Feminist Therapy And Family Therapy

In this third and final reaction paper this writer will be discussing the following therapies; Feminist therapy, Postmodern approaches including Narrative therapy and Solution-focused therapy, as well as Family systems therapy. Throughout this class we have extensively researched, analyzed and studied many different psychotherapies. In doing so this writer has been able to gain a better understanding of the therapies that work with the age group this writer has chosen to work with, and which ones are not as beneficial. Trying to figure out this writer’s own individual style has been quite the task, in writing this final paper this writer hopes to find a combination of therapies that best represents my own personal beliefs and values.
Feminist therapy dates back to the 1960’s, and is derived from the realities that lie outside, beneath, and at variance from the visions of the dominant patriarchal mainstream (Brown, n.d). Feminist therapy incorporates a worldview that no one should be constrained to stereotypical roles on the basis of their gender. As well as creating a setting where clients can work towards their own empowerment, as well as learn how to relate to others in ways that are responsible, healthy, and caring (Corey, 2013).
Adolescents is a time of significant life transitions in which young adults learn to cope with changes that are brought about by physical and emotional maturation (Sands and Howard-Hamilton, 1994). During this time girls begin to become more aware of themselves as females, and learn to identify society’s signals to conform appropriately for their gender (Sands and Howard-Hamilton, 1994). The highschool girls that are present in this writers program are starting to unders...

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...w they had and the likelihood of moving forward seems more tangible and real, and the whole experience is motivating and stimulating (Winbolt, 2011). Adolescents need this empowerment in order to feel self-worth; they also need to feel as though they are creating the change that is happening in order for the change to actually occur. Because adolescents are at times difficult to engage with in tradional therapies, SFBT has been found effective because it respects their worldview and pays attention to their wishes. Many adolescents are struggling for independence within their families of origin and see therapists as simply another adult seeking to hold them back. When they are addressed as an individual it encourages their independence and hoped-for adult status, while a focus on exceptions and miracles encourages competence, resilience and hope (Macdonald, 2007).