How to Build a Supportive Friend Network

What do you do when relationships feels risky after you’ve been hurt, betrayed, or let down, yet you still crave real connection?

This week, Dr. Alison is joined by speaker, and author Toni Collier, for a powerful and honest conversation about healing through community and learning how to trust again after deep pain. 

Toni shares her story of betrayal and loss, and how she discovered the power of safe people - the kind who can hold your heart without judgment and help you rebuild when life falls apart. Together, they unpack what real friendship looks like and why isolation, while it feels safe, can slowly destroy us.

You’ll walk away with language for repair, courage to take off your “strong friend” cape, and practical wisdom for finding (and becoming) the kind of people who can walk with you through both heartbreak and healing.

This episode explores:

• Why healing requires safe people, not just safe spaces
• How to build a community that can hold your story
• The difference between isolation and refuge
• The courage it takes to say, “I need help”
• The three steps to finding and keeping trustworthy friends

You can find Toni’s powerful book here:

📚Don't Try This Alone: How to Build Deep Community When You Want to Hide from Your Pain

Here are some other episodes you might like :

Episode 104: Overcoming the Fear of Vulnerability

Episode 76: Finding the Faith & Strength to Move Forward after Loss & Heartache 

📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here

💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode.

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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.

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