Psychotherapy with African American women: Integrating feminist and psychodynamic models

Abstract

African American women live and develop in the context of many diverse individual realties and societal circumstances that may challenge or facilitate their optimal development. These interrelated realities are but a few of those which serve as the crucible in which psychotherapy with African American women takes place. A discussion of the salient factors that must be considered in the culturally literate and competent delivery of psychological services to African American women constitutes the focus of this article. Particular attention is given to integrating psychodynamic and feminist therapy principles in ways that are sensitive to the complex historical, psychological and cultural realities of African American women in the United States.