Gender Dynamics in Person-Centered Therapy: Does gender matter?

In this paper I begin to consider the impact of gender role socialization on attitudes, expectations and the dynamics of power in person-centered therapy. It is argued in Proctor (2004) that part of gender role socialization could also be construed as gendered conditions of worth in person-centered theory. Both person-centered and feminist theories suggest that gender role socialization or gendered conditions of worth limit and restrict the potential of both women and men in our society. In what ways can person-centered therapy perpetuate or challenge gender role socialization? I consider each possible gender pairing in therapy and discuss the potential dynamics that may arise to try to help person-centered therapists consider how gender dynamics may be relevant in therapy relationships.