‘ …You gotta learn to be positive, it’s your only chance
You mustn’t be so defensive,you gotta join in the dance
But it isn’t your dancing that you’ve gotta improve
Ooh,it’s your attitude…’
( The Kinks…”Attitude” )
It’s natural to see the world in a habitual fashion,like wearing glasses with writing on the lenses.You will see this message everywhere.These filters or channels help to configure and reinforce our attitude or way of experiencing and reacting to the world at large. Eric Berne, founder of Transactional Analysis, regarded neurotic behaviours as patterns described as different types of ‘psychological games’ .One of Berne’s students ,Stephen Karpman, has suggested the entry point to these behaviours is signposted. The characteristic signposts were designated as behavioural patterns seen to be one of three possible positions. The positions are described as ‘Victim, Persecutor, or Rescuer ‘ in a dynamic described as the Karpman Drama Triangle. The positions change from the beginning to the end of a sequence of behaviours or ‘psychological games’. The end result is the repetition of a pattern with an attached familiar bad result and familiar bad feeling. Anxiety, depression, fear, anger, relationship or self esteem difficulties may feature. Generally pre-existing attitudes or beliefs are reinforced in this process.
With reflection and insight these characteristic ‘ Victim, Persecutor, or Rescuer ‘ patterns may be recognised and modified so that behaviour, in turn, may be modified. This work is one of the elements of a certain type of psychotherapeutic work. Doing this; changing your outdated characteristic , automatic and compulsive beliefs or ways of seeing the world , may lead to a change of attitudes. In turn this may radically help you to change the way you structure your life and experience. The resulting possible changes in negative repetitive patterns may result in better quality relationships and perception of self and others. This is a common goal in counselling or therapy and the work often involves separating past experiences from present day reality testing.
If you are seeking the services of a Perth psychologist or Perth Counsellor, please contact me at makomdavid@gmail.com