Feminist therapists promote the ideas of empowerment and egalitarianism openly throughout their assessment or diagnostic process. According to Evans, Kincade, Marbley, & Seem (2005), “the counselor and client must work collaboratively” in developing the hypotheses for the client’s diagnosis or personal concerns; the counselor periodically encourages the client to ask questions to further promote collaboration and understanding. The feminist therapist and client participate in a discussion that would include the “client’s personal, social, political and cultural” concerns, which will establish an initial step towards assessment. Strengths would also be highlighted throughout discussions to aid in the client’s progression towards change.
The counselor and client would then decide if the use of the DSM IV would be utilized in determining a diagnosis together for the client’s psychological distress or personal concerns. The DSM IV, short for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is a psychiatric or psychological manual approved by the American Psychiatric Association that contains complete descriptions of mental health disorders suffered by adults and children. (Please view “links” on side bar of blog for further information on DSM IV).
Discussion Board Question:
2. Does direct collaboration with the client in the process of determining a diagnosis do more harm or empowerment? Please provide feedback from a vocational rehabilitation counselor’s point of view.
Feminist Therapy 
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