Right Use of Power: Ethics for the Helping Professions

by Cedar Barstow

Living in the Power Zone


Balancing your personal or role power with compassion whether you are in an up- or down-power position
Staying connected and being accountable in all your relationships
Empowering people and affecting situations positively
Preventing, reducing, resolving, and repairing interpersonal harm
Promoting well-being
Serving the common good


We live in a complex, often daunting world where power differences both exist and matter. Power moreover is often misused. Most of us have had at least one superior who was unfair, even abusive. Misuse of power also happens in families, schools, religious institutions, the military, government, and elsewhere. Sometimes, consciously or unconsciously, we have used our own power in ways hurtful to others. We thus all need to learn to use it with greater sensitivity and skill.


This short, practical book will help you successfully navigate the rapids of real-world power and transform all your relationships for the better. It will teach you to live in the Power Zone.

Unknown Binding

First published May 20, 2014