Aggression, the Often Maligned Life Force Crucial in Healing Internalized Misogyny: Implications for Group Psychotherapy

This article is a product of the American Group Psychotherapy Association Annual Conference, Connect! 2025. The article reconceptualizes aggression as a neutral life force that can be utilized to heal internalized misogyny, contrasting with Freudian views of aggression as inherently destructive. It examines how misogynistic cultural messaging leads individuals to redirect aggression inward, through the narcissistic defense, creating self-critical patterns that reinforce oppressive norms. Group psychotherapy is particularly well-suited to address problems with aggression, misogyny, and internalized misogyny. Through theoretical analysis and clinical examples, the author demonstrates how embracing aggression transforms self-attacking patterns into empowered self-expression. The intersection of psychological analysis with sociopolitical context is presented as essential for addressing both personal suffering and systemic oppression. This framework offers clinicians a path to help clients develop conscious relationships with their aggressive energy, creating possibilities for individual healing of internalized misogyny and fostering social change.