Children are well aware of the power differential in all kinds of relationships. Exercises in the right use of power give them experience in making choices that reflect ethical use of power and feeling the impact of those decisions.

For the past several weeks, I’ve been serving as a volunteer teacher in a small, innovative child-centered school in central Borneo. I’m here to  explore the teaching of right use of power for children and teachers and to learn how the right use of power can be applied across different cultures and age groups.

In asking my students some simple questions about their lives, I hit on a universal problem…bullying and mean teasing.  Fortunately, my students were willing to share their thoughts on this issue, its impact, and ways they could use their power more wisely when in the up-power role.  I think you’ll be interested in their responses.

To read the full article, click here to visit GoodTherapy.org.


Please note: I am a regular contributor to GoodTherapy.org, an association of mental health professionals from over 30 countries worldwide who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy. GoodTherapy.org is ranked as one of the top therapist directories on the web.

Even in situations where the power differential is extreme, such as in prison, there are ways for people to maintain their self-esteem and personal power by making choices about their own behavior.

In my latest article on GoodTherapy.org, I relate a story of one anonymous prisoner and how he chose to use his own power in a positive way.  How do you think his efforts to use his power wisely were received by the guards and the chief?  What impact do you think reclaiming his power had on his perception of himself?

To read this article, click here to visit GoodTherapy.org. 

Please note: I am a regular contributor to GoodTherapy.org, an association of mental health professionals from over 30 countries worldwide who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy. GoodTherapy.org is ranked as one of the top therapist directories on the web.