Feminist Counselling Theory - Essay Example

1) the personal is aligned to the political, and 2) remains committed to social change. 3) maintain egalitarian relationships, 4) respect and honor female experiences and opinions, and 5) oppression of all types are recognized and acknowledged. (Cole, Rothblum, and Enns, 1997)   Tied to these doctrines is the feminist counselor’s desire to cultivate change, and equity, crossing interdependence with independence, empowerment,  self-nurturing, and an appreciation for diversity. (Cole, Rothblum, and Enns, 1997)     In adopting the feminine counseling theory I would approach from the concept that human nature dictates that the gender differences are a consequence of the socialization process.   I would emphasize that multicultural ideology applies equally to all persons regardless of race, culture, gender, age, class, sexual orientation, ethnic origins, and individual competence.  I would also emphasize that human nature is influenced by both contextual factors and the environment. Human development is always under construction as it is a lifetime process allowing for constant change. The counselor’s objective in pointing out the general view of human nature is cultivating an open mind in the patient/client.  By having an open mind, the client can put aside bitterness and can come to view these social obstructions as matters that she can cope with and overcome.  The counselor’s collective goal is to help the client gain a measure of self-appreciation and self-value.  This is accomplished by stressing the view of human nature as the catalyst for women’s difficulties in socializing.  By taking this approach, the counselor encourages the client/patient to view counseling as a strategy for coping.   The coping strategy emanates from imparting insight into the general view of human nature so that the client/patient learns to form a commitment to changing the environment, as opposed to adjusting to it. The idea is to foster egalitarian relationships, rather than relationships characterized by hierarchy.  In other words, the counselor perpetuates the concept that the view of human nature is the catalyst for the submissive and often oppressive nature of the ascribed role of women in society.  Rather than accept this characterization or become depressed, change it by departing from the ascribed role.  Advocate change by changing internally and external change will follow.  This strategy is akin to personal empowerment.   The counselor is required to be emotionally connected to the client to garner proactive responses effectively. The feminist counseling theory which requires an analysis of the interplay between gender and power, however, can be constrained by the particular client’s own built-in biases and prejudices.  In emphasizing the constructs of the view of human nature and coping mechanisms, these biased walls will have to be broken down. This may be difficult because biases are created over time and can be a form of indoctrination.  Once the walls are broken down, however, the counselor can begin to connect with the client and start the process of building independence, self-nurturing, self-appreciation, self-value, and empowerment. Read More