Can feminism help heal betrayal trauma victims? Misogyny is at the core of pornography, betrayal, and emotional abuse. Many women say learning about feminism helped them more than years of therapy. Feminist “therapy” can be a great way to heal. Find out how.
Can Being a Feminist Heal You? What Is Feminist “Therapy”?
Official feminist therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on women’s experiences and perspectives. It uses feminist principles to guide the process. It started in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the feminist movement, which aimed to challenge traditional gender roles and promote equality.
Feminist “therapy” is the idea that learning about feminism and becoming a feminist can heal you more than years of traditional therapy.
Principles of Feminist “Therapy”
Feminist “therapy” doesn’t have to be official. It can be like shopping therapy or aromatherapy. It simply involves knowing a few key truths and unlearning many lies. Consider, have I . . .
- felt the pressure of societal norms and expectations that hurt my mental and physical health?
- been subject to strict gender roles limited my potential and progress?
- experienced power imbalances in my marriage?
- felt blamed and invalidated in couple therapy?
- been reduced to my body and appearance by society or individuals?
- felt isolated and struggled to find support?
- doubted myself because of manipulation and deceit?
- rebuilt my self-esteem after unlearning misogynistic beliefs?
- learned the importance of self-care and boundaries?
- kept going despite being tired because I am a strong woman who can overcome anything?
Feminist “Therapy” Can Be Better Than Actual Therapy
Sometimes correct information is just as good (if not better) than therapy. For example, here’s what one woman said about The Betrayal Trauma Recovery Podcast:
Anne, you threw me a lifeline when I found out about my husband’s lies. I’d listen to The BTR.ORG Podcast until I felt sane again. I felt physically stronger. BTR helped me more than years of therapy!
When You Don’t Actually Need Real Therapy
Some feminist “therapy” activities that don’t actually include real therapy, could include:
- Watch movies with feminist themes like Gaslight, Barbie, The Stepford Wives, On The Basis Of Sex, and Moxie.
- Question traditional gender roles and see if you can stop doing things you hate to do, but have been manipulated into doing because your a woman.
- Think about your own personality and interests. Make choices based on what you enjoy.
- Read books like Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates and The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore.
- Write in a journal to reflect on personal growth, past experiences, and how misogyny has influenced your life choices.
- Attend a women’s support group like Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Sessions to meet other women who’ve faced similar experiences.
Why Everyone Woman Needs Feminist “Therapy”
When women aren’t treated as equals in marriage, they face betrayal, sexual abuse, coercion, and emotional abuse. If women’s concerns aren’t taken as seriously as men’s, it fuels the abuse.
Anne Blythe, M.Ed., Host of the Betrayal Trauma Recovery Podcast, explains the societal impact:
“Women aren’t taken seriously. If we talk about it, they say we talk too much. If we stay silent, they say we’re weak. Either way, we’re blamed.”
Today, misogyny shows up in subtle but harmful ways. It appears in the normalization of pornography, sexual coercion, and emotional abuse. These behaviors are anti-woman and keep women oppressed.
Anne explains:
“Men feel entitled to use women’s bodies how they choose and don’t have to answer to anyone. They justify it by claiming it doesn’t hurt anyone. Apparently, their wife isn’t anybody.”
How Can Feminism Help?
Women deserve respect just like anyone else. Feminist “therapy” helps women build confidence. It teaches them to value their talents and independence and protect themselves.
Anne encourages women to question their discomfort with feminism:
“For women who feel uneasy about the word ‘feminist,’ think about who is telling you that feminists are bad? Ask yourself, “What do they have to gain from exploiting me?”
Overcoming Discomfort Around Feminism
Some people feel uncomfortable with feminism because they think feminists hate men. But feminism is about gender equality and equal rights for all.
The media often gives feminism a bad rap. It’s important to know feminism varies for everyone. Each person sees and approaches it differently. One bad experience with a “feminist” does not reduce the importance of feminist goals and ideas. Not all feminists are the same, just like not all people are the same.
Some who want to oppress women call feminists bad names like “Femi-nazi.” But no feminist has ever started violence. Feminists promote peace and education. Some hesitate to call themselves feminists for fear of being labeled one of these derogatory names.
To Some People Feminism Seems Threatening
Some people resist feminism because they think it will disrupt their lives or their societal privileges (which it does if they want to keep oppressing others).
Others might feel uncomfortable with feminism because they think it leaves out men. But feminism fights for the rights and equality of all people, no matter who they are.
Feminism Means Equal Partners In Marriage
Feminism calls for equal partnerships between genders. It supports home equality and celebrates individuality. Women’s worth isn’t about fitting into gender roles but being seen as full human beings.
Anne sums it up:
“Feminism is the radical idea that women are worth listening to. That women are smart and capable and should be taken seriously.”
Feminist “therapy” can support women facing betrayal trauma. If you or someone you know is struggling, consider joining a Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Session to connect with other women healing from their husband’s misogynistic behavior.
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