Make your stance clear with all family members, “I will hear what your concerns, provide you a place to share thoughts, however there is only one side I take, that of the patient. Period.”

In the DMT therapy field (dance movement therapy), power dynamics is felt through body transference and counter transference. DMT therapist are well trained and aware of their own body sensations and senses in response to dynamics in their clinic, with one person and later trained as a dyadic therapist and family therapist as awareness grows and skills develop. As I manage to separate my sense and sensations from my patients’ I can as all therapists help them and work with their resistance or unconscious parts of their lives. This is a special spectacular field of research and mental care of patients that I admire.

Prioritize clear communication with the patient while respecting family concerns. Reinforce medical ethics and patient autonomy, ensuring decisions align with their best interests. Facilitate discussions with empathy, setting boundaries when needed. If conflicts persist, involve a mediator or ethics committee to navigate sensitive situations effectively.

When navigating power dynamics in a family while ensuring a patient’s best interests, it is essential to prioritize clear communication, ethical decision-making, and patient advocacy. This involves actively listening to all family members, understanding their concerns, and educating them about the patient’s rights and medical needs. Establishing the patient’s autonomy, if they are capable of making decisions, is crucial, while also considering cultural sensitivities and legal frameworks such as advanced directives or guardianship laws. Engaging a neutral mediator, such as a social worker or ethics committee, can help resolve conflicts and maintain focus on the patient’s well-being.

It's safe to say that it's a significant and widespread issue for many families dealing with illness, disability, or ageing. From caregivers, feeling overwhelmed and unsupported to those that are under emotional and financial strain within the family, can exacerbate even the smallest issue. My advice would be to use a shared online platform, such as a WhatsApp family group chat, where family members can record their thoughts, updates, and decisions about the patient's care. This allows everyone to stay informed without needing to meet in person constantly, which may reduce conflicts. It also provides documentation, accountability and transparency in the decision-making process, helping to keep the patients' needs central.

I would always first prioritize clear and compassionate communication by actively listening to all parties while reinforcing that the patient’s well-being and autonomy come first. Adopting a patient-centric approach is also important in striking that balance along with the help of healthcare ethics committees or social workers.

Con empatía,respetando su intimidad,confidencialidad,haciéndolo con asertividad,con escucha activa,con respeto y algo más…………………………

Navigating family power dynamics in patient care requires diplomacy, empathy, and a firm commitment to the patient’s well-being. Prioritize clear communication, ensuring all parties understand medical facts and the patient’s wishes. Foster collaboration while setting boundaries to prevent dominance by any one voice. When conflicts arise, rely on ethical guidelines, involve neutral mediators if needed, and always advocate for what serves the patient best. Respect, transparency, and a patient-centered approach are key to maintaining trust and making the right decisions.

It's essential to document every decision and discussion carefully—this keeps things transparent, prevents misunderstandings, and ensures accountability. Working alongside healthcare professionals or patient advocates can bring an unbiased perspective and help resolve conflicts more effectively. At the heart of it, staying empathetic while being objective is key to navigating family dynamics and always prioritizing the patient's well-being.