To what extent, if any, can person-centred counsellors who also hold feminist values, integrate these with Person-Centred Counselling Practice?

Abstract

While sexism has long been established in our patriarchal society, gender difference has become an increasingly political issue. The continued inequality experienced as a direct result of gender is unsurprisingly the cause of much individual distress. This study aimed to explore the experiences of feminist women who are person-centred counsellors, with a focus on the extent to which their feminist values influence their counsellor practice. The qualitative method of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used. Through purposive sampling, three participants were recruited and rich data was generated through semi-structured interviews. Analysis resulted in the emergence of two Group Experiential Themes: Gender and Inequality, and Being person-centred. Reviewing the findings in light of the literature review highlighted the uncertainty that can occur when counsellors who are aware of their feminist values, question their person-centred practice.