Bonus Episode - Rewriting Old Emotional Rules Artwork

The Lemon Tree Coaching

Welcome to The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast—where emotional depth meets grounded psychology. Hosted by Dr. Allison Sucamele, this podcast is a sanctuary for anyone ready to do the inner work, face their shadow, and cultivate a life that feels authentic, aligned, and alive.

Each episode explores the psychology behind emotions, relationships, nervous system healing, and self-awareness. Whether you're navigating heartbreak, burnout, betrayal, people-pleasing, or the desire for deeper meaning, you'll find thoughtful reflections, symbolic storytelling, and powerful insights to help you bloom—one truth at a time.

Grab a cup of tea, tune in, and come home to yourself.

Follow along on Instagram @thelemontreecoaching and explore free resources on Teachers Pay Teachers at The Lemon Tree by AKS.

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The Lemon Tree Coaching

Bonus Episode - Rewriting Old Emotional Rules

December 25, 2025 • Dr. Allison Sucamele

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In today’s bonus episode of The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast, Dr. Allison Sucamele offers a short, grounding reflection on something many of us don’t realize we’re still living by: old emotional rules.

These are the quiet, unspoken agreements we made early in life about what it takes to stay safe, loved, or accepted - rules like don’t be too much, stay useful, don’t need anyone, keep the peace, or feel later. From a psychological lens, these rules weren’t flaws. They were adaptations. Your nervous system learned them in response to real environments and real constraints, and they helped you survive.

But psychology also reminds us of something important: what once protected you can later imprison you.

In this gentle reflection, we explore how the brain and nervous system hold onto outdated instructions, why insight alone isn’t enough to create change, and how healing happens through safety, permission, and small corrective emotional experiences. Rewriting emotional rules isn’t about erasing the past - it’s about updating the operating system so it fits the life you’re building now.

This episode invites you to slow down, notice which rule might be running in the background, and experiment with offering yourself one small exception. Change doesn’t begin with force. It begins with permission. 🍋

Mental Health Resources (U.S.)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for immediate emotional support
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for mental health and substance use support

If you are outside the U.S., please check local crisis resources in your country.

Brief Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational and reflective purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or medical care. Healing and nervous system work are deeply personal, and everyone’s experience is unique. If this episode brings up distress or overwhelming emotions, consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional or trusted support.