The Power of TED

The Power of TED*: The Empowerment Dynamic
by David Emerald

Paperback * 152 pages
$14.95

Polaris Publishing
ISBN 978-0977144105

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“The Empowerment Triangle is a highly original and effective escape from the Drama Triangle.”
— Stephen Karpman, PhD

For more than 40 years, Dr. Stephen Karpman’s Drama Triangle diagram has been used by counselors, clergy, and others to elucidate the cycle perpetuated through the roles of Victim, Rescuer, and Perpetrator. That Dr. Karpman considers David Emerald’s Empowerment Dynamic (”The Empowerment Triangle”) not only a viable, but a valuable, augmentation to his classic Drama Triangle (referred to in The Power of TED as the Dreaded Drama Triange, or DDT) tips off readers that this book is a classic in the making.

The short, poignant fable of an Everyman features David, a good-natured but confused fellow recovering from his recent divorce; Ted, a wise man (and master of The Empowerment Dynamic) who takes a seat next to him on the bench as he sits contemplating the mess he’s in; and Sophia, a veteran practitioner of TED*, the model that brings all three together in a common story. We follow David as he learns, with Ted’s and Sophia’s help and humor, how to move from Victimhood to the role of a responsible Creator in his own life. It’s a profound discovery, revealed in compelling layers that will keep readers turning pages as they recognize the signs of the DDT (the Dreaded Drama Triangle, TED*’s nemesis) having crept into their own lives.

Readers made squirmy by acronyms and diagrams will need to exercise a little patience here. You’ll be presented with FISBe, the dynamics of the DDT and, of course, TED, The Empowerment Dynamic. But they’re delivered in a user-friendly package that features the playful illustrations of Obadinah. Instead of dry pie charts and mind maps, readers walk with David, Ted, and Sophia along the beach as now and then Ted stops to draw in the sand with a stick or a seashell. We’re treated to glimpses of David’s journal as he takes notes on all the great new stuff he’s learning.

It’s no surprise that coaches, business leaders, teachers, public servants, and even prison officials have taken a shine to this book. Its message of hope resonates with disparate groups because everyone is susceptible to the go-nowhere outlook of victimhood.

The slightly tweaked 2nd edition, to be released this Fall, includes a new Preface by the author as well as a helpful synopsis of The Empowerment Dynamic that follows the sequence of the fable.

Business folks, counselors, clergy, those who work in healthcare — readeres of all shapes, sizes, and inclinations — will find in The Power of TED* a helpful guide to taking hold of life’s difficulties and turning them around.

Ceci Miller owns CeciBooks, an editorial and book publishing consultancy that empowers authors to write, publish, and market irresistible books that uplift and inspire. Ceci has written, co-authored, and edited books with bestselling authors and experts since 1988. See book projects here.

A graduate of the University of Iowa Writer’s Workshop, Ceci Miller is also the author of two published children’s picture books, and former contributing editor for Darshan, an international magazine dedicated to fostering sacred awareness in daily life. A student of yoga and meditation since 1976, Ceci leads seminars that explore language as a vehicle for personal transformation. Based on her book (and audio) Sacred Visitations, and the popular book she co-authored with John Lee, Writing from the Body: For Writers, Artists & Dreamers, Ceci’s work (both with CeciBooks authors and in public programs) blends writing and intuitive guidance with contemplative practices that connect your right brain creativity with your true intention.