"Powerful Wisdom gives voice to 192 distinguished women psychologists and family psychotherapists who candidly share their rich experiences insights and rewards acquired throughout their journeys in a profession historically dominated by men. Through this window into their person at and professional lives, this book reveals how these accomplished women therapists have interwoven influences from socialization, professional training and the experiences to shape their identities and acquire the unique skills and values that have placed them at the acme of their fields." "Drawing on direct and written interviews with nearly two hundred women - some pioneers in their fields - the authors offer specific insights and views on provocative topics central to the lives of therapists. They explore for example, how their development as women uniquely influences their effectiveness as therapists. They examine the central rote that relationships play in their lives as women and mental health professionals and reveal how female socialization enhances their capacity for empathy connectedness, and nurture - factors essential to heating relationships." "The authors weave the wisdom of these psychotherapists with theory and research on female development and on the process of psychotherapy to reveal a world from which women from a variety of professions can learn."--BOOK JACKET.