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Do I Have a Savior Complex? Tips From A Therapist On How to Save Yourself Instead

Are you someone who tries to “save” others in order to feel better about themselves? Or maybe, you distract yourself with other peoples’ problems in order to avoid acknowledging your own feelings. This is what a savior complex is, and here we will go over why you may have tendencies to save and how to overcome a savior complex with therapy in Denver.

What Is a Savior Complex?

A savior complex is a mental health condition in which someone believes they are responsible for saving or fixing other people. Those with a savior complex may also feel like they are the only person who can help others in need, and they may take on an excessive amount of responsibility for those around them.

The person may also feel guilt or disappointment when they are unable to help or “save” someone in need. People with a savior complex often believe they are the only ones who can bring about change in the world, and they may become overwhelmed by the responsibility. It’s important to remember that this is a mental health issue, not a personality trait. It can lead to feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety if not addressed.

Why Do I Have a Savior Complex?

When it comes to understanding why someone has a savior complex, it’s important to understand what it means. A savior complex is when a person feels an overwhelming need to save or rescue someone else from their problems. It can be difficult for people with a savior complex to say no, and they can often feel like they are the only ones who can truly help the person they are trying to rescue.

So why do some people develop a savior complex? Many times, it is due to unresolved issues from their own childhoods. Perhaps they were not provided with the necessary support or guidance that they needed, or they may have had to take care of themselves and others at a young age. In many cases, a person’s savior complex is rooted in feeling powerless and powerless can lead to overcompensation by trying to be a hero to someone else.

Other reasons for developing a savior complex could include having an overly inflated sense of self-importance or a lack of personal boundaries. Someone with a savior complex might feel like they are the only one who can solve other people’s problems and that their help is invaluable. They might also have difficulty saying no or setting healthy boundaries with other people. Finally, some people develop a savior complex out of a need to feel needed and loved.

While these are all potential reasons for why someone may have a savior complex, it is important to remember that everyone is different and these are just generalizations. Ultimately, understanding the cause of your savior complex is an important step in finding ways to overcome it.

The Negative Consequences of a Savior Complex

Having a savior complex can have serious consequences both for the person who has it and those around them. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and overbearing responsibility. It can also lead to burnout as the individual takes on too much in an attempt to help others. People with a savior complex may also become obsessed with rescuing people who don’t need saving. This can interfere with personal relationships and create unnecessary drama.

In addition, people with a savior complex may not recognize or accept their own limitations and strengths, which can lead to them taking on tasks that are beyond their ability. As a result, they may end up feeling inadequate and unworthy of success. Furthermore, the desire to be needed may drive them to become overly dependent on other people, instead of relying on themselves.

Finally, having a savior complex can make it difficult for individuals to receive help from others. They may be so focused on trying to help others that they reject assistance, even if they need it. This can lead to feelings of isolation and resentment of those who do offer assistance.

How to Overcome A Savior Complex

Overcoming a savior complex can be challenging, but with determination and the right approach, it is possible. The first step to overcoming a savior complex is to recognize that it exists.

Understanding the roots of the problem and recognizing the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with a savior complex can help you start making changes.

The next step is to practice self-care. Take time for yourself to rest and relax, practice healthy eating habits, and focus on activities that bring you joy. When you are feeling overwhelmed by emotions or stress, take a break and focus on calming your body and mind.

You should also try to be more mindful of your own needs and boundaries. Don’t overextend yourself and make sure to say no when necessary. Establish healthy boundaries with others and communicate your needs clearly. This can help you avoid becoming too emotionally involved in other people’s problems.

Finally, it can be beneficial to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide valuable insight and support during the recovery process. They can help you work through underlying issues that may be contributing to your savior complex, as well as teach you effective coping strategies to manage your emotions. With patience and persistence, you can learn to overcome your savior complex and lead a healthier, more balanced life.

Therapy in Denver for Savior Complexes

If you are struggling with a savior complex, you may benefit from seeking professional help. Working with a therapist can help you to gain greater insight into your behaviors and understand why you engage in them. It can also provide an opportunity for you to learn skills that can help you to better manage and even overcome your savior complex.

Therapists in Denver can help you to identify unhealthy patterns in your relationships and learn how to build healthier relationships. This can help you to learn how to manage your emotions more effectively and gain more control over how you interact with others. Additionally, therapy can provide you with the tools and techniques necessary to shift away from being a “savior” and become more comfortable with allowing others to help themselves.

In Denver, there are many qualified therapists who specialize in helping people with savior complexes. These professionals are trained in providing evidence-based treatments that can help individuals develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior. If you’re looking for therapy for your savior complex, it’s important to find a therapist who is experienced in working with this issue.

When looking for a therapist, it’s important to consider the kind of therapy they offer, their experience level, as well as what type of setting they work in. Additionally, it’s important to make sure the therapist is someone who you feel comfortable talking to and trust. Once you have found the right therapist, they will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.

Overall, if you are struggling with a savior complex, therapy in Denver can be an effective way to find relief. With the right treatment plan, you can develop healthy coping skills that will help you manage and eventually overcome your savior complex.

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Pauly Munn, MA, LPC

Individual & Couples Counselor; Neurofeedback Clinician; EMDR-Trained (PhD Candidate)

Pauly is a Colorado native who received his MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regis University, and is a current doctoral candidate for a PhD in Clinical Psychology program at Fielding Graduate University. Pauly is an empathetic counselor who believes in a compassionate, yet direct approach to therapy. Pauly believes his clients are the experts of their experience. Through a collaborative lens, clients who work with Pauly are able to gain meaningful insight into their experience which in-turn provides the essential resources for navigating change and/or healing emotional wounds. Pauly utilizes an integrated trauma-informed lens blended with evidence-based modalities including ACT, CBT, EFT, and more. Pauly specializes in working with adult individuals and couples, with several years of experience working directly with a broad range of presenting challenges including relationship challenges, PTSD & complex trauma, substance use disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and more. More importantly, Pauly believes in building a safe space in which each and every one of his clients feels seen & heard. Pauly identifies as a Latino-American, and is passionate about conducting therapy utilizing a social justice & diversity-informed lens. Pauly has a strong background working with multicultural identities, and believes in the importance of recognizing our unique differences. Pauly loves staying active through basketball, tennis, volleyball, hiking, dancing, strength training, and more. Additionally, Pauly spends time actively engaging in ongoing research projects in trauma, social justice, and neuropsychology.

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Brianna Herrera, MA, LPCC

Individual & Couples Counselor; Neurofeedback Clinician

Brianna believes in a holistic approach to counseling, integrating mind, body, and spirit in her work with clients. She strives to help clients weave the various aspects of their lives together through a collaborative approach, meeting her clients where they’re at and partnering with them to create lasting change and a greater sense of wholeness in their lives. Brianna seeks to create a grounding and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with freedom and authenticity. She embraces a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities to best meet her clients’ specific needs and goals, such as trauma-informed CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based techniques, solution-focused therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and humanistic approaches. In her work with couples, Brianna focuses on helping partners improve communication, strengthen their emotional connection, and navigate challenges such as conflict resolution, intimacy issues, and life transitions. She believes that life-giving, functioning relationships are foundational to a person’s sense of well-being. Brianna is certified in facilitating both SYMBIS and Prepare-Enrich couples counseling sessions. In her free time, she can often be found adventuring outside with her husband and pup, hosting a game night, or enjoying time with community.

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Sydney Focht, MA, LPC

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I specialize in working with women in their 20s to 50s who struggle with self-worth, self-esteem, and the guilt that often comes with prioritizing themselves. Finding self-trust and the ability to feel worthy of happiness are common topics in my work. My clients tend to put off therapy because they downplay their struggles, describing their pain as ‘not that big of a deal.’ Many of them grew up in households where expressing emotions wasn’t encouraged and they are still looking for security now. My goal is to create a space where you feel completely free to be yourself—no pressure, no expectations. Therapy with me isn’t about either of us being ‘perfect’—it’s more about you feeling safe, seen, and supported as you figure things out in a way that works for you. I prioritize meaningful conversations that get to the heart of the issue, getting to the root and out of surface level conversation quickly. Going through my own therapy has given me a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be in the client’s seat, and it’s made me even more passionate about helping others find the support that truly works for them. My clients describe me as focused, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and down-to-earth. I truly love what I do and that comes through in my work! I’m a person-centered therapist, but I often integrate elements of Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and IFS.

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Cassandra Keller, MA, LPCC

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I support adults and teens (15+) who are ready to find relief from trauma, anxiety, depression, or feeling stuck in life, career, or identity transitions. Using a compassionate, trauma-informed, and integrative approach, I help clients reconnect with themselves and move toward balance and resilience. I’m EMDR-trained and draw from person-centered, gestalt, DBT, and somatic practices. Whether we’re working with the nervous system, processing painful memories, or exploring patterns with curiosity, my goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where you feel supported, present, and empowered to grow. I especially enjoy working with athletes, creative people, students, and outdoor adventurers who value resilience, beauty, and balance. Alongside therapy and grounding practices, I also offer neurofeedback as another powerful pathway for nervous system regulation and healing. Outside the office, you’ll often find me climbing, fly fishing, running trails, foraging, or relaxing in the grass under the aspens. My love for movement, play, and nature continually inspires how I show up with clients.

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