Paternalizm i partnerstwo w relacji terapeutycznej w świetle interakcjonizmu symbolicznego
Paternalism and Partnership in the Therapeutic Relationship in the Light of Symbolic Interaction Theories

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the article is to outline selected aspects of the study on paternalism and partnership in the therapist-patient relationship in drug rehabilitation centers, and to look at the problem from the perspective of some theories of symbolic interaction. The study was carried out with the qualitative method, using free interviews with standardized information search lists. It has included three permanent stay centers which use therapeutic community method in their work. In total, 30 patients and 15 therapists were interviewed. The concept of drug abuse and the ideology of therapeutic community are not conductive to the establishment of partnerships. It is claimed that due to drug abuse the patient is not able to look at the reality in a rational way. In this perspective, the patient has but the limited insight into their needs and emotions, experiences problems in decision-taking and problem solving. The very structure of the therapeutic community, with the therapist who stays at the top of the ladder and enjoys almost unlimited power, does not boost any partnership between him/her and the patient. The patient – therapist relationship can be discussed from the perspective of interactionist theory. This offers a more in-depth insight in what happens between two persons involved in the interaction. It helps identify a whole range of various behaviors that shape the relationship, understand what stays behind such behaviors, what messages are conveyed by partners and how those two negotiate the common definition of the reality.

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