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120. The Rescuer Complex: Why Saving Them Won't Heal You

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Manage episode 502470003 series 2947834
Content provided by Dr Gemma Gladstone. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr Gemma Gladstone or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

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Why do caring, empathic women end up doing the heavy lifting in love, staying out of guilt and “rescuing” partners at the expense of their own needs? In this episode, Gemma unpacks the unconscious pull to fix others, how childhood patterns (self-sacrifice, subjugation, emotional deprivation) set the stage, and the real cost of over-functioning. You’ll learn how to shift from “fixer” to “feeler,” build healthy entitlement, and make self-supporting choices, even when guilt shouts loudly.

Key Takeaways

  • Rescuing often masks self-abandonment learned in childhood; guilt can keep you stuck.
  • “Too much empathy” without objective distance leads to empathic distress and burnout.
  • Ask: Am I a partner or a parent/therapist/saviour in this dynamic?
  • Build healthy entitlement: your needs matter and boundaries are an act of care.
  • Shift from fixing them to feeling you: journal, re-parent, seek support, and challenge all-or-nothing beliefs.

Try This (Journal Prompts)

  • “If I weren’t rescuing here, what feelings in me would surface?”
  • “What belief equates caring for myself with hurting someone else?”
  • “Where did I first learn that love = self-sacrifice?”
  • “What would healthy reciprocity look like this week (one tangible boundary)?”

Resources Mentioned

  • Free Live Masterclass (Sept 10)The Psychology of Attraction: Why We Bond with Emotionally Unavailable Men (replay available).
  • Work with Gemma – Coaching & the Love Wisely program (for women ready to rewrite their love template).

Rate & Review
If this helped you, a quick review on Apple or Spotify helps other women find the show. Thank you for being part of this work.

Support the show

🎁 Free Guide: Dating With Insight 👉 Download your free guide here
Connect with Me
📷 Instagram: @drgemmagladstone
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: drgemmagladstone.com

🩷 Love Wisely Join the priority list for next group in 2026!

🌻 Support the Podcast
Love the show? Help us keep going with a monthly contribution: Support here

🚩 The Red Flag Project
Get instant access to the online course: Access now

  continue reading

135 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 502470003 series 2947834
Content provided by Dr Gemma Gladstone. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr Gemma Gladstone or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Send us a text

Why do caring, empathic women end up doing the heavy lifting in love, staying out of guilt and “rescuing” partners at the expense of their own needs? In this episode, Gemma unpacks the unconscious pull to fix others, how childhood patterns (self-sacrifice, subjugation, emotional deprivation) set the stage, and the real cost of over-functioning. You’ll learn how to shift from “fixer” to “feeler,” build healthy entitlement, and make self-supporting choices, even when guilt shouts loudly.

Key Takeaways

  • Rescuing often masks self-abandonment learned in childhood; guilt can keep you stuck.
  • “Too much empathy” without objective distance leads to empathic distress and burnout.
  • Ask: Am I a partner or a parent/therapist/saviour in this dynamic?
  • Build healthy entitlement: your needs matter and boundaries are an act of care.
  • Shift from fixing them to feeling you: journal, re-parent, seek support, and challenge all-or-nothing beliefs.

Try This (Journal Prompts)

  • “If I weren’t rescuing here, what feelings in me would surface?”
  • “What belief equates caring for myself with hurting someone else?”
  • “Where did I first learn that love = self-sacrifice?”
  • “What would healthy reciprocity look like this week (one tangible boundary)?”

Resources Mentioned

  • Free Live Masterclass (Sept 10)The Psychology of Attraction: Why We Bond with Emotionally Unavailable Men (replay available).
  • Work with Gemma – Coaching & the Love Wisely program (for women ready to rewrite their love template).

Rate & Review
If this helped you, a quick review on Apple or Spotify helps other women find the show. Thank you for being part of this work.

Support the show

🎁 Free Guide: Dating With Insight 👉 Download your free guide here
Connect with Me
📷 Instagram: @drgemmagladstone
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: drgemmagladstone.com

🩷 Love Wisely Join the priority list for next group in 2026!

🌻 Support the Podcast
Love the show? Help us keep going with a monthly contribution: Support here

🚩 The Red Flag Project
Get instant access to the online course: Access now

  continue reading

135 episodes

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