Power, Right, and Truth: Foucault’s Triangle as a Model for Clinical Power

Power has historically been viewed from a position of dominance and authority. Using this lens leads one to a destiny wherein one individual or society has power over another. The power over approach is a hierarchical view, one that leads to someone else being oppressed, and one wherein the prevailing hegemony continues. If a different lens is used, wherein power does not reside within a position, but rather, within a person and within a relationship bounded by knowledge, a new destiny of power to and power of is created. These two approaches to power are examined and clinical power is offered as a lens that culminates in the understanding of power as a right and as truth imbedded with awareness and relationships.