Tool - Communication & Relationships

💬 COMMUNICATION & RELATIONSHIPS
Healthy relationships are built on honest, compassionate communication. These tools help you express yourself clearly, listen deeply, set boundaries, and navigate conflict in ways that strengthen connection rather than damage it. Whether you're working on your relationship with yourself or with others, these skills are foundational to recovery and wellbeing.
Building Connection Through Understanding
Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
What It Is: Nonviolent Communication, developed by Marshall Rosenberg, is a framework for expressing yourself honestly while listening with empathy. It's based on the idea that all human beings share the same basic needs, and conflict arises when we use strategies to meet those needs that clash with others' strategies.
Core Concept: Instead of judging, blaming, or demanding, NVC teaches you to identify and express your observations, feelings, needs, and requests clearly. This creates connection even in difficult conversations.
The Four Components of NVC:
1. Observations (not evaluations)
State what you actually see/hear without judgment or interpretation
Judgment: "You're always so selfish"
Observation: "When you made plans without checking with me..."
2. Feelings (not thoughts disguised as feelings)
Name the actual emotion you're experiencing
Thought disguised as feeling: "I feel like you don't care"
Actual feeling: "I feel hurt and lonely"
3. Needs (universal human needs)
Identify what need is behind the feeling
We all share needs: connection, autonomy, safety, meaning, respect, etc.
Example: "I need to feel included and considered"
4. Requests (not demands)
Ask clearly for what would help meet your need
Make it specific, doable, and positive (what you DO want, not what you don't)
Demand: "You need to stop being so inconsiderate"
Request: "Would you be willing to check in with me before making plans that affect both of us?"
Putting It Together:
NVC Template: "When I see/hear _________ (observation), I feel _________ (emotion), because I need _________ (need). Would you be willing to _________ (specific request)?"
Example: "When I see dirty dishes piled up in the sink (observation), I feel frustrated and overwhelmed (feeling), because I need order and teamwork in our shared space (need). Would you be willing to wash your dishes by the end of each day (request)?"
Empathic Listening (The Other Half of NVC):
When someone else is speaking:
Listen for their feelings and needs beneath their words
Reflect back what you hear: "It sounds like you're feeling _____ because you need _____"
Don't fix, advise, or defend - just listen and connect
Why It Works: NVC shifts conversations from blame and defense to mutual understanding. When both people can hear each other's needs, solutions become possible.
Transforming Your Inner Voice
Effective Internal Dialogue
What It Is: The way you speak to yourself matters profoundly. Most people have an inner critic that speaks in ways they'd never tolerate from another person. Effective internal dialogue is about noticing your self-talk and consciously choosing compassion over cruelty.
Note: This is an MBR (Mindfulness Based Recovery) skill that we teach in our programs.
Core Concept: Your internal voices often echo past trauma, criticism from caregivers, or societal messages. You can recognize these voices, understand their origin, and choose to speak to yourself differently.
Recognizing Your Inner Voices:
The Harsh Judge
"You're pathetic. You always mess up."
The Catastrophizer
"This will ruin everything. You'll never recover."
The Comparison Voice
"Everyone else has it together. You're the only one struggling."
The Shame Voice
"You should be ashamed. You're broken/damaged/unlovable."
Where They Come From:
Critical parents or caregivers
Bullies or abusive relationships
Traumatic experiences
Cultural or religious messaging
Internalized oppression
Transforming Your Self-Talk:
1
Notice and Name (Awareness)
Catch yourself in critical self-talk: "I'm noticing harsh judgment right now"
Ask: "Would I talk to a friend this way?"
Identify: "This sounds like my father's voice" or "This is the shame talking"
2
Compassionate Reframe
Instead of: "I'm so stupid for relapsing"
Try: "I'm struggling right now. Relapse is part of many people's journey. What do I need?"
Instead of: "I should be further along by now"
Try: "I'm exactly where I am, and that's okay. Recovery isn't linear."
Instead of: "I'm a failure"
Try: "I'm learning. This is hard, and I'm doing my best."
3
Speak to Your Parts
If you notice a critical voice, talk TO it rather than FROM it
"Thank you for trying to keep me safe by being harsh, but I don't need that anymore"
"I hear you, Critic. I know you're scared. But I've got this."
4
Develop Your Compassionate Voice
What would a loving parent/friend/mentor say to you right now?
Practice speaking to yourself with warmth: "I see you're hurting. That makes sense. What do you need?"
Use your own name: "_____, you're doing really hard work. I'm proud of you."
Daily Practice:
Morning affirmation: One kind thing to yourself
When you notice criticism: Pause and reframe
Evening reflection: "How did I speak to myself today? What do I want to practice tomorrow?"
Remember: The voice in your head doesn't have to be an enemy. You can become your own best friend, advocate, and cheerleader. This is not toxic positivity - it's radical self-compassion.
Protecting Your Energy & Wellbeing
Setting Healthy Boundaries
What It Is: Boundaries are the limits you set to protect your energy, time, values, and wellbeing. They're not walls that keep everyone out - they're guidelines that help you stay safe and authentic in relationships.
Dr. Becky Kennedy's Definition: "A boundary is something I say I'm going to do that requires the other person to do nothing."
Key Insight: If your boundary requires the other person to do something or change, that's not a boundary - that's manipulation. True boundaries are about what YOU will do, not about controlling others' behavior.
Core Concept: Boundaries aren't mean, selfish, or unkind. They're necessary. Without boundaries, resentment builds, relationships suffer, and you lose yourself trying to please everyone else. When you're clear about what is and isn't yours to carry, you can show up more authentically in all your relationships.
Types of Boundaries:
Physical
Personal space, touch, privacy
Emotional
What feelings you'll absorb from others, when to step back from others' drama
Time
How you spend your time, saying no to commitments
Mental
Your thoughts, beliefs, and opinions are your own
Material
Your belongings, money, resources
Sexual
What you're comfortable with, consent
How to Set Boundaries:
Identify What You Need
What makes you feel resentful, drained, or uncomfortable?
What do you need more/less of?
What are your non-negotiables in relationships?
Communicate Clearly
Be direct and specific
Use "I" statements
Example: "I need quiet time when I get home from work. I'll be available to talk after 6pm."
You don't need to over-explain or justify
Follow Through
If someone crosses your boundary, reinforce it
Actions matter more than words
Example: If you said you won't lend money and someone asks, the answer is still no
Expect Pushback (and Hold Firm)
People used to you having no boundaries will test new ones
"You've changed" might mean "I can't manipulate you anymore"
Guilt trips don't mean your boundary is wrong
Common Boundary Statements:
"I won't be available to discuss this right now, but I can talk at 6pm"
"I need some time alone to recharge"
"That doesn't work for me"
"I've decided not to [lend money/give rides/host every holiday/etc]"
"I won't let you speak to me that way. If this continues, I will leave"
"I'm going to leave if this continues" (and then follow through)
Remember: These are statements about what YOU will do, not demands that the other person change.
Boundaries in Recovery:
People: Distance from those who use substances or don't support recovery
Places: Avoiding bars, old hangouts, triggering environments
Things: Not keeping substances in your home, limiting access to triggers
Time: Prioritizing recovery activities (meetings, therapy, self-care)
Emotional: Not taking on others' problems when you're struggling
Remember: You're not responsible for how people react to your boundaries. You're only responsible for setting and maintaining them. Boundaries are an act of self-love and self-respect.
Preparing for Difficult Conversations
Hard Conversations Script Building (DEARMAN from DBT)
What It Is: DEARMAN is a DBT interpersonal effectiveness skill that provides a structured approach to preparing for difficult conversations. It helps you express yourself clearly, stay grounded, and increase the chances of being heard while maintaining the relationship.
When to Use: Before confronting someone, setting a boundary, expressing hurt, asking for what you need, or addressing conflict.
The DEARMAN Framework:
D - Describe
the situation (stick to facts)
Use objective observations, not interpretations or judgments
Example: "When you canceled our plans at the last minute three times this month..."
Not: "When you were so inconsiderate..."
E - Express
your feelings (use "I" statements)
Name the emotion without blame
Example: "I felt hurt and unimportant"
Not: "You made me feel worthless"
A - Assert
your need or request (be specific and direct)
State clearly what you want or need
Example: "I would like you to only commit to plans you can keep, or give me at least 24 hours notice if something comes up"
Not: "You need to be more reliable"
R - Reinforce
(explain positive effects of getting your request)
Show what's in it for them or the relationship
Example: "When we follow through on plans, I feel valued and our friendship feels stronger"
Can also include consequences: "If this pattern continues, I won't be able to make plans with you anymore"
M - (Be) Mindful
(stay focused on your goal)
Don't get distracted by side issues
Use "broken record" technique - keep restating your point
Example: "I hear what you're saying, and I still need us to address the late cancellations"
A - Appear Confident
(even if you don't feel it)
Use confident body language and tone
Make eye contact, stand or sit tall
Speak clearly without apologizing for having needs
Not: "Um, I'm sorry to bother you, but maybe if it's okay..."
N - Negotiate
(be willing to give to get)
Offer compromises or alternative solutions
Focus on what will work for both people
Example: "How about if you text me when you think you might be late, so I'm not left waiting?"
Example Full DEARMAN Script:
"Hey, can we talk about something that's been bothering me? (Setting the tone) When you've been on your phone during our conversations lately (Describe), I've felt dismissed and unimportant (Express), because I need to feel heard and connected when we're together (underlying need). I would like you to put your phone away when we're spending one-on-one time together (Assert). When we're both present, our conversations feel meaningful and I really enjoy our time together (Reinforce). What do you think about that? (Opening for dialogue and Negotiate)"
Tips for Delivery:
Practice out loud beforehand (seriously, this helps)
Stay calm - use breathing if you get activated
Don't JADE: Justify, Argue, Defend, or Explain excessively
Take a break if it gets too heated: "I need a few minutes. Can we continue in 10?"
Be willing to hear their perspective (Negotiate)
What If They React Badly?
You can't control their response
You can only control your communication
Their reaction tells you information about the relationship
Setting boundaries might mean some relationships don't survive - and that's okay
Expressing What You Need
Communicating Needs & Expectations
What It Is: Clearly expressing what you need and what you expect from others, so everyone is on the same page and disappointment is minimized.
Core Truth: "Having no expectations IS an expectation. And uncommunicated expectations create letdowns. So it's actually okay to have expectations, so long as they are communicated and agreed upon by all parties."
The Problem with Unexpressed Expectations:
You assume
people know what you want/need
They assume
they're meeting your needs
You get disappointed
when they don't read your mind
Resentment builds
because "they should have known"
The relationship suffers
from unspoken frustration
Discovering Your Needs:
Journaling as a Tool:
Sometimes we don't even know what our needs are until we take time to reflect. Regular journaling helps you:
Identify patterns in what frustrates or fulfills you
Clarify what matters most to you
Notice when needs aren't being met
Track how your needs evolve as you grow
Remember: We humans are constantly changing and growing. New needs arise as relationships deepen and circumstances shift. What you needed six months ago might be different from what you need now, and that's okay.
How to Communicate Needs & Expectations:
Get Clear on What You Actually Need/Expect
What specific behavior or outcome do you want?
Is this expectation realistic?
Am I expecting someone to meet a need only I can meet?
Express It Directly (Using Requests + Needs)
Separate your request from your emotional need. Lead with preference language when possible. State both clearly.
Request Language:
"I'd prefer..." or "I would like..."
"It would mean a lot to me if..."
"I'm hoping we can..."
Followed by the Need:
"...because I need [safety/connection/respect/consideration]"
Check for Agreement
"Does that work for you?"
"Can you commit to that?"
"What concerns do you have?"
This is crucial - they need to agree, not just hear you
Revisit When Needed
Expectations can change
Check in periodically: "Is this still working?"
Adjust as needed
Examples in Practice:
Relationships:
Request: "I'd prefer to hear from you if you're going to be more than 30 minutes late"
Need: "because I need to know you're safe and I value being able to plan my time"
Request: "I would like us to spend quality time together at least twice a week"
Need: "because I need connection and presence to feel close to you"
Request: "I'd prefer if you told me directly when something is bothering you"
Need: "because I need open communication and it's hard for me when you withdraw"
Recovery:
Request: "I'm hoping you can support my sobriety by not drinking around me for now"
Need: "because I need a safe environment while I'm building my recovery foundation"
Request: "I would like you to respect my recovery schedule and not make plans that conflict with my meetings"
Need: "because my recovery has to come first, and I need that to be honored"
Work/Collaboration:
Request: "I'm hoping this project can be completed by Friday"
Need: "because I need to meet my deadline with the client. Can you commit to that?"
Request: "I'd prefer clear communication if you're running into obstacles"
Need: "because I need to be able to problem-solve early rather than finding out at the last minute"
When Expectations Aren't Met:
1
Address It
"We agreed that you'd _____. That didn't happen. What got in the way?"
2
Reassess
Was the expectation unrealistic?
Do we need to renegotiate?
Is this person unable or unwilling to meet this need?
3
Decide
Can you adjust your expectation?
Do you need to meet this need differently?
Is this a dealbreaker for the relationship?
Remember: It's not controlling to have needs and expectations. It's honest. The key is communicating them clearly, using language that invites collaboration rather than demands compliance, and being willing to negotiate.
Understanding Capacity for Support
Able, Capable, & Willing: The 3 Requirements for Support
What It Is: A framework for understanding why someone might not be showing up for you in the way you need them to, and how to assess who in your life can actually meet specific needs. This tool helps you right-size your expectations and seek support from people who have the capacity to provide it.
Note: This concept was learned through attending Steven Morris's online meetings at The Liberation Place. We integrate this practice throughout our MBR (Mindfulness Based Recovery) programs because of how valuable it is for navigating relationships.
Core Concept: In order for someone to fully show up for you, they need to meet three requirements: they must be Able, Capable, AND Willing. If any one of these is missing, they cannot provide the support you're seeking - and that's not a personal failure on their part or yours. It's just information about their current capacity.
The Three Requirements:
ABLE
Do they have the availability and resources?
Time: Do they have space in their schedule?
Physical ability: Are they physically present and able to help?
Resources: Do they have what's needed (transportation, money, space, etc.)?
Energy: Do they have the physical energy or stamina?
Example: Your friend wants to help you move, but they work 60 hours a week and have young kids. They're not able - they don't have the time, even though they care.
CAPABLE
Do they have the skills and capacity?
Emotional skills: Can they hold space for your feelings without getting overwhelmed?
Intellectual skills: Do they understand what you're dealing with?
Technical skills: Do they know how to do what you're asking?
Emotional bandwidth: Do they have the mental/emotional capacity right now?
Life experience: Have they developed the tools to support you in this specific way?
Example: You're processing a difficult emotion and need someone to listen without giving advice. Your mom is loving but always jumps to problem-solving. She's not capable of just listening - she doesn't have that skill, even though she cares deeply.
WILLING
Do they actually want to help?
Desire: Do they genuinely want to show up for you?
Mental bandwidth: Even if they care, do they have the capacity to take this on right now?
Boundaries: Are they honoring their own limits by saying no?
Motivation: Is there something blocking their willingness (past hurt, their own struggles, conflicting priorities)?
Example: Your sibling could technically help you navigate a difficult family situation, but they're not willing because they're still processing their own pain from childhood. It's not personal - they're protecting their own wellbeing.
What This Looks Like in Practice:
Assessing Your Support Network:
For each person in your life, ask:
What ARE they able, capable, and willing to provide?
What are they NOT able, capable, or willing to provide?
Where are the gaps?
Example Map:
Friend A: Able, capable, and willing to listen when I'm struggling (✓✓✓)
Friend B: Able and willing to go hiking with me, but not capable of deep emotional conversations (✓✗✓)
Parent: Willing and able to provide practical help, but not capable of emotional attunement (✓✗✓)
Partner: Capable of understanding, but not able due to work demands right now (✗✓✗)
Right-Sizing Your Expectations:
Instead of resenting what people can't give, appreciate what they CAN give:
Maybe your dad can't talk about feelings, but he IS able, capable, and willing to help you fix your car
Maybe your friend can't be your therapist, but she IS able, capable, and willing to make you laugh when you need it
Maybe your sponsor can't be available 24/7, but they ARE able, capable, and willing to check in daily
This is emotional intelligence: Understanding that different people can meet different needs, and not expecting any one person to meet all your needs.
When Someone Isn't Able, Capable, or Willing:
Your Job:
Accept the reality without making it mean something about your worth
Seek that need elsewhere from someone who IS able, capable, and willing
Adjust your expectations of what this person can provide
Appreciate what they CAN give rather than resenting what they can't
It's Not Personal:
Their inability/incapability/unwillingness isn't a referendum on your value
It doesn't mean they don't care (though sometimes it might)
It's information about their current capacity, not your worthiness of support
Trust Their "Best": Part of being an emotionally intelligent adult is navigating these situations with:
Grace: Not everyone can show up how we wish they would
Compassion: They're doing the best they can with what they have
Forgiveness: Letting go of resentment for what they can't provide
Trust: Believing that most people are generally doing their best at any given moment, even if their best doesn't look good from our perspective
Building Your Support Team:
Diversify your support:
Don't expect one person to meet all your needs
Build a team where different people provide different things
Seek professional support (therapists, coaches, mentors) for needs that friends/family can't meet
Questions to Ask:
Who in my life is able, capable, and willing to support me in this specific area?
What specific needs can each person meet?
Where do I need to find additional support?
Am I asking the right people for the right things?
Understanding Past Relationships Through This Lens:
Healing Childhood Wounds:
This framework is particularly powerful for making peace with past relationships, especially with parents or caregivers who couldn't show up in the ways you needed as a child.
Reframing the Past:
Maybe your parents weren't capable of emotional attunement because they were battling their own unhealed trauma
Maybe they weren't able to be present because they were overwhelmed with survival
Maybe they weren't willing to address issues because they didn't have the tools or awareness
This doesn't excuse harm, but it provides context. Understanding that they likely couldn't meet all three requirements helps you:
Release resentment by seeing their limitations
Grieve what you didn't receive without blaming yourself
Accept reality: they did their best with what they had, even if it wasn't enough
Reparent yourself: Give yourself what they couldn't give you
Temper current expectations of them (if they're still in your life)
The Work:
Acknowledge: "My parent wasn't able/capable/willing to meet this need"
Grieve: Allow yourself to feel the loss of what you needed but didn't receive
Accept: They were dealing with their own limitations and trauma
Reclaim: "I can give myself what I needed. I can seek it from safe people now."
This framework helps you see that their inability to show up wasn't about your worthiness - it was about their capacity.
Applying This to Yourself:
Self-Assessment:
You can also use this framework to assess YOUR capacity to show up for others:
Am I able, capable, and willing to help this person right now?
If not, which one is missing?
Can I be honest about my limitations?
How can I communicate my capacity clearly?
It's okay to say:
"I care about you, but I'm not able to help with this right now"
"I want to support you, but I'm not capable of providing what you need - have you considered [other resource]?"
"I'm not willing to take this on, and that's me honoring my own boundaries"
The Freedom in This Framework:
When you understand Able, Capable, & Willing, you:
Stop taking it personally when people can't show up
Get strategic about who you ask for what
Reduce resentment by adjusting expectations to reality
Appreciate people for what they CAN give
Seek support more effectively
Respect others' capacity while also honoring your own needs
Remember: Everyone is doing the best they can with what they have. When someone can't meet your needs, it's not a failure - it's information. Your job is to find people who ARE able, capable, and willing, and to appreciate each person for exactly what they can offer.
The Art of Being Present
Active Listening Skills
What It Is: Listening fully and attentively with the intention to understand, not to respond, fix, or defend. Active listening creates connection and makes others feel truly heard.
Core Concept: Most people listen just enough to formulate their response. Active listening requires setting aside your agenda and being fully present with another person's experience.
The Components of Active Listening:
1. Full Attention
Put down your phone
Make eye contact (if culturally appropriate)
Turn your body toward them
Notice when your mind wanders and bring it back
2. Non-Verbal Cues
Nod to show you're following
Facial expressions that match their emotion
Open body language (uncrossed arms, leaning in slightly)
3. Minimal Encouragers
"Mm-hmm," "I see," "Go on," "Tell me more"
These keep them talking without interrupting
4. Reflective Listening
Mirror back what you heard
"It sounds like you're feeling _____"
"What I'm hearing is _____"
"So you're saying _____"
5. Clarifying Questions
Ask to better understand, not to interrogate
"Can you tell me more about _____?"
"What did you mean when you said _____?"
"How did that make you feel?"
6. Validation
Acknowledge their experience without necessarily agreeing
"That makes sense"
"I can see why you'd feel that way"
"That sounds really hard"
What to Avoid:
Don't:
Interrupt with your own story ("That reminds me of when I...")
Fix or give unsolicited advice ("What you should do is...")
Minimize ("It's not that bad" or "Just get over it")
Judge ("You shouldn't feel that way")
Defend yourself if they're expressing hurt you caused
Look at your phone or get distracted
The Active Listening Process:
1
Listen fully
without planning your response
2
Reflect back
what you heard to check understanding
3
Validate
their experience
4
Ask
if they want input or just to be heard
5
Respond
only if invited to
Example:
Them: "I'm so frustrated with work. My boss keeps changing deadlines."
You (Active Listening): "That sounds really stressful. It seems like the constant changes are making it hard to plan?" (Don't jump to "Well have you tried talking to them?" or "My boss does that too!")
When to Use Active Listening:
Someone is upset or emotional
Someone shares something vulnerable
Conflict is arising
Someone says "Can I vent?"
Anytime connection matters more than problem-solving
Remember: Most people don't need you to fix their problems. They need to feel heard and understood. Active listening is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
Making Things Right
Repair & Accountability Practices
This tool is adapted from Dr. Becky Kennedy's work. We highly recommend you check out her website www.goodinside.com and you can view her Ted Talk on YouTube here.
What It Is: How to take responsibility when you've caused harm, make genuine repairs, and rebuild trust. Also, how to accept others' repair attempts and move forward.
Core Concept: Ruptures happen in every relationship. What matters is whether you can repair them. Defensiveness, blame-shifting, and refusing accountability destroy relationships. Genuine repair builds them stronger.
Taking Accountability:
The Genuine Apology (No "But"):
01
Acknowledge What You Did
Be specific about the behavior
Example: "I raised my voice and called you a name"
Not: "I'm sorry if you felt hurt" (that's not accountability)
02
Name the Impact
Show you understand how it affected them
Example: "I can see that made you feel disrespected and unsafe"
03
Take Responsibility
No excuses, justifications, or blame-shifting
Example: "That was wrong of me. I'm responsible for my reaction"
Not: "I only did it because you..." (that's not accountability)
04
Express Genuine Remorse
Example: "I'm truly sorry. You didn't deserve that"
05
State What You'll Do Differently
Be specific about behavior change
Example: "Next time I'm frustrated, I'm going to take a break instead of yelling"
06
Ask What They Need
Example: "What do you need from me right now? How can I make this right?"
Full Example:
"I raised my voice and called you a name yesterday. I can see that hurt you and made you feel disrespected. That was wrong of me - I'm responsible for how I handled my frustration. I'm truly sorry. You deserve to be spoken to with respect. Next time I'm upset, I'm going to take a timeout instead of lashing out. What do you need from me to help repair this?"
What NOT to Do:
Avoid These Repair Killers:
"I'm sorry you feel that way" (not accountability)
"I'm sorry, BUT..." (the "but" erases the apology)
"I said I'm sorry, what more do you want?" (defensive)
Over-explaining or making excuses
Bringing up their past mistakes
Expecting immediate forgiveness
Receiving an Apology:
When Someone Apologizes to You:
Listen fully
Acknowledge their accountability
You don't have to forgive immediately - healing takes time
You can say: "Thank you for acknowledging that. I need some time to process"
Notice: Are they truly taking responsibility, or deflecting?
Rebuilding Trust:
After a Rupture:
1. Consistency matters more than promises
Show changed behavior over time
Follow through on what you said you'd do
2. Be patient
Trust is rebuilt slowly
Don't demand immediate return to normal
3. Check in
"How are you feeling about us?"
"What do you need from me?"
4. Acknowledge progress
"I notice we've been communicating better"
"Thank you for giving me a chance to show up differently"
When Repair Isn't Accepted:
You can take accountability whether or not they forgive you
Your growth isn't dependent on their response
Some relationships don't survive ruptures - that's information
You can learn and do better in future relationships
In Recovery: Making amends (like in 12-step programs) is a form of repair and accountability. The key is doing it for YOUR healing, not to make the other person feel better or to get back in their good graces.
Remember: Being able to repair after conflict is what makes relationships resilient. Perfect people don't exist, but people who can own their mistakes and make genuine repairs do.
Breaking Free from Dysfunction
The Drama Triangle vs. The Empowerment Triangle
What It Is: The Drama Triangle (also called the Victim Triangle or Karpman Drama Triangle) describes three dysfunctional roles people play in relationships that keep everyone stuck. The Empowerment Triangle (TED Triangle) offers healthier alternatives that create actual change and growth.
The Drama Triangle: Where Everyone Loses
These three roles keep conflict alive without resolution:
The Victim: "Poor Me"
Feels powerless and helpless
"Life is happening TO me"
Seeks someone to rescue them
Refuses to take responsibility for their situation
Complaint without action
Core belief: "I can't"
The Rescuer: "Let Me Save You"
Needs to be needed
Takes responsibility for others' problems
Gives unsolicited advice and help
Enables rather than empowers
Often feels burned out and resentful
Core belief: "You can't do this without me"
The Persecutor: "It's All Your Fault"
Blames and criticizes
Uses shame and guilt as tools
Sees themselves as superior
Rigid, controlling, judgmental
Often a hurt Victim who's flipped to anger
Core belief: "You're the problem"
How the Triangle Works:
People rotate through all three roles, sometimes in a single conversation:
Example:
Person A plays Victim: "I can't handle this, everything is terrible"
Person B jumps in as Rescuer: "Let me fix this for you"
Person A rejects help and becomes Persecutor: "You never understand!"
Person B flips to Victim: "I was just trying to help!"
Round and round it goes...
Why It's Dysfunctional:
No one takes genuine responsibility
Problems don't actually get solved
Everyone feels drained and resentful
Keeps codependency and unhealthy dynamics alive
The Empowerment Triangle: Where Everyone Wins
Created by David Emerald, the TED Triangle offers empowering alternatives:
The Creator (instead of Victim): "I Can Choose"
Takes responsibility for their experience
Asks: "What do I want? How can I move toward that?"
Focuses on outcomes, not problems
Asks for support without demanding rescue
Owns their power to respond
Core belief: "I have choice. Life isn't happening TO me - it's happening THROUGH me and FOR me to learn something about myself and the world around me."
Perspective shift: When you view life's circumstances as opportunities to grow, there are no longer problems - only challenges with solutions.
The Coach (instead of Rescuer): "How Can I Support You?"
Asks questions rather than giving answers
Empowers rather than enables
Believes in others' capability
Offers support without taking over
Sets healthy boundaries
Core belief: "You've got this, and I'm here if you need me"
The Challenger (instead of Persecutor): "Let's Look at This Together"
Holds people accountable with compassion
Points out patterns without shame
Asks powerful questions
Challenges growth with love
Speaks truth without attack
Core belief: "I believe you can grow"
Shifting From Drama to Empowerment:
If You're in Victim:
Ask: "What DO I want?" (not just what you don't want)
Identify: "What's one small action I can take?"
Request support: "I could use help thinking through this" (not "fix this for me")
If You're in Rescuer:
Ask: "Is this my problem to solve?"
Instead of fixing: "What do you think you could do?"
Set boundaries: "I'm happy to support you, but I can't do it for you"
If You're in Persecutor:
Pause before blame
Ask: "What am I really frustrated about?"
Challenge with love: "I notice this pattern. What do you notice?"
Focus on behavior, not character: "This behavior isn't working" (not "You're a terrible person")
Examples in Recovery:
Drama Triangle:
Victim: "I relapsed because my spouse was mean to me. I can't stay sober in these conditions."
Rescuer: "Don't worry, I'll talk to your spouse for you. You just focus on not using."
Persecutor: "You always relapse. You're never going to get this."
Empowerment Triangle:
Creator: "I relapsed. I chose to use when I was upset. What coping skills do I need to develop for next time?"
Coach: "That must be hard. What support would help you stay accountable? What's your plan?"
Challenger: "I notice you relapsed after conflict. Let's look at that pattern. What do you see?"
Breaking Free:
Awareness is the First Step:
Notice when you're in the triangle
Name it: "I'm in Victim right now" or "I'm trying to Rescue"
Pause and choose differently
Practice the Empowerment Triangle:
It feels uncomfortable at first (you're breaking old patterns)
It requires taking responsibility and letting others do the same
It creates actual change instead of endless drama
In Relationships:
Call it out gently: "I notice we're in the drama triangle. Can we shift?"
Refuse to play: If someone comes to you as Victim, coach instead of rescue
Model Creator energy: Take responsibility for your part
Remember: The Drama Triangle keeps everyone stuck and suffering. The Empowerment Triangle creates growth, responsibility, and genuine connection. You can exit the drama anytime by shifting your role to the empowered version.
Note: The concept of "life happening through me and for me" is central to our MBR workshop called Catalyst for Growth, where we explore how to use life's circumstances as opportunities for learning and transformation rather than viewing them as problems to endure.
Your Journey Forward
Bringing It All Together
Communication and relationship skills are muscles that strengthen with practice. You won't get it perfect, and that's okay. What matters is your willingness to:
Speak your truth with compassion
Listen deeply to understand
Take responsibility when you cause harm
Set boundaries that protect your wellbeing
Meet yourself and others with kindness
These skills transform not just your relationships with others, but your relationship with yourself. That's where the deepest healing happens.