Does BACP ethical framework promote/ encourage change?
Description
I am focusing on disability (please read criteria sheet) in relation to answering this question. My presenting argument is that counselling does encourage change in the client.
Start with what is societal conformity and a little bit on how this may differ in different cultures. Society expects us to be independent and polite and so on and how disability may be viewed in society.
The client I had could not find a therapist before me who was local to her with wheelchair access. What message does that send the person on a wheelchair trying to access counselling in the society? is counselling encouraging the client to seek therapy? is it inclusive?
In specific cultures, including mine, there is a belief of karma therefore disability may be perceived as their past actions impacting their present state, therefore if a therapist world view is such then how they may be judging the client and this will impact how they show up for the client with all their prejudices and judgments. Therapist’s world views are an important factor, and their self awareness plays a vital role.
Power dynamic between the therapist and client. Carl Rogers says the client is the expert of their experience. He says that the relationship between the client and therapist is of equals. How many factors play into the power dynamic, for instance, therapist in a private practice working from home may not be aware of the client’s background, social status/class, the therapist house, the way they are dressed, the therapy room. The client may come from a more affluent area or maybe coming into an affluent area, will they have judgments? Will the therapist be aware of his/her judgments? Are they equals? Therapist’s awareness is imperative, otherwise it is difficult to facilitate change amongst judgements. Clients don’t have a social class they have an issue that they want to explore and understand in therapy, but am I seeing their socal class! Look at implicit biases that are unconscious.
Look at Carl Rogers view of what brings change in the client (his seven stages of therapeutic change) and what he thinks a therapist needs to offer the client (core conditions).
Does BACP ethical framework promote/ encourage change?