Unfinished business with feminist thinking and counselling and guidance practice

This article provides a personal view of the influence of feminist theories on counselling and guidance practice over a 30-year period. It is not intended to be a scoping review of the vast literature on feminist theory and practice in relation to the talking therapies. Based on the subjective experience of one researcher/practitioner, its intention is to highlight how political and theoretical shifts have been reflected in practice and in some key feminist texts. These shifts are illustrated by vignettes (composites of work with clients), drawn from reflective journals and 'field notes' made at the time and based on professional practice in a variety of settings. Tensions between feminism(s) and therapy for women are noted and implications for practice outlined.