f Performing status manoeuvres in conducting couples therapy

Status, defined as the perceived importance of persons relative to others within a social system, is manifested by intentional behaviours, termed status manoeuvres (SMs), which aim to alter or maintain the status of each person relative to others. In couples therapy, the Treatment System (consisting of a therapist and the two client partners in a couples relationship) can be assessed meaningfully and changed by attending to its recurrent SMs. This article first illustrates SMs in dyads and triads by examples encountered in everyday life; next sets forth descriptions of three exercises useful in training therapists to detect and experience SMs; then offers examples of intentional SMs applicable to couples therapy; and finally presents a case vignette illustrating the effective performance of SMs by the therapist. Some advantages over other mental health professionals possessed by drama therapists in utilizing SMs are cited.