What If Power Meant Connection, Not Control?

When you think of power, what is the first image that comes to mind? A general commanding an army? A CEO leading a Fortune 500 company, making decisions that affect hundreds of people and possibly the economy?

That’s the lens of “power over;” power over others. Generally, this is how people define power. A hierarchical structure where control flows from the top down.

Now, challenge yourself: what if you thought about POWER WITH, not power over?

Sit with that for a minute.

What does “power with” mean? It’s a symbiotic relationship that elevates multiple voices; a pooling of resources to create a greater impact. Power with people creates space for real change. It acts as a catalyst rather than a stagnant force.

How do we share power? Everyone must have a seat at the table and space for their voice to be heard.

If you are not being invited to the table, build your own. And build it bigger. Collaborating with others extends the table even further. When we discuss with each other, instead of talking at each other, more voices can be heard, honored, and amplified.

Care is power. Group therapy is a living example of power with in action. It has seats at the table for everyone. Safe space if created within the therapeutic container. Everyone’s voice is encouraged so that they can be validated, and uplifted. Strength and resolution is built through shared stories, communal care, and exchanged tools for healing. Authenticity emerges naturally as people connect, celebrating successes together, and offering compassion through failures and hardships. Through group work, individuals reclaim both interconnectedness and self-ownership. Power is generated in the spaces between people, rooted in the understanding that while you are strong alone, you are even stronger within a supportive community. Communities are designed for exactly this: creating and sustaining “power with.”

Group therapy isn’t just compelling, it’s a fundamental tool for healing and reclaiming power. It brings you back to an intimate community, something humans have always relied on. Historically, to be cast out of the community was to risk survival itself. Today, even though we live in busy, crowded cities, isolation is more common than ever. Group therapy builds a new home. It offers a space where healing, connection, and empowerment are the foundation. It invites you to take off your mask, to relax, and to say what you need to say, knowing you’ll be heard and respected. Each group member supports the others, creating an environment of mutual benefit and commitment. No one has to second guess themselves within this newly created support system. No need to earn belonging. Just a deeply intimate, expansive community ready to hold you.

Let’s restructure the hierarchy of power. Let’s uplift each other’s voices.

Join the shift, lengthen the table, invite others in. There is always room for more.

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If you are interested in Acheron’s group offerings, you can learn more here.