Why Power Matters in Therapy: Bringing Community Psychology into Private Practice

When people come to therapy, writes Dr Megan Patterson, they are often looking for ways to make sense of difficult experiences, overcome challenges, and create meaningful change in their lives. While therapy often focuses on thoughts, feelings, and relationships, I also draw on ideas from community psychology to understand the wider contexts that shape our wellbeing.

One of the key ideas in community psychology is power. Power influences our opportunities, relationships, sense of belonging, and how we experience the world. Factors such as workplace culture, social expectations, discrimination, financial pressures, and access to support can all have a significant impact on mental health.

This means that when we explore difficulties in therapy, I am interested not only in what is happening within you, but also in what is happening around you. Sometimes people carry a sense of self-blame for struggles that are connected to wider social or systemic issues. For example, difficulties at work may be shaped by organisational cultures, unequal power dynamics, unrealistic expectations, or experiences of exclusion. Within families, long-established roles, patterns of communication, cultural expectations, or caregiving responsibilities can also influence how people feel about themselves and relate to others. Recognising these influences can create space for greater self-compassion and a clearer understanding of the challenges you are facing.

A community psychology perspective also encourages curiosity about difference and identity. We are all shaped by aspects of ourselves such as our culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, social class, disability, age, faith, and life experiences. These identities can bring strengths, resources, and a sense of belonging, while also influencing how we are seen and treated by others. In therapy, there is space to explore how these experiences have shaped your story, relationships, and sense of self.

A focus on power also shapes the therapeutic relationship itself. Rather than positioning myself as the expert on your life, I aim to create a collaborative space where your experiences, values, and knowledge are respected. I also recognise that difference exists within the therapy room. We may share some experiences and identities while differing in others. Being open to these conversations can help create a relationship built on trust, respect, and genuine understanding.

Bringing together community psychology and individual therapy allows us to hold both personal and social perspectives at the same time. We can explore patterns, emotions, and relationships while also considering the broader influences that may be affecting your wellbeing. This often helps clients develop a deeper sense of agency, identify sources of support, and make changes that feel both meaningful and sustainable.

Therapy does not take place in a vacuum. By understanding the role of power, identity, relationships, and social context, we can work together to develop a richer understanding of your experiences and support the changes that matter most to you.