In the helping profession, we feel the need to “fix things”. That’s why we went into a helping field, right? To help find solutions to our world’s problems? As humans, we have the instinct to help others, and in society, being of service to others is admired. However, there’s a huge difference between fixing and helping. Fixing signifies an environment of unequal energy where quick solutions create temporary band-aids to our problems and it doesn’t foster learning. This illustrates disempowerment. Instead, to help others, we must incorporate elements of empowerment.
In a helper-client relationship, we want to create a collaborative atmosphere where we can utilize not only the helper’s skills and resources but also our clients’ as well. After all, YOU are the expert of YOU. Helpers are here to strengthen all of the knowledge you already have, and demonstrating that WE ALL have the capacity and ability to change and grow creates a higher chance of people achieving their goals.
Overall, our clients have the power to make their own decisions, and as helpers, we need to stay curious about an individual’s priorities, values and wisdom to enhance the skills that already exist within them. No one is able to provide the all-knowing solution to our aches and pains, but as helpers, we can offer some guidance. This perspective of equal share in the helper-client relationship not only provides better outcomes for the client, but it also takes the stress and pressure off of the helper to “fix”. In reality, our goal should not be to “fix”. Nobody needs fixing; however, we all could use a little guidance.