The Power Differential and Therapy
https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/power-differential-why-it-matters-so-much-in-therapy-1009154
In the helping professions, the power differential has great value. Used wisely and appropriately, it creates a safe, well-boundaried, professional context for growth and healing. More specifically, when used ethically and effectively, the power differential offers people in therapy, students, supervisees, and patients some important assurances:
- Confidence in their caregiver’s knowledge, training, and expertise
- Security, safety, and protection
- Role boundary clarification and maintenance
- Assessments of progress
- Sensitivity, respect, fairness, and care
- Allocated responsibilities
- Provision of direction, focus, treatment, guidance, and support
- Overview and access to a bigger picture and wider view of persons and situations
- Chain of accountability
- Facilitated accomplishment of task and purpose
- Final decision-making authority
These values can be reduced to six categories:
- Safety, kindness, and boundaries
- Larger frame
- Expertise
- Assigned responsibilities
- Accountability
- Assessment and productivity
Think about it. When you go to a therapist, doctor, or teacher, you want to be in an environment where you can get what you need. You want the environment to be different than just talking to a friend. When you get on a plane, for example, you want and need the pilot to look and act competent. Wearing jeans and a T-shirt just won’t do. You need him or her to be skilled, to embrace his or her role, and treat you with respect.
