A Feminist Perspective on Divorce Therapy for Women

Abstract

A review of divorce therapy literature suggests that ender is rarely considered when establishing therapeutic goals. This article posits that there are significant gender differences in the role and identity transitions which must take place in the divorce process. Divorce cannot be viewed in the limited context of interpersonal difficulties, but should be viewed as a process which is affected by gender, cultural socialization, and the broader society. Divorce therapy for women should incorporate an awareness of feminist issues and the nature of first and second order changes which are necessary if women are to grow and develop through the divorce process.