Increasing Our Sensitivity to the Implications of Similarities and Differences Between Therapists and Clients

Women therapists are similar and dissimilar to our clients in a variety of ways. Previously, we have focused on and celebrated our similarities. Both similarities and differences can be disruptive to the psychotherapy process, however, when not recognized. This paper attempts to delineate and to describe in a preliminary way some of the dimensions, both obvious and subtle, along which we may be similar and different from our clients. The greatest difficulty appears to arise from similarities and differences in values. Using examples, the paper disusses problems which can occur with similarity and with difference.