Empathy, alliance, and warmth are crucial to the success of therapy. The other key factor is the belief that it works. This often goes hand in hand with trusting one’s psychotherapist. In more sociological terms, the alliance between the therapist, or attunement, is central (Scheff, 1999; Collins, 2004). Alienation between the psychotherapist and the client can turn yet another social bond into a negative one, leading to a spiral of shame and anger in the worst, case scenario (Scheff, 1999). Transcripts of therapy sessions can be filled with shame, but these expressions are often so subtle that neither the therapist nor the patient notices them (Scheff, 1999, 161). Stigmatization can occur on two levels: formal and informal (Scheff, 1999, 163).
Clinical sociology has been rooted in humanistic forms of therapy (Fritz, 2020). Miller observed that much of the research on it and many of its practices did not yield good results; the techniques were there, but not the “spirit” (2014). The spirit of motivational interviewing is collaboration, two people engage in a conversation in which both possess a certain expertise regarding the client’s own life, with goodwill toward the other; the purpose is solely the other person’s interests, acceptance, and a nonjudgmental attitude; a belief that the client possesses wisdom and wants a good life; and the evocation of their own resources, wisdom, ideas, and their own motivations for change.
The article “Becoming a Clinical Sociologist” (2001) refers to Friedman (1989), who, in an attempt to define the field, stated that clinical sociology is currently:
“Clinical sociology: 1. Is practice, oriented 2. Focuses on case studies 3. Works with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities 4. Is diagnostic 5. Is change, oriented 6. Is humanistic 7. Seeks to understand the societal factors that prevent the individual from being effective 8. Can move beyond the client’s formulation of the problem to consider other factors that affect functioning, especially broad social trends 9. Uses insights derived from immersion in the critical sociological tradition; uses sociological imagination 10. Leads to behavioral change and growth 11. Tends to have a liberal/cynical or radical ideological slant” (Friedman, 1989)
There is a significant research gap regarding how the sociotherapist can and should act, and what effects this has. Some researchers write about how to act when meeting with a client based on various sociological approaches. There is a discussion that, for example, Mullay’s view of the social worker focuses too much on structural issues that do not help the client in their current situation. The criticism of the advocacy perspective is that it lacks therapeutic elements and that it focuses more on defending the client than on helping them change their behaviors. The empowerment perspective in social work is similar to what clinical sociologists have done so far in the field of clinical sociology, which emphasizes a therapist informed by humanistic psychology, primarily Carl Rogers.
Several issues should be examined in future research on the effectiveness of the sociotherapist.
Does the therapist contribute to creating sociological awareness, raising awareness, or fostering critical analysis?
Does the therapist help link critical analysis to relevant and reasonable actions that can positively influence the client?
Does the therapist help ensure that therapy leads to more ethical actions based on one or more ethical systems?
Which perspectives used by the therapist are most effective?