Do you find yourself having to fight to feel powerful  in a relationship?

Are you caught in struggles with loved ones and or friends to grab the available power and hang onto it as long as possible?

Or do you just give in and allow others to exert their will on you, until you can’t take it any longer?

Perhaps it seems that there is only enough power for one person at a time. Like a game of musical chairs, one person is left out in the cold, while the other gets to sit in a seat of power. When the next game starts you struggle to grab that powerful seat so you get to call the tune for a while.

Power struggles in relationships create enmity and one upmanship.

You enjoy the momentary pleasure of being top dog, but spend more time feeling angry and envious when you cede power to another.

Co-operation, respect and intimacy get no space at the table if you are envious and fixed on taking back power after an episode of giving it away.  

Psychotherapy can help you own and use your power appropriately in relationships by

1. Showing you how you may give up your power to other people during an interaction.

Benefit: you learn to be assertive on a consistent basis without having to engage in power struggles to claim your dignity and right to your opinions.

2. Helping you discover your own sources of power that neither dominate nor subjugate others.

Benefit: you make room for everyone to have their own personal power without feeling threatened that you have to give up yours.

3. Teaching you how to use your rightful power in words and actions that keep you strong and solid, without having to destroy that of a loved one.

Benefit: you don’t have to wait for someone to give you permission to have and use your own power.
 

Copyright, Jeanette Raymond, Ph.D.

Call 310. 985. 2491. to set up your appointment

Learn to feel powerful without being destructive or a doormat