Objective 3: Examine the importance of appropriately defining roles in the client-helper professional relationship.

Roles are important in any relationship as they help to define what each party will bring to the table. However, defining roles in a helping scenario is not necessarily one that is objective. An error in defining roles by either party can have negative consequences that affect the overall relationship as well as the progress that can be made.

If the client is viewed as a victim, for example, the role of the professional can be altered to that of savior, or a relationship may be formed that puts the power in the helper’s hands only. This downplays the role of the client as an active party in the relationships. It is important to appropriately define these roles at the beginning of the interaction as it sets the tone for what follows.

• Write a 1-page response to the following points:
  • Use at least two terms of your choosing that you feel best define your role as a helping professional (example – advocate, expert, etc).
  • Use at least two terms of your choosing that you feel best define the role of the client (receiver of services, etc.).
  • Examine the terms that you used to define each party’s role. Do these terms appropriately put power into each party’s hands? Do these terms move away from seeing the client as a “victim” in the relationship?
  • Provide a concluding paragraph discussing the importance of appropriately defining roles as it relates to your ethical responsibility as a helping professional