Stepping Out of Toxic Work Relationships and the Art of Setting Boundaries

About the Course:

Stepping Out of Toxic Work Relationships and the Art of Setting Boundaries is an intermediate-level program designed to help professionals recognize and break free from draining, dysfunctional workplace dynamics. Drawing on Steve Karpman’s Drama Triangle, co-dependence principles, and Dr. John Gottman’s research on relationship breakdown, Yoke van Dam guides participants through the subtle and overt behaviours that erode morale, trust, and productivity, such as gossip, criticism, contempt, and defensiveness. 

Through real-world case studies, storytelling, humour, and practical NLP-based strategies, attendees learn how to identify the victim, predator, and rescuer roles they naturally fall into and discover healthier alternatives. 

The course equips participants to set clear boundaries, communicate assertively, and build meaningful, respectful connections across teams. By shifting mindset and behaviour, learners leave empowered to create a win-win culture where collaboration thrives and toxic patterns lose their grip.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the co-dependent roles they naturally assume in workplace dynamics and choose healthier, more constructive alternatives.
• Demonstrate greater assertiveness in their communication and decision-making.
• Set and maintain healthy, respectful boundaries in professional interactions.
• Recognize toxic behaviours and patterns within workplace relationships and consciously shift away from them.
• Understand how their emotional and mental state influences their role in team dynamics and choose positive, win-win behaviours.

Who is the Target Audience?

This course is ideal for professionals who work closely with teams, clients, or cross-functional departments, including:

• Managers and Directors
• Sales Executives
• IT Managers and IT Support
• Customer Service Professionals
• Social Media and Marketing Teams
• Human Resources Practitioners
• Anyone who frequently navigates workplace conflict, collaboration, or interpersonal dynamics

It is especially valuable for individuals who:

• Struggle to say no or set clear boundaries
• Find themselves mediating conflicts or “rescuing” others
• Experience disrespect, resentment, or toxic interactions at work
• Want to build healthier, more meaningful professional relationships

Basic Knowledge:

• No formal prerequisites are required.
• Participants should have some workplace experience and a basic ability to reflect on their own communication and behavioural patterns (recommended for an intermediate level).
• An openness to personal growth, self-awareness, and trying new communication strategies will enhance the learning experience.