Question

Jane is a 69-year-old black, married, retired female who lives with her husband. She was referred to you for individual counseling to work on severe anxiety and moderate depression. Jane's physical health has been declining after injuring her knee a year ago. Jane has been doing water aerobics weekly, and was working a part-time job and active in her prior to the onset of the medical problem. Jane underwent surgery to repair the injury, however, she still reports weakness and some numbness which impacts most daily activities. When Jane comes to meet with you, she is tearful and reluctantly using a walker. She tells you that she had delayed coming to therapy for a week in hopes of feeling better but finally came at the urging of her husband and using the walker for the first time that day to steady herself. Jane's doctor informed her that there is nothing more he can do to help her and suggested pain medication which Jane does not want to take because it makes her feel sick. Since receiving this news, Jane has been feeling more down and has been isolating herself and has refused to seek a second opinion despite her husband's urging because she does not feel any doctors will listen to her or understand. Using Multicultural Feminist Theory, how do you help to empower Jane and encourage her to explore other medical options? What strategies do you incorporate to address Jane's depression and anxiety?

Answer 1

• Feminist Therapy focuses on empowering women and helping them discover how to break the stereotypes and molds of some traditional roles that women play that may be blocking their development and growth.As a therapist I would be focused upon strengthening Jane in areas such as assertiveness, communication, relationships, and self-esteem. One of the main goals would be to develop equal mutual relationships of caring and support. As a therapist I believe that my client is the only “expert” in her own issues and I will help her develop the tools needed to reach her potential as a unique and valuable individual.
• By using resocialization the focus would be on reorganizing the client’s belief system. She will learn to view things differently and develop new coping skills and strategies. Methods will be taught that increase self esteem, assertiveness, and self views. A main goal of resocialization is an overall increase in well being.
• Through,self-disclosure I might share my own experiences first, when appropriate, in an attempt to normalize, equalize, and liberate the experiences and emotions of the Jane in therapy. This,will help her in opening up about her own experiences as well.After listening to me,she would feel that she is no the only on who is suffering from such problems,and might feel comfortable in sharing her struggles.
• By challenging her negative beliefs about herself and her physical condition,we would be able to overcome her depression and anxiety.Teaching her more assertive behaviour,I could put her in a similar group of women,who are suffering similar problems or even worse than her,coming across people with similar problems will provide her a platform to share her feelings with others in the group and through that interaction her negative beliefs could be overcomed.When she would come across women who are fighting the odds and trying to live a strong independent life despite the adversities,she could be motivated to not isolate herself and fight her negative beliefs about herself.