Power and clinical psychology: A model for resolving power-related ethicaldilemmas

This article considers power in clinical psychology. It is argued that powe r is present at every level of clinical psychologists' practice and can be used positively and negatively. Drawing on organizational, ethical, psychol ogical, and personal influences, a heuristic problem-solving model for the process of understanding and resolving power-related ethical. dilemmas is p roposed. It is contended that such a model provides a humane and systematic process of understanding and working through power-related ethical dilemma s. It is argued that resolving power-related ethical issues cannot be achie ved through the statement of absolute values but rather requires a process of understanding, action, and review. The model is used to draw out implica tions for promoting ethical practice and preventing the abuse of power in c linical psychology.