Therapy often follows linear, rigid patterns. Modern psychological models grew out of capitalist and patriarchal frameworks. These systems expect human bodies to function at the same predictable pace every single day. Yet, human biology does not operate in a straight line. Nature is cyclical, and human bodies mirror those rhythms. Bringing menstrual cycle awareness into the therapy room offers a powerful way to challenge these limiting norms.
Alessio (he/they) and Jude (she/they), hosts of the podcast “Queering IFS,” explore this topic alongside guest clinical psychologists Dr Charlie Ingham (she/they) and Dr Nancy Bancroft (she/her). They discuss how to integrate cycle tracking and hormonal literacy into mental health spaces. This approach honours bodily diversity and expands how therapists work with internal systems. Traditional therapeutic models often ignore biological rhythms. By questioning these omissions, mental health professionals can offer more inclusive, supportive care.
Understanding Menstrual Cycle Awareness Through an Inclusive Lens
Discussing biological cycles in therapy runs the risk of falling into gender essentialism. Historically, medicine reduced women to their hormonal fluctuations, dismissing their experiences as unpredictable or irrational. Charlie and Nancy focus on de-gendering this knowledge. They frame cycle awareness as hormonal literacy and bodily empowerment rather than a rigid rule tied to a specific gender identity.
Everyone has a body, and everyone experiences biological rhythms. While individuals with a uterus experience a 28-day infradian rhythm, all humans experience circadian rhythms. Furthermore, trans people, non-binary people, and intersex individuals also have complex relationships with their bodies and cycles. Jude and Alessio highlight the importance of using inclusive language.
The Intersection of Internal Family Systems and Cyclical Living
Internal Family Systems therapy focuses on multiplicity and Self-energy. Clients learn that having conflicting thoughts or moods does not mean something is broken. Similarly, menstrual cycle awareness teaches that feeling different across the month is completely normal. Nancy shares how understanding her cycle helped her differentiate between premenstrual exhaustion and deeper emotional trailheads.
Instead of viewing premenstrual anger or fatigue as a personal failure, clients can view these states as communications from their bodies. The body might be asking for rest, space, or a slower pace. When therapists hold this perspective, they help clients bring more self-compassion to their internal systems. Charlie notes that tracking the cycle allows clients to notice how different parts show up at various phases of the month, adding depth to therapeutic work.
Breaking Free From Capitalist and Patriarchal Therapy Models
Standard psychological training often omits biological cycles. This omission is no accident. Traditional models were developed within systems that prioritise continuous productivity over natural rest. Charlie points out that ignoring bodily rhythms serves capitalist and patriarchal agendas. When people feel pressured to maintain the same energy level every day, burnout becomes inevitable.
Reclaiming cycle awareness is an act of rebellion. It allows therapists and clients to question cultural burdens around menstruation, shame, and secrecy. Nancy notes that these ideas are not new discoveries. Ancient wisdom traditions and modern scholars, such as Dr Laura Owen and the founders of Red School, have championed menstruality for decades. Integrating these concepts into modern therapy simply means recovering lost wisdom and applying it in a practical, grounded way.
Practical Steps for Therapists and Clients
Introducing cycle awareness into therapy requires care and curiosity. Therapists must avoid imposing theories onto clients or invalidating their experiences. Nancy suggests inviting clients to track their cycles for a few months to see if any patterns emerge. If the practice feels useful, it becomes a valuable tool for self-understanding. If not, therapists simply drop the approach without pressure.
Key steps for exploring cyclical awareness in practice include:
Inviting clients to track daily energy shifts, moods, and physical sensations over two to three months.
Noticing how inner parts react to the idea of cycle tracking and addressing any protective resistance.
Examining how neurodivergence, such as ADHD or autism, intersects with hormonal shifts across the month.
Providing inclusive resources that use non-patronising, hormone-literate language.
Conclusion
Menstrual cycle awareness provides a transformative lens for both therapists and clients. By moving away from rigid, linear expectations, mental health professionals can honour the natural rhythms of the human body. Whether working with cisgender women, trans individuals, non-binary clients, or anyone else with a cycle, hormonal literacy fosters deeper self-connection. Through conversations led by Alessio, Jude, Charlie, and Nancy, the therapeutic community takes a vital step toward inclusive, embodied care.
Contacts and credits
Dr Charlie Ingham (she/they): Instagram @drcharlieingham
Dr Nancy Bancroft (she/her): Instagram @thebodyinmind Website and
Booking their upcoming workshops: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/menstrual-cycle-awareness-in-therapy-integrating-science-cyclical-wisdom-tickets-1994237943372
Resources mentioned: Her Blood Is Gold by Dr Lara Owen; Wild Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer; Red School, and The Menstruality Podcast
Alessio Rizzo (He/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist, IFS Trainer with the IFS Institute, and Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) — www.therapywithalessio.com
Jude Carn (She/They) is a Certified IFS psychotherapist and Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) — www.anchoredinself.co.uk
Sound editing by Forbes Coleman
