On Joining

Authors

Keywords:

truth, therapy, therapeutic models, paternalism, person-centered care, iatrogenesis

Abstract

In this piece, I explore the concept of joining, and utilize this concept to spark a broader conversation about potentially oppressive power dynamics obtaining between clinicians and clients in modern practice settings. I contend that the profession of social work needs to revise and deepen our understanding of foundational person-centered principles to limit possibly iatrogenic outcomes. I offer a proposed definition of joining as "meeting someone as an equal with the intention of co-creating truth." In my discussion of oppressive therapeutic practices, I explore the concept of paternalism and use theoretical frameworks developed by the philosopher and analyst Franz Fanon. The article concludes with a discussion of what it might mean to "co-create truth" in the therapeutic context, and proposes an epistemological model grounded in dialogue. I propose that the social work professional adopt this epistemological model.

Author Biography

Matthew Saks, University of Denver

Matthew Saks, MSW, LCSW is Adjunct Professor, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO (matthew.saks@du.edu).

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Published

2025-09-29

How to Cite

Saks, M. (2025). On Joining. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 31(3), 22–35. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/2091

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