Women's issues include the developmental tasks through a lifetime, as well as, various life events.  Of course everyone in life goes through developmental tasks and often encounter trials and tribulations in life, however, when working with women, these issues are viewed from the perspective of how each woman was socialized and the specific roles she plays in her family and in her life.  Class, race, religion and sexual orientation are also incorporated into the entire picture.

Common developmental tasks for women starting at age 18 and extending to the end of life, include, finding a job, developing their own values, finding employment, dating, having a committed relationship or getting married, having children, balancing work-children-chores-time with friends-exercise/self-care-and their partner, to learning to communicate their needs, caring for elderly parents, empty nest syndrome and reconnecting with their spouses, finding out who they really are, retirement and death and dying.

Issues women typically face when going through life, include learning to build their self-esteem and assertiveness skills, learning to say "no," learning to stand up for themselves, learning how to manage stress, learning self-care and learning to speak their mind.  They may also experience depression, anxiety, grief and loss.  Roles women are often assigned are daughter, niece, sister, mother, wife, granddaughter, partner, spouse, aunt, grandmother, employee, co-worker and manager.  Learning what it manes to be in these particular roles and how to navigate them can also be part of therapy for women.