Feminist Theory and Postmodern Approaches

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Post-modern approach to therapy has brought some new methods and techniques in the counseling. According to it such notions as mental health is a highly subjective notion because it is hardly possible to measure it. Overall, it is based on deconstruction, which means that the therapist has analyze the behavior of his client and compare it with the behavioral norms (they are often called “the givens”, accepted in the society. Moreover, the client has to express his opinion as these maxims. Such approach appeals to me because it questions a lot of deep-rooted stereotypes or rules, which sometimes can be broken. In addition to that such method allows the patient to get better understanding of ones personality and people, who surround him, because only by means of comparison and contrast, we can eventually learn the truth.

Post-modern therapy has to achieve certain goals. First, the patient has to understand that his frustrations, distresses, or sufferings may be of subjective nature, thus they can be easily eliminated.

Moreover, post-modern therapy is aimed at facilitating interpersonal communication, as we have already mentioned before, the therapist induces the patient to compare his experience with that one of other people. In other words, the counselor makes the patient put himself into the position of others. It seems to me that such technique can be quite helpful because it helps to get to the root of the problem. It seems to me that the underlying reason of nearly every conflict is our inability to make compromise.

There are several types of post-modern therapy, for example, narrative therapy, and collaboration therapy. Each theory is based on the belief that nearly every negative feeling or emotion is subjectively predetermined, Secondly, almost every post-modern approach uses dialogue as an expedient means of solving the problem.

It is not easy to incorporate post-modern therapy into Christian counseling. The main reason for this is that such an approach denies the existence of any norm standard for mental health, whereas Christian counselors do have such a standard (the Holy Scripture). Therefore, they can better evaluate the results of the therapy. However, some principles of post-modern therapy can be applied to Christian counseling, like for instance the belief that all our sufferings are of subjective nature, therefore we have understood that the main cause is our consciousness.

Feminist Therapy

Overall, feminist therapy is based on the belief that every hardship or suffering that a person may experience is connected with the problem of social injustice or inequality. Although it is not explicitly stated, this very formulation implies usually women. Thus, we can say that to some extent such a method of therapy is a little bit one-sided because it is somewhat prejudiced or biased in its very core. Feminist therapy mostly focuses on cultural and social reasons for inequality and the ways these obstacles can be surmounted (Corey, 132).

We can single out the basic principles of feminist counseling. First, the patient and the client must be on equal terms. This statement may seem commonplace, to say the least. However, it is necessary to take into consideration the fact that, very often counselors completely disregard the opinion of their clients. Thus, it makes the therapy fruitless, because such relationships are not based on collaboration.

The second principle of this method is the necessity to break gender stereotypes. In this regard, we should also mention gender sensitivity training. Probably, this is the cornerstone of this technique. It should be mentioned, that this is perhaps the most difficult task, because these stereotypes are so deep-rooted, that it is next to impossible to eradicate them(Haynes, 105).

As we have already mentioned this method mostly focuses on the “fair sex”. Even such a seemingly innocent phrase would be viewed by the majority of feminists as sexism. According to feminist therapy, the emphasis must be placed not on the weakness of a person (woman), but her (his) strength. A woman should be able to assert herself, prove that she is quite able to fulfill social functions, mostly attributed to men (Haynes, 212).

As far as the stronger sex is concerned, the adherents of such therapy mode believe that the major problem of men is that they are too afraid of behavior, which may seem feminine. For example, according to Elaine Showalter, suppressing emotions, especially regarding men, may result in depression and some other mental disorders. Such an approach appeals to me because so many men are so unable to vent to their emotions, which results in suffering and frustrations.

It is possible to single out the main objectives, which feminist therapy sets. First, one should achieve some kind of balance or equilibrium between dependence and interdependence. Certainly, one cannot be entirely independent or free, therefore one should adapt oneself to the conditions of living. This principle can also be found in the so-called feminist ethics, which is also based on the belief that people cannot function separately in society (Corey, 99).

Regarding couple, counseling, feminist therapy stresses the idea of diversity, culture,behaviorioral. The major problem is that partners are not always sensitive to each other, and they usually act on the basis of their stereotypes or prejudices, especially if we are speaking about gender roles.

Another goal, which must be achieved, is self-assertion. A woman has to prove that she is as powerful as the representatives of the stronger sex are. However, it does not mean that the difference between a man and a woman should be erased. Probably, this principle can be formulated as “different but equal”.

Another method of feminist approach is bibliotherapy. According to it, the process of reading can be healing, especially if the literary work helps the patient to solve some of his or her psychological problems. It seems to me that such technology has always been used in Christian counseling because The Holy Scripture can solve every psychological problem

Usually, family therapy may involve the following strategies, like for instance, the analysis of gender roles. One should first understand that these roles are simply imposed on us. Overall, this set of behavioral norms has nothing to do with the psychological characteristics of a person. This procedure can be useful for both individual and couple counseling. Psychologists often call this procedure relabeling. Overall, we should say that such kind of therapy yields results with female patients, because, at its very core it is meant for women. However, some principles can also be applied to male therapy and couple counseling.

It stands to reason, that every therapy mode has its advantages and disadvantages, the feminist approach is not an exception to this rule. Speaking about the advantages of this technique, we can mention the analysis of gender roles. It is aimed at breaking these stereotypes of male and female behavior. It can be rather beneficial for couple counseling and even male counseling.

However, it is necessary to bear in mind, that this therapy is female-oriented; therefore, it is prejudiced. A counselor can take sides with one of the partners, therefore making the process of therapy less effective. The counselor is strictly forbidden to take sides, it is the most blatant mistake.

Many psychologists believe that the feminist approach has something in common with the so-called Christian or biblical counseling. First, it is the belief that reading can be helpful, especially if we are speaking about the Bible. Moreover, we should also mention the basic principle of feminine ethics, the principle of interdependence. According to Christian tradition, it can be expressed as “Love thy neighbor as thyself”. Perhaps, if we had always followed this principle, many of the problems would have eventually disappeared.

Bibliography

Gerald Corey. (1982)Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Brooks/Cole Pub. Co.
Robert Haynes, Thomas Walters, Gerald Corey, Lynn Henning. (1995). The Art of Integrative Counseling & Psychotherapy. Brooks/Cole Pub.

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Feminist Theory and Postmodern Approaches

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