The Drama Triangle – Understanding the Roles We Play

In this month's episode of The Counselling Room, I explore Stephen Karpman's Drama Triangle and the three interchangeable roles we can all find ourselves moving between: The Victim, The Rescuer and The Persecutor.

Using everyday examples from the workplace, family life, friendships and romantic relationships, I look at how these patterns can develop, why they often happen without us realising, and how they can influence the way we think, feel and respond to others.

This episode is intended to support self-awareness and understanding rather than label or judge behaviour. By recognising these patterns, we create an opportunity to understand ourselves and others with greater compassion and to make different choices when we find ourselves repeating familiar roles.

As always, this podcast is for psychoeducation and general reflection. It is designed to increase understanding of psychological concepts and is not a substitute for counselling, therapy or individual professional advice.

Further Resources

If today's topic has sparked your interest and you would like to explore it further, you may find these resources helpful.

Books & Audiobooks

• ​Games People Play – an introduction to Transactional Analysis.
• ​The Body Keeps the Score – understanding trauma and its impact.
• ​Attached – exploring attachment styles in relationships.
• ​Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents – understanding relationship patterns and boundaries.

Podcasts

• ​Dr Julie Smith
• ​Esther Perel
• ​Brené Brown

Professional Organisations & Trusted Websites

• ​British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
• ​Mind
• ​NHS

Thank you for listening, and I hope this episode gives you a greater understanding of the patterns we can all experience in our relationships with ourselves and others.

Take care everyone

Until next time

Lynda Little (MBACP)

BSc (Hons) Theraputic Counselling

Online & Telephone Counselling Across the UK

Professional Standards

For reassurance, I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

This means I work within a recognised Ethical Framework, supported by regular supervision, ongoing professional development, and high standards of practice.