Views of mental health professionals about feminist therapy approach: A qualitative research

The aim of this research is to reveal the views of mental health professionals who define themselves as feminists about the feminist therapy approach. It is aimed to understand how feminist therapy, which is underrepresented in Turkey, is reflected in the therapy practices of mental health professionals. The model of the research is qualitative research. The study group of the research consists of 14 mental health workers selected by criterion sampling method. The data obtained as a result of the interviews were analyzed by content analysis method. As a result of the findings, it was concluded that the gender inequalities that mental health workers observed or experienced in social life were the most effective factor in the development of their feminist identities. In addition, it has been determined that growing up in an egalitarian family, having a strong female role model in the family and taking part in the feminist activist movement are effective in the development of feminist identity. It was seen that the participants had a good command of the feminist therapy literature. Feminist mental health workers; It has been concluded that they consider gender roles in therapy, attach importance to the equality of the therapist and client relationship, and aim to strengthen their clients. While it was concluded that all individuals can benefit from feminist therapy in line with the views of the participants, it was determined that individuals who were harmed by gender norms would receive the most help. When the vocational training of the participants is examined, it has been determined that feminist therapy is not included in the higher education institutions that train mental health professionals. In addition, it has been observed that most of the mental health professionals experience gender roles and inequalities based on these roles in their professional lives. There are very limited studies on feminist identity development, feminist therapy, and feminist therapists in psychology and psychological counseling and guidance literature in Turkey. It is thought that this research will contribute to the field of women's studies and feminist therapy studies.