Gender Issues in Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology has traditionally ignored or marginalized gender issues. It tends to see the individual subject as gender neutral, and ignores many aspects of the individual, both as client and as practitioner. "Gender Issues in Clinical Psychology" argues that if clinical psychology is to work for both men and women, gender issues must be acknowledged and resolved. The contributors, leading researchers and practitioners in the field of clinical psychology, look at the position of women and men as practitioners, as objects of the scientific gaze, and as clients of the clinical psychologist. They argue that, by ignoring gender, clinical psychology perpetuates gender stereotypes and the oppression of women. Focusing on different aspects of clinical practice and organization, including feminist therapy, the contributors demonstrate that it is vital that gender issues are incorporated into clinical research and practice and offer examples of theory and practice which do not marginalize the needs of women. This book should be of interest to professionals in training and practice, undergraduates and academics; clinical psychology, psychiatry, health and gender studies.

'Everyone who is interested in the mental health of women should read this text.' - The Lancet'The arrival of this book is very welcome. It provides a broadsweeping and fairly comprehensive look at how long-neglected issues of gender influence the organisation and practice of clinical psychology.' - Lesley Cohen, Health Psychology Update'...the book certainly meets the editor's aims in providing a starting point for the discussion and dissemination of the issues it raises, while maintaining a refreshingly practical and construcive focus on the need for change.' - Clinical Psychology Forum

Jane M. Ussher is Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Sussex., Paula Nicolson is Lecturer in Medical Psychology at the University of Sheffield.