Feminist Reflections on Growth and Transformation: Asian American Women in Therapy

Debra M. Kawahara · Olivia M. Espin

Apr 2013 · Routledge

About this ebook

Understanding multicultural feminist perspectives is vital for clinicians working to effectively help women in therapy. Feminist Reflections on Growth and Transformation: Asian American Women in Therapy provides therapists with valuable insight and research into the identities of Asian and Asian American women, all toward the crucial goal of being more effective when providing therapeutic help. In-depth explorations into the women’s personal experiences and psychological issues provide an empowering multicultural feminist viewpoint that challenges assumptions and stereotypes about their identities while presenting innovative therapeutic approaches.

Identity is made up from several factors, such as worldview, beliefs, values, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, age, and religious orientation. Feminist Reflections on Growth and Transformation: Asian American Women in Therapy explores how these common factors impact psychotherapy approaches for women of Asian American backgrounds. This unique text presents the current research, what the data mean for adjusting clinical strategies, and personal accounts from Asian and Asian American women. Each chapter is extensively referenced.

Topics in Feminist Reflections on Growth and Transformation: Asian American Women in Therapy include:

• breaking free of the passive, subservient stereotypes
  
• defining gender identity
  
• cultural and identity issues
  
• emotional parity negotiations in Chinese immigrant women’s marital relationships
  
• suicide as a means of agency rather than simply a cry for help
  
• the use of feminist and multicultural principles with survivors of domestic violence
  
• research on Asian American lesbians’ health
  
• integrating multiculturalism and feminism in the treatment of eating disorders
  
• innovative therapeutic approach based on Hindu understandings of Shakti
  
• approaches to work on body image and eating disorders
  
• group counseling with Asian American women
  
• training multicultural feminist therapy practitioners

Feminist Reflections on Growth and Transformation: Asian American Women in Therapy is an insightful exploration of the culturally sensitive knowledge and skills clinicians need to work more effectively with female clients of Asian ancestry. This stimulating work is important reading for therapists, counselors, psychologists, and others in the mental health and social work fields.

About the author

Debra M. Kawahara, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego. Her research and professional interests include multicultural and feminist psychology, Asian American mental health, women and leadership, and multicultural competencies in clinical/counseling practice. Dr. Kawahara has numerous publications, focusing on the integration of multicultural and feminist principles in psychotherapy. She has also been an active member and officer for several professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA).

Oliva M. Espin, PhD, is Professor Emerita of Women's Studies at San Diego State University and Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. In her longstanding work as a psychotherapist, teacher, and consultant, Dr. Espin has emphasized work with women. She was a pioneer in the practice and theory of feminist therapy with women from different cultural backgrounds, particularly US-born Latinas and immigrant/refugee women. She has done extensive research, teaching, and training on diversity issues in psychology. She has also served on several boards and committees of the American Psychological Association and other professional organizations