Power, authority and therapeutic relationship

Abstract

This article explores the concept, from a historical and multidisciplinary perspective, of power and authority, and the relationship with the development of the therapeutic relationship in health-care in general and Mental Health in particular. A good working relationship facilitates compliance, reduces the risk of relapse, the severity of them and improves psychosocial functioning. To achieve this it is necessary to prevent the rejection of professional power, and increase, from the user’s point of view, the prestige and authority associated with their knowledge and their professional work.