Therapy, also known as counseling or psychotherapy, is a treatment approach that involves talking to a trained mental health professional to improve mental health and well-being. When considering beginning therapy it is important to understand the power dynamic that exists in the relationship between the professional and the client. Within this exchange, the therapist holds a position or authority and expertise, which puts them at a power advantage and can possibly create an imbalance within the dynamic. As a prospective client, it is essential to be aware of what to expect from therapy and how to address any potential power differentials.
What role does the professional play?
In a therapy environment, it is the professional’s duty to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive space where clients are able to explore and share their thoughts and feelings. Therapists must establish clear boundaries and mutual expectations for the relationship. In addition, the professional is trained to listen actively, display empathy, and be judgment-free. It is crucial to understand that therapists are not there to tell their client what to do but rather to guide them through exploring their thoughts and emotions. The general goal of therapy should be to develop strong coping mechanisms that will allow the client to face any challenges or issues in their life.
What role does the client play?
Within the relationship between the client and the professional, it is the client’s responsibility to first be actively invested in the therapeutic process. Clients must hold a desire to resolve their conflicts while being open, honest, and receptive to new ideas or solutions. It is also important to have a willingness to challenge personal beliefs, behaviors, and outlooks on life. Finally, clients must work with their therapists to create goals and purposefully work towards achieving them.
How to address the power differential
In some cases, the power differential between a professional and a client in a therapeutic environment can make the client feel vulnerable and less confident. These feelings can manifest in many ways, including feeling obligated to strictly follow the therapist’s recommendations or feeling embarrassed to express true feelings and thoughts. However, there are measures that can be taken by therapists to ensure that their clients are made to feel empowered, safe, and respected.
Therapists can use a collaborative approach to their practice so they can work together with their client to establish goals, discuss treatment options, and make decisions throughout the therapeutic process. Therapy can be an incredibly valuable tool to improve a person’s mental health and well-being. However, it is important to understand the power dynamic that exists between the therapist and client as well as how to address any potential imbalances. By being an active participant in therapy sessions and openly communicating with a professional, clients can ensure they feel empowered and respected.
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By: Emily Peugh
Senior Care Advising Intern at WellPath Partners
Health Science Student, California State University, Long Beach
