What if the behaviors you turn to for comfort—whether it’s overworking, people-pleasing, or numbing out—aren’t the real problem, but rather a signal from a part of you that’s desperately trying to help? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Ian Morgan Cron—author, speaker, and renowned Enneagram expert—to explore the fascinating intersections between Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the 12 Steps. Together, we uncover why we’re all, in some way, prone to numbing behaviors and how understanding the role of our “firefighter” parts can lead to true emotional healing. If you’ve ever struggled to make sense of your coping mechanisms or felt stuck in cycles of avoidance, this conversation will leave you with tools and hope for real transformation. In this episode, You’ll Learn: * Why we’re all addicts in some way—and how the 12 Steps apply to everyone * What “firefighters” are in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and how they work to protect us * The true source of numbing behaviors * The surprising and liberating goal of the 12 Steps and what it means for all of us * Practical ways to find a safe person to share your struggles honestly and vulnerably * How we can all achieve emotional sobriety Have a question for Dr. Alison? Leave it here. Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here. If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love: Episode 108: Inside Out—Internal Family Systems, Therapy, and High-Performing Protectors with Jenna Riemersma Thanks to our sponsors: As a listener of The Best of You Podcast, you can qualify to see a registered dietitian for as little as $0 by visiting faynutrition.com/bestofyou. Go to Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Music by Andy Luiten Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik 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