Changing Our Minds Lesbian Feminism and Psychology

"Thoughtful, probing, and caring. . . Destined for distinction as one of the best books of the year." --Janice G. Raymond author ofWomen as Wombs: Reproductive Technologies and the Battle Over Women's FreedomandA Passion for Friends "Changing Our Mindsis a brave, invigorating, and important book. . . essential reading for anyone in, or anyone who studies, the helping professions; it is even more essential for any woman in distress who wants 'help'." --Phyllis Chesler, Ph.D. author ofWomen and Madness, About Men, andMothers on Trial: The Battle for Children and Custody "A wide-ranging, hard-hitting analysis of psychology and its dangers.Changing Our Mindsshould be compulsory reading for all psychologists and deserves a place on every feminist's bookshelf." --Sue Wilkinson editor ofFeminism & Psychology: An International Journal Women today are being instructed on how they can raise their self-esteem, love their inner child, survive their toxic families, overcome codependency, and experience a revolution from within. By holding up the ideal of a pure and happy inner core, psychotherapists refuse to acknowledge that a certain degree of unhappiness or dissatisfaction is a routine part of life and not necessarily a cause for therapy. Lesbians specifically are now guided to define themselves according to their frailties, inadequacies, and insecurities. An incisive critique of contemporary feminist psychology and therapy,Changing our Mindsargues not just that the current practice of psychology is flawed, but that the whole idea of psychology runs counter to many tenets of lesbian feminist politics. Recognizing that many lesbians do feel unhappy and experience a range of problems that detract from their well-being,Changing Our Mindsmakes positive, prescriptive suggestions for non-psychological ways of understanding and dealing with emotional distress. Written in a lively and engaging style,Changing our Mindsis required reading for anyone who has ever been in therapy or is close to someone who has, and for lesbians, feminists, psychologists, psychotherapists, students of psychology and women's studies, and anyone with an interest in the development of lesbian feminist theory, ethics, and practice.Kitzinger, Celia is the author of 'Changing Our Minds Lesbian Feminism and Psychology' with ISBN 9780814746455 and ISBN 0814746454.