Triangulation: How Loved Ones Get Stuck In Toxic Relationship Dynamics A Little Help For Our Friends podcast

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Triangulation: How Loved Ones Get Stuck in Toxic Relationship Dynamics

3d ago 58:16

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Have you ever noticed a never-ending cycle of drama amongst your family or friend group? In this episode, we talk about how the Drama Triangle might be the hidden pattern keeping your relationships stuck in painful cycles. Whether you're supporting a loved one with mental illness or navigating difficult family dynamics, this pattern will keep you trapped in the pain instead of solving it.
Stephen Karpman's Drama Triangle describes three roles that create and sustain relationship dysfunction: the Victim (feeling helpless and powerless), the Persecutor (critical and blaming), and the Rescuer (rushing to fix problems). What makes this pattern so challenging is how people shift between these roles, maintaining the pain while never actually resolving underlying issues.
We identify places where we can spot the drama triangle in our own lives—from childhood experiences with divorced parents to adult relationships—showing how these patterns created confusion and heartache. These triangles often form because we're desperately trying to maintain stability, even when that stability is painful.
The good news is that understanding these patterns gives you the power to break free. We explore practical ways to step outside your habitual role and ultimately break down the triangle entirely. Rather than seeing these behaviors as character flaws, we frame them as adaptations that once served a purpose but may now be limiting your growth and happiness.
This conversation highlights how recognizing these patterns can help you create more authentic connections with loved ones struggling with mental health challenges.

Check out KulaMind.com to learn more about our online platform designed to help you break toxic patterns and find peace while supporting someone with mental illness.

Resources:

https://karpmandramatriangle.com/dt_article_only.html

Support the show

If you have a loved one with mental or emotional problems, join KulaMind, our community and support platform. In KulaMind, work one on one with Dr. Kibby on learning how to set healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself, and support your loved one. *We only have a few spots left, so apply here if you're interested.

Follow @kulamind on Instagram for science-backed insights on staying sane while loving someone emotionally explosive.

For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfriends.com

Chapters

1. Introduction to the Drama Triangle (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Role Switching Dynamics (00:09:30)

3. Personal Examples of Triangle Dynamics (00:17:18)

4. Narcissism and Victimhood Weaponized (00:28:35)

5. Breaking Free from Triangle Patterns (00:39:15)

6. Final Thoughts and Taking Action (00:49:25)

140 episodes

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