Therapists should strive to understand how their values affect therapy. What should they avoid?

Exerting undue influence based on their own values is crucial for therapists to avoid in their practice as it can compromise the integrity of the therapeutic relationship and undermine the clients' autonomy. When therapists allow their personal values to dominate the therapeutic process, it can lead to a misalignment with the client's needs and experiences, effectively steering the session away from a client-led exploration towards a more directive approach based on the therapist's beliefs.

Therapy should ideally be a space where clients feel safe to explore their own values and beliefs without pressure or judgment from the therapist. This approach enables clients to make their own decisions based on their personal values, rather than feeling coerced into adopting the therapist's worldview. By avoiding undue influence, therapists can better facilitate a supportive environment that respects and honors each client's unique perspective and experiences.