Let’s Talk About Power: Rebalancing Relationships in Therapy

Written by [Haythem Lafhaj]

Power dynamics exist in every relationship—romantic, familial, therapeutic. As PLMFTs, recognizing and addressing power is essential to ethical, effective work. Power can be structural (age, race, socioeconomic status), relational (dominance/submission), or emotional (who gets heard).

Therapy provides space to name and explore these dynamics. In couples work, this might mean noticing who leads the conversation, who apologizes more, or whose emotions get centered. When therapists help clients reflect on these patterns, they empower them to co-create more balanced relationships.

The AAMFT Code of Ethics (2015) and Sue & Sue (2016) both highlight the therapist’s responsibility to acknowledge power—not just between clients, but also between therapist and client. Ignoring this dynamic can reinforce harm; naming it can create safety.

Rather than “equalizing” everything, ethical practice involves honoring difference and inviting accountability. A power-conscious therapist asks: Whose voice is missing? Who benefits from this silence? How can we shift the narrative?

References:

AAMFT. (2015). AAMFT Code of Ethics.

Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and Practice.