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Therapy has undoubtedly transformed countless lives, offering support to individuals navigating emotional and psychological challenges. However, it is worth questioning whether the historical frameworks and methods of therapy—many of which were developed by men in patriarchal contexts—may have unintentionally kept women stuck in cycles of analysis and emotional distress. By focusing heavily on “what’s wrong” and delving into the past, traditional therapy might overlook opportunities to empower clients through strengths-based, future-focused approaches.
Historical Misuse of Therapy to Control Women
The historical relationship between therapy and women is fraught with examples of systemic control rather than liberation. Take the term “hysteria,” which originates from the Greek word for uterus (hystera). For centuries, it was believed that women’s uteri wandered through their bodies, causing psychological and physical symptoms. By the 19th century, hysteria became a catch-all diagnosis for women who displayed behaviours or emotions outside societal norms—anxiety, sexual desire, or dissatisfaction were all pathologised.
Treatments for hysteria often involved methods that reinforced societal control over women’s autonomy. “Rest cures,” for instance, prescribed isolation and inactivity, silencing women rather than addressing their needs. Even as the concept of hysteria faded in the 20th century, the lingering impact of this history shaped how women were viewed in therapeutic contexts, often as fragile or irrational.
These practices exemplify how therapy, in its early days, was used not to empower but to control. While the field has evolved significantly, remnants of these outdated attitudes persist, subtly influencing modern therapeutic methods.
The Harm of Overemphasising “What’s Wrong”
Traditional therapy frequently begins with an exploration of past traumas, aiming to identify the root causes of distress. While this approach can provide valuable insights for some clients, it can also have unintended consequences:
Reinforcing Negative Patterns Neuroscientific research shows that repeatedly revisiting traumatic memories strengthens the neural pathways associated with those memories. This process, known as reconsolidation, can make these pathways more entrenched, leaving clients feeling stuck in cycles of distress rather than moving forward.
Neglecting Strengths By focusing on “what’s wrong,” therapy risks overlooking clients’ existing strengths and potential. This deficit-focused approach may inadvertently lead clients to feel defined by their problems rather than empowered to build on their abilities and aspirations.
Creating Dependency Traditional therapy often fosters a passive dynamic, where clients rely on the therapist to “fix” them. This can prolong the therapeutic process without equipping clients with the tools they need to create meaningful change independently.
Systemic Training and the Perpetuation of Outdated Methods
The foundations of many therapeutic modalities were developed by male figures such as Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and Albert Ellis. These theorists laid the groundwork for much of modern therapy, but their models were shaped by patriarchal norms that often ignored the diversity of human experiences, particularly those of women.
Even as more women entered the therapy profession, many were trained in these traditional frameworks. Training programmes and governing bodies still prioritise these established methods, leaving little room for innovation. As a result, even female therapists, despite their empathy and client-focused approaches, may inadvertently perpetuate outdated practices.
For instance, therapy training often emphasises past-focused analysis, even when clients may benefit more from forward-focused, strengths-based approaches. This systemic reliance on historical models highlights the need for modernisation to meet the diverse needs of today’s clients.
Neuroscience, Neuroplasticity, and Creating New Pathways
Advancements in neuroscience offer compelling insights into why traditional therapy methods might not work for everyone. Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections—demonstrates that lasting change is possible when we focus on creating and reinforcing positive pathways.
Revisiting past traumas, as is common in many therapeutic models, strengthens the neural pathways associated with those traumas. While this can provide closure for some, it can also leave clients entrenched in negative patterns. By contrast, forward-focused methods encourage clients to visualise and work towards their desired future, helping to build new, positive neural connections that replace the old ones.
For example, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBT) and innovative approaches like HypnoCoaching harness these principles. They emphasise engaging with clients’ goals and aspirations, using mental rehearsal and actionable strategies to create lasting change.
Opportunities for Change
The limitations of traditional therapy open the door for transformative approaches that prioritise empowerment, action, and future-focused growth. Here’s how therapy can evolve:
Adopting Strengths-Based Approaches Therapy should shift from a focus on “what’s wrong” to “what’s possible,” helping clients tap into their potential and build resilience.
Incorporating Neuroscience Training programmes and therapeutic practices should integrate insights from neuroscience, such as neuroplasticity, to guide clients in creating new pathways for success.
Modernising Training Programmes Therapy training must evolve to include innovative, client-centred methods. This could involve expanding curricula to emphasise forward-focused approaches and exploring alternatives to traditional models.
Empowerment Over Misery
Therapy has come a long way since its early days, but it’s essential to continue evolving. Women, in particular, deserve approaches that honour their strengths, amplify their voices, and help them move toward the future they want—not just dissect the past they’ve endured. While traditional methods have their place, they must be balanced with forward-focused, empowering approaches that prioritise action and growth.
By re-evaluating the foundations of therapy and incorporating modern science and strengths-based methods, we can ensure that therapy truly serves the diverse needs of today’s clients.
About the Author: A Pioneer in Transformative Change
With almost 25 years of experience as a therapist, Karen Ferguson has always questioned traditional approaches to therapy. Seeing how generic methods often failed to inspire lasting transformation, they developed MindMotive HypnoCoaching—a revolutionary blend of subconscious alignment and actionable strategies. Drawing on a deep understanding of neuroplasticity and human potential, Karen helps clients create the life they deserve.
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References
Medical News Today. “The Controversy of Female Hysteria.” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
Springer Link. “Reconsolidation and Neural Pathways.” https://link.springer.com
Psychology Today. “The History of Hysteria in Women’s Lives.” https://www.psychologytoday.com
Cambridge University Press. “Returning to the Scene of Trauma in PTSD Treatment.” https://www.cambridge.org
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