Incorporating Adlerian and Feminist Theory to Address Self-Objectification in Couples Therapy

Abstract

Objectification and sexualization of women starts at a young age and carries with it negative consequences for a woman’s self-worth. A person’s self-worth is one component on the Wheel of Wellness, but it can affect many other aspects of an individual. The lack of self-worth that a woman may experience can affect her ability to enjoy her sexual experiences with her partner and inhibit her from reaching a state of connecting with her spirituality, especially during sexual encounters. The lack of enjoyment for a woman can then affect the partner’s enjoyment and, in turn, can affect the enjoyment of the relationship. This article discusses incorporating Adlerian and feminist theoretical perspectives into the practice of couples counseling in order to address relational issues related to a process of self-objectification.

Keywords

objectification self-objectification sexuality relationships Adlerian theory feminist theory women

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