I make it clear to clients that I'm not there to challenge their values. I encourage them to examine and question them the same way I would not tell a child whether or not to believe in Santa or ghosts.
This is a really thought-provoking piece Amber. I confess I had not considered this question very much, probably because I'm practicing in a context where the divide feels less extreme (for now at least). Your post is strangely timely today though, as a big protest takes place in Wellington about proposed changes to the Treaty of Waitangi (a founding document between Māori and The Crown). My psychology colleague came to work today wearing a patch in support of the Treaty. Personally, I love this, as she works with many Māori clients and it's an important stance of solidarity. Others may consider this controversial, but I think we can't help but bring who we are into our work to some extent. And sometimes to not speak out, is perceived as implicitly condoning an issue....
I make it clear to clients that I'm not there to challenge their values. I encourage them to examine and question them the same way I would not tell a child whether or not to believe in Santa or ghosts.
That’s such a nice clear way to put it “I’m not here to challenge your values.” I like that.
Such a particular moment in time for us therapists. Appreciate your work on this 🙏🏼
A hard time, but I’m excited for how our role as therapists is being challenged and the growth I see happening. Thank you for reading Kaitlyn!
This is a really thought-provoking piece Amber. I confess I had not considered this question very much, probably because I'm practicing in a context where the divide feels less extreme (for now at least). Your post is strangely timely today though, as a big protest takes place in Wellington about proposed changes to the Treaty of Waitangi (a founding document between Māori and The Crown). My psychology colleague came to work today wearing a patch in support of the Treaty. Personally, I love this, as she works with many Māori clients and it's an important stance of solidarity. Others may consider this controversial, but I think we can't help but bring who we are into our work to some extent. And sometimes to not speak out, is perceived as implicitly condoning an issue....
Thanks so much for articulating this tension, Amber