In honour of March being Women’s History Month, we want to reflect on the contributions of women who have shaped our world. In the field of psychology, countless women have made groundbreaking discoveries, developed influential theories, and paved the way for the mental health practices we use today – with children, adults, families, couples, and parenting. Their lasting influence is felt in the in all manner of places – how we think about learning in the classroom, how we support emotion regulation challenges, and how we think about perinatal mental health, trauma, and newer terms like CPTSD. At Sydney City Psychology, we celebrate these trailblazers and their lasting impact on our profession.
Pioneering Women in Psychoanalysis and Clinical Psychology
Margaret Floy Washburn (1871–1939): Mind-body psychology
Margaret Floy Washburn was the first woman to earn a PhD in psychology in the United States, paving the way for future generations of women in the field. Her work in animal behavior and motor theory significantly advanced the understanding of behaviorism and cognitive processes at the time. Washburn’s most influential work, The Animal Mind (1908), laid the foundation for comparative psychology, a field that explores similarities and differences between human and animal behavior. Her research also contributed to the development of the motor theory of consciousness, which proposed that mental states are deeply connected to the actions and movements of the body. Washburn was a prominent advocate for women’s rights and promoted the importance of women’s participation in scientific and intellectual fields.
“We are not the creatures of our circumstances; we are the creators of them.” – Margaret Floy Washburn
Anna Freud (1895–1982): Child psychology
As the daughter of Sigmund Freud, Anna Freud built on her father’s work but made her own mark by advancing child psychoanalysis. She focused on understanding defense mechanisms, which are psychological strategies used to cope with anxiety. Her work laid the foundation for modern child psychotherapy, with a specific focus on how children’s minds develop and how kids respond to emotional stress. Anna Freud also helped expand the field of psychoanalysis by emphasizing the importance of the parent-child relationship, and the influence of early experiences on psychological development. Her groundbreaking book, The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense (1936), provided an in-depth exploration of defense mechanisms and is still considered a seminal work in psychoanalysis today. Anna Freud’s legacy continues to shape how clinicians understand and treat emotional and psychological challenges in children, particularly in how they relate to their families and social environments. and laid the foundation for modern child therapy.
“I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time.” – Anna Freud
Karen Horney (1885–1952): Social psychology
A bold challenger of Freudian theory, Karen Horney explored how cultural and social factors shape personality and mental health. She developed a theory of neurosis that remains influential today, viewing neuroses as coping mechanisms that are a natural part of life. Horney identified 10 “neurotic needs” — such as the need for affection and approval, power, social recognition, and perfection — that people rely on to manage anxiety. Her work emphasised that these needs, while common, can sometimes become excessive and hinder healthy psychological development. Horney also introduced the concept of ‘womb envy’ and made significant contributions to feminist psychology, advocating for a more inclusive and holistic view of human development beyond the male-centric perspective of traditional Freudian psychoanalysis.
“Concern should drive us into action and not into a depression.” – Karen Horney
Mary Ainsworth (1913–1999): Attachment theory
A key figure in attachment theory, Mary Ainsworth’s famous ‘Strange Situation’ study helped define how early relationships shape emotional security for the rest of a person’s life. Her meticulous research continues to guide parenting strategies and therapeutic approaches for attachment-related challenges in children and adults today.
“Attachment is a tie that a person or animal forms between himself and another specific one—a tie that binds them together in space and endures over time.” – Mary Ainsworth (1976)
Margarete Hilferding (1871–1942): Maternal mental health & bonding
Margarete Hilferding was one of the first female psychoanalysts, and a key figure in early child psychology. She worked extensively on the psychology of motherhood, parent-child relationships, and female identity. Her insights contributed to the understanding of maternal bonding and early emotional development.
“Motherhood is the bridge between nature and culture.” – Margarete Hilferding
Sabina Spielrein (1885–1942): Motivation and emotions
Sabina Spielrein contributed to early theories on the unconscious and the role of emotions in thought processes. She was also an early influence on both Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, introducing ideas to each of them that later shaped key aspects of their theories of psychoanalysis, particularly her work on the concept of “destructive” and “creative” forces in the psyche. Her work remains significant in understanding the intersection of psychoanalysis and developmental psychology, in particular. Spielrein’s later years were marked by tragedy. During the rise of Stalinism, she was tragically murdered in 1942 during a purge of intellectuals and political figures. Her death, along with the suppression of her work, led to her being largely forgotten for many years, though her contributions have gained recognition in recent decades.
“The destruction of one thing means the birth of another.” – Sabina Spielrein
Ludwika Karpińska-Woyczyńska (1908–1984): Education and learning needs
A distinguished psychologist and educator, Ludwika Karpińska-Woyczyńska made significant contributions to the field of developmental psychology and educational psychology. Her research focused on cognitive and emotional development in children, as well as the role of environmental influences on learning. Her work emphasised the role of individual differences in learning. She believed that each child’s developmental stage and emotional needs should be considered when designing educational interventions. Karpińska-Woyczyńska contributed to the development of psychological assessments that take into account both cognitive abilities and emotional factors.Today, many psychological assessments for children and adolescents focus not just on cognitive testing (such as IQ) but also on emotional and social functioning, recognising the interconnectedness of mental health and cognitive development. This holistic approach to assessment, which Karpińska-Woyczyńska helped shape, informs contemporary practices in diagnosing and supporting various child needs, including ADHD, autism, and mood disorders. Her work has had a lasting impact on educational practices and psychological assessments. Additionally, creative therapies used today like play therapy, art therapy, and family therapy often incorporate elements of emotional development theories that Karpińska-Woyczyńska advanced. Her understanding of emotional expression as a critical aspect of child development is used to help children process trauma, build self-regulation skills, and improve social interactions in countless therapeutic approaches.
Mary Whiton Calkins (1863–1930): Memory processes
Mary Whiton Calkins was a pioneering psychologist and philosopher, known for her work in self-psychology and for being the first woman to become president of the American Psychological Association (APA). Despite being denied a PhD from Harvard due to her gender, she made significant contributions to the study of memory and the psychology of the self.
“The self should be regarded as the centre of psychological study.” – Mary Whiton Calkins
Virginia Satir (1916–1988): Family therapy and group dynamics
Virginia Satir was a groundbreaking therapist whose work revolutionized family therapy and human relations. Known as the “mother of family therapy,” Satir focused on improving communication, self-esteem, and relationships within families, emphasising the importance of emotional expression and understanding. Her innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at creating a safe environment where individuals could heal and grow, with a focus on nurturing positive self-worth. Satir developed several techniques, including family sculpting, which encouraged clients to visualise and reorganise the dynamics of their family relationships. She believed that healthy family systems were foundational to emotional wellbeing, and that individuals could achieve growth and transformation through open, empathetic communication. Satir’s work continues to inspire therapists today, particularly in the areas of family dynamics, systems, and creating positive change within families and communities.
“We each need to know that we are valuable, that we matter, that we are able to make a difference in the world.” – Virginia Satir
Lou Andreas-Salomé (1861–1937): Women’s sexuality
Lou Andreas-Salomé was a brilliant thinker, writer, and psychoanalyst whose contributions to psychology and philosophy have been largely underappreciated in mainstream history. She was a close associate of both Sigmund Freud and Friedrich Nietzsche, engaging deeply with their theories while also developing her own unique psychological perspectives. Andreas-Salomé’s work bridged the gap between literature, philosophy, and psychoanalysis, exploring themes of sexuality, creativity, and the complexities of human relationships. She is perhaps best known for her pioneering work on female sexuality and her emphasis on the importance of emotional and intellectual independence for women. Andreas-Salomé advocated for a more nuanced understanding of women’s psychology, challenging the restrictive norms of her time. For example, she challenged Victorian norms of female sexuality. She recognised that women’s sexual desires, like men’s, were natural and complex and should not be pathologised or suppressed as they were in her time. She also made significant contributions to the importance of self-actualisation in psychology as a staunch advocate for the intellectual and emotional independence of women. In a time when women were often confined to the domestic sphere and excluded from intellectual life, she insisted that women had the same right to intellectual autonomy and personal freedom as men. This was revolutionary, as women were often discouraged from pursuing higher education, independent thought, and careers in philosophy or psychoanalysis. Her life and work have inspired countless psychologists, writers, and philosophers.
“One can never be truly happy until one has achieved independence of mind.” – Lou Andreas-Salomé
Bernice Neugarten (1916–2001): Older age psychology
Bernice Neugarten was a pioneering psychologist whose work focused on the aging process and the social and psychological aspects of later life. A leader in the field of gerontology, Neugarten’s research helped shift the understanding of aging from a time of inevitable decline to a stage of life filled with potential for growth, adaptation, and fulfillment. She introduced the concept of “maturational goals” and emphasised the importance of personal and social adaptability as people age. Neugarten was one of the first to explore the role of social support and the influence of life events on the well-being of older adults. Her work on life course theory provided a framework for understanding how the timing of life events, such as marriage, career, and retirement, impacts one’s mental health and sense of identity. By focusing on how individuals can maintain a sense of purpose and self-worth in later life, Neugarten’s contributions have had a lasting impact on both research and practice in aging and development.
“Age is a matter of feeling, not of years.” – Bernice Neugarten
Marsha Linehan (b. 1943): Emotion regulation
The creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Marsha Linehan revolutionised the treatment of borderline personality disorder and emotion dysregulation. Her work has given people practical tools for managing distress and dysregulation, and improving relationships.
“Radical acceptance rests on letting go of the illusion of control and a willingness to notice and accept things as they are right now, without judging.” – Marsha Linehan (1993).
The Legacy of Women in Psychology Today
These women and many others have helped shape the psychological therapies and interventions we use today. Their courage, innovation, and dedication to mental health – as well as their willingness to re-consider the prevailing beliefs of their times – continue to inspire psychologists worldwide.
At Sydney City Psychology, we honour their legacy by remembering some of their core values and approaches when providing honest, evidence-based care to our clients. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the strength of women—past, present, and future—in shaping the world of mental health. From womb to therapy room, and every moment of learning and curiosity in between.
