Women's mental health issues. Reflections on past attitudes and present practices

Therapeutic approaches that are woman-centered and that incorporate a systemic sociocultural view of psychological growth and change are alternatives to traditional therapies. The last two decades have seen the growth of women's self-help groups, consciousness-raising groups, and women's studies programs in colleges and universities. This type of strategy is aimed at strengthening self-esteem, enhancing problem-solving ability, and reinforcing autonomy and assertiveness skills.