In this deeply honest conversation, Dr. Julie Lopez sits down with author, filmmaker, and advocate Zara Phillips to explore how co-dependency and hyperfixation act as survival mechanisms that can spiral into addictive patterns.   They unpack why we overthink, people-please, or fixate compulsively when safety feels uncertain, and reveal the two key components Zara credits with sustaining lasting recovery.    From Zara's groundbreaking advocacy work demanding government apologies for forced adoption practices to her personal insights on breaking free from people-pleasing, this episode offers both validation and practical tools for healing.   Whether you're adopted, in foster care, or simply recognize patterns of abandonment and codependency in your own life, this conversation provides a roadmap for reclaiming authenticity and finding peace.   LEARN MORE ABOUT ZARA PHILLIPS: www.zaraphillips.net CONNECT WITH JULIE: https://drjulielopez.com/  CONNECT WITH THE VIVA CENTER: https://www.vivapartnership.com/