Using the Karpman Drama Triangle in Coaching Supervision

The Karpman Drama Triangle, developed by Dr. Stephen Karpman in 1968, is a powerful tool for exploring and understanding dysfunctional relationship dynamics. In coaching supervision, it can be particularly effective in identifying patterns that may be hindering a coach's professional relationships, client progress, or overall practice.

Understanding the Drama Triangle

The Drama Triangle outlines three key roles that individuals can unconsciously fall into during interactions:

1. Victim – Feels powerless, oppressed, or unfairly treated. Often avoids taking responsibility and seeks external rescue.

2. Rescuer – Steps in to save others, often to feel valued or needed. Can enable the victim’s lack of accountability.

3. Persecutor – Uses blame, criticism, or control to dominate others, reinforcing the victim’s helplessness.

These roles are fluid, meaning individuals can switch between them quickly during a single conversation or throughout a relationship.

Why the Drama Triangle is Relevant in Coaching Supervision

In the context of coaching supervision, the Drama Triangle can manifest in several ways:

• The Coach as a Rescuer: A coach may become overly invested in solving the client’s problems rather than empowering them to find their own solutions. This can hinder the client’s growth and reduce their sense of ownership.

• The Coach as a Victim: Coaches may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or helplessness, especially if they feel their client isn’t progressing or resisting change.

• The Coach as a Persecutor: In moments of frustration, a coach may adopt a more forceful or critical tone, potentially disempowering the client.

The Drama Triangle can also appear in the coach’s relationships with colleagues, managers, or even within supervision sessions themselves.

How to Use the Drama Triangle in Supervision

In coaching supervision, the Drama Triangle offers a practical framework to:

1. Identify Unhelpful Patterns

   • Ask the coach to reflect on challenging client dynamics. Which role might they be playing? Are they feeling overwhelmed as a Victim? Overstepping as a Rescuer? Or expressing frustration as a Persecutor?

2. Encourage Self-Awareness

   • Invite the coach to explore their triggers. What situations tend to push them into one of these roles? For example, do they default to rescuing clients who appear helpless?

3. Shift to the Empowerment Triangle

   • The Drama Triangle has a healthy alternative called the Empowerment Triangle:

     • Victim → Creator: Encouraging ownership, accountability, and problem-solving.

     • Rescuer → Coach: Supporting without taking over; empowering rather than fixing.

     • Persecutor → Challenger: Offering constructive feedback that promotes growth rather than criticism.

4. Use Reflective Questions

   • "Which role do you find yourself playing in this relationship?"

   • "What would it look like to respond as a Creator/Coach/Challenger instead?"

   • "How can you empower your client to take ownership of their own journey?"

5. Practice Role-Play Scenarios

   • In supervision, role-playing the Drama Triangle can help the coach see their patterns more clearly. Supervisors can invite coaches to practice responding as a Creator, Coach, or Challenger to reinforce healthy boundaries and responses.

Final Thoughts

Integrating the Karpman Drama Triangle into coaching supervision can significantly enhance self-awareness and improve client outcomes. By recognizing and transforming these destructive roles, coaches can adopt more empowering behaviours that promote growth, accountability, and healthier professional boundaries.

For supervisors, introducing the Drama Triangle is an invaluable tool for guiding coaches toward improved practice and ensuring they maintain a supportive yet boundary-driven role with their clients.