Feminist Multicultural Mentoring in Counseling Psychology

Abstract

AbstractThis theoretical chapter presents a feminist perspective of mentoring relationships. A recent history of efforts related to feminist mentoring within the field of counseling psychology is described, including efforts to integrate multiculturalism into feminist mentoring. The contributions of a leader in the field of feminist mentoring, Ruth Fassinger, are highlighted. The Multicultural Feminist Mentoring Model (Benishek, Bieschke, Park, & Slattery, 2004) is presented, and its limitations are discussed. A brief review of literature regarding effective mentoring relationships is provided and critiqued from a multicultural and feminist perspective. This chapter argues for a systemic perspective that concurrently considers cultural, organizational, interpersonal, and individual contributors to successful mentoring relationships. Dysfunctional mentoring relationship dynamics are addressed, including misuses of power and cultural differences in approaches to managing conflict. A global perspective of the use of feminist versus traditional mentoring approaches is included. Future directions for practice and research are suggested.