Hi everyone, it’s Dr. Caroline Lloyd here, and in this week’s episode I’m unpacking the Drama Triangle — a powerful framework that explains the roles we can slip into in relationships: victim, rescuer, and perpetrator.

I share how these roles can quietly shape our families, partnerships, and even therapy spaces, and why they’re ultimately disempowering. More importantly, I talk about how EMDR can help us move beyond these rigid roles into healthier, empowering alternatives — stepping into coach, creator, and challenger.

If you’ve ever felt stuck replaying the same dynamics with people in your life, this episode will help you see a new path forward.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

All roles in the Drama Triangle are limiting and disempowering.

Awareness of the role we’re playing is the first step to change.

EMDR can process stuck beliefs (like “I’m powerless” or “I’m responsible for everyone else”) and replace them with empowering truths.

Moving into the Empowerment Dynamic allows for healthier, freer relationships.

Healing is about reclaiming agency, choice, and balance in how we show up with others.

Key Highlights:

The Drama Triangle: victim, rescuer, and perpetrator — and how easily we slip between them.

Why “rescuing” clients, partners, or family members can unintentionally keep them in victim mode.

The dangers of being cast as perpetrator when withdrawing from rescuer mode.

How family dynamics often push children into rigid roles — with lasting effects.

The alternative Empowerment Dynamic (creator, coach, challenger).

How EMDR helps shift beliefs that keep us stuck in these roles.

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Join Dr. Caroline Lloyd as she unpacks trauma, demystifies PTSD, and shares how EMDR can support real, lasting healing.