So much has changed — thankfully — since Sigmund Freud’s early exploration of the psycho-analytical process or psychotherapy. While his noteworthy discoveries influence so many of our modern-day practices, some believe his views slant more favorably for men than they do for women. As we move forward, our theories evolve; with every coming year, female thought leadership and studies color our out dated narrative with new and groundbreaking insights.
“Today, we encourage women to tackle identity and assertiveness head-on, helping them discover inner strength and highlight self-perceptions.”
Culturally accepted gender roles subconsciously affect our behaviors, our choices and our relationships. Inevitably this will impact self-esteem, communication skills and personal thoughts. When we look honestly and critically at our social standards, ranging from a woman’s role in sexuality, workplace, parenting, etc., we become more self-aware, rather than presumptive.
There is no single way to define ‘womanhood’ in 2018, let alone an ideal way. A woman embodies so many roles in our culture; whether serving as a primary/sole decision-maker, a full-time employer/employee, a mother/caregiver, or none of the above, a woman is constantly balancing what society demands of her and what she truly desires. These realities should never be pushed aside during therapy, they should be celebrated!
A Therapist should utilize intervention skills and techniques to assist a patient in their gender role journey. Encouraging assertive behavior will allow women to become more aware of their interpersonal rights, transcend stereotypical gender roles, change negative beliefs, and implement changes in their daily lives.
As women, we should celebrate the multi-faceted context of our social system and its impact on both the individual and the family. We should identify what we want and learn how to achieve it.