The Best of You

Dr. Alison Cook
  • 4.9 (1K)
  • Mental Health
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Join therapist and author, Dr. Alison Cook, as she guides you through some of your toughest challenges with wisdom, kindness, and grace. Together with friends and experts we'll unpack the best of psychology from a faith-based perspective. You’ll discover how to break free from painful patterns, mend your past, and discover what brings out the best of you.

  1. 1d ago

    How to Find Inner Strength Through the Armor of God

    Today's Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–18 How do you become stronger on the inside when fear, doubt, or temptation threatens to pull you off course? In today's episode, we explore Paul's powerful image of the armor of God—and what it means to develop inner strength without relying on willpower alone. We explore: What it really means to be strong in God The surprising connection between our choices and God's power How to understand spiritual warfare without becoming fixated What helps us stand firm when life feels overwhelming Go Deeper: Read: The Secure Soul and The Secure Soul Companion Guide 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

    How to Find Inner Strength Through the Armor of God

  2. 1d ago

    233: The Paradox of Surrender—How Letting Go of Control Makes Us More Free with Dr. Anna Lembke

    Would we rather be in control than happy? What happens when science, therapy, and sheer determination can't fix what's broken? Is there another way forward? Dr. Anna Lembke, Stanford psychiatrist and bestselling author of Dopamine Nation, joins us for a fascinating conversation about her new book, Radical Surrender: Letting Go in a World Addicted to Control. Anna shares how profound personal loss challenged everything she believed about control, accomplishment, and her place in the world—and led her to an unexpected spiritual awakening. We explore: Why our best efforts sometimes aren't enough When control becomes a substitute for faith The surprising connection between surrender and transformation How to let go of control without giving up our agency How surrender changes us and our relationships How prayer can become a practice of surrender Together, Dr. Alison and Dr. Lembke explore the surprising intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and spirituality. About Dr. Anna Lembke: Dr. Anna Lembke is a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic. An internationally recognized expert in addiction medicine, she has published more than 100 scholarly works. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence. Get Dr. Anna Lembke’s new book: Radical Surrender: Letting Go in a World Addicted to Control  Learn more about Dr. Anna Lembke 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! *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

    233: The Paradox of Surrender—How Letting Go of Control Makes Us More Free with Dr. Anna Lembke

  3. 3d ago

    When Your Anger Takes Over: How to Let Go Without Letting Injustice Win

    Today's Scripture: Jonah 4:1–11 What happens when your anger is justified—but begins to take over? Anger can alert us to injustice, protect us from harm, and help us recognize what matters. But it can also keep us trapped in our own perspective. Through the surprising story of Jonah, we explore what happens when anger becomes entitlement—and how to find a wiser way forward. We explore: The difference between feeling anger and becoming consumed by it Why needing to be "right" can keep us stuck What anger reveals about our need for control How to honor anger without losing perspective Go Deeper: Read Boundaries for Your 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

    When Your Anger Takes Over: How to Let Go Without Letting Injustice Win

  4. 4d ago

    How to Recognize Religious Manipulation and Spiritual Abuse

    Today's Scripture: Luke 12:1–7 What happens when the people who are supposed to represent God's love use fear, shame, or control instead? Jesus has some surprisingly strong words for religious leaders who misuse their influence. Today, we explore what happens when religious hypocrisy distorts our view of God—and how to begin finding our way back to what is true. We explore: The hidden danger of religious hypocrisy When spiritual authority becomes manipulation Why questioning a leader can feel so threatening What Jesus says to those who've been hurt Go Deeper: Read The Best of You: Breaking Free from Painful Patterns, Mending the Past, and Discovering Your True Self in God 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

    How to Recognize Religious Manipulation and Spiritual Abuse

  5. 5d ago

    How to Be Content When You're Lonely—Without Giving Up Hope

    Today's Scripture: Psalm 142:1–5 How do you learn to be content when you're lonely and longing for companionship? Inspired by a listener's heartfelt question, today's episode explores how to honor the ache of loneliness without letting fear determine the rest of your story. We explore: Why loneliness isn't a failure of faith What to do with the fear of being alone forever What contentment really means How to hold both longing and hope Go Deeper: Ryan Kuja's post Episode 134: A Personal Journey Through OCD with Therapist Ryan Kuja 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

    How to Be Content When You're Lonely—Without Giving Up Hope

  6. Oct 30

    Why You Keep Doing What You Don't Want to Do (And How to Change)

    Today's Scripture: Romans 7:15 Have you ever wondered why you keep repeating a behavior you genuinely want to change? Sometimes it feels like there's a whole committee meeting inside your mind, with different parts of you pulling in different directions. Understanding these inner tensions can help you break free from old patterns without getting caught in shame and self-criticism. Why different parts of you can want conflicting things What's underneath the habits you can't seem to break How curiosity and compassion create room for change What Paul's words about grace teach us about inner transformation Go Deeper: For more on understanding and caring for the different parts of your soul, read Boundaries for Your Soul and 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

    Why You Keep Doing What You Don't Want to Do (And How to Change)

  7. Oct 29

    232: When You Believe God Loves You, But Still Feel Like You Have to Earn It with Stasi Eldredge

    What happens when you believe God loves you, but deep down, you still feel like you have to earn it? For many of us, the way we experienced love growing up shapes the way we relate to God. We may know the right things about his love, yet find ourselves striving to be good enough, serve enough, or do enough to deserve it. In today's conversation, Dr. Alison is joined by beloved author and speaker Stasi Eldredge, whose new book, The Ladder of Love, explores the many ways Scripture invites us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. We explore: *How your childhood experiences shape the way you see God *Why knowing you're loved and feeling loved can be so different *7 surprising ways Scripture describes our relationship with God *What it looks like to grow closer to God in everyday life *What Stasi wishes she'd known about God's love years ago Stasi shares her own remarkable journey—from encountering Jesus as a young woman, to struggling with depression and wounds from her childhood, to discovering a relationship with God as Father that transformed how she understood herself and his love. About Stasi Eldredge: Stasi Eldredge is an author and speaker passionate about helping women experience the goodness of God and the transforming love of Jesus. With a background in sociology and decades of ministry experience spanning youth, women, children, and crisis pregnancy support, she is dedicated to helping others grow deeper in their faith and discover the freedom found in Christ.  More Resources: Get Stasi’s new book: Ladder of Love. Learn more about Stasi Eldredge 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! 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! *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

    232: When You Believe God Loves You, But Still Feel Like You Have to Earn It with Stasi Eldredge

  8. Oct 28

    How to Trust God When the Future Feels Uncertain

    Today's Scripture: Exodus 16:4, 16, 19 When you're facing an uncertain future, it's natural to want a plan, some reassurance, or a glimpse of how everything will turn out. But what happens when God doesn't give you the clarity you're hoping for? The Israelites' experience in the wilderness offers a surprising lesson about uncertainty, daily provision, and learning to trust God one day at a time. We explore: Why uncertainty can make us long for the familiarity of the past The difference between wise planning and trying to control the future What the Israelites' daily manna teaches us about trusting God How to recognize what's yours to do today—and what isn't yours to control Go Deeper: Episode 208 Spiritual Dryness, Burnout, and the Desert Seasons of Faith with Tish Harrison Warren Read I Shouldn't Feel This Way 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

    How to Trust God When the Future Feels Uncertain
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About

Join therapist and author, Dr. Alison Cook, as she guides you through some of your toughest challenges with wisdom, kindness, and grace. Together with friends and experts we'll unpack the best of psychology from a faith-based perspective. You’ll discover how to break free from painful patterns, mend your past, and discover what brings out the best of you.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Alison Cook
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    394
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Alison Cook
  • Show Website
    The Best of You

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