Feminism & Psychotherapy: Reflections on Contemporary Theories and Practices

Challenging the notion that one model of therapy or one model of feminism can be privileged above others, Feminism and Psychotherapy reflects on the complexities and multiple dimensions of theory and practice in contemporary feminist psychotherapies. Practitioners and researchers representing a broad cross-section of viewpoints critically consider their feminist therapeutic frameworks to addressùfrom within the practiceùthe ways in which feminist therapy has set gender above and beyond other social inequalities. Drawing on case material from clinical practice, as well as research on feminism and psychotherapy, the authors demonstrate how the tensions inherent in different therapeutic models and feminist beliefs both question and reinforce popular notions of "gender" and "woman." This thought-provoking collection confirms that feminist therapeutic theory and practice, rather than being antithetical to feminist politics, continue to make a valuable contribution. It will stimulate further debate on the complexities of theory and practice in contemporary feminist therapies and will be of interest not only to practitioners, but also to students of psychology and women s studies.