2. A powerful opportunity. Psychologists have the opportunity to contribute to knowledge, provide clinical services, teach or advance social policy. Thus, they have the power to foster change in their clients, and at least in some small measure, make the world a better place (e.g., Pope & Vasquez, 2007).
Opportunity can provide strength and build resilience. If a paper is well received, a client improves, a student does well or a policy is adopted, the psychologist is reinforced by success and may then take on even greater challenges.
Psychologists generally appreciate their opportunity and guard it carefully. But opportunity also can entail vulnerability because of the power psychologists have over those who are entrusted to their care. Unfortunately, power can be abused and trust violated and psychologists are vulnerable to abusing their powerful opportunities.