About the lecture

In this lecture, we think about rebalancing power in psychological therapy, focusing in particular on: (i) how the relationship between a therapist and a person accessing therapy has changed over time, resulting in the modern ‘equal partner’ dynamic; (ii) the early work of Philippe Pinel, who helped influence viewpoints on patients in ‘lunatic asylums’ to improve their living conditions; (iii) the role of Carl Rogers in furthering this relationship development by implementing person-centred therapy; (iv) the role of ‘experts by experience’, whereby those who have experienced the issues being presented by the client are involved in the therapy; (v) current regulations around balancing power in experiments, such as informed consent and the right to withdraw.

About the lecturer

Dr Marc Williams is a senior academic tutor and honorary senior lecturer in the School of Psychology at Cardiff University. His university work centres around the doctoral programme in clinical psychology, including supervising doctoral theses and supporting trainees. Dr Williams’ research interests include eating disorders and people’s relationship with their environment. Some of Dr Williams' recent publications include 'Attentional bias in eating disorders: a meta review' (2021) and 'The relationship between climate change and mental health information-seeking: a preliminary investigation' (2020).