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  • Essay / The Importance of Feminist Therapy - 1732

    Introduction The importance of race and culture was not emphasized in the theory and practice of counseling with diverse clients until the 1950s and 1960s ( Sue et al., 1989). Continued progress is needed in counseling applicable to women of color. It is essential to understand the identity development patterns, worldviews, and values ​​of clients who identify specifically with this population (Women's Counselors Handbook). Additionally, an examination of possible challenges such as acculturation processes, racism/discrimination, language and its effects on identity development, as well as issues of colorism should be considered if applicable to clients (integration of multicultural concepts). Given the obstacles women of color face, feminist therapy can be used as a catalyst for empowerment. Using this approach, clients and therapists participate in reflection. A feminist therapist must be aware that, like the client, she is immersed in patriarchal beliefs and the process of developing methods of empowerment and recognition of powerlessness is therefore ongoing. The feminist therapist must also be open to ongoing exploration of the influence of patriarchal assumptions of privilege and hierarchy on her work and the lives of her clients. Treatment outcome is not based on treatment goals, but rather on a collaborative approach with the client to achieve empowerment. This process is evaluated by therapists, through self-assessment and client satisfaction. Throughout sessions, feminist therapists ask clients about their goals and suggest methods to achieve those goals. Both discuss, negotiate and renegotiate these methods. However, the goal of therapy is to discover the client's wishes when the client expresses that they do not know their goals. It is important that feminist therapists not impose their own beliefs about what the client's goals should be throughout the process.