Feminist Theories in Psychology: Application in Clinical Practice

Catalog description

Current research and empirical investigations have shown that women-identified clients in the U.S. use psychotherapy and psychological services significantly more than their male peers. Further, the American Psychological Association (APA) has established non-sexist practice as part of its ethical guidelines and standards for practitioners (APA, 2002). This higher utilization of therapy by women and gender-nonconforming clients and call for gender-affirmative practice indicate the need for therapists and counselors: (a) to understand psychological issues that affect women in particular, (b) to become knowledgeable about feminist principles and practices which, by definition, include an examination of the social, political, and cultural contexts of women, and (c) to broaden their knowledge base to include feminist perspectives on psychological theory, intervention, and client populations of women in order to become more effective therapists. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to contemporary feminist theory and the impact that feminist thought has had on psychology. Students will develop an understanding of the varieties of feminist thought, the psychology of gender, issues of power and privilege, and feminist models of assessment, counseling and psychotherapy.