Feminist Therapy Critique
Personal Evaluation
I must admit that just the title of this therapy triggers strong negative emotions for me. I believe that "feminism" has done much damage to women through the years under the guise of freeing them from male oppression. Nevertheless, I agree with Corey that feminist therapy has made a vital contribution to therapeutic practice by bringing awareness to the "impact of cultural context and multiple oppressions." It is essential that we recognize all aspects of diversity and how both we and our clients are influenced by societal norms in therapeutic practice. Failure to consider the whole person, in whole context, can result in failed treatment.
Regardless of its contributions, I cannot stand in agreement with the foundational concept that problems result from socially defined gender roles and oppression. While it is good to understand how society dictates gender roles and how oppression might influence the individual, this does not negate the individual's right and ability to make choices and their responsibility for the consequences of those choices. I also heartily disagree with efforts by practitioners of this therapy to oppose the concept of objective truth. Jesus said He alone is "the Truth" (John 14:6). Without Christ and His Word, we stand on shifting sands and are doomed to fall.
Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (8th ed.). USA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.
I must admit that just the title of this therapy triggers strong negative emotions for me. I believe that "feminism" has done much damage to women through the years under the guise of freeing them from male oppression. Nevertheless, I agree with Corey that feminist therapy has made a vital contribution to therapeutic practice by bringing awareness to the "impact of cultural context and multiple oppressions." It is essential that we recognize all aspects of diversity and how both we and our clients are influenced by societal norms in therapeutic practice. Failure to consider the whole person, in whole context, can result in failed treatment.
Regardless of its contributions, I cannot stand in agreement with the foundational concept that problems result from socially defined gender roles and oppression. While it is good to understand how society dictates gender roles and how oppression might influence the individual, this does not negate the individual's right and ability to make choices and their responsibility for the consequences of those choices. I also heartily disagree with efforts by practitioners of this therapy to oppose the concept of objective truth. Jesus said He alone is "the Truth" (John 14:6). Without Christ and His Word, we stand on shifting sands and are doomed to fall.
References
Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (8th ed.). USA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.
Hinkley, P. (n.d.). Feminist therapy presentation. Retrieved July 28, 2009 from http://www.liberty.edu/media/1413/COUN510/Feminist_Therapy/index.html.
posted by Eowyn7 | 5:19 PM
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