Identifying the Instigator of Conflict

Identifying the Instigator

First published on 2/15/2015, this article has been republished to ensure the information remains updated and accurate.

Triangulation is a complex and often detrimental dynamic that can occur in various relationships, including family, friendships, and even therapy sessions. This concept is particularly significant in trauma-informed therapy, where it is used to describe an individual who intentionally or unintentionally creates drama involving three or more people.

The triangle in triangulation consists of three components: Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer. In an unintentional scenario, an individual may unknowingly involve others in their personal issues, creating a web of confusion. On the other hand, an emotionally unstable individual might intentionally use triangulation to manipulate or confuse a situation.

For instance, a problematic individual might tell a lie to one person and then involve others to gain credibility and create conflict. This is often seen in family and friend relationships, as well as in cases of divorce, custody issues, and conflictual parent-child relationships.

In therapy, it can be challenging for parents to watch their child repeatedly lie about something they know isn't true. However, it's crucial for individuals to learn how to identify when a triangle is occurring, stay separate from the problematic triangle, and remain objective as much as possible.

Triangulation can also cause trouble in marital, couples, or family therapy, with the therapist potentially being seen as a rescuer, persecutor, or even the victim. In intentional triangulation, the therapist must navigate these dynamics carefully to ensure a productive and healing session.

Learning to identify when and how to identify when feeding the triangle or helping to unravel it is crucial in various relationships, including friendships, families, and neighbourhoods. It's essential to avoid being drawn into the drama and maintain a clear perspective.

In some cases, unintentional triangulation can lead to the original problematic individual being seen as the victim, and others as the cause of the conflict. It's important to remember that understanding the dynamics of triangulation can help individuals avoid being manipulated and maintain healthy, honest relationships.

While the search results do not provide the name of the therapist or institution that teaches the concept of "Triangulation" in trauma-based therapy, its significance in understanding and managing complex relationships cannot be overstated.