in this sometimes fucked up world.

When co-creating healing, I recognize that I am bringing my own humanity to the table as well, which includes aspects of privilege from my own intersectional identities. I am committed to continuing my own work to examine and minimize any potential for harm, and I use my own journey as opportunities to refine my ability to support my clients in theirs. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space for learning, growth, and transformation.

As a feminist therapist, I help examine stressors experienced as a result of biases, oppression and discrimination. I work with folks who are insightful and want to delve into the disconnects they’re experiencing: where stress, anxiety, or overwhelm is causing them to feel out of balance. I will give you the tools to take control of your life and uncover who you truly are, so you can resurface empowered and confident and live authentically.

Our society was founded by and built for Straight, White, Christian, Men. Our society is slowly evolving to be more inclusive of women, POC, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized populations. Empowering women involves deconstructing the toxic patriarchal culture that oppresses those that threaten the beneficiaries. Sessions are structured to identify personal strengths and build assertiveness by confronting social norms and gender roles.

I work from a feminist and social justice framework to hold clients up as the expert in their own experience and to acknowledge the relevance of social, environmental, and generational context.

I was trained the tradition of the Stone Center at Wellesley in what was then called Feminist Therapy, but is now called "Relational Cultural Therapy". This is a strengths based approach that honors not only the specific needs of women but also takes into account the ethnic and cultural backgrounds that shape our worldview. Healing happens in relationships with others, and therapy is a way to practice this.

My roots and core values come from an intersectional feminist therapy perspective. My graduate program at Lesley University further reinforced these values and training.

Feminist theory and therapy has been key for challenging internalized oppression and understanding the intersectional nature of all systems of oppression. Bringing this into the therapy space can create a more just place for exploration of client needs and goals.

What forms of gender expression feel safest, most comfortable, or fun for you? Which forms feel unsafe or unavailable to you? Gender-based expectations and norms impact people of all genders, and may be holding you back from being yourself and feeling empowered. We will explore the ways that your gender impacts your life, including your values and any limiting beliefs that you may be internalizing from your upbringing, environment, or culture about yourself or others.

Identifying as female in our culture comes with so many landmines. Navigating relationships, work/life balance, parenting, misogyny, and so on. If you've clicked on this specialty, you know. I like to work from an feminist perspective to see how gender underlies other stressors. Feminism is intersectional, and if you identify as female (or on the feminine side of the spectrum) this space is for you.

My approach is strongly informed by a critical feminist, social justice approach to individual and relationship therapy, examining the impact of structural and systemic oppression on our sense of self, sense of belonging, and our connections to our values and sense of purpose in our lives.