Podcast appearances and mentions of alison cook

Dr. Alison Cook, bestselling author of Boundaries for Your Soul, returns to Typology to talk about her new book, The Secure Soul: Finding Inner Strength and Connection When Trust Doesn't Come Easy. Alison is candid about her own lifelong wrestle with insecurity as an Enneagram Three, and we dig into two of her book's central characters: the controller, the part of us trying to earn love by managing how we're perceived, and the shadow, the part left holding everything we couldn't afford to feel. Drawing on Internal Family Systems, attachment theory, and contemplative Christian tradition, Alison offers a different way to think about the soul — not as a machine to fix, but as a mountain to explore, one shadowy valley at a time. Along the way: Gabor Maté's idea that children are forced to choose between attachment and authenticity, why "I am loved even here" might be the whole gospel in five words, and the real difference between fixing yourself and healing.   About Dr. Alison Cook:  Dr. Alison Cook is a psychologist of religion, licensed therapist, and host of the top-ranked The Best of You Podcast. She is the author of several bestselling books, including Boundaries for Your Soul. Known for her work at the intersection of faith, psychology, and spiritual formation, she helps people cultivate a secure inner life– healing past wounds, strengthening a grounded sense of self, building healthy relationships, and experiencing God as a steady and loving presence in their lives. She and her husband, Joe, are the parents of two adult children and call the mountains of Wyoming home. Facebook  Instagram Website The Best of You Podcast    

On today's edition of What's Eric Eating, Eric is joined by Marco Thompson and Mauricio Alvarado of Osteria di Mercato. Marco and Mauricio share how they both got into the world of culinary, what brought them back to Houston, working together at Osteria di Mercato, what brought each of them to the concept, why the small menu, developing the menu, the benefits of working in a small concept, the neighborhood restaurant feel, the creation of some of the dishes including the tuna crudo, the wine list, how things are going so far, their goals, a comment regarding Alison Cook's recent blog post, and more! Plus, the guys share a couple stories about the late Grant Gordon. Got a question for Eric? Email him at eric@culturemap.com. Follow Eric on Instagram @ericsandler and check out some of Eric's latest articles online at Culturemap.com: Family-Owned Houston Pizzeria Rises with 2 New Locations Houston Restaurateur's Posh Italian Spot Closes After 4 Years in Cypress Tilman Fertitta's Seafood Restaurant Sets Sail with New Sugar Land Store New Pitmaster Brings Top 50 Cred to Historic Houston Barbecue Joint Houston Chopped Champ's Casual Indian Restaurants will Shutter in Midtown

What do you do with the parts of yourself you'd rather not have? Maybe you've learned to stay small, keep the peace, take care of everyone else, or work hard enough that you don't have to pay much attention to what's happening inside. Maybe you're deeply aware of other people's needs but have a harder time knowing what you need. Or maybe you've done a lot of personal work and still find that old wounds show up in familiar ways. In this conversation, Dr. Alison Cook invites us to look at our inner lives with fresh eyes. She brings psychology, philosophy, and theology together to explore what it means to become more secure—not by getting rid of the difficult parts of ourselves, but by learning to tend to them well. Join Dan, Rachael, and Alison for a thoughtful conversation about the inner work of becoming more secure, the ways our past can shape how we relate to ourselves and others, and what it might look like to make room for the whole of who you are. Want to go deeper? Check out Alison's new book, "The Secure Soul," where she explores the wounds beneath our disconnection and offers a path toward greater safety, trust, and connection within ourselves, with others, and with God. Find out more and order your copy at: https://www.dralisoncook.com/the-secure-soul *This episode contains brief explicit language. Listener discretion is advised. About the Allender Center Podcast: For over a decade, the Allender Center Podcast has offered honest, thoughtful conversations about the deep work of healing and transformation. Hosted by Dr. Dan Allender and Rachael Clinton Chen, MDiv, this weekly podcast explores the complexities of trauma, abuse recovery, story, relationships, and spiritual formation. Through questions submitted by listeners, stories, interviews, and conversations, we engage the deep places of heartache and hope that are rarely addressed so candidly in our culture today. Join the Allender Center Podcast to uncover meaningful perspectives and support for your path to healing and growth. At the Allender Center, we value thoughtful dialogue across a wide range of voices, stories, and lived experiences. In that spirit, our podcast features guests and hosts who may hold differing perspectives. The perspectives shared on this podcast by guests and hosts reflect their own experiences and viewpoints and do not necessarily represent the views, positions, or endorsements of the Allender Center and/or The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. Stream each episode, plus find transcripts, additional resources, and more at: theallendercenter.org/podcast To become a supporter of the Allender Center Podcast, visit: https://theallendercenter.org/2025/11/podcast-support/ If you and your organization would like to partner with the Allender Center Podcast, please reach out to Clay Clayton at cclayton@theallendercenter.org     

Why Are We So Lonely Even When We're Not Alone?   Host Curtis Chang talks with psychologist and podcaster Dr. Alison Cook about why America's loneliness epidemic can't be solved by simply adding more people to our lives. They explore how attachment wounds, anxiety, distraction, and modern life leave us disconnected—and how solitude and honest prayer can become paths toward healing. Dr. Cook offers a practice for loneliness: "recognize and return"—name what you feel, then remember, "I am loved even here."   02:46 - Why Do We Minimize Loneliness? 05:12 - What Is Attachment Theory? 10:31 - Childhood Wounds and Cultural Context 13:42 - Where God Enters the Healing Process 16:14 - The Inner Dialogue with God 20:44 - The Importance of Solitude 27:20 - The Modern Epidemic of Loneliness 35:16 - Loneliness as a Holy Longing 39:22 - Spiritual Practices for a Healthy Inner Life   To give to Good Faith: https://goodfaith.org/donate   Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Cook's The Secure Soul: Finding Inner Strength and Connection When Trust Doesn't Come Easy The U.S. Surgeon General's report: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation Professor Irvin D. Yalom's Existential Psychotherapy Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Life Together   Scriptures: Psalm 42 (ESV) Psalm 131 (ESV) Psalm 139 (ESV) Genesis 2 (ESV) Romans 8 (ESV)   More From Alison Cook: Dr. Alison Cook's Website Dr. Alison Cook's The Best of You podcast   Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.  

You would never call it worship. You'd call it being responsible. But look at what you organize your life around, what you reach for the second the ground shifts, the thing you cannot fall asleep without having settled. You have built an altar to certainty, and you bow at it every time fear whispers that if you could just get control of this, you'd finally be safe. It isn't faith. It's control wearing faith's clothing, and underneath it is a version of you who learned a long time ago that holding everything together was the only way not to get hurt. Dr. Alison Cook joins me for a conversation that goes straight underneath that pattern. A therapist, host of The Best of You podcast, and author of the new book The Secure Soul, Alison has spent two decades helping people tell the difference between security and certainty, and see why the two were never the same thing. We talk about what it means to be held by a God whose first gift is not a map but His presence, about the control we mistake for faith and the caretaking we mistake for love, and about the wilderness seasons that strip away every scaffolding we built to feel safe so that something truer can finally hold us. If you are the strong one, the capable one, quietly white-knuckling a life that looks impressive from the outside and feels hollow underneath, this conversation will not hand you a better way to manage it. It will ask you to take your hands off the thing you have been worshiping. To let yourself be seen before you have earned it, loved before you have fixed it, held before you have figured any of it out. The security you are aching for is real. It was never on the other side of control; it is found in the presence of the One who has never once asked you to carry it alone, whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light. Guest Bio Dr. Alison Cook is a therapist and the host of the top-ranked The Best of You podcast, where she helps people heal past wounds, develop a strong sense of self, and experience a God who is for them. She earned her BA at Dartmouth College, her MA at Denver Seminary, and her PhD at the University of Denver, where she specialized in integrating psychology and theology. Certified in Internal Family Systems, she is the author of The Best of You, coauthor of Boundaries for Your Soul, and the author of the new book The Secure Soul: Finding Inner Strength and Connection When Trust Doesn't Come Easy. Show Partner(s) SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my book "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Caller Questions & Discussion: Dr. Alison Cook, psychologist, podcaster, and attachment-style expert, discusses her newest book The Secure Soul and how she wove experiences from childhood into adulthood. She asks the question: What does it mean to connect with yourself, especially the younger version of yourself? What is fueling feelings of insecurity? Where is God in times of trials? What is your definition of the word soul, and how do we know that we need to tend to our soul? I'm struggling at work and feeling lonely. I left work today just for the afternoon because it's a toxic environment. I overextend myself, and it makes me feel empty. Some people believe the past should be left in the past. Why is it important that we revisit experiences from our childhood and youth?

Being the person who holds everything together can often look like strength but sometimes you've lost yourself along the way. Dr. Alison Cook joins Ginny Yurich for a fascinating conversation about the inner patterns that drive us to overfunction, rescue, please, perfect, compare, and keep going even if some resentment has crept in. Drawing from her fantastic new book, The Secure Soul, Alison explains the “controller” and “shadow” parts of ourselves, why old experiences of rejection and not belonging can still shape our reactions decades later, and how to notice the bids for connection coming from within instead of shaming or ignoring them. They also talk about friendship, parenting teenagers, loneliness, dating, the healthy dance between closeness and independence, and why play and fun matter more than we think. Learn to answer the question: Is this actually mine to carry? Learn more about Dr. Alison Cook and grab your copy of The Secure Soul !! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Alison Cook to talk about attachment, emotional healing, and the ways our relationships shape how we understand ourselves, others, and God.We all have a deep need for connection, safety, and belonging, but we can sometimes place too much pressure on the people around us to meet those needs. Dr. Cook explains why human relationships are important while also reminding us that no person can be the ultimate source of everything our souls need. There is a deeper attachment available to us through God.We also talk about what happens when old wounds surface, particularly when we finally feel safe enough for those parts of us to emerge. Dr. Cook describes these experiences as “soul ruptures”, moments when core memories and beliefs about ourselves can become activated. Instead of responding with shame or criticism, we can learn to slow down, notice what we're feeling, and become curious about what that part of us needs.This conversation is especially meaningful for moms who spend so much of their time caring for everyone else. When we're constantly focused on our children's needs, it can be easy to lose touch with what's happening inside of us. Dr. Cook encourages us to make space for our own souls, tend to the younger parts of ourselves that still need care, and allow God's healing presence into those places. Our souls are worth tending to, too.In This Episode Why attachment is such a fundamental human need Why we can't expect another person to meet all of our emotional needs What divine attachment means and how God becomes our ultimate source of connection Why parts of us can surface when we finally feel safe What a soul rupture is and how core memories can continue to affect us How shame and blame show up when we feel like we don't belong Learning to recognize and care for the younger parts of ourselves What it means to “parent your soul” Recognizing our internal bids for connection Why healing requires space for difficult emotions How moms can make more room for their own emotional and spiritual needs Why we don't change through shame or criticism  Connect with Dr. Alison Cook:  Website: Dr. Alison Cook Instagram: Dr. Alison Cook | Psychotherapist + Secure Attachment (@dralisoncook) Facebook: Dr. Alison Cook Links Mentioned:  The Secure Soul: By Dr. Alison Cook Boundaries for Your Soul: By Dr. Alison Cook You Are the One You've Been Waiting For: By Richard Schwartz PhD Dr. Alison Cook | The Best of You Podcast  The Best of You Every Day Podcast - 8 minute devotional   Related Episodes: Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 1) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 498] Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 2) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 499] Strengthening the Relationship with Your Adult Child :: Kathy Cunningham [Ep 543] Featured Sponsors:  Our place: Upgrade your kitchen with Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/DMA and use code DMA for 10% off sitewide. With a 100-day trial, you can try it completely risk-free. Oak Essentials: The Luminous Body Lotion has sold out multiple times — and once you try it, you'll understand why. Head to Oakessentials.com and use code [DMA] for 15% off your first order at checkout. Lola Blankets: For a limited time, our listeners can get 40% OFF select Lola Blankets products with code [DMA] at checkout. Just head to LolaBlankets.com and use code [DMA] to get 40% OFF your order. Wrap yourself in luxury with Lola Blankets.

To listen to our extra innings conversation, head over to patreon.com/theologyintheraw and become a member of the TITR community and get access to all of my extra innings conversations and a bunch bonus contentDr. Alison Cook is a therapist, psychologist of religion, bestselling author, and host of the top-ranked The Best of You podcast. She holds degrees from Dartmouth College (BA), Denver Seminary (MA), and the University of Denver (PhD). Alison has spent over two decades helping people move from feeling disconnected to feeling secure, grounded, and loved. She's the author of four books including her most recent book: The Secure Soul: Finding Inner Strength and Connection When Trust Doesn't Come Easy, which forms the foundation of our conversation. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400352606?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallbackTime Stamps00:00 Introduction02:06 Splitting time between Wyoming and Boston07:35 Attachment Theory Explained10:35 How Childhood Trauma Shapes Adult Relationships18:01 What About People That Didn't Experience Trauma?22:47 Does everyone have some kind of attachment issue? 23:59 Why the Church Often Misunderstands Self-Care24:37 The Problem with Secular Self-Care Culture 25:22 Avoidant Attachment: First Steps30:09 Preston Gets Live Therapy34:00 Thinkers vs. Feelers 39:04 Core Memories and Emotional Healing46:43 Getting to Know our own Souls 48:06 Can Christians Trust Psychology?50:29 How Your Parents Shape Your View of God53:41 Common Unaddressed Issues: Shame or BlameSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited President Donald Trump in the White House. His visit highlights the drawn out war in Iran, as well as growing antisemitism in the US. We re-air a conversation between Russell Moore and Rabbi Michael Holzman about the difference between dislike for Netanyahu and antisemitism and the true definition of pluralism. Next, there have been more cases of measles so far in 2026 than in all of 2025. Dr. Lydia Dugdale joins Clarissa Moll to discuss specifics about measles, and how distrust in the US government during the Covid pandemic spilled over into more widespread vaccine skepticism. Finally, a recent Wall Street Journal article suggests that some therapists play a part in the trend of adults cutting off their parents. Psychotherapist Allison Cook shares some categories to think about estrangement from a family member. REFERENCED IN THE SHOW: Are Therapists to Blame for the Rise of Adults Cutting Off Their Parents? - The Wall Street Journal GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Rabbi Michael Holzman is the spiritual leader of the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation and the founder of the American Scripture Project and Faith250. Rabbi Holzman has partnered with a variety of organizations like the Aspen Institute, Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement and the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America to examine the intersection of faith and democracy. Lydia Dugdale is the Dorothy L. and Daniel H. Silberberg Professor of Medicine at the Columbia University Medical Center and director of the Center for Clinical Medical Ethics. She also serves as co-director of clinical ethics at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Her scholarship focuses on end-of-life issues, the role of aesthetics in teaching ethics, moral injury, and the doctor-patient relationship. Alison Cook is a therapist and host of The Best of You podcast. She is the author of the ECPA-bestselling book The Best of You and coauthor of Boundaries for Your Soul. Cook empowers individuals to heal from past wounds, develop a strong sense of self, forge healthy relationships, and experience a loving God who is for them. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly news analysis podcast from Christianity Today, with editor-at-large Russell Moore. Each episode offers commentary on current events and headlining news with a roundtable of premier guests, and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Host: Alexa Copeland Associate Producer: Alexa Copeland Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the parts of yourself you've spent years trying to ignore are actually invitations to healing? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Alison Cook to explore how understanding the different "parts" of your heart can help you experience deeper healing, greater emotional freedom, and a more secure relationship with God. We talk about why certain situations trigger old emotions, how to respond to yourself with curiosity instead of shame, and why tending your soul is less about fixing yourself and more about learning to lovingly care for the hidden places God wants to heal. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN [00:00] Why Some Emotional Reactions Make No Logical Sense [06:00] Learning to Recognize the Different Parts of Your Heart [13:00] Bringing Jesus Into the Younger Parts of Your Story [16:00] Could Unhealed Parts of Your Heart Be Contributing to Loneliness? [22:00] Why Curiosity Creates More Healing Than Self-Criticism [29:00] Building Trust with the Hidden Parts of Yourself [35:00] The Journey of Tending Your Soul with Jesus [40:00] Taking the Next Step Toward Healing RESOURCES: The Secure Soul by Dr. Alison Cook People Pleasing Mindset Makeover and working with Alicia in coaching: AliciaMichelle.com/coaching  RELATED EPISODES: Ep 365: God Reveals So He Can Heal (Is It Time to Step Into Healing?) Ep 367: Why Do I Feel Lonely in Midlife When I'm Surrounded by People I Love? Ep 368: What Am I Really Longing for When I Feel Lonely and Disconnected? Send us Fan Mail

"Can I forgive someone and still keep healthy boundaries?" "Why does forgiveness still feel impossible?" Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful teachings of the Christian faith—and one of the most misunderstood. Many of us learned that forgiveness meant moving on quickly, letting go of our anger, or restoring a relationship before trust had been rebuilt. But what if forgiveness isn't about minimizing harm at all? In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook sits down with theologian, author, and advocate Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing to explore a richer, more biblically grounded understanding of forgiveness. Together they unpack the difference between forgiveness, reconciliation, justice, and repair—and why naming the truth of what happened is an essential part of healing. Whether you're navigating family wounds, betrayal, church hurt, or simply wondering why forgiveness feels so difficult, this conversation offers both compassion and hope. You'll learn: Why forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation. How forgiveness differs from denying or minimizing harm. Why anger can be a healthy and necessary part of healing. How forgiveness and justice can exist together. What Scripture teaches about forgiveness after abuse or betrayal. Why forgiveness is often a journey rather than a single decision. How God's grace empowers forgiveness without requiring self-abandonment. Forgiveness isn't pretending the wound never happened. It's telling the truth about what was lost while slowly allowing God's grace to heal what was broken. Make sure to check out Amy's new book, “Forgiveness: Reclaiming Its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear” More Resources: You can now preorder Dr. Alison's newest book, The Secure Soul, and immediately receive the first 3 chapters as well as early access to the companion guide! Connect further with @dralisoncook on Instagram Curious what Family Role may have shaped you? Take the Family Role Quiz to learn how you may be showing up in your relationships with others. Want to hear more like this? Start here: Episode 78: The Mental Health Benefits of Forgiveness and Thoughts on Grace with Max Lucado

Have you ever felt like there is a war raging inside of you between conflicting feelings or desires? If so, this episode will empower you to lead your thoughts, emotions, and sexual attractions with compassion rather than condemnation through an exercise called "the table." You'll learn why the table—not just the cross—is the ultimate symbol of grace, belonging, and transformation. Grounded in both Christian theology and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, this exercise shifts your internal posture from hostility to hospitality. It can be life-changing!Keep in mind that most of this episode is a step-by-step guided audio meditation. So find a quiet, comfortable space to sit back, slow down, and welcome all parts of yourself into the healing presence of Jesus.IFS Resources mentioned in this episode:Boundaries For Your Soul: How To Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts And Feelings Into Your Greatest Allies by Alison Cook and Kimberly MillerMove Toward: A Simplified IFS Therapy Tool to Welcome All Parts of You by Jenna RiemersmaAltogether You: Experiencing Personal and Spiritual Transformation with Internal Family Systems Therapy by Jenna RiemersmaSupport the showTake the Husband Material Journey...Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTubeStep 2: Join the private Husband Material CommunityStep 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow PornStep 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material AcademyThanks for listening!

What does it really mean to become the best version of yourself in God? In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Gem Fadling sits down with therapist and bestselling author Dr. Alison Cook to talk about Christian boundaries, finding your voice, healing trauma, and facing emotional pain with faith. Dr. Alison shares a deeply personal story that shaped her book The Best of You, and we explore why so many Christian women struggle to recognize their needs, speak up in relationships, and set healthy boundaries without guilt. We also look at how Jesus modeled a strong sense of self, and why facing your pain is essential to spiritual growth and emotional healing. If you’ve ever wondered: Is it selfish to focus on my needs? How do I set boundaries as a Christian? Why is it so hard to use my voice? How do I heal from past wounds with God? This conversation will encourage you to rest deeper, live fuller, and lead better. _________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today's Scripture: Ephesians 1:3–12 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** Why is it so hard to receive a love that's freely given—especially if you've learned that love has to be earned, approval is conditional, or goodness is for other people? In today's episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on Paul's astonishing words about blessing, belovedness, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, and grace. Before Paul gives the Ephesians instructions for how to live, he reminds them who they already are in Christ. We explore: *Why responsibility can feel safer than receiving*What a shame schema is and how it filters out goodness*Why love, grace, and belonging can feel threatening*The difference between entitlement and true belonging*How to live from belovedness instead of working for it Go Deeper: If you struggle to sense God's love, check out Dr. Alison's new book The Secure Soul - start reading today when you preorder. Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. 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

Today's Scripture: Zechariah 8:4–5 What if one of the clearest signs of healing isn't just that danger ends—but that joy returns? In today's episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on Zechariah's beautiful vision of restoration: elderly men and women sitting safely in the streets, and children playing again. It's a picture of hope after devastation, safety after fear, and joy returning to the most vulnerable places. We explore:*Why play is a sign of safety and healing*How survival mode can crowd out joy, creativity, and delight*What Zechariah's vision teaches us about shalom and restoration*Why God's vision of healing includes the vulnerable, the elderly, and the young*How to help the younger parts of you remember what safety feels like Go Deeper: Episode 172: Daring Joy: Breaking Free from Fear, Cynicism, and Toxic Positivity with Therapist Nicole Zasowski Episode 198: Tiny Joys, Big Healing: Retraining the Brain for Hope with Dr MaryCatherine McDonald Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. 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

Today's Scripture: Mark 5:1–20 Have you ever started answering to a name your pain gave you? In today's episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the story of the man living among the tombs in Mark 5—a man whose torment had become his name. When Jesus asks, “What is your name?” he does not ask in order to shame him, but to surface what has claimed him and begin the work of setting him free. We explore: *How pain can become part of your identity *The difference between carrying a wound and becoming defined by it Why shame collapses the self and makes change feel impossible *How Jesus separates who you are from what has tormented you *What it means to receive a truer name from God Go Deeper: Episode 197: A deep dive with Dr. Joel Muddamalle on spiritual warfare and personal responsibility Episode 158: Your Pain Has a Name: The Deeper Hurt Behind Distressing Thoughts with Monica DiCristina Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. 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

Today's Scripture: Psalm 86:1–7 What do you do when you feel so tired, stretched thin, or aware of your need that even prayer feels vulnerable? In today's episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the tender image of a God who bends low to hear us. This passage gives us permission to bring our need honestly into God's presence—not as a shame statement, but as a truth statement. We explore: *Why need can feel so vulnerable *How attachment wounds shape the way we approach God *Why we often pray around our need instead of from our need *The difference between humility and shame *How God meets us in the poor and needy places of the soul Go Deeper: If you struggle to sense God's nearness, check out Dr. Alison's new book, The Secure Soul. Start reading when you pre-order now. Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. 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

Today's Scripture: Romans 12:15**Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.**In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the holy work of mourning with those who mourn. She explores why grief often needs presence more than advice, and how attunement, co-regulation, and the way of Jesus help us sit with sorrow without rushing to fix it. We explore:*Why grief can feel so isolating*What it means to offer attuned presence instead of advice, fixing, or forced comfort*Why co-regulation helps a grieving person feel less alone*How Jesus responds to grief*How to sit with the grieving parts of your own soul with tenderness and love Go Deeper:Episode 133: Navigating the 6 Stages of Grief with David KesslerEpisode 98: Why Your Grief Matters and How to Support Those Who Are Grieving with Chaplain JS Park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:12–17In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the complicated loyalty Jonathan faces as Saul's son and David's friend. Through the lens of family systems, she explores what happens when love, truth, guilt, and unhealthy family roles collide. We explore:*Why family loyalty does not mean covering for harm or pretending everything is okay*How family systems often work to maintain silence, balance, and familiar roles*What differentiation means—and why it helps you stay connected without abandoning yourself*Why guilt can show up when you step out of an old family role*How to name what is true with wisdom, courage, and love Go Deeper:Take the Family Roles QuizEpisode 85: The Goal of a Health Family & 6 Roles We Take On in DysfunctionEpisode 147: Making Sense of Your Family Story with Adam YoungEpisode 161: Healing From Dysfunctional Family Patterns with Jerry Wise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Scripture: Mark 6:31-32**Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.**In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on Jesus' tender invitation to come away to a quiet place and rest. She explores overstimulation, constant availability, and why honoring your limits is not a failure of love—it may be what helps you return to love. We explore:*Why overstimulation is often a capacity issue*How noise, touch, screens, interruptions, and emotional demands affect your nervous system*Why Jesus honors human limits instead of shaming them*How to step away from the noise without abandoning the people you love*Why quiet, rest, and spaciousness are so importantGo Deeper:Episode 176: Intimacy with God in a Noisy World with Dr. Stephen MacchiaEpisode 122: Balancing Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health with John Mark Comer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's be honest — we've all had those days when our emotions feel overwhelming or our thoughts just won't slow down. It's frustrating, right? Especially when we catch ourselves thinking, “I shouldn't feel like this,” and yet... we still do. These emotional moments tend to ripple into so many areas of our lives — from our relationships to how we view ourselves and even how we show up at work.But here's the good news: feeling our emotions is perfectly okay. What truly matters is how we respond to them.Today's guest is Dr. Alison Cook — a psychologist, podcast host, and the author of several books, including her latest, I Shouldn't Feel This Way: Name What's Hard, Tame Your Guilt, and Transform Self-Sabotage into Brave Action. For the past two decades, Alison has helped women, couples, and leaders process emotional pain, build inner confidence, and live more fully into their God-given identity.Suggested Resources:I Shouldn't Feel This Way - Dr. Alison's BookConnect with Dr. Alison Cook - Website, Instagram, FacebookSend me a text!This episode is proudly sponsored by: SizzlefishLet's talk about fueling your body with the best nature has to offer. If you're looking for premium, sustainable seafood delivered straight to your door, you need to check out Sizzlefish! Head to sizzlefish.com and use my code “wellnstrong” at checkout for an exclusive discount on your first order. Trust me, you're going to taste the difference with Sizzlefish!Join the WellnStrong mailing list for exclusive content here!Want more of The How To Be WellnStrong Podcast? Subscribe to the YouTube channel.Follow Jacqueline:Instagram PinterestTikTokYoutubeTo access notes from the show & full transcripts, head over to WellnStrong's Podcast Page

Today's Scripture: Psalm 34: 4-8In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on what it means to bring fear into the presence of God. Instead of shaming fear or trying to force it away, she offers a compassionate way to recognize the fearful places within us and return to love. We explore:*Why fear can become a quiet but powerful inner leader*How fear and shame work together to keep us hiding*What it means to recognize fear without letting it run the whole system*Why “taste and see” invites us to experience God's goodness in an embodied way*How secure attachment with God begins as we bring fearful parts of us into loving presence Go Deeper:Recognize fearful places within through Dr. Alison's new book & workbook The Secure Soul - you can start reading today when you preorder! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Scripture: Ephesians 5:21–33**Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.**In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the often misunderstood language of submission. She explores the heart of Paul's teaching through the lens of Jesus: mutual reverence, self-giving love, and power expressed through care—not control. We explore:*What submission is not *Why Ephesians 5 begins with mutual submission and must be read through the way of Jesus*How religious language can sometimes reinforce fear, control, or self-abandonment*Why real love creates space for both people to become more whole, honest, and free*What mutuality looks like in relationships marked by dignity, accountability, and truthGo Deeper:Episode 56: Am I really Supposed to Die to Myself?Episode 55: Am I Supposed to Distrust Myself?Episode 5: What is Codependency and Why Does it Matter?Read the first 3 chapters of The Best of You here. Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. 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

Today's Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5–8 In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the powerful image of a tree planted by water. She explores what happens when we ask approval, productivity, perfectionism, control, or another person's response to carry the full weight of our security. We explore: *Why needing people is not the problem—but making one person your source can drain your soul *How approval, productivity, perfectionism, and control can become fragile root systems *Why fear-based attachment makes it hard to receive goodness *How to become like a tree planted by water, steady even when heat or drought comes *How secure attachment with God helps you receive love without clinging to it Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. 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

Today's Scripture: Mark 9:43–47**Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.**What do you do when you keep returning to the same behavior—the one that offers relief in the moment but leaves you feeling ashamed, disconnected, or farther from love? In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on Jesus' intense words in Mark 9:43–47 and reframes them not as an invitation to self-hatred, but as a call to radical honesty and freedom. We explore: *How to break a bad habit without getting trapped in shame*Why patterns like numbing, resentment, control, people-pleasing, comparison, or fantasy can pull us away from love*How compulsive behaviors shape your nervous system, desires, and relationships*Why willpower alone usually isn't enough to change a deeply patterned behavior*How creating distance from triggers can become a wise spiritual practice Go Deeper:Episode 197: A deep dive with Dr. Joel Al on spiritual warfare and personal responsibility Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support.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

Today's Scripture: Psalm 40:1–3 What do you do when you've prayed, waited, done the work, and still feel stuck in the middle of a pit? In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on Psalm 40:1–3 and the kind of patience that isn't passive, polished, or emotionally detached—but deeply honest before God. This episode is for anyone who feels worn down by waiting and needs a reminder that God hears, turns toward, and meets us with love one small step at a time. We explore: *Why biblical patience doesn't mean suppressing your emotions *Why Christian hope is different from forced optimism *What it means to find “a firm place to stand” *How God forms a new song in us slowly Go Deeper: Episode 77: The Dark Night of the Soul: Why It Happens and What It Means Episode 99: Exploring a Broken Spirit & the Dark Night of the Soul with Christopher Cook Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. 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

When did being a responsible adult become synonymous with being serious all the time? Somewhere along the way, many of us learned that curiosity, playfulness, imagination, and wonder were things we needed to leave behind in order to grow up. But what if those qualities aren't distractions from a meaningful life? What if they're essential to it? In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook sits down with entrepreneur, creative visionary, and author Piera Gelardi to explore why playfulness is far more than a luxury—it's a powerful source of resilience, creativity, connection, and emotional well-being. Together, they unpack how stress, perfectionism, and the pressure to "have it all together" disconnect us from our authentic selves, and how reclaiming play can help us feel more alive. You'll learn: Why playfulness is a sign of emotional health How stress, perfectionism, and the "cool police" rob us of joy The surprising connection between play and resilience How to move from a pressured state into a playful state Practical ways to reconnect with curiosity, wonder, and creativity Why childlike qualities may actually be your greatest strengths This conversation is an invitation to loosen your grip, laugh a little more, and rediscover the parts of yourself that make you feel most alive. More Resources: Order Piera's book, The Playful Way: Creativity, Connection, and Joy Through Everyday Moments of Play You can now preorder Dr. Alison's newest book, The Secure Soul, and immediately receive the first 3 chapters as well as early access to the companion guide! Connect further with @dralisoncook on Instagram Curious what Family Role may have shaped you? Take the Family Role Quiz to learn how you may be showing up in your relationships with others. Want to hear more like this? Start here: Episode 188: Tiny Joys, Big Healing: Retraining the Brain for Hope with Dr MaryCatherine McDonald

What does it actually mean to raise an emotionally mature child? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Alison Cook sits down with renowned psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Lindsay C. Gibson, whose groundbreaking book "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents" helped millions name what they didn't receive growing up. Now, Dr. Gibson turns toward a new question: How do we become the kind of parents who help our children feel safe, seen, respected, and emotionally strong? Together, they explore the emotional foundation children truly need—not perfection, but presence. They unpack what emotional maturity looks like, the impact of being raised by an emotionally immature parent, and how we can begin to give our own children the kind of parenting they need. You'll explore: The signs of an emotionally immature parent What a “good enough” parent actually looks like How repair builds trust more than perfection does The dance of balancing connection and autonomy  How to create emotional safety for your child Whether you're parenting toddlers, teenagers, or adult children—or simply learning how to become more emotionally mature yourself—this conversation offers a hopeful, grounded framework for growth. Because healthy parenting isn't about raising perfect kids. It's about creating the kind of emotional soil where both you and your child can grow. More Resources: Order Dr. Lindsay's new book, How to Raise an Emotionally Mature Child: Your Blueprint to a Lifetime of Happiness and Success for Your Child You can now preorder Dr. Alison's newest book, The Secure Soul, and immediately receive the first 3 chapters as well as early access to the companion guide! Connect further with @dralisoncook on Instagram Curious what Family Role may have shaped you? Take the Family Role Quiz to learn how you may be showing up in your relationships with others. Want to hear more like this? Start here: Episode 175: A Game-Changing Toolkit to Help Kids Conquer Worry and Build Courage with David Thomas and Sissy Goff Episode 68: How Not to Lose Yourself—Remaining You While Raising Them with Alli Worthington

Today's Scripture: Ruth 1:16–18 What's the difference between love that strengthens your soul and loyalty that slowly erases you? In today's reflection on Ruth 1, Dr. Alison Cook explores Ruth's freely chosen commitment to Naomi—and why healthy love never uses guilt, pressure, or control to make someone stay. This episode offers a nuanced look at staying, leaving, agency, and the kind of attachment that is faithful, honest, and free. We explore: *How to recognize the difference between chosen love and fear-based loyalty *Why Ruth's commitment to Naomi is not a picture of codependency *How secure attachment gives people agency instead of trapping them *Why guilt-driven love can slowly lead to self-erasure *When staying can be rooted in freedom—and when leaving may be an act of wisdom Go Deeper: Start reading about inner attachment, when you preorder The Secure Soul Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. 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

Today's Scripture: Matthew 5:29–30 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** Some Bible passages don't just make us think—they make our bodies brace. In today's reflection on Matthew 5:29–30, Dr. Alison Cook offers a compassionate way to read one of Jesus' hardest teachings without fear, shame, or self-condemnation. This episode explores: *How fear-based religion can shape the way your body hears Scripture *What happens in the brain when the amygdala perceives threat *Why repentance means turning toward love, not turning against yourself *How God's holiness always leads us toward healing and wholeness. Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. 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

Today's Scripture: Psalm 121:1–8 When life feels uncertain, your nervous system may start scanning for safety—looking for reassurance, protection, or some solid place to land. In today's reflection on Psalm 121, Dr. Alison Cook explores how God meets us in that vulnerable place as the One who watches over our coming and going. We explore: *Why your nervous system scans for safety *How hypervigilance develops *Why “God watches over you” may take time to feel true in your body *How dwelling on scripture can slowly retrain your soul toward safety Go Deeper: Get my Masterclass "Healing the Wounds that Shape Us" when you preorder The Secure Soul Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. 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

Today's Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7There's a kind of exhaustion that comes from feeling like nothing you do makes a difference. In today's episode, Dr. Alison Cook explores 2 Timothy 1:7 and the psychology of feeling powerless. Drawing on the concept of learned helplessness and nervous system overwhelm, she unpacks why you may feel stuck, shut down, or unable to act—and how to begin reclaiming your voice, one small step at a time. We'll explore: *What learned helplessness is and how it shapes your sense of agency*Why feeling powerless isn't weakness—but a nervous system adaptation*The difference between true power vs. control or over-functioning*A simple, grounded way to begin reclaiming your voice todayGo Deeper:Read the first 3 chapters of The Best of YouRead blog post on Confident Leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1–14Why do we resist the very things that could actually help us heal? In today's episode, Dr. Alison Cook explores the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5 and the deeply human tendency to reject simple, meaningful steps toward healing. With insight from psychology and identity formation, she unpacks why small, ordinary actions can feel threatening—especially when your sense of self has been built around strength, control, or self-sufficiency. We'll explore:*Why we resist change—even when we want it*How the false self and identity can block healing*Why simple solutions can feel “too small” for deep pain*How small, repeated steps become the pathway to real transformation Go Deeper:Episode 199: How the Body Teaches the Soul with Justin Whitmel EarleyCheck out our new website with all the daily episodes linked. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Scripture: Mark 4:35–41What happens when fear takes over your body—and you can't think clearly? In today's episode, Dr. Alison Cook explores the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4, alongside the psychology of panic, fear, and the nervous system. She explains why your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, why you feel the urge to fix or control everything, and how to gently return to calm. We'll explore:*What's happening in your brain during panic *Why anxiety can feel urgent and all-consuming*The link between fear, over-functioning, and control*A simple grounding practice to help your body return to calm and presenceGo Deeper:Episode 185: A Real-Time Practice to Help You Return to God's Loving Presence When You're Anxious or OverwhelmedEpisode 129: Understanding Anxiety: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Calm, Advocating For Yourself, and Cultivating Inner ResilienceEmail your topics and passage ideas at info@dralisoncook.comSign up for Dr. Alison's free weekly email for more insight and resources. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Scripture: Psalm 73:1–3, 12–17 Have you ever looked at someone else's life and felt that quiet ache—like you're somehow behind? In today's episode, Dr. Alison Cook explores Psalm 73 and the deeply human struggle of comparison. With insight from psychology and attachment patterns, she unpacks why comparison can feel so destabilizing—and how to return to your own life with clarity and compassion. We explore:*Why upward social comparison can distort your sense of worth*How comparison pulls you out of your own life and into an imagined hierarchy*The connection between comparison, self-doubt, and over-functioning*Why you can't “think” your way out of comparison—and what actually helps*A grounding practice to help you return to your own life and God's presence Go Deeper:Episode 183: The Real Reason You Compare Yourself (and How to Heal It)When Life Feels Unfair (and Why Comparison Keeps you Stuck Read the first 3 chapters of I Shouldn't Feel This Way Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if procrastination isn't about laziness… but a disconnect between who you want to be and what you actually do? So many of us carry goals we care deeply about: habits we want to build, changes we long to make, ways we want to grow. And yet, we find ourselves stuck in the same patterns, circling the same resistance, wondering why it's so hard to follow through. In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook and goals expert and New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff explore what's really happening beneath procrastination and how to finally begin moving forward. Because procrastination isn't a character flaw. It's a gap. A gap between your intentions and your actions. And over time, that gap can quietly erode something deeper: your trust in yourself. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed by your goals, or caught in cycles of starting and stopping… this conversation will help you understand why and what to do next. You'll explore: Why procrastination isn't about laziness and what's actually driving it The hidden impact of broken self-trust (and how to begin rebuilding it) How your “soundtracks” (repetitive thoughts) shape your actions and results The real reason discipline alone doesn't work and what does The 4 key places people get stuck in the growth process (and how to move forward) This conversation offers a practical, compassionate path forward, helping you close the gap between who you want to be and how you're actually living, one small step at a time. More Resources: Make sure to grab Jon Acuff's latest book Procrastination Proof: Never Get Stuck Again and then claim $97 worth of free bonuses. Take Jon's free procrastination profile here. Connect further with ⁠@dralisoncook⁠ on Instagram Want to go deeper with Dr. Alison? Join 80,000+ soul menders in our email community and receive weekly reflections and gentle practices here.  Want to hear more like this? Start here: Episode 199: How the Body Teaches the Soul with Justin Whitmel Earley Episode 157: Braving Change—3 Ways to Get Unstuck and Transform Guilt and Regret

What if heartbreak isn't just about what happened to you—but what it reveals about what you believe about yourself? At its core, heartbreak isn't just about loss. It's about the meaning your mind and body begin to make of that loss—especially when it touches something older. Rejection, betrayal, and disappointment have a way of surfacing deeper questions about who we are… and whether we are still worthy of love. If you've ever found yourself asking, why does this hurt so much more than it should?… this conversation between Dr. Alison Cook and Dr. Peace Amadi will help you begin to understand why—and what healing might look like. You'll explore: Why rejection can feel deeply personal… even when it isn't The hidden beliefs heartbreak can quietly bring to the surface Why certain patterns in your life keep getting replayed How past wounds can shape your present reactions What happens to your faith when pain doesn't make sense Where healing begins when nothing feels resolved yet This conversation offers a compassionate, faith-rooted path forward—helping you make sense of what's been stirred up within you, and gently move toward a deeper sense of peace. More Resources: Check out Dr. Peace Amadi's brand new book, The Wholehearted Way: Finding Peace After Life's Heartbreaks, Disappointments, and Rejections Connect further with @dralisoncook on Instagram Want to go deeper? Join 80,000+ soul menders in our email community and receive weekly reflections and gentle practices here.  If you liked this episode, then you'll love: Episode 200: Trauma, Safety, and Healing—3 Trauma Responses + 4 Ways to Restore Trust Episode 179: Building Wise Trust - How to Protect Your Heart Without Closing It Off Episode 188: The Healing Power of Safe People (Not Just Safe Spaces)

Have you ever wondered if there's something spiritual happening beneath what you're carrying? You're doing the work.You're praying.You're going to therapy.You're trying to take responsibility. And still… something feels off. In this episode, Dr. Alison sits down with Theologian Joel Muddamalle to explore spiritual warfare — not through fear or sensationalism, but through clarity and discernment. Together, they examine: How the enemy works through systems, structures, and misaligned desires The difference between personal responsibility and spiritual opposition Why obsession with darkness is just as unhelpful as dismissing it How to stay grounded in Christ's victory rather than panic This conversation reframes spiritual warfare as something far more ordinary — and far more hopeful — than we often imagine. Not demon hunting.Not blame shifting.But cultivating wholeness. Because the center of the Christian story is not darkness.It's restoration. If you've ever felt confused about this topic — or unsure how to integrate faith, mental health, and spiritual reality — this episode offers grounded wisdom for everyday life. More Resources: Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram @dralisoncook  Join the 80,000+ soul menders in our email community and receive weekly reflections and gentle practices here. Learn more about Joel Muddamalle's work. Order The Unseen Battle. If you liked this episode, then you'll love: Episode 144: Healing the Soul Through Encounters with Jesus Featuring John Eldredge Episode 122: Navigating Anxiety, Therapy, and Spiritual Formation—Balancing Mental, Emotional, & Spiritual Health with John Mark Comer

Connection matters deeply — and yet for many of us, it's never felt more confusing. In this solo episode, Dr. Alison explores the tension many people are navigating right now: how to stay open and loving toward others without losing clarity, discernment, or yourself. Many of us were taught that love means endless accommodation, that boundaries are unkind, or that distance equals failure. Others, weary of being hurt, find themselves pulling back — unsure how to stay connected without feeling drained or unsafe. This episode sits right in the middle of that tension. Rather than offering formulas or quick fixes, Dr. Alison invites listeners to slow down and notice what's happening beneath the surface of relationships — especially the ones that feel confusing, heavy, or hard to interpret. If you've found yourself asking: How do I stay loving without losing myself? How do I know when to lean in — and when to pause? What does discernment look like in real, imperfect relationships? This conversation creates space to reflect without pressure to decide everything right away. More Resources:

What does it mean to live out our calling in a world increasingly shaped by technology, efficiency, and automation? In this episode, Dr. Alison explores the deeper meaning of vocation — not simply as a job or career path, but as the unique way each of us is meant to bring care, creativity, and connection into the world. Joined by sociologist Dr. Allison Pugh, professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of The Last Human Job, they reflect on what Dr. Pugh calls “connective labor” — the deeply human work of seeing others and allowing ourselves to be seen. This episode explores: -Why the most important part of vocation has almost nothing to do with your resume -The hidden kind of work you're doing every day-The small moment that can restore dignity in an instant (and why most of us miss it) -The tradeoff nobody talks about: when “more efficient” becomes “less human” -The uncomfortable question technology can't answer for you — and why it matters right now -The choice you still have (even in a system that feels unchangeable) As workplaces change and technologies like AI reshape how we interact, this conversation offers a grounding reminder: while tools may deliver information, they can never replace mutual presence, empathy, and relational connection. More Resources: Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralisoncook/?hl=en

January has a way of pulling us straight into the how. How will I fix what feels off? How will I be more disciplined? How will I finally get it right? But what if there's a deeper—and more grounding—place to begin? Dr. Alison opens the year by inviting you to start somewhere different. Instead of beginning with self-improvement or striving, Scripture starts with meaning, presence, and relationship. In this episode, you'll learn: Why losing sight of the why fuels anxiety, striving, and burnout How meaning and grounding are closer than you think What “the light shines in the darkness” really means How orienting your life around love changes everything Plus, you'll hear a special announcement about something new coming to The Best of You—a daily way to stay anchored in Scripture and wisdom as you move through your day. For additional resources and the full episode transcript, visit the podcast episode page here If you loved this episode, check out: Episode 122: Navigating Anxiety, Therapy, and Spiritual Formation with John Mark Comer  Episode 113: A New Vision Of Human Flourishing with Dr. Warren Kinghorn Get I Shouldn't Feel This Way for just $2.99. Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here Download Alison's free printable boundaries guide when you sign up for her weekly email. Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode. Thanks to our Sponsors! Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! 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.‍ © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If gratitude and grief seem to arrive hand in hand this season or hope feels costly, like putting your armor down in the middle of a battle… Nothing is wrong with you. Your brain is doing exactly what it was designed to do. Dr. Alison sits down with researcher, author, trauma educator, and joy scholar Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald to explore the often misunderstood relationship between trauma and joy. Drawing from neuroscience, trauma research, and lived experience, Dr MaryCatherine explains why joy can feel threatening after loss or prolonged stress. Together, they unpack: Why trauma responses are strength responses, not weaknesses The “joy thieves” that quietly steal our capacity for delight Why joy and grief are not opposites, and often show up together How tiny moments can gently retrain your brain for joy What neuroscientists call the hope circuit, and how to activate it

If the holidays bring up a lot for you, old roles, old emotions, or the pressure to keep everyone happy, you're not alone. Christmas has a way of activating the patterns and survival strategies that once helped you feel safe, pleasing, perfecting, over-functioning, or shutting down. In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook shares how these patterns show up in her own life, why they resurface, and how you can gently find your way back to peace. You'll learn: the 3 types of needs that get tangled inside why holiday dynamics awaken old wounds and responses a simple way to return to the place of peace at your center how to redefine “success” this holiday season

If stress or discomfort sends you into overthinking, numbing, or trying to fix what you can't control… If certain habits feel automatic no matter how much you try to change them… You're not alone, and your brain is more trainable than you think. In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook sits down with Dr. Jud Brewer—psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and New York Times best-selling author who specializes in habit change and mindfulness.  They unpack why we get stuck in these loops and a simple practice to steady your soul. Instead of relying on willpower or self-judgment, this conversation invites you to: Notice your inner patterns with kindness Differentiate discomfort from distress Understand the habit loops that drive anxiety, worry, or overthinking Apply the #1 tool to help you create real, lasting change Deepen your connection to God This episode is a grounding companion for anyone navigating stress, emotional triggers, or the pull toward old coping strategies—especially in seasons that stir up more than we expect.

If you've ever found yourself wide awake at night replaying a conversation If you spiral through guilt after setting even the gentlest boundary If you carry everyone else's emotions while losing sight of your own You're in good company. In today's episode, Dr. Alison shares personally about these moments in her own life and guides you through a real-time practice you can do right where you are. It's the most effective tool we've found to help when overwhelm rises, when you're tempted to slip back into people-pleasing, or when conflict sends your nervous system into overdrive. Instead of overthinking, overanalyzing, or pushing your feelings aside, this practice helps you: Notice what's happening inside with kindness Connect with the part of you that's working overtime to keep you safe Offer compassion to your own soul — the same compassion you extend so easily to others Invite God's loving, steady presence into the places that feel tangled, tense, or afraid

Welcome to another episode of "Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick." Today, we're diving deep into the conversation around emotional health, spiritual formation, and the journey toward wholeness with our special guest, Dr. Alison Cook, psychologist, author, and expert in Christian spiritual and emotional integration.In this episode, Michael and Alison explore her acclaimed book, "Boundaries for Your Soul." Together, they unpack what it truly means to set gentle, healthy boundaries within ourselves—not to exile or repress difficult emotions, but to get curious about them, listen to them, and ultimately befriend them as part of our God-given humanity. Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory and Christian theology, Alison Cook explains how our inner world is made up of many different “parts,” each with their own stories and struggles. Through personal stories, practical takeaways, and a deep dive into the concept of the “Spirit-led self,” this episode invites listeners to consider a new way of relating to their internal experience, dealing with conflict within, and embarking on a path of true healing.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

We spend so much energy trying to silence anxiety. But what if it isn't an enemy to defeat—what if it's a signal to understand? This week, Dr. Alison talks with Dr. Bethany Teachman, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Virginia and director of the PACT Lab, about what healthy anxiety looks like, why it's actually useful, and how to stop letting it run your life.  Dr. Teachman explains how to know when anxiety is becoming a problem and shares practical ways to calm anxious thoughts, build resilience, and approach your fears with curiosity instead of control. She says, “Anxiety is uncomfortable, but it's not dangerous, when you stop treating it like a threat, it loses its power over you.” You'll learn: The difference between healthy anxiety and unhealthy anxiety How to recognize when your threat response doesn't match the situation Why trying to “get rid” of anxiety often makes it worse How reframing challenges as opportunities builds resilience Why doom-scrolling keeps us trapped in fear Check out more free resources on anxiety: TYDE (Thriving Youth in a Digital Environment) — A University of Virginia initiative co-directed by Dr. Teachman focused on youth, technology, and mental health. MindTrails — A suite of digital and mobile interventions designed to help people manage anxiety and increase access to care, including.  If you liked this episode, you'll love:  Episode 129: Understanding Your Anxiety Episode 54: Can I Pray My Anxiety Away?

It can happen so fast - you feel grateful one moment, and five minutes on Instagram later you're suddenly feeling small or behind. But what if comparison isn't the problem itself, but a messenger? Dr. Alison explores how comparison, when we pause to listen, can actually reveal our deepest longings and lead us back to connection with God, with others, and with ourselves. She explains why comparison is wired into us, what it's trying to show us, and how to shift from competition to curiosity and compassion. This conversation invites you to slow down, notice what stirs inside you when comparison shows up, and remember: your story is unfolding at its own sacred pace. In this episode, we cover: Why comparison isn't always toxic, and what it's really telling you How to move from calibration to condemnation (and back again) The two types of comparison A simple three-step practice to use when you find yourself comparing

This season, we've been talking about what to do when you look around at your life and think, “Wait… this is not what I ordered.” Maybe things didn't turn out the way you thought they would — and now you're asking those big, scary, beautiful questions: Who am I now? What do I want? Where do I go from here? But for a lot of us who grew up in church, those questions can feel… complicated. Because somewhere along the way, we were taught that it's wrong to want things. That it's dangerous to trust ourselves. That being a “good Christian woman” means making yourself smaller — dying to yourself, staying quiet, and serving everyone else first. Today we're having a conversation I think so many of us need — about what faith actually asks of us. Our guest is Dr. Alison Cook, a therapist, host of The Best of You podcast, and author of the bestselling book by the same name. Alison is an expert at the intersection of faith and psychology. She helps women heal from past wounds, develop a strong sense of self, and experience a loving God who is for them — not asking them to disappear. We're going to talk about what self-denial really means, how to know when faith has turned into self-erasure, and what it looks like to follow Jesus without losing yourself in the process. You ready? Let's jump into my conversation with Alison! Mentioned in this episode: