Dissertations and Theses
Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Elliot Jurist
Second Advisor
Katie Gentile
Third Advisor
Teresa Lopez-Castro
Keywords
Psychotherapy, Menstruation, Menstrual Bodyfulness, PMS, Menstrual Health, Psychodynamic
Abstract
There is a dearth of literature on psychotherapy and menstruation, except for the treatment and diagnosis of issues associated with premenstrual distress. This study aimed to bridge this gap by investigating the frequency and context of discussions about the menstrual cycle, the factors influencing therapists’ engagement with this topic, and the therapeutic approaches utilized to address the menstrual cycle within psychotherapy.
In phase 1, 118 psychotherapists from various theoretical backgrounds completed a survey on menstruation in clinical practice. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. In phase 2, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 psychotherapists, primarily identifying their theoretical orientation as psychodynamic. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze interview data.
Quantitative findings indicated that menstruation was discussed about half of the time or more in 55% of participants’ cisgender female caseloads. Additionally, 94% reported clinical experiences, in which discussing menstruation was clinically important, with the premenstrual mood and emotional changes being the most discussed topic.
Qualitative findings were grouped into three themes: (1) Sociocultural Context, (2) Interventions Used to Work with the Menstrual Cycle, and (3) Factors Influencing Therapists’ Engagement. The social discourse surrounding menstruation entailed topics such as menstrual taboo, negativity, and its portrayal as an experience of womanhood.
Participants highlighted the lack of training in working with the menstrual cycle in clinical work and how this impacted their work. Participants also discussed how their gender, aging, and personal experiences with menstruation impacted their engagement. Therapeutic interventions entailed listening for menstrual subjectivity, fostering greater bodyfulness, and supporting patients in navigating healthcare for menstrual issues. Addressing the premenstrual and menstrual changes was commonly discussed. Participants explored the impact of cycle awareness, interventions for fostering increased awareness and self-care, and encountered challenges in this area.
Recommendations for clinical work and future research are outlined based on these findings.
Recommended Citation
Alaluf, Rozita, "The Menstrual Cycle in Psychotherapy: Interventions, Therapist Engagement, and Blind Spots" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/1166
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Health Psychology Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Pain Management Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy Commons, Somatic Psychology Commons, Women's Health Commons