Power Dynamics Determined by ROLE

While studying at the Smith College School for Social Work, we were asked to face, own, and acknowledge the power dynamic inherent in any therapeutic relationship. No matter that we were young-ish, still-in-training therapists, the roles assigned, “therapist” and “client,” create an unequal power dynamic. No matter our age, race, gender, level of experience or education, in that particular relationship, we, the burgeoning therapist, are seen as the “expert.” We have the power, whether we know it or deserve it. At Smith, we were taught to become aware, acknowledge, and work to equalize this dynamic. Our goal was to shift the dynamic as much as possible so that our clients had power over their own treatment. One of my supervisors in the field, also a Smith SSW graduate, consciously worked to give his clients power while acknowledging the societal and historical power inherent in his role as a white, educated, therapist. Instead of writing his final Case Study about a client, he and one of his clients co-wrote the paper. He acknowledged the inherent power dynamic and resulting imbalance, and worked to shift it.

I think of power dynamics as a see-saw: one person sits on the ground while the other is up in the air. We work to find balance when possible.

Culturally, we are becoming more aware, thank goodness, to power dynamics inherent in race, gender identity, gender, class, ability, education. Yet, in so many ways, we are still blind to how the myriad ROLES we play impact inherent or perceived power. The same person can shift in one day from having power to lacking power, based on ROLE; we move from parent (power) to employee (less power), from team leader (power) to medical patient (less power).

Here are just a few of the power dynamics determined by ROLE that come to mind—I’m sure there are many I’m not even aware of!

• Parent/child

• Adult/child

• Student/teacher

• Doctor/patient

• Employer/employee

• Celebrity/fan

• Therapist/client

• Player/coach

• Religious leader/member of congregation

This week, we broaden our awareness of how the ROLES we play give or take away power and seek to find more balance.

• Become aware

• Acknowledge

• Work to equalize

* The power of inhabiting a role with pure intention and courage cannot be more beautifully illustrated than in Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s journey. Now, President of Ukraine, he started playing roles as an actor and comedian. The world bears witness as he steps into the role of heroic leader.