Comparison of women who enter feminist therapy and women who enter traditional therapy.

A sample of 201 women in feminist therapy and 207 women in traditional therapy was drawn from a national survey of women in consciousness-raising groups. Comparisons were made on political views at the time of entering therapy and on demographic characteristics and evaluations of therapy. There were no differences between clients of feminist and traditional therapy on demographic characteristics, symptom levels (Hopkins Sympton Checklist), and overall levels of life stress (Life-Events Stress Index). Clients of feminist therapists were more likely to describe their political views as radical and to identify themselves as members of the women's movement than were clients of traditional therapists. Clients of feminist therapists rated therapy as more helpful than clients of traditional therapy did. Clients who identified themselves as members of the women's movement evaluated feminist therapy as more helpful than traditional therapy; nonmembers evaluated feminist and traditional therapies as equally helpful. (26 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Feminist therapy with chronically and profoundly disturbed women.

28 18–55 yr old females judged to be either high risk, chronic, or potentially chronic with regard to psychiatric illness by staff at a community mental health center were assigned to a women's awareness (WA) group and tested. While they waited for the WA group to begin, they participated in an "adult daycare" program for a mean of 8.7 wks. The WA groups lasted 14–26 wks, before and after which Ss were again tested. Significant improvement in self-esteem, as measured by the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, and significant increase in sexual knowledge, as measured by a sexual information questionnaire, were produced for Ss in the feminist therapy groups. No changes were produced on the Attitudes Toward Women Scale. No effects were noted for Ss in the control comparison on any of the measures. Results are compared with other findings on the effects of feminist therapy. It is concluded that feminist therapy can be effective for women from the chronically and profoundly disturbed population. (36 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Locational feminisms and feminist social identity analysis.

Locational feminisms encompass the many manifestations that feminisms assume as they emerge, travel, and are transplanted in a wide range of temporal, spatial, and cultural settings. Locational feminisms explore the interlocking oppressions and privileges associated with multidimensional and complex social identities associated with race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, culture, disability, and other social statuses. They also critique feminisms based on generalizations about middle class women's lives, and move the experiences and perspectives of diverse groups of individuals from the margin to the center of exploration. The locational feminisms addressed in this article include postmodern feminism, women of color feminisms, lesbian feminisms and queer theory, transnational and postcolonial feminisms, and third wave feminisms. Social identity analysis refers to the assessment of the social categories a person occupies and how these memberships are relevant to personal identity; perceived sources of strength and challenge; and experiences of empowerment, privilege, and discrimination. The locational feminisms hold substantial potential for informing social identity analysis, which supports comprehensive assessment relevant to social justice approaches. The article begins with a summary of the theoretical literature that informs locational feminisms, and is followed by a discussion of implications and applications relevant to feminist and other social justice practices in psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cognitive-behavioural therapy with a feminist orientation: A perspective for therapy with depressed women.

Discusses gender related issues relevant to therapy with depressed women and suggests how a feminist orientation can address issues usually overlooked by cognitive-behavioral therapy and its techniques. A 2:1 ratio of depression has been reported in women as compared to men. The devaluation of the female sex-role and of female abilities; socioeconomic, education, and job powerlessness; the emphasis women place on relationships; the loss of self; and women's inhibition of anger are discussed as factors which may lead to depression. The authors assert that cognitive-behavioral techniques can be used to help modify the client's negative beliefs about the self and automatic thoughts by challenging the societal views of women and questioning their application to the depressed client. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The future of feminist therapy.

Discusses the development of feminist therapy over the past 20 yrs and its outlook for the future. Feminist therapy is characterized by shared concepts, which include egalitarianism in the therapy relationship and a recognition of the importance of environmental pressures, particularly gender roles and gender-based discrimination. Future directions for feminist therapy include the continuing development of feminist therapy theory, a movement toward a more multicultural perspective, an expansion of populations served by feminist therapists, and the development of more formal standards and training. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Resource collaboration, feminist therapy, and models.

Comments on an article by F. B. Tyler et al (see record 1984-02406-001), arguing that in presenting a collaborative model for psychologists, Tyler et al are perhaps unaware that the essential characteristics of the model they propose were developed over 10 yrs ago as part of feminist therapy by A. M. Brodsky and R. T. Hare-Mustin (1980). The feminist therapy model, which is based on the qualities Tyler et al promote (such as being more self-help oriented, more self-sustaining, more prosocial, and more egalitarian), has influenced other therapeutic approaches concerned with client's rights. (5 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Personal therapy for psychotherapists before and after entering professional practice.

A national survey of 749 practicing psychotherapists was conducted to examine their use of personal psychotherapy before and after entering professional practice. A usable return rate of 44% (N?=?318) was obtained. Variables related to the use of personal therapy are identified, and a discussion of the results is provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Developing a feminist psychology of women: Past and future accomplishments.

Afeminist approach to the psychology of women is defined. In terms of this definition four areas central to the psychology of women are examined. These areas are theory building, sex differences research, research describing women's lives, and feminist therapy. For each area past accomplishments are outlined and future directions are suggested. In conclusion, two important methodological paradoxes are presented, and their relevance to a developing feminist psychology of women is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Our own medicine: Traumatized psychotherapists and the stresses of doing therapy.

In today's clinical and social climate, psychotherapy in general, and trauma therapy in particular, can often be a tough, demanding, and even dangerous profession. This article examines some of the stresses and perils of doing crisis intervention and trauma therapy and offers recommendations on how psychotherapists can recognize warning signs, handle emergencies, get their own administrative and clinical support, and forestall the burnout that might keep them from performing the dedicated service on which a civilized society depends. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Toward integrating feminist psychotherapy and feminist philosophy.

Describes liberal, cultural, radical, and socialist feminist philosophies and proposes that psychologists' orientations toward feminist political and philosophical theory will have an impact on their practice of feminist psychotherapy with regard to their preferences for group or individual modalities, therapeutic interventions, diagnostic practices, and organizational affiliations. Psychologists' philosophical positions may also influence their attitudes about research, epistemology, and the role of men and women as clients and therapists. Specific connections between feminist philosophy and psychological theories and other aspects of practice are discussed. It is proposed that all psychologists who work with gender-related issues can benefit from contemplating how their therapeutic practices intersect with feminist philosophy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A comparative study of feminist and traditional group assertiveness training with women.

Tested the effectiveness of feminist group therapy within the context of group assertiveness training for women. Two types of group were organized: One emphasized female role modeling, identity formation, and awareness of sex roles; and one had a traditional approach. Two female group leaders were trained and conducted one of each type group with all-female group members. The 40 adult Ss were interviewed, and 5 outcome measures were taken pre- and posttherapy and at follow-up 6 wks later. Both groups made significant gains on all measures, but the feminist groups did not make greater gains than the traditional groups. Ss who described themselves as feminists at the outset generally showed elevated scores throughout, more commitment to remain in treatment, and greater initial gains in self-reported assertiveness than did Ss who endorsed a more conservative position. It is concluded that the success of feminist therapy groups may not be attributable to their consciousness-raising style but perhaps to the single-sex composition of such groups and to the feminist orientation of clients who seek this form of psychotherapy. (30 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Confidential communications of psychotherapists.

Examined laws in the 50 states of the US and the District of Columbia that pertain to the protection and limitations to confidentiality outside of the courtroom. It was found that many state laws do not address a variety of issues relevant to psychotherapist confidentiality, and where they do, the positions taken are often inconsistent across jurisdictions. A comparison of the laws with concerns expressed by psychotherapists and legal scholars disclosed numerous incongruencies on a variety of issues. It is concluded that the American Psychological Association should develop a policy for each issue raised that best reflects the values of the profession. (82 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ethnocultural identity and eating disorders in women of color.

A review of the literature on ethnocultural identity and eating disorders indicates a relationship between conflicted identity and eating disturbance. This article discusses that relationship by suggesting that eating disorders represent internalized means of oppression for women of color. Difficulties in diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders in women of color are identified. Suggestions for ways in which diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of eating disorders may become more culturally relevant and effective are offered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Preferences toward Mexican-American and Anglo-American psychotherapists.

94 Mexican-American and 93 Anglo-American community college students listened to 1 of 2 matched therapy audiotapes. Using the same dialogue, in one tape the therapist spoke fluent English with a slight Spanish accent; in the other tape he spoke fluent English with a standard American accent. The therapist was identified as being either a Mexican-American or Anglo-American professional or nonprofessional. Both ethnic groups attributed more skill, understanding, trustworthiness, and attractiveness to the Anglo-American professional and the Mexican-American nonprofessional. The Mexican-American professional was seen by both groups less favorably than was the Mexican-American nonprofessional. Mexican-Americans showed a more favorable attitude toward the usefulness of therapy than did Anglo-Americans. Implications for the delivery of psychological services to Mexican-Americans and other minorities are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Development of culturally sensitive psychotherapists.

Proposes a developmental model to describe how student-therapists learn to appropriately consider cultural factors in their clinical work with culturally diverse clients. The model is derived from discussions held in a seminar concerning mental health services and culture and from students' written accounts of how they considered cultural factors in providing therapy. Vignettes based on the written accounts are presented to illustrate the key developmental processes hypothesized to underlie psychotherapists' growing cultural sensitivity. The proposed model is contrasted with past models of therapist development. A research agenda guided by a social cognitive perspective is offered to test the proposed model. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sexual intimacy between psychotherapists and patients.

318 psychologists provided information on 559 patients returning to therapy after having become involved in sexually intimate behavior with a former therapist. 90% of the patients reported ill effects, which ranged from difficulty trusting a new therapist to committing suicide, that could be traced to therapist behaviors that extended from intercourse to merely proposing sexual relations. Sexual contact was especially disruptive if it began early in the relationship (the majority of cases) and if it had been initiated by the therapist (also the majority of cases). The harmfulness of sexual contact in therapy validates ethics codes of the mental health professions prohibiting such conduct and provides a rationale for enacting legislation proscribing sexual contact between psychotherapists and patients. (19 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Suicide among psychotherapists: Review and discussion.

Comments on an article by C. Turkington (1984) that chronicles the psychology profession's attempts to provide assistance to psychologists suffering emotional distress. A review of the literature reveals the critical need for further research concerning the incidence and cause of suicide among psychotherapists (including psychiatrists). It is concluded that studies examining the rate of suicide among those who actually practice psychotherapy are needed to determine whether there is cause for alarm. (13 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Play therapy behaviors of sexually abused children.

Examined the question of whether there are specific play therapy behaviors associated with children who have been sexually abused, and whether these behaviors differ by sex and age of the children. A survey instrument was developed which listed 140 play therapy behaviors. 21 play therapists participated in a field test to establish external validity. 249 play therapists were also surveyed to identify professionals who provide play therapy. Analysis identified highly interrelated play therapy behaviors of sexually abused girls and boys from ages 3–10 yrs. Suggested use of the play therapy behaviors include assessments to detect sexual abuse and recommendations for child placement and/or court testimony. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Prevalence and correlates of eating disordered behaviors among undergraduate women.

Measures of weight management habits, body image, self-esteem, and degree of endorsement of sociocultural norms regarding thinness were administered to 682 undergraduate women. The 643 nonanorexic, nonobese subjects were then classified into one of six categories representing severity along an eating-behaviors continuum. The results indicated a high prevalence of both dieting and bingeing behaviors. Although only 3% were classified as bulimic, 61% were classified as having some intermediate form of eating-behavior problem. Only 33% of the subjects reported what could be considered normal eating habits. The degree of disturbed eating was strongly correlated with lowered self-esteem, more negative body image, greater tendency to endorse sociocultural beliefs regarding the desirability of female thinness, obsessive thoughts concerning weight and appearance, and interference of weight and appearance concerns with other life domains. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Life satisfaction and identity structure in late middle-aged men and women.

A total of 32 retirement-age subjects (17 men and 15 women) provided information about their lives by rating each of their identities in terms of a list of self-generated features. They also rank-ordered their currently enacted identities in terms of time spent in each and completed a life-satisfaction questionnaire. The Identities?×?Features matrices were analyzed by algorithms that generated a hierarchical model of identity structure for each subject based on feature ratings. The hierarchical levels of identities were combined with time-spent rankings to obtain an index of personal style, a measure that reflected the unique organization of identities for each subject. Personal style indices were then correlated with life-satisfaction scores. Results confirmed the prediction that life satisfaction in this age group is a function of the amount of time spent in identities that give expression to multiple aspects of the self. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)