Strong Link...and How Shame Enters into the Clinical vs Advocacy Question

• Responses to First Learning about Affect Theory by Jim Duffy a.k.a. J.C.D., 2/28/97
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    • Clinical vs Advocacy by Ed Riemann, 3/19/97
      
      

Ed...we do have a strong link...(several stong links, as other links have to do with the art world). I agree the waters were muddy and you clarified the issue. Underlying the clinical vs advocacy issue is when and how to address values differences, not between you and I as clinicians, but with our clients. I have to be careful about being an "advocate" with a client with whom I have an obvious or not so obvious values difference. I could too easily end up shaming clients that did not come to counseling to be told by me that they should "live simply, eat vegetables, and give money to the poor."

And on the other hand, when I have a work-traumatized client I don't withhold my advocacy on this issue---to do that would also be shaming. For clients who are severely traumatized I may engage in direct intervention (first step of the crisis model) that may include, with (and only with) the client's permission, communicating with the employer as an advocate for my client.

Appropriateness is what we are talking about.

Ed, I'm glad you are an advocate for your community of clients. Mentally retarded people need an enormous amount of representation, love, and understanding. These people are actually quite magical (I have several stories). Thanks for telling me. Chauncey

• Group Advocacy vs Client Advocacy by Ed Riemann, 3/22/97