3. Money, Community and Therapy

The therapeutic relationship is a form of basic community. It is helpful for clients who are otherwise alienated from societal help. Almost without fail, the client who is alienated is also failing in the use of money. The client is in debt, has difficulty with a job, relationships and family and does not manage income well.
When a client is used to deception to get what they want, it is no wonder that this same technique shows up in the therapeutic exchange. We may safely ignore manipulation as the therapuetic bond strengthens; manipulation serves no purpose when the therapist gives financial help that actually resolves the formerly unresolvable financial impasse.