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Feminist Approaches in Counselling Psychology: Empowering Women's Mental Health

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Short Communication | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2642-9756/159

Feminist Approaches in Counselling Psychology: Empowering Women's Mental Health

  • Moruf Adebayo Abidogun *

Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin, Department of Counselling Psychology Education, College of Specialised and Professional Education, Kilometres 30, Badagry Expressway, P.M.B 007 Festac Town, Lagos, Nigeria. 

*Corresponding Author: Moruf Adebayo Abidogun, Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin, Department of Counselling Psychology Education, College of Specialised and Professional Education, Kilometres 30, Badagry Expressway, P.M.B 007 Festac Town, Lagos, Nigeria.

Citation: Moruf A. Abidogun. (2023), Feminist Approaches in Counselling Psychology: Empowering Women's Mental Health, J. Women Health Care and Issues. 6(5); DOI:10.31579/2642-9756/159

Copyright: © 2023, Moruf Adebayo Abidogun. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Received: 01 September 2023 | Accepted: 14 September 2023 | Published: 18 September 2023

Keywords: feminist approaches; counselling psychology and women's mental health

Abstract

This paper explores the application of feminist approaches in counselling psychology to empower women's mental health. It highlights the importance of considering gendered experiences, power dynamics, and societal influences on women's well-being. By examining the existing literature, this article identifies the key principles and interventions of feminist counselling psychology and their impact on women's empowerment. The paper concludes with recommendations for integrating feminist perspectives into counselling practices to promote positive mental health outcomes for women.

Introduction

Feminist counselling psychology is a theoretical framework that emphasizes understanding and addressing women's unique experiences and challenges within the counselling process. It acknowledges the impact of gender roles, power dynamics, and social inequalities on women's mental health and well-being. Feminist approaches in counselling psychology aim to address the unique experiences and challenges faced by women in their mental health journey. These approaches recognize the influence of gender, power dynamics, and societal structures in shaping women's lives. By adopting a feminist lens, counseling psychologists strive to empower women and promote their well-being (Bem, 1981; Crenshaw,1989; Butler, 1990; Brown, 1991). Research has consistently shown that women often face distinct challenges related to their gender, such as sexism, gender discrimination, and societal expectations. These gendered experiences can contribute to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem (Brown & Ballou, 2002; Goodrich & Luke, 2019). Feminist counselling psychology acknowledges the significance of these experiences and provides a safe space for women to explore and process them. Feminist approaches in counselling psychology recognise the power dynamics present in society and their impact on mental health. Inter-sectionality, a key concept within feminist theory, acknowledges the interconnected nature of multiple identities and oppressions (Nelson, 2018). Understanding how factors such as race, ethnicity, sexuality, and socioeconomic status intersect with gender is crucial in providing effective counselling support that addresses the complexity of women's experiences. Feminist counselling psychology incorporates several core principles, including empowering clients, challenging traditional gender roles, promoting social justice, and fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship (Enns & Williams, 2016; Moe, 2015). These principles guide counsellors in creating a safe, supportive, and validating environment that encourages women to explore their strengths, assert their needs, and challenge societal expectations. It employs a range of interventions and techniques that promote empowerment and mental health for women. These may include consciousness-raising, reframing societal narratives, examining power dynamics, promoting self-care and self-compassion, and developing assertiveness and advocacy skills (Goodrich & Luke, 2019; Moe, 2015). These interventions aim to enhance women's agency, resilience, and overall well-being.

Feminist counselling psychology

It is a branch of psychology that emphasizes the importance of social justice, gender equity, and empowerment in therapy. This approach recognizes the impact of gender, power, and societal structures on individuals' psychological well-being. By integrating feminist principles into counselling practice, therapists aim to challenge oppressive systems, advocate for marginalized groups, and empower clients.

  1. Gender Role Socialisation and Stereotyping:

It critically examines the ways in which societal gender norms, role expectations, and stereotypes influence individuals' mental health. Nancy Chodorow, a prominent feminist psychoanalyst, discusses the role of early childhood socialization in shaping individuals' gender identities and the subsequent impact on their psychological well-being (Chodorow, 1978). This perspective highlights the need to challenge traditional gender roles and encourage clients to explore authentic self-expression.

  1. The personal is Political:

It acknowledges that personal struggles are interconnected with broader social and political contexts. Carol Gilligan, a renowned feminist psychologist, highlights the importance of understanding women's experiences within the framework of relationships, care ethics, and social justice (Gilligan, 1982). This approach emphasises the significance of examining power dynamics, societal expectations, and the influence of cultural values on women's mental health.

  1. Inter-sectionality and Multiple Identities:

An essential component of feminist counselling psychology is the recognition of inter-sectionality, which explores how various aspects of identity, such as gender, race, ethnicity, class, and sexuality, interact to shape individuals' experiences. Patricia Hill Collins, a leading inter-sectionality scholar, emphasizes the significance of considering multiple identities and the interplay of privilege and oppression (Collins, 1990). This perspective enables therapists to understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with intersecting marginalized identities and provide culturally responsive care.

  1. Empowerment and Social Change:

It aims to empower individuals to challenge social inequalities and work towards personal and collective change. Laura S. Brown, a prominent feminist therapist, advocates for empowering clients by fostering self-efficacy, resilience, and social activism (Brown, 2004). This approach encourages clients to become agents of change and engage in actions that promote gender equity and social justice.

Women's mental health 

It encompasses the psychological well-being of women and the unique challenges they may face due to biological, social, and cultural factors.

  1. Gender Differences in Mental Health:

Studies have revealed gender differences in the prevalence, manifestation, and treatment of mental health disorders. Judith A. Stein and Emil F. Coccaro conducted research on the gender-specific expression of psychiatric disorders, highlighting how biological and hormonal factors may contribute to differences in symptom presentation (Stein & Coccaro, 2014). Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

  1. Reproductive and Hormonal Influences:

Women's mental health is influenced by reproductive and hormonal factors throughout their lifespan. For example, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a condition associated with severe mood symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Paula J. Clayton and David R. Rubinow explored the role of hormones in PMDD and other reproductive-related mood disorders (Clayton & Rubinow, 1997). Their work sheds light on the complex interplay between hormonal fluctuations and mental health.

  1. Trauma and Violence Against Women:

Women are more likely to experience interpersonal violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence. These traumatic experiences can have significant impacts on women's mental health. Judith L. Herman, a renowned psychiatrist, contributed extensively to the understanding of trauma and its effects on women through her book "Trauma and Recovery" (Herman, 1992). Her work emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care and healing interventions for survivors.

  1. Sociocultural Factors and Social Determinants of Mental Health:

Women's mental health is influenced by social and cultural factors such as gender roles, societal expectations, discrimination, and socioeconomic status. In her book "Reviving Ophelia," Mary Pipher explores the challenges faced by adolescent girls in navigating societal pressures and expectations (Pipher, 1994). Her work highlights the significance of addressing sociocultural factors in promoting mental well-being.

Feminist approaches

Feminist approaches in counselling psychology aim to address the unique experiences and challenges faced by women in their mental health journey. These approaches recognize the influence of gender, power dynamics, and societal structures in shaping women's lives. By adopting a feminist lens, counseling psychologists strive to empower women and promote their well-being.

  1. Gender and Power Analysis:

A crucial aspect of feminist approaches in counselling psychology is the examination of gender and power dynamics. Sandra Lipsitz Bem, a prominent feminist psychologist, developed the concept of gender schema theory, which proposes that individuals internalize societal expectations and norms associated with their gender. This theory emphasizes the importance of exploring how gender influences a person's self-perception, behavior, and mental health outcomes (Bem, 1981).

  1. Intersectionality:

Intersectionality is a fundamental principle within feminist counseling psychology that acknowledges the interconnected nature of multiple social identities and how they shape an individual's experiences. Kimberlé Crenshaw, a leading scholar and legal scholar, introduced the concept of intersectionality, emphasizing the need to consider how systems of oppression, such as gender, race, class, and sexuality, intersect and interact to influence women's mental health (Crenshaw, 1989).

  1. Empowerment and Advocacy:

Feminist approaches in counselling psychology emphasise the importance of empowering women to become active agents in their own lives. Laura S. Brown, a renowned feminist therapist, highlights the significance of fostering self-esteem, self-efficacy, and assertiveness in women's mental health. Brown emphasizes the role of advocacy in empowering women to challenge societal inequalities and work towards social change (Brown, 1991).

  1. Critical Reflection and Deconstruction:

A feminist lens encourages critical reflection on dominant cultural narratives and societal expectations that perpetuate gender inequality. Judith Butler, a prominent feminist philosopher, introduces the concept of gender performativity, which asserts that gender is not a fixed essence but rather a social construct that is constantly performed and reinforced through language, gestures, and other social practices (Butler, 1990). This perspective invites individuals to deconstruct traditional gender roles and expectations, enabling women to explore alternative ways of being and living.

Conclusion:

Feminist approaches in counselling psychology offer a vital framework for understanding and addressing women's mental health concerns. By incorporating gender and power analysis, considering inter-sectionality, promoting empowerment and advocacy, and encouraging critical reflection, counselling psychologists can provide effective support to women in their journey towards mental well-being. Feminist counselling psychology offers a powerful framework for addressing mental health concerns through a lens of gender equity, empowerment, and social justice. Through feminist principles and practices, counselling psychologists can contribute to the empowerment of individuals, challenge oppressive systems, and foster positive change. Women's mental health is a multifaceted topic influenced by biological, social, and cultural factors. By recognising and addressing gender-specific factors, healthcare professionals can provide more effective support and interventions to enhance women's mental health.

Recommendations:

To integrate feminist perspectives into counselling practices effectively, it is recommended that mental health professionals:

  1. Receive training and education on feminist theories and interventions.
  2. Cultivate an awareness of their own biases and societal power structures.
  3. Foster a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic space where women's experiences are validated and respected.
  4. Incorporate gender-sensitive assessments to understand the unique challenges faced by women.
  5. Collaborate with other professionals and community organisations to address systemic barriers and promote gender equality.
  6. Advocate for policies that support women's mental health and challenge gender-based inequalities.

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