How can you address power imbalances in the therapeutic relationship?

1 Acknowledge power dynamics

The first step to address power imbalances is to acknowledge their existence and impact. Power dynamics can affect how you and your clients communicate, perceive, and relate to each other. They can also influence how your clients respond to your interventions, feedback, and suggestions. By acknowledging power dynamics, you can show your clients that you are aware of the potential barriers and challenges in the therapeutic relationship. You can also invite them to share their perspectives and experiences of power and how it affects their motivation and readiness for change.

2 Explore ambivalence

The second step to address power imbalances is to explore your clients' ambivalence about change. Ambivalence is a natural and common state of having mixed feelings or thoughts about something. It can also be a result of power imbalances, as your clients may feel pressured, coerced, or conflicted by external or internal forces. By exploring ambivalence, you can help your clients identify and resolve their sources of discrepancy and resistance. You can also demonstrate your respect for their autonomy and self-determination, and support their intrinsic motivation and confidence for change.

3 Adopt a curious stance

The third step to address power imbalances is to adopt a curious stance. A curious stance is a way of being open, interested, and non-judgmental in the therapeutic relationship. It involves asking open-ended questions, reflecting, summarizing, and affirming your clients' strengths and values. By adopting a curious stance, you can avoid making assumptions, imposing your agenda, or giving advice. You can also learn more about your clients' unique context, culture, and goals. Moreover, you can foster a collaborative and mutual learning process, where you and your clients can exchange information, insights, and feedback.

4 Validate emotions

The fourth step to address power imbalances is to validate your clients' emotions. Emotions are powerful and complex phenomena that can influence your clients' behavior and decision-making. They can also be a source of power or vulnerability, depending on how they are expressed and received. By validating your clients' emotions, you can show your empathy, compassion, and acceptance. You can also help your clients regulate their emotions, cope with distress, and access their positive resources.

5 Negotiate roles

The fifth step to address power imbalances is to negotiate your roles. Roles are the expectations, responsibilities, and boundaries that define the therapeutic relationship. They can also be a source of power or conflict, depending on how they are established and maintained. By negotiating your roles, you can clarify your purpose, scope, and limits as a therapist. You can also invite your clients to express their preferences, needs, and concerns as a partner in the change process. Furthermore, you can adjust your roles as needed, depending on the stage and direction of change.

6 Seek feedback

The sixth and final step to address power imbalances is to seek feedback. Feedback is the information, evaluation, and appreciation that you and your clients exchange in the therapeutic relationship. It can also be a source of power or learning, depending on how it is delivered and received. By seeking feedback, you can monitor and improve your effectiveness, competence, and rapport as a therapist. You can also encourage your clients to share their opinions, satisfaction, and progress as a client. Additionally, you can use feedback to celebrate successes, address challenges, and plan next steps.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?