What is it?
A way of looking at interactions between people, stuck in unhelpful patterns of behaviour they are unaware of. It describes a set of ‘scripts’ with 3 interdependent roles: Prosecutor (its all your fault), Victim (poor me), Rescuer (Let me help you)
Describes one set of unhelpful patterns or ‘scripts’. These are interdependent ‘states of mind’:
- Prosecutor: ‘its all your fault’
- Victim: ‘its all my fault’, ‘poor me’
- Rescuer: ‘let me help you’, ‘ poor you’
By becoming aware of dynamic can help to change the dynamic – enabling a re-framing of your self-image.
Choosing to change behaviour and respond to others in a different way– from a different role.
When do you use it?
To become aware of subconscious patterns of interaction that may limit your behavior and potential in certain situations. This awareness can enable you to modify your behavior by thinking, feeling, and acting differently. It offers insights into dysfunctional relationship dynamics:
- Habitually getting stuck in a role and responding to others in a predictable way
- Frequently finding oneself stuck in the victim mentality (or as a prosecutor or rescuer)
- Repeating 'drama circles' where interactions continuously cycle with predictable outcomes. The rescuer blames the victim for not rescuing, the rescuer then becomes the victim, and the victim becomes the prosecutor.
How do you use it?
- Describe the situation with consideration of the three roles. Who is taking which roles? Do you see any patterns?
- You may habitually be stuck in a role and respond to others in a predictable and unproductive manner. You interpret experiences through a certain role – becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy:
- Reclaim your personal power by challenging the victim mentality - become more assertive and take responsibility for your actions.
- Do others really need or want rescuing? You can stop feeling guilty for not rescuing.
- Prosecutor: you may not always need to take charge and responsibility over others’ actions
- Try role-playing exercises to break circle and practice different roles.
- Reframe your undesired statements from different perspectives and identify the behaviours you want to change. Practice different responses through role-playing with others.