A Short History of the Future: Feminism and Clinical Psychology

Abstract

Since the 19th century, feminists have criticized the mental health establishment and its treatment of women. Issues include the sexist use of psychoanalytic concepts and psychiatric diagnoses, the misuse of medication, and sexual misconduct in therapy. Feminists have also called attention to psychological problems arising from gender inequality in everyday life. Physical and sexual abuse of women is of special concern. Feminist innovations in therapy include consciousness‐raising, sex‐role resocialization, and new approaches to psychoanalysis and family therapy. We urge feminists to develop a fuller understanding of gender and power, and to use this knowledge to challenge the established theory and practice of clinical psychology.

Comparing Counseling and Clinical Psychology Practitioners: Similarities and Differences on Theoretical Orientations Revisited

“…Nezu (2005) argued that "this is in keeping with APA's historic stance to combat discrimination and prejudice against minority groups that have traditionally been neglected socially, economically, and politically, and to promote sensitivity and awareness of human diversity across the spectrum of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability status, and religious and spiritual beliefs" (p. 19). Although discussions on incorporating diversity training and practice into clinical psychology abound (e.g., Boyle 1997;Cardemil and Battle 2003;Hertzsprung and Dobson 2001;Marecek and Hare-Mustin 1991), it appears that clinical psychology practitioners and educators could devote more attention to this matter. It has been well documented, for example, that certain mental disorders are culturally bound and, as such, require sensitivity to the cultural heritage of the person needing help (American Psychiatric Association 1994).…”

The Egalitarian Relationship in Feminist Therapy

“…As previously mentioned, to both its detriment and advantage, there is no uniform definition of feminist therapy. Though considerable consensus has been achieved regarding the core tenets of feminist practice, there is no single working definition nor set of commonly used practices or techniques, and this presents a challenge for researchers (Hackett, Enns, & Zetzer, 1992;Marecek and Hare-Mustin, 1991;. "This lack of consensus regarding what constitutes feminist therapy has hindered the empirical study of this approach, making it difficult to determine if women therapists actually apply feminist beliefs or use feminist therapy behaviors in therapy with women," several researchers have commented (Juntunen, Atkinson, Reyes & Gutierrez, 1994).…”

“…Feminist psychologists Marecek and Hare-Mustin (1991) caution against presenting a "false synthesis" of a feminist therapy approach. They instead emphasize the heterogeneity of philosophies and techniques that characterize the approach.…”

“…Critics within the field of psychology, such as those groups detailed in the aforementioned section, have exposed sexist assumptions in personality theory, diagnosis and treatment, as well as medication abuses and the sexual exploitation of female clients (Chesler, 1972;Gilbert, 1980;Marecek & Hare-Mustin, 1991). Feminists have also made explicit the everyday gender inequities that produce problems in psychological adjustment and well-being for women (Gilbert, 1980;Marecek & Hare-Mustin, 1991).…”

“…Feminists have also made explicit the everyday gender inequities that produce problems in psychological adjustment and well-being for women (Gilbert, 1980;Marecek & Hare-Mustin, 1991).…”