Hey friends! In today’s episode of Insights from the Couch, we’re exploring one of our favorite (and most handed-out!) psychological models—the Drama Triangle. If you've ever felt stuck in dysfunctional relationship dynamics, unsure why you're constantly the “rescuer,” “victim,” or “persecutor,” this one's for you. We break down how these roles silently fuel relational chaos and emotional suppression—and most importantly, how to get out.

We also introduce the Empowerment Triangle, the powerful antidote that helps you reclaim your agency and transform your relationships. We’re not here for surface-level chatter—we’re all about taking personal responsibility, getting real about what’s not working, and building healthier, more honest connections. So grab your coffee and settle in—we’re getting real about emotional growth, boundary-setting, and stepping into your truth.

Episode Highlights:

[0:02] - Welcome to Insights from the Couch and intro to "The Chat" community
[1:47] - Why we love teaching the Drama Triangle model
[3:24] - Defining the three core roles: victim, rescuer, and persecutor
[5:34] - The puppet-master energy of the victim role
[7:50] - The shift from victimhood to Creator mindset
[10:57] - Personal stories on family dynamics and feeling disempowered
[13:19] - How rescuers unknowingly uphold dysfunctional systems
[16:33] - Gender, parenting, and the over-functioning rescuer
[18:26] - Emotional discomfort and the fear that fuels rescuing
[22:46] - The persecutor: the role no one wants but everyone needs
[25:07] - Why breaking the triangle means risking being “the bad guy”
[27:56] - How emotional suppression drives the Drama Triangle
[32:54] - Shifting to the Empowerment Triangle: Creator, Coach, and Challenger
[35:51] - Taking personal accountability and validating our feelings
[38:24] - The difference between rescuing and coaching with compassion
[41:05] - How to offer support without enabling
[42:06] - Embracing the Challenger role to live in truth
[44:33] - Join our new community space “The Chat” at insightsfromthecouch.org

Links & Resources:

· Join the conversation and community at: https://www.insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat

· Learn more about the Drama Triangle and Empowerment Triangle: The Power of TED* by David Emerald

· Recommended reading: The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck

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