ABSTRACT
Since a major goal is to further equality within the couple relationship, therapists must be willing to address issues of equality within the therapeutic system as well. Behaviors speak louder than words; relationship therapists must be able to demonstrate that equality can work in a situation in which one member of the system provides more expertise than the others. Many times professional knowledge is translated by clients and therapists into professional power; to define reality, to make pronouncements about who is right or wrong, or magically find solutions. This process is the same one that allows the husband more power because he makes more money, is more educated, or older. As the couple need to equalize power within the context of status differences, so do the clients and therapist have to solve this dilemma constructively. They do so by pooling resources: the therapist is the expert on relationships, the clients on themselves.
