TERAPEUTISK KOMPETENCE I EN PROBLEMATISK PRAKSIS

Abstract

It is argued that we must comprehend therapeutic competence as an aspect of concrete therapeutic practice. On this background therapeutic competence is characterized as problematic since the discipline and the practice of therapy are problematic entities. The competence changes historically and differs locally and individually. It is complex and must be understood in a decentered manner, is distributed and partial, positioned and situated, controversial and cannot be taken for granted, marked by a combination of personal uncertainty, normative faultlessness and sole responsibility.
The paradox of exercizing authority in the government of other people's autonomy increases therapists' personal need for self-monitoring, self-examination and self-development. It also necessitates a combination of critique of the discipline, self-criticism and development. And it calls for a concrete practice research about the therapist as a person in a therapeutic practice marked by such features.