ABSTRACT
Feminist therapy in 1981 grew, though its growth was disorderly and diverse. There was no center, no leading exponent, no single theory, and few articles or books. In part this has to do with the origins of feminist therapy. The critical examination of therapy (and psychological theory) by the women’s movement of the 1960s was inevitable both because of the nature of therapy and because of its use as an ideological weapon against women. Feminist therapy must be distinguished from other kinds of services or experiences often provided by feminist organizations, and from nonsexist therapy. The practice of family therapy usually involves techniques based on major concepts about family systems. Many therapists are drawn to family systems therapy as an effective and realistic approach that helps people deal with interpersonal relationships. Growth movement therapies provide techniques that help identify feelings, and that give permission for the expression of taboo or unacceptable feelings.
