Julie Legg explores The Drama Triangle — a powerful framework that helps make sense of our reactions in emotionally charged moments. Originally developed by Stephen Karpman and brought into the ADHD conversation by Bex O’Malley, this tool highlights three common roles we can fall into: Victim, Rescuer, and Persecutor.

With ADHD, where emotional responses can feel fast, intense, and hard to shift, these roles can show up quickly and even change mid-conversation. But with awareness comes choice. This episode introduces a simple yet powerful way to step back, identify your role, and gently shift into more supportive, regulated responses.

A practical, compassionate reminder that it’s not about getting it perfect — it’s about noticing the pattern and giving yourself another option.

Key Points from the Episode:

•  The link between emotional dysregulation and overthinking
•  Understanding the three roles of the Drama Triangle 
•  Why awareness is the first step to emotional regulation 
•  The power of asking: “What role am I in right now?”
•  How self-distancing can reduce emotional intensity 
•  Shifting from:  Victim → Self-Advocate, Rescuer → Supportive Ally. Persecutor → Clear Communicator
•  Recognising that these roles come from protection, not failure

Links

BEX O'MALLEY S2E19: https://adhdifference.nz/s2e19-adhd-burnout-thriving-in-corporate-guest-bex-omalley/

ADHDIFFERENCE: https://adhdifference.nz/drama-triangle/

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 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More