Description of Resource

Attatched is a worksheet designed with the purpose of facilitating conversations about internalised misogyny with clients, and beginning the healing process. Internalized misogyny (IM) is defined as "the internalized feelings of self-hatred that perpetuate the belief in [women's] own inferiority to men and the unjust denial of their entitlement to equal rights" (Bearman & Amrhein, 2014). IM can often show up in women's relationships with other women causing distrust, judgment, hostility, and competition. It can also show up through feelings and demonstrations of powerlessness, invalidation, decreased sense of self, and a passive acceptance of sexism and patriarchy. Further, it often leads to a significant increase in negative mental health outcomes like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and general psychological distress. I encourage counselors utilizing this resource to ensure that their client has an understanding of what IM is before beginning the worksheet. 

This two-page worksheet begins with questions relating to possible origins of IM, encouraging the client to look into where their feelings may have stemmed from. The second set of questions ask the client to look back on their own experiences to see how IM may have played a role. Finally, the client is encouraged to think about ways to heal from IM, and reflect on how they can move forward. Keep in mind that these questions are not meant to be completed by the client alone, but should be discussed with a counselor either during, or after the client fills it out. This worksheet should serve as a space for thoughtful reflection on the client's part, and a jumping-off point for the counselor to lead to deeper discussion. 

References (APA)

Bearman, S., & Amrhein, M. (2014). Girls, women, and internalized sexism. In E. J. R. David (Ed.), Internalized oppression: The psychology of marginalized groups (pp. 191-225). Springer Publishing Company.

Ertl, M.M., & Ahn, L. H. (2025). Development and initial validation of the measure of internalized misogyny with cisgender U.S. women. Journal of Counseling Psychology. Advance online publication. https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/cou0000829.

Evteeva, M., Burges, L., & Gelabert, T. S. (2024). Internalized Misogyny: The Patriarchy Inside Our Heads. Journal of Integrated Social Sciences. https://www.jiss.org/documents/volume_14/JISS 2024 14(1) 82-108 Internalized Misogyny.pdf

Williams, F. (2025, March 21). Healing internalized misogyny: Path to authentic connection for women & girls. Nuanced Healing. https://www.nuancedhealing.com/blog/healing-internalized-misogyny