The amount of power I am given as a physician absolutely terrifies me. Yes, I went to school and learned some stuff, which gives me the ability to prescribe medication, order tests and recommend treatments. No, that should not give me the level of power I am afforded by most of my patients and the rest of the health care system. Which in turn leads to the additional pressure of using the power ethically and compassionately.
...interesting read... the trust only becomes a power when it is in the hands of people without understanding or compassion... to think that there are people who volunteer simply to have authority over someone is a frightening thought...
I am a random internet stranger who followed online bread crumbs to this post and its discussion, and had thoughts on this: "the trust only becomes a power when it is in the hands of people without understanding or compassion..."
Specifically, I worry that this is a somewhat simplistic interpretation. Trust, and help, ARE power. Even with understanding and compassion, they remain a power. And this is why we need to be cautious about the power we have, because on their own, what we think of as understanding and compassion, do not necessarily makes us immune from accidentally abusing this power.
I study to be a counsellor, and understanding and compassion are huge parts of what I bring with me into the session - yet I still need to be mindful of my power. I need to always remain open to the possibility of being wrong, and I need to actively create a climate to encourage safety and feedback.
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ps - hope you have been well..!
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"the trust only becomes a power when it is in the hands of people without understanding or compassion..."
Specifically, I worry that this is a somewhat simplistic interpretation. Trust, and help, ARE power. Even with understanding and compassion, they remain a power. And this is why we need to be cautious about the power we have, because on their own, what we think of as understanding and compassion, do not necessarily makes us immune from accidentally abusing this power.
I study to be a counsellor, and understanding and compassion are huge parts of what I bring with me into the session - yet I still need to be mindful of my power. I need to always remain open to the possibility of being wrong, and I need to actively create a climate to encourage safety and feedback.
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