Difference Between Reframing And Relabeling

Reframing is another technique that is not unique to feminist therapy but has proved essential in therapeutic process. Reframing is used by feminist therapists to invite the client to consider their concerns from outside of them. Similarly, relabeling is another technique that can be applied to work with immigrant women because it can provide them with the opportunity to understand their experiences through different lenses (Diaz-Lozaro et al, 2012). When both reframing and relabeling are used in the therapy session, feminist therapists can help clients shift perspectives of the client by identifying social factors such as gendered roles and job discrimination that may affect mental health concerns. An equally significant aspect of this technique is that is can also reframe for clients concerns from a strength based perspective to promote empowerment.
Social Action

Like self-disclosure and reframing, social action is another borrowed technique that can lead to empowerment.

In the work with immigrant women who are often marginalized members of society can be encouraged to engage in social activism and connection (Sue and Sue, 2010). This can mean different things for different individuals and it is important that this encouragement is done in a way that is consistent with the strengths of the client with consideration for their needs and goals. Immigrant women can take up volunteering at local community centers to support other immigrants or lobbying lawmakers regarding immigration policies and services available to support those marginalized in the community. The purpose of such social engagement is to increase self-esteem and engage in social transformation in a way that can lead to the restructuring and enhancement of personal beliefs and

identity.
The Therapeutic Process
Feminist therapists also work with clients to raise consciousness of gender role and how unequal access to power and resources can impact mental wellbeing. In the case of immigrant women, it is particularly important to acknowledge the societal pressures that stems from the socialization one experiences in their home country and how that can be at odds with the new country. Diaz-Lazaro et al. state that cultural transition in immigrant women should be assessed in a way that allows for exploration of womanhood as being “mediated by social and cultural influences” (Diaz-Lazaro, 2012). Feminist therapists have a unique opportunity to encourage clients to examine the various ways social and cultural norms and expectations influence the way we interact with the world. Therapists who work with immigrant women can explore with clients how oppression contributes to personal distress and dysfunction. Furthermore, therapists can work with these marginalized people to find solutions for creating not only personal but societal change (Sue and Sue, 2010).
Therapeutic Goals
The goal of using feminist theory when working with immigrant women is to empower them to become aware of access and utilize their personal strength which promotes self-independence. This can allow individuals to be active agents of change in their own lives as well as the lives of others. Yakushka and Chronister (year) argue that when working with immigrant women, therapists can guide them towards an increased awareness of sexism and other forms of discrimination and the limitations they have imposed on their lives. According to Yakushko and Morgan-Consoli, feminist therapists should consider the “gender-specific aspects of adjustments of immigration” may be more helpful (Yakushka and Morgan-Consoli, 2013). Therapists can then work to equip immigrant women with the skills and tools needed to implement change within their personal lives and their environment. The client can take begin to exercise power from this awareness in her life in a way that is grounded in their immigration experience (Yakushka and Morgan-Consoli, 2013).
Counselors Functions and Roles