Too many women feel they have no real control over their lives or destinies. They believe what they do has no worth and that they, themselves, therefore, are worthless. Theorists like Jean Baker Miller and Carol Gilligan make the point that, women's characteristics of cooperation, connection and nurturance are creative, problem-solving strengths. Yet society as a whole sees these as weaknesses, or at the very least, unimportant. Why We Need Feminist Therapies Women, come into counseling with a sense of powerlessness, a lack of identity, and a fear of trust in themselves.
Traditional therapies encourage women to be independent and self-sufficient.
Women's very natural desire to care for and nurture others can be overlooked or even seen as pathological. Feminist therapy, on the other hand, recognizes the central place relationship and connections hold in women's lives. It honors women's experiences as valid and unique. Focusing on the damaging effects of gender-role socialization, it seeks to address the inequalities in educational and career opportunities. Feminist therapy also helps women overcome barriers they experience in achieving their personal goals and assists them in recognizing and reaching their full potential.