Breaking Free from (Toxic) Relationship Games That Drain Us

Conflicts & TensionsConfidence & Self-AwarenessAll employees≈ 25 min

Key skill: Stepping out of psychological games

Summary

Recognize the three roles of the drama triangle — victim, rescuer, persecutor — to spot these relationship games as soon as they start, refuse to play along, and collaborate without wearing yourself out in power struggles.

Target audience

Anyone looking to promote a positive model of communication and collaboration

Learning objectives

Discover the Karpman triangle and the psychological games that damage our relationships.
Spot the drama triangle and avoid slipping into the roles of victim, rescuer, or persecutor
Keep sight of your own needs so you stop slipping into the rescuer role.
Learn to meet your real needs yourself, so you don't fall into the victim position.

Module outline

StorytellingHow Paula and Steve learn to drop the labels of victim and aggressor to find an effective resolution to their conflict
ArticlesAn introduction to the Karpman triangle and its 3 roles · The mechanics of the Rescuer-Victim-Persecutor psychological game · 10 tips for responding to a head-on attack — the "Persecutor" game
Expert videoUnderstanding the different roles and how we shift from one to another
AnchoringQuizzes and true/false questions to dive deeper into the topic and lock in what you've learned
Memo cardA downloadable coaching memo card: the key points from the expert video
CommitmentConcrete examples to help you define your own commitment

Models & methods

Karpman's drama triangle; victim/rescuer/persecutor roles; the 5 whys technique.

Research-based

Drama triangle attributed to Karpman.