Client as Expert

The client is the chief expert of their own life, experience, and problem. The therapist is an expert in creating the conditions for dialogue, but not in the client's life. This is not just an ethical declaration but a practical stance: the therapist literally follows the client, rather than leading them toward a foreknown goal. "The client is not an object of the therapist's knowledge, but a subject of their own knowledge" (Anderson & Goolishian, 1992). The therapist uses the client's language and concepts, not translating them into professional jargon.

Step-by-step guide

1. At the start of the work — explicitly acknowledge to the client: "You know more about your life than I do"
2. When tempted to "explain" the problem to the client — stop and ask
3. Follow the client's language: use their words, do not translate into professional jargon
4. On disagreement — do not convince, but inquire: "Tell me more about how you see it"
5. Close sessions by checking with the client: "Was this useful? What will you take from here?"

When to use

• Throughout — as a base stance in the work
• Especially important with "diagnosed" clients, where there is a risk of stigmatization
• In situations where the client has a long experience of "treatment" by other professionals
• When the client doubts themselves and looks to the therapist for the "right" answer

Key phrases

Follow-up questions

Alternative phrasings