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Question:  My question relates to your use of the word 'good' in the context of therapy. I am currently writing an article on how the process of democracy impinges on individual mores. Some would say that what is good for all is also good for the individual. If this were true, would it then mean that what is good for the individual is best determined by a majority vote? I've never been to a therapist but it is my guess that you don't tell your clients what's good for them. I wouldn't argue with that but it does make me curious about who then decides what is best for the common good of humanity. Would you agree that a therapeutic approach potentially flies in the face of a democratic one? DT, Melbourne

Answer:  What an intriguing question. I hope the following goes some way to address the issue you raise. I write from a social work background with insights from Modern European History and Political Science studies. To impose on the individual what is decided to be good by a group fits the top-down political theories from the so called divine right of kings to fascism. Opposing models are posited on the bottom-up theories which argue that the well being of individuals will guarantee a healthy whole. When it comes to social work theory, similar models of analysis exist. Some analysts hold that practitioners who work with mandated clients seek to achieve the conformity of the individual client to societal values, for example, motivating court-referred offenders to avoid further offending behaviour. This is in line with the model in your question.

It can similarly be also argued that practitioners who work on the mental, emotional and relational health of the individual voluntary client in some way contribute to the collective health of the society in which that client lives and operates. And some practitioners, social workers and others, who become advocates for under-voiced members of society as an outgrowth of their client work may be seen as following a socialist, bottom-up, change oriented course. Often of course, practitioners may work without regard to such social analysis. Our work may also see us conforming to all three models at times depending on the client needs we encounter at any given time. I hope this response is of use to you.

Answer provided by John Hunter, Counsellor