In the Family Crucible (1978), Carl Whitaker and Napier describe two battles that take place between counselors and clients in the counseling setting. The Battle for Structure and the Battle for Initiative.

Winning the battle for structure is part of the counselor's role in a counseling setting. Carl Whitaker describes the counselor's task is to make a therapeutic environment where the client can process experiences and make changes (Napier & Whitaker, 2017). This would include a counselor:

setting up the session expectations and structure,

reviewing policies and informed consent with the clients,

discussing confidentiality and limits of confidentiality,

helping clients stay focused on their goals,

staying competent through training and supervision.

The battle for initiative is for the clients to win. Carl Whitaker describes the responsibility, motivation, and pace for change are tasks for the clients. Often, clients will put the responsibility back on the counselor or ask the counselor for their opinion. When a counselor steps into this hierarchical place of providing their opinion, it removes the opportunity for the clients to problem solve and process their discomfort. Sometimes, the counselor is the most motivated person in the room to make change. The role can be switched in the counselor's desire to help others and their hope for positive client outcomes.Now, the counselor is battling for the initiative, and the client is battling for structure (Napier & Whitaker, 2017).

The same battle for structure and initiative can play out in educational settings. Instructors set up the structure for the course and provide resources. They make a learning environment where students can be challenged to grow in their understanding of the course material. It is up to the students to engage and accept what is offered in each course. The students must ask questions and push through the learning challenges to become informed and competent counselors.

Identify how you would win the battle for structure with clients. Identify how you would prevent taking responsibility for the client's battle for initiative.

Identify how Whitaker's concept of a battle for structure and battle for initiative can apply to courses between the student and their instructors.