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.