What happens when you do the hard work of becoming healthier, but the people and systems around you keep pulling you back into old patterns? In this conversation, Dr. Alison welcomes therapist, leadership coach, and podcast host Rebecca Ching, LMFT to explore the powerful influence that families, workplaces, churches, and communities have on our ability to grow. They unpack what happens when one person’s healing challenges the status quo, why certain people become labeled as the problem, and how deeply ingrained patterns can keep unhealthy dynamics in place. In this episode, you'll discover: Why the person identified as the problem might actually be revealing something much bigger. What happens when personal growth disrupts the unspoken rules of a family, workplace, or faith community. The subtle red flags that can be easy to miss when an unhealthy dynamic feels familiar. How to recognize when it's time to challenge the status quo, create space, and listen to what your inner world is telling you. Together, they look at the tension between belonging and becoming, the signals that a system may not be as healthy as it appears, and what it takes to recognize our own role in these patterns without taking responsibility for everyone else’s behavior. About Rebecca Ching: Rebecca Ching, LMFT, PCC, is a leadership developer, psychotherapist, professional certified coach, entrepreneur, writer, speaker, and podcast host. She brings a systemic approach to helping individuals and teams navigate growth, relationships, and meaningful change. Rebecca is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, EMDR Certified Therapist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant, and AAMFT Approved Supervisor. She is also an IFSI Approved Clinical Consultant, Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, EMDR Consultant-in-Training, and polyvagal-informed practitioner and systemic team coach. More Resources: Learn more about Rebecca Ching and The Unburdened Leader podcast here. Get exclusive access to the first 2 chapters of Dr. Alison’s newest book, The Secure Soul. Connect further with @dralisoncook on Instagram 📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here Don't forget to browse this week's sponsors, who make it possible for me to bring you these resources for free + provide you with additional discounts! StoryWorth - Give your loved ones a unique keepsake you’ll all cherish for years—Storyworth! Right now, save up to $20 during Storyworth’s Holiday sale when you go to STORYWORTH.com/bestofyou! That’s STORYWORTH.com/bestofyou to save up to $20 on your order! Remi - Use code BESTOFYOU to get 55% off your new night guard from now until the end of this month with Remi Club. Go to shopremi.com/BESTOFYOU and use code BESTOFYOU at checkout for 55% off this month with Remi Club. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to save up to 75% this month on select bundles while supplies last! Quince - How you dress affects your mood and you can trust that Quince has you covered in every day sustainable wardrobe staples. Go to Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Head to AquaTru.com now and get 20% off your purifier using promocode BESTOFYOU AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee or your money back. Take the guesswork out of pure, great-tasting water with this exclusive, podcast-only offer now at AquaTru.com using promo code BESTOFYOU! *Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices