What is Feminist Therapy?
So you're curious about Feminist Therapy and have found your way here. I'm so glad. Feminist Therapy is a unique approach to psychotherapy and I’m excited to share it with you.
First, I want to be clear that I am not speaking for all feminist therapists or the field at large. Instead, I'm sharing some values and principles I incorporate into my own Feminist Therapy practice as a therapist who specializes in working with midlife women.
But first, the basics - Jessika Fruchter, LMFT | Based in Oakland, Serving clients virtually across California
My therapy practice focuses exclusively on the experiences of self-identified women in California. I offer online therapy specializing in midlife mental health which includes:
Therapy for Identity / Self-Worth
Therapy for Women Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause
Therapy for Spiritual & Existential Concerns
Feminist Therapy May Be for You If...
Feminist therapy may be a good fit if you're ready to better understand yourself and heal, within the context of the systems, relationships, and life experiences that have shaped you.
Does any of this sound familiar?
You struggle with self-esteem or self-worth, despite appearing confident on the outside.
Perfectionism, people-pleasing, or imposter syndrome leave you feeling like you're never quite enough.
You have a complicated relationship with your body, food, or appearance and are tired of measuring your worth by how you look.
You're navigating the impact of privilege, marginalization, discrimination, or bias, either personally or professionally.
You're exploring your identity and the many parts of yourself that intersect, evolve, and sometimes conflict.
You're healing from religious trauma or redefining your relationship with spirituality on your own terms.
You're questioning your purpose, career, or life's work, especially during midlife or a season of transition.
You're exploring your sexuality, relationships, or authentic self in a supportive, affirming space.
You want to move beyond surface-level self-care and cultivate deeper self-compassion and soul-care.
You live with high-functioning anxiety. You hold everything together on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or constantly "on" internally.
Feminist therapy recognizes that healing doesn't happen in a vacuum.
Your emotional well-being is shaped not only by your personal history, but also by the families, communities, cultures, and systems you've lived within. Together, we'll make sense of your experiences while helping you build a life that feels more authentic, grounded, and aligned with your values.
I utilize talk therapy, expressive arts therapy, and spiritually-integrated therapy. As well, I utilize evidence-based practices including DBT, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing. My therapy practice is holistic.
Feminist Therapy values collaboration between client and therapist, transparency, and authenticity.
Some other principles and values I look to in my work include:
- Honoring an individual's cultural, political, and social experiences in daily life
- Recognizing the importance of relationships and interconnection in our lives
- Working toward social and ecological justice
- Focusing on and cultivating strengths and resiliency, while honoring painful experiences
- Practicing self-compassion
- Cultivating joy, purpose, and meaning in our lives
- Exploring creativity & spirituality as a means for healing and growth
Feminist Therapy in Oakland, California - Therapy for Women in Midlife
What many people don’t realize is that Feminist Therapy is an actual therapeutic theory and approach, just as is Psychodynamic Therapy or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Feminist Therapy is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and believes that the problem is different than the person. Feminist Therapy also positions the client as the expert on their own lives. It encourages the therapist and client to work as a team and it believes personal healing contributes to social equality and justice.
Feminist Therapy’s Emergence in the 1960s
Feminist Therapy emerged in the 1960s right alongside the women's rights and civil rights movements. It was a radical alternative to earlier approaches to psychotherapy. Those approaches were very much rooted in patriarchal and Eurocentric values. But wait … what does that mean? It means the experiences of Cis-men and white people were centered on mental health. This put everyone else at a higher risk of being misunderstood. And even ignored or pathologized.
So what does Feminist Therapy look like in practice?
Good question. Each client is unique and I begin by really listening to your story. I’ll make note of your concerns, as well as your strengths. I’ll ask you what you’d like to get out of therapy. And if you’re open, I may offer some ideas as well.
From there, each session will look different. You may need a place to vent, crave feedback, or are eager to learn some new tools. Perhaps you want to explore deeply using art or spiritual interventions. The possibilities are endless.
An Actively Engaged Therapist
I am not the type of therapist who stays quiet and nods. You can rest assured that I am in this with you. I’ll remain active and engaged.
If you're interested in learning more about why Feminist Therapy is more relevant than ever, please check out my blog posts on the topic. And when you’re ready to get started, I’d love to hear from you.