Women and Healing

'Women and Healing is a wonderful resource in a highly readable format that provides a feminist critique of the many mind-body-spirit therapies, including psychotherapy, family therapy and complementary therapies, that are widely practiced. The benefits of each of these therapeutic methods is evaluated in terms of the level of healing and growth experienced physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually by women using these techniques.
Women and Healing explores the difficulties that women may experience during their life cycles and in times of crisis. Therapies that may be used to alleviate pain during menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth, the menopause and ageing are also investigated. Problems that may beset a woman, such as anorexia or bulimia, unwanted pregnancy, miscarriage or stillbirth, sexual difficulties, addiction or the onset of illness are also discussed. The losses and trauma that women may suffer, such as separation, bereavement, rape or abuse are also explored. Healing from poor self-esteem and body image due to patriarchal objectification of the female form is also examined. The road to recovery through self-awareness and growth is discussed in light of individual therapies, spiritual practices, organisations and self-help groups that offer support and healing.