YEAR 3 Essay - Copy - Consider the issues of power within the counselling relationship, focusing on PDF

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Consider the issues of power within the counselling relationship, focusing on the different social, economic, culture, sexual and political contexts in which counsellor and client meet....

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Consider the issues of power within the counselling relationship, focusing on the different social, economic, culture, sexual and political contexts in which counsellor and client meet.

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“It is found that when power is left with persons, and when we are real with them, understanding of them, caring toward them, constructive behaviour changes occur, and they exhibit more strength and power and responsibility.” (Rogers, 1978: 287-288)

Introduction The counsellor and client relationship is critical in supporting them to deal with any issues they have in their life. The client, however, approaches the counsellor from a vulnerable position, noting that the client must trust the counsellors’ knowledge, skill and ability to utilise them. This creates a power differential which if unfettered can be abused to the detriment of the client. Counselling is based on the ability of the client and counsellor to create a relationship. The relationship in a perfect situation should be balanced. However, this scenario is not always the norm, the client is in most instances in a position of vulnerability where there are power dynamics at play in any relationship. On the other hand, on some occasions the therapist can also feel powerless, the client can have power over the therapist consciously or in other situations unintentional, unconsciously (therapist might have some personal issues, which might be triggered by some clients), this is more pronounced in a counselling relationship.

The paper, therefore, considers the issues of power within the counselling relationship. The paper will examine the different social, economic, culture, sexual and political contexts in which counsellor and client meet. I will also apply some examples from my practice as a therapist and from the position of being client too.

The paper will attempt to determine how best to serve the client’s interests, and how power affects counselling or could be manipulated. The paper will also examine different 2

types of power in counselling and the positions of ethics as a counter balance to the power differential.

What means the word Power? The word power came from Latin posse, which means "to be able" or "to have power." The word 'potential' is also related. Potential is a capacity; a capacity to grow, develop, change, effect self, others or the environment. In the context of this paper, power will refer to any ability to effect, direct, influence, change, or exert control over self, people, situations or courses of events. It might be seen as people’s capacity or ability to affect, control, or manipulate their environment, including the attitudes, emotions, and behaviour of others or themselves. Power can be just or unjust, fair or unfair, direct or indirect. It may or may not involve force or threat of force and can be used consciously or unconsciously, overtly or covertly, and the recipients may be aware or unaware of the impact of power on them. It is important to appreciate the meaning of power as applied in the counselling context. Power in this instance refers to the innate or learned ability of an individual to exert influence on the behaviour of another. Where used appropriately, power can be an essential tool in therapy. Schmid (2005) stated, “As there is influence, there is power. The claim for non-directivity is not a denial of power, as is often insinuated. On the contrary, the non-directive therapist is very aware of his power and therefore uses it particularly carefully; that is, in a way that brings about empowerment of clients by trust in their resources.”(p.81) Utilised effectively it can allow the counsellor to support a client in stopping the detrimental behaviour and adopting good behaviour. Power can be utilised to influence the thoughts,

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feelings, belief systems or behaviour of others. The exercise of power is not limited to counselling. It is a distinctly human trait. It uses, or lack of use thereof, allows one to manipulate the world around them (Proctor, 2002). Some people are aware of their unhealthy use of power, but it suits them to operate this way.

Types of power in Counselling The balance of power and the dynamics surrounding it are essential in any relationship. The literature on power relationships has suggested several typologies to identify different types of power. Brody, (1992) in his book, The Healer's Power, separates power into three categories of Aesculapian, Social, and Charismatic power. French and Raven (1960), who differentiate between expert powers, legitimate power, referent power, reward power, coercive power, and informational power. Pope and Vasquez (2007) focus on therapists' power and have identified several types of power that pertain to them. These include power conferred by the state, power to name and define power of testimony, power of knowledge, and power of expectation. Starhawk (1987), Arendt (1986) and other feminist authors differentiate between power-over and power-with, and also between power-over and empowerment. Perhaps the most citied typology was offered by Proctor (2002), in her thorough book, The Dynamics of Power in Counselling and Psychotherapy proposes a typology of three types of power: role power, societal power and historical power.

Issues of Power It emerges that there is a distinct imbalance of power in the counsellor to client relationship. It is necessary; therefore, to appreciate the counsellor is in a position of privilege. The 4

counsellor can profit from this relationship at the expense of the client. In the following section, the paper explores the different contexts in which counsellor and clients meet and form relationships. The key question is determining if the counsellor can profit from these relationships and in what manner and what issues of power can arise in the relationship.

Sexual Context The counsellor-client relationship is based on trust. Where the counsellor and client are from different genders, there is a likelihood of a heterosexual relationship developing. The client is in a vulnerable relationship emotionally and mentally. The client is, therefore, vulnerable to sexual advances. The sexual context applies to romantic settings even where the romantic attachment is non-sexual in nature. The Code of Ethics explicitly prohibits sexual or romantic relations between counsellors and the clients. This is regardless of whether the client is aware and judged to be capable of making decisions. The code of ethics regards any such contact as potentially detrimental to the long-term mental and emotional health of the client. The client can and may knowingly choose to participate in a sexual relationship with the counsellor. However, the power differential continues to exist despite this. Should the relationship fail, the client could say they were coerced into it. The relationship further compounds the ability of the counsellor to cater to the needs of the clients, noting that a romantic relationship creates a conflict of interest. The counsellor is no longer a neutral party but has an inherent interest in the emotional and mental health of the client. Many professional organizations have made it unethical for therapists to be sexually involved with current or recently terminated clients.

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From my own experience as a female therapist having male clients, I am always aware of the possibility of attraction. Therefore, I would never abuse the power over vulnerable clients, nor dress provocatively or use any seductive form via speech, gestures or physical contact.

Social Context Social contact between the client and counsellor outside therapy is unethical. The relationship between the counsellor and the client must remain professional. Social contact is adjudged to propagate the power differential between the client and counsellor. The counsellor can and will be in a position of enhanced power in any social context. Further to this, such contact, even where it is not in a sexual or romantic context, diminishes the stature of the counsellor. There is a theoretical perspective from some scholars who presume that social contact between the client and counsellor. The argument being that the increased contact between the counsellor and the client can force the client to be more engaged in the counselling process. However, this argument propagates an external locus of achievement, where the client changes their behaviour for an external reason. However, this is untenable in the long run. The client is likely to revert back to their behaviour, where the external stimuli are removed. My clients are always client only, I do not have desire to socialise with them. I believe that we should establish boundaries at the beginning of the counselling relationship and agree how we will react just in case we meet outside the therapy room.

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Economic Context The counselling relationship while concerned with the mental health status of the client has an economic component to it. The relationship needs to be established on the exchange of counselling services for a pre-determined fee. This exchange is necessary noting the counsellor survives on these payments for their services. Thus, where the counsellor renders their service, they have a reasonable expectation with regard to expecting payment. The counsellor sets their fees taking into consideration, their expertise, client’s ability to pay, a cost of other factors such as rent etc. the ability of the client to set their own fees, therefore means that the client must accept them. Where the client is unable to pay, they can request a reduction. If they cannot pay, the counsellor, therefore, provides recommendations as to where potential clients can access such services at lower costs. The ability of the counsellor to set their own fees arbitrarily creates a power differential. The client is in a position of vulnerability, where they must accept the counsellor’s demands. This can also be further compounded by, where the client and counsellor engage in an activity that has an economic component. Where a counsellor and client engage in business, the existence of a counselling relationship prior to the business relationship provides grounds through which a contractual relationship can be questioned. The client can attempt to dissolve the contractual relationship and release themselves from any contractual obligations where the business relationship does not become progressive. In recognition of the economic contexts in which, counselling relationships are established, it is essential to appreciate the economic context. The counsellor must note that economic components devalue the counselling relationship. It compounds the ability of the counsellor to work. The

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counsellor must ensure that any economic context in the relationship is geared towards the protection of the client.

Cultural Context Culture refers to the general knowledge, belief and morals that we acquire as a human being in society. The cultural context is essential noting it refers to the way of life of an individual, different individuals have different cultural backgrounds. This is evident even for individuals who share a common race, nationality or language. Thus, a counsellor in the UK could expect to contend with cultural aspirations based on race, upbringing, social class etc. This impacts the power differential in subtle ways. A critical example would be the cultural context as viewed through a racial prism. In the UK, and in fact globally, people who are white and of Caucasian background have been placed on a pedestal. This results in their developing a superiority complex. Africans and specifically black Africans were considered the lowest on the social scale. While modernity has changed these facts, the subconscious cultural underpinnings are yet unresolved. The counsellor should be capable of resolving these issues. The counsellor would note a power differential where the client is from a historically inferior background. The background, which could be considered inconsequential today must be interrogated if the client is to receive the best therapy. Culture can affect the power differential, the counsellor should be aware of this fact. The counsellor should take steps to ensure this difference is minimised. The counsellor should ensure the client understands the importance of respecting cultures within the counselling relationship. However, the counsellor should inform the client of the potential effects of culture on the counselling relationship. This ensures that the client makes decisions based on informed consent. The counsellor should 8

keep track of their biases and ensure they do not affect the therapy. Most clients are not likely to have power over their therapists derived from their professionalism unless they hold certain positions in society that may have a bearing on the power dynamic in therapy. In my previous placement, with one of my clients I experienced an issue of being powerless. English not being my mother tongue language and coming from a different country sometimes creates difficulties in my practise. I had a white middle class female who was a lecturer at a university and well spoken, she was unaware of her class position in society, which triggered an inferiority complex on me regarding my language. Unbeknown to her, this was my issue and not hers but she was an imposing figure, who had a loud voice that was difficult to interrupt at times. On many occasions she would push the boundaries, especially time keeping whether it was late arrival or exceeding her time slot. This put me in uncomfortable position, as it was hard to tackle the issue and regain some balance of power.

Political context The position of politics is a constant tension in therapy. On some occasions, what is happening in politics can have big impact on some people’s mental health. Unfortunately most of those people cannot do much, they feel powerless. One of the examples was last year’s EU referendum Brexit, which has caused a mental health crisis. A vote about borders triggered many anxieties in Britain. Among not only EU foreigners but also many of the British who live abroad or having their property were very uncertain on what will happen. These uncertain outcomes turn into fear and anger. There were many questions unanswered to do with jobs, how you work, how it would affect people. The uncertainty created high levels of stress.

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Votes to leave EU had big impact on my health too. Being a foreigner myself, I remember the anxieties and the fear about my future. For a few weeks I could not sleep, I was constantly worried, stressed and panicking that I will have to leave the UK. Counselling helped me overcome my anxieties, my therapist was supportive, even though I did not know her political views about Brexit, or whether she vote to leave. At that time, I was curious but I never asked the question. I guess because she offered me a lot of empathy and support and the environment was a safe place for me to talk, so the question was not important any more, someone was listening. From my view, whatever therapists’ political views are, we have an ethical responsibility to the well-being of the client. Politics are always evident in how we interpret stories, how we construct alternatives, and how we choose to work with our clients. Whatever the client views are through dialogue, ethically we should not impose our own political views upon them.

Managing the Power imbalance In attempting to reduce the power imbalance, the counsellor can implement a number of strategies. These include; reducing the use of technical jargon in language. The use of technical jargon only serves to remind the client that they are in an inferior position. The counsellor should maintain the level of the language at a level that matches the intellectual capability of the client. The counsellor should not blame the client for any misunderstanding. Rather the counsellor should rephrase their wording. The counsellor can also change the environment in which the counselling happens, to an environment where the client is comfortable in, the seating arrangement should be face to face, with the seating level on an equal setting and not where the counsellor can look down on the client. 10

Ethics and the power differential in Counselling Ethics is defined as the branch of knowledge that deals with the behaviour and conduct of individuals. It can also be defined as a branch of philosophy involved in the determination of the concepts of right and wrong. It deals with moral principles and how these impact interactions within a group or society. Ethics and the ethical codes resulting from it is a critical tool in managing the power differential in the client-counsellor relationship. Ethics and ethical codes are predicated on the acceptance of the existence of the power differential. Ethics, therefore, as a discipline exists to provide the boundaries within which the counsellor can operate. Ethical codes are the codified laws and regulations that regulate the practice of counselling and the relationships therein. Ethics exists not as an additional burden, but to protect the counsellor and the client, where the client is assured that the counsellor will only conduct themselves within certain boundaries. If the counsellor notes that any act of commission or omission may, result in harm to the client. The counsellor will act to forestall such an eventuality. The good of the client is always, therefore, of paramount importance.

Conclusion In the discussion on power and its impact on the counselling relationship, the paper has examined a number of contexts. In each context, the paper has noted the potential for misuse of this power. The paper has noted, even in instances where the client can reasonably be expected to have sufficient knowledge of their actions. The presence of the counsellor in any context, calls into question the reliability of the client’s judgement. The power dynamics inherent in the counselling relationship, place the counsellor on a pedestal.

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From this perspective, the counsellor has a more robust understanding of the relationship. The counsellor can therefore direct actions to suit their selfish needs. The paper notes, therefore, that any non-professional relationship between the client and counsellor places the client at risk. It diminishes the stature of the counsellor as a professional in the opinion of a client. It further calls into question the collective integrity of the whole profession. Counsellors must therefore remain aware of the power differential. This is essential noting that the counsellor and client are likely to meet outside the professional contexts. The counsellor must endeavour to protect the interest of the client. This is regardless of whether the interests of the counsellor are damaged. The counsellor, for example, would be expected to reject any sexual advances from a client. This is despite, the counsellor being receptive to such advances. The counsellor is also expected to reject any economic association or social interaction with a client. Such interaction constitutes encumbrances on the counselling relationship and reduces the efficacy of the counselling relationship. I believe being a person-centred therapist can be very challenging role. One of the key objectives of person-centred counselling is to empower the client to find his or her own direction. The therapist aims to create an environment in which the client can be supported to achieve personal growth by reconnecting with their Organismic Valuing Process (how I feel), self-Actualizing Tendency (what do I need), and their Internal Locus of Evaluation (I know what I want, I am worthy). As a therapist we can’t run our client’s lives for them, telling or advising them what to do, but we can help them to access difficult emotional areas, help them to understand what they feel and help them to achieve positive change. This can only happen effectively in a relationship, when the client can trust you and feel...