ABSTRACT
Many of the second-wave feminisms, including radical and socialist feminisms, are based on the assumption that if gender equality is to be realized, society must be changed at its very roots. A logical extension of this assumption is that psychotherapies which have mirrored unequal relationships must be replaced with new alternatives. The institution of psychotherapy must be altered radically. Many social change and liberation themes in feminist therapy are linked to the activities and values of consciousness-raising groups, radical and socialist feminist theory, and the radical therapy movement. It is important to note that although social change is a major emphasis in radical and socialist feminisms, social change themes are not limited to these feminisms. This chapter begins with a summary of radical and socialist feminisms, which is followed by an overview of social change themes in feminist therapy.
