ABSTRACT
There is very little feminist-informed information about mental health promotion, prevention and therapy with girls, as compared with women. Nevertheless, while it can be challenging to introduce feminist-inspired practices in the postfeminist era, ideas for feminist practice with women can be adapted for use with adolescents. There are also some well-evaluated preventative programs that address girls’ issues and are moderately effective, but without a feminist thrust. When it comes to younger girls, where preventative work should be starting, there seems to be little research base, though perhaps the ‘feminist parenting’ movement would be one place to start. Much needs to be done in terms of developing and evaluating programs, and promoting understanding and acceptance of feminist psychological practice with girls. Activities beyond the therapy room are an essential part of feminist practice. This need is urgent given extensive evidence that cultural change is what is required to prevent the ‘toxic’ effects of western culture on girls’ wellbeing, and to enable our young women to thrive and reach their potential in a context of gender justice. We can feel encouraged by examples of the successful achievement of large-scale positive change in other areas, as well as the sense that, culturally, we may be entering a ‘fourth wave’ of feminism. There may therefore be an opportunity for clinical psychologists to engage in smaller-scale feminist changes in schools, universities, clinics and scholarly and popular media to help convert the wave to a tsunami.
