I think there are so many contextual variables, but honestly I think it all boils down to how vulnerable the client is. I know when I first entered, I was in a straight-up crisis. Didn't know my *** from my elbow. I was desperate for an expert. If T had told me the sky was green, I'd have believed him. If he'd abused my vulnerability, I wouldn't have been able to walk.

Of course, the story is much, much different when you enter therapy under different circumstances. Obviously it varies person-to-person.

I guess the real question is, is there an INHERENT power differential? I don't know. I'm still tempted to say it skews toward the therapist.