Uploaded January 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
"The Drama Triangle and the Power & Control Wheel Walk Into a Church" (Kathryn Keller, Ph.D.)
In this presentation, we will explore the Karpman Drama Triangle and the Power and Control Wheel and how these two models can be used together to conceptualize religious trauma for and with our clients. We'll examine how the models intersect, resulting in harmful dynamics, and how our clients can be empowered to recognize these dynamics as they continue to heal from their painful experiences.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the three roles in the Karpman Drama Triangle
2. Identify abuses of power
3. Identify how the Drama Triangle and abuses of power can intersect in high-control environments
Kathryn Keller, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist in Dallas, TX. She co-owns a group counseling practice, Dallas Therapy Collective, where she sees clients for individual therapy. She conducted her doctoral dissertation on the topic of spiritual abuse, resulting in the first known measure of spiritual abuse. Kathryn’s practice is focused on clients who have experienced traumatic stress, including spiritual and religious trauma. She works particularly well with people who have experienced high levels of control in fundamentalist and evangelical Christian traditions.
"The Drama Triangle and the Power & Control Wheel Walk Into a Church" (Kathryn Keller, Ph.D.)
In this presentation, we will explore the Karpman Drama Triangle and the Power and Control Wheel and how these two models can be used together to conceptualize religious trauma for and with our clients. We'll examine how the models intersect, resulting in harmful dynamics, and how our clients can be empowered to recognize these dynamics as they continue to heal from their painful experiences.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the three roles in the Karpman Drama Triangle
2. Identify abuses of power
3. Identify how the Drama Triangle and abuses of power can intersect in high-control environments
Kathryn Keller, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist in Dallas, TX. She co-owns a group counseling practice, Dallas Therapy Collective, where she sees clients for individual therapy. She conducted her doctoral dissertation on the topic of spiritual abuse, resulting in the first known measure of spiritual abuse. Kathryn’s practice is focused on clients who have experienced traumatic stress, including spiritual and religious trauma. She works particularly well with people who have experienced high levels of control in fundamentalist and evangelical Christian traditions.
