What a Confessional Community Looks Like

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.

Thanks to our Sponsors!

• Go to ⁠Quince.com/bestofyou⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!

• Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.

• If you’re looking for a Bible that helps you live the Word, not just read it, then grab this beautiful one I’m currently using at NIVapplicationbible.com.

• Go to shopremi.com/BESTOFYOU and use the code BESTOFYOU  at checkout for 50% off.

*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.‍

© 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