Decolonising the Therapist-Client Relationship

Decolonising the Therapist-Client Relationship

The traditional therapist-client relationship has long been characterised by hierarchical structures, wherein the therapist assumes the role of expert and the client is a passive recipient of care. While this model may reflect conventional notions of professionalism, it risks perpetuating disempowerment by mirroring societal hierarchies rooted in colonial ideologies. Decolonising the therapist-client relationship entails dismantling these hierarchies, fostering an egalitarian, collaborative dynamic that empowers clients to actively participate in their own healing. This approach not only honours the client’s agency but also integrates their cultural, historical, and personal narratives into the therapeutic process, making it more relevant and effective.

Challenging Hierarchies in Therapy

The hierarchical nature of the traditional therapist-client model can unintentionally reinforce power imbalances, leaving clients feeling disempowered or dependent on their therapist (Rappaport, 1993). This dynamic mirrors colonial structures, wherein authority and knowledge were centralised in the hands of a dominant group while the voices and autonomy of marginalised populations were suppressed. In a therapeutic setting, such power imbalances may manifest as the prioritisation of the therapist’s interpretations over the client’s lived experiences, thereby invalidating the client’s perspectives.

Decolonising this dynamic involves reimagining the therapist’s role, not as an authoritative figure but as a collaborator and facilitator. This shift aligns with the principles of person-centred therapy, which emphasise empathy, unconditional positive regard, and the client’s capacity for self-directed growth (Rogers, 1951). By fostering mutual respect and trust, therapists can create a space where clients feel empowered to express themselves authentically, explore their own solutions, and reclaim control over their narratives.

Empowering Clients Through Collaboration

Collaboration lies at the heart of a decolonised therapeutic relationship. This involves recognising the client as the expert on their own life and culture and valuing their input as essential to the healing process. Narrative therapy provides a valuable framework for this approach, as it focuses on helping clients reauthor their stories in ways that highlight resilience, agency, and meaning (White & Epston, 1990).

In collaborative therapy, the client’s voice is central to the decision-making process. Therapists adopt a stance of curiosity, seeking to understand the client’s worldview rather than imposing their own interpretations or solutions. This approach is particularly relevant for clients from marginalised or colonised communities, whose experiences are often shaped by intersecting oppressions such as racism, sexism, and classism. By centring the client’s cultural and historical context, therapists can help clients reconnect with their identities and challenge the systemic forces that contribute to their distress (Comas-Díaz, 2012).

Cultural Humility in Practice

Decolonising the therapist-client relationship also requires cultural humility, a lifelong commitment to self-reflection and learning on the part of the therapist (Tervalon & Murray-García, 1998). Cultural humility involves acknowledging the limitations of one’s own knowledge, recognising power imbalances, and striving to build equitable relationships. This stands in contrast to cultural competence, which emphasises acquiring knowledge about specific cultural groups but may inadvertently reinforce stereotypes or oversimplifications.

Therapists practising cultural humility engage in an ongoing dialogue with clients about their cultural identities, values, and experiences. This process allows therapists to tailor interventions to the client’s unique context while avoiding assumptions or generalisations. For example, rather than pathologising collectivist values as “enmeshment,” a culturally humble therapist might explore how family and community connections can serve as sources of strength and support (Sue et al., 2009).

Decolonising Knowledge in Therapy

Another critical aspect of decolonising the therapist-client relationship is challenging the dominance of Western psychological paradigms. Many therapeutic models and diagnostic frameworks are rooted in Eurocentric assumptions that may not resonate with clients from non-Western cultures (Fernando, 2010). For example, the emphasis on individualism in many therapeutic approaches may conflict with collectivist values that prioritise communal well-being over personal autonomy.

In a decolonised approach, therapists actively seek to integrate non-Western and Indigenous knowledge systems into their practice. This may include incorporating traditional healing practices, such as storytelling, rituals, or spirituality, into the therapeutic process (Gone, 2013). By valuing diverse ways of knowing and being, therapists can create a more inclusive and affirming environment that honours the client’s cultural heritage.

Reclaiming Autonomy in Healing

At its core, decolonising the therapist-client relationship is about reclaiming autonomy. This involves not only empowering clients to lead their own healing but also challenging the systemic structures that perpetuate inequality and oppression. Therapists can play a role in this process by advocating for social justice and addressing the broader sociopolitical factors that impact mental health (Hook et al., 2016).

For instance, therapists working with clients from marginalised communities may help them navigate the challenges of systemic racism, economic inequality, or immigration policies. This work requires an awareness of how these structural factors intersect with individual experiences and a commitment to addressing them through advocacy, education, and community engagement.

Conclusion

Decolonising the therapist-client relationship represents a transformative shift in how therapy is conceptualised and practised. By challenging hierarchies, fostering collaboration, practising cultural humility, and integrating diverse knowledge systems, therapists can create a more inclusive and empowering space for healing. This approach not only honours the client’s agency and cultural identity but also addresses the systemic forces that shape their experiences, paving the way for more equitable and effective mental health care. As the field of mental health continues to evolve, adopting decolonised practices will be essential for building a future where all individuals can access care that affirms their humanity and dignity.

References

• Comas-Díaz, L. (2012). Multicultural care: A clinician’s guide to cultural competence. American Psychological Association.

• Fernando, S. (2010). Mental health, race and culture (3rd ed.). Palgrave Macmillan.

• Gone, J. P. (2013). Redressing First Nations historical trauma: Theorising mechanisms for Indigenous culture as mental health treatment. Transcultural Psychiatry, 50(5), 683–706.

• Hook, J. N., Davis, D. E., Owen, J., Worthington, E. L., & Utsey, S. O. (2016). Cultural humility: Measuring openness to culturally diverse clients. Journal of Counselling Psychology, 60(3), 353–366.

• Rappaport, J. (1993). Narrative studies, personal stories, and identity transformation in the mutual help context. Journal of Applied Behavioural Science, 29(2), 239–256.

• Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy: Its current practice, implications, and theory. Houghton Mifflin.

• Sue, D. W., Sue, D., Neville, H. A., & Smith, L. (2009). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (5th ed.). Wiley.

• Tervalon, M., & Murray-García, J. (1998). Cultural humility versus cultural competence: A critical distinction in defining physician training outcomes in multicultural education. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 9(2), 117–125.

• White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative means to therapeutic ends. Norton.