What serial fixers are really avoiding in relationships | Leah Marone | TEDxMallard Creek

In this TEDx talk, “What Serial Fixers Are Really Avoiding in Relationships,” the speaker explores the deeper emotional patterns behind the impulse to soothe, rescue, and solve for others. As a psychotherapist, parent, and long-time emotional anchor for friends, colleagues, and family, she once believed her constant helpfulness was a sign of compassion and strength. But beneath the surface, she began to notice something more hidden—and more human.

Drawing from personal experience and professional insight, she reveals how serial fixing often masks an avoidance of uncomfortable emotions: our own and the emotions of those we care about. What looks like kindness is sometimes a subtle attempt to control, to create peace, or to maintain relevance, all while neglecting personal boundaries and internal needs.

In this talk, she shares how recognizing these patterns helped her reconnect to herself, reclaim her energy, and stop confusing over-functioning with love. She uncovers the emotional confusion behind the fixer role and offers a transformative shift: true connection doesn’t come from rescuing—it comes from presence, honesty, and boundaries. Leah Marone is a psychotherapist, Yale Clinical Instructor, and corporate mental wellness consultant with over 20 years of experience. She has conducted more than 20,000 therapy sessions and specializes in supporting high-achievers facing imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and performance anxiety.

Leah has worked extensively with organizations on burnout prevention, boundary setting, and emotional intelligence, delivering her widely praised Support, Don’t Solve framework to leaders nationwide. A former Division 1 athlete, she brings a unique perspective to resilience and performance. Her upcoming book, Serial Fixer: Break Free From the Habit of Solving Other People Problems, explores the hidden patterns of over-functioning and offers a path to break free from burnout and anxiety. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx