ABSTRACT
First, in discussing game analysis with clients, it is generally unhelpful to use the term `games'. The word `game' has a pejorative connotation (Woods, 2000), and tends to be received by clients as the therapist implying they are being manipulative, or are on the receiving end of conscious manipulation. I ®nd using the phrase `unhelpful relationship patterns' to be generally acceptable, as well as more accurate in conveying the nature of games as an unconscious interpersonal enactment which reinforces the script.
