Feminist Developmental Theory: Implications for Counseling

This article discusses the importance of counseling guided by a life-span development model. Major developmental tasks across the life span are outlined from an Eriksonian perspective. This is contrasted with the feminist development theory of S. Conarton and L. Kreger-Silverman (1988). Issues covered include the call by C. Gilligan (1991) for counselors to assist women to reclaim their intuitive voice and the importance of connectedness for women's development in Western society. Implications for counseling are explored with reference to borderline personality disorder and anorexia nervosa.