Power in the Helping Professions

by Adolf Guggenbühl-Craig

In this concise book, the eminent Jungian psychiatrist and author teaches us how to be aware of the subtle abuses of authority that can occur during therapy or counseling. Everyone has been on both sides of power-manipulation relationships, but without an objective method, becoming aware of these occurrences is difficult if not impossible. Guggenbühl offers fresh advice for social workers, analysts, teachers, and ministers to more effectively manage the power dilemmas that therapy attracts.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Astrology, Education, Teaching

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 1998

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm reading this as part of summer coursework for a contemplative care program I'm starting in the fall. It's the Jungian perspective on what happens when we fail to integrate the polarity of any innate archetype (in this case the doctor/patient archetype inherent in the helping professions of social work, psychiatry, medicine.) So the "healer" who fails to acknowledge and manage the "wounded" aspects of her own psyche, is in danger of creating a relationship bound by personal power and subjugation over that which they reject in themselves.

[Carolina Portilho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Um livro muito provocativo. Não diria que é cativante e nem tão esclarecedor assim. Mas foi importante pra minha jornada profissional, especialmente por falar sobre tudo aquilo que não é dito mas sentido nos ambientes de tais profissões. Diversos dilemas que já se passaram pela minha cabeça, questionamentos, e incômodos foram abordados pelo autor, o que me fez perceber que são questionamentos comuns, quem sabe até necessários, mas que existe um certo temor em se falar sobre no dia a dia. No mais, o autor se debruça um bocado na teoria Junguiana, nada que não seja possível de entender, mas certamente não é do agrado a todos. Certos aspectos abordando a religião, por exemplo, me incomodaram e, na minha concepção, tira um pouco a validade de certas passagens que poderiam ter sido feitas sem esse viés. Mas, como toda obra, recomendo pegar o que faz sentido e descartar o que não faz. Não é nem um livro imprescindível e nem um arrependimento.

[Lucas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tema interessante, sem muita enrolação, mas poderia desenvolver mais a ideia do abuso de poder em suas várias manifestações.

[Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good concept, and important to examine the therapist's shadow (power) in the therapeutic relationship. However, this book is very out of date and because of that, falls on its own sword on many accounts. Would love if there was an updated version of this book that takes into account an updated understanding of the world (i.e. gender equality or not pathologizing LGBTQ people) while making the same point about power in the helping professions.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best. Book. Ever.

[Lindan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, relevant, brief and to the point.

[Boris Tizenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book describing a Jungian perspective on how power dynamics can play out in the helping professions.

It is a really thoughtful analysis on how one can be pulled into the shadow aspects of a psychotherapist (etc.) while intending to do good. The author does a great job describing how unintentionally assuming the role of a false prophet through an abuse of power can lead to significant harm.

[Elan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that anyone - and everyone - in any personal helping profession should read.

For those of us in these realms - we need to actively be aware of our shadows, and this is a journey that lasts a lifetime...

[Jessiane Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Livro muito interessante que aponta aspectos sombrios de algumas profissões de cuidado, mas tendo como foco principal a psicoterapia. E, nossa, o tanto de estrago que você pode fazer por "querer ajudar os outros"...

[Wendy 'windmill' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

A very interesting take on the Shadow of the care industry. A book every teacher, psychoanalyst, doctor & social worker should read before embarking in the work of helping others. Brilliant & insightful!

[Irina Subredu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aproape 5 * . Made me think.

[Roshini Sridhar · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that I recommend to anyone who works (in any capacity) with other people. My favorite quote, and the one that sums up the entire book, was in the preface by John R. Haule: “As soon as we know ‘what’s best’ for our patient or student—we have in Guggenbuhl’s language ‘split the archetype.’ One of us is all-knowing and all-powerful, and the other is ignorant, neurotic and powerless.” Bravo! (Perhaps the reason I like it so much is because it's very similar to my own book Getting Messy: A Guide to Taking Risks and Opening the Imagination for Teachers, Trainers, Coaches and Mentors.)

You can get more on this topic and Guggenbuhl's book on my blog (I titled the post "Being Headless".

Getting Messy: A Guide to Taking Risks and Opening the Imagination for Teachers, Trainers, Coaches and Mentors

[culley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have decided that for me this book is slightly dated, if only in that several of the chapters are not particularly useful or applicable to the career I imagine for myself. On the other hand, this book provides a useful lens on the ongoing role of shadow work for the therapist (or social worker, or doctor, etc.).

[Cathy Hasty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This slightly outdated book is profoundly wise and provocative. Male pronouns aside, this author challenges those of us who play the role of "helper" to examine the subtle and pervasive underside of that apparently noble motivation. The audience for this reflection includes teachers, social workers, clergy, physicians and psychoanalysts.

[Immaterielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who works in the helping professions.