The Best of You

We all over-react at times. I know I do! Maybe someone is late, and you get really angry instead of a little annoyed. Or your colleague gives you constructive feedback, and you feel decimated inside. You don't know why you had such a big reaction.What if those "overreactions" are actually clues to the past? In today’s episode I walk you through an incredibly practical way to use the power of big emotional reactions in the present to help you heal from events in the past. When you decode the information in your overreactions, you can finally unburden yourself.1. The main reasons we overreact (8:27)2. Why we pick up burdens from the past (16:36)3. The effects of parentification (18:55)4. How to become a cycle-breaker (23:27)5. A real-time exercise in unburdening (29:20)Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.Related Episode:Episode 70: Mastering the Art of Emotional Intelligence—How to Harness the Power of Your Emotions to Improve Your RelationshipsThanks to our sponsors:Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today. If you've been searching for a better alternative to traditional healthcare and want to take your health to new heights, visit www.WildHealth.com/Premium to apply for membership.Go to Reliefband.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to receive 20% off plus free shipping.Go to storyworth.com/bestofyou and save $10 on your first purchase!Music by Andy LuitenSound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile 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

If you’re struggling to feel connected spiritually or stuck in negative emotions, you’re in good company. Research shows that 9 out of 10 people struggle with stress during the holidays.In today’s episode, I walk you through my simple but life-changing strategy for unlocking spiritual connection and experiencing more of God’s loving presence.Here’s what we cover:1. 3 reasons painful emotions get heightened at the holidays (2:32)2. A simple hack for experiencing more spiritual vitality (8:22)3. The neurobiology of what happens when you connect with God (9:43)4. How to transform mundane moments into spiritual encounters (12:18)5. How to harness your external environment to change your mental habits (23:03)Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.Related Episodes:Episode 80: Navigating Overwhelming Emotions—2 Essential Steps to Bring Calm to the Chaos WithinEpisode 50: 9 Types of Intelligence, the Trap of Comparison, and How to Connect More Authentically with GodThanks to our sponsors:This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.Listen to Girls Night with Stephanie May Wilson wherever you get your podcasts!Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout.Music by Andy LuitenSound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile 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

What if your emotions aren't your enemies afterall? What if they actually help? This holiday season, I'm taking you on a deep dive into my proven 5-step method for finding joy and peace by bringing harmony and wholeness to your inner world.Today, we'll walk through the first 2 steps that are crucial to developing a healthy relationship with your emotions. Here’s what we cover:1. 3 truths about emotions (5:19)2. A counterintuitive (but essential!) first step (9:38)3. How to speak on behalf of an emotion vs. from it (17:21)4. The surprising solution to negative emotions (21:58)5. How to finally move from self-condemnation to self-compassion and why this is central to the message of Christ (32:40)Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.Related Episodes:Episode 70: Mastering the Art of Emotional Intelligence—How to Harness the Power of Your Emotions to Improve Your RelationshipsEpisode 39: Boundaries for Your Soul—How to Navigate Your Overwhelming Thoughts & FeelingsBoundaries for Your Soul Youtube SeriesThanks to our sponsors:Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.Go to AquaTru.com and enter code BESTOFYOU at checkout to get 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier!Music by Andy LuitenSound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile 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

I was thrilled to have this conversation about a book that's easily one of my favorites this year. The brilliant author, professor, and public theologian, Esau McCaulley is here to share his personal experience with the many faces of trauma and how he stayed connected to the goodness of God through all of it.Esau’s new book, How Far to the Promised Land, is a gripping, powerful story of one man’s journey of survival and hope. This conversation is packed with so much incredible insight all the way through to the end. Here’s what we cover:1. Esau's early experiences with trauma (6:59)2. How being a dad has been part of Esau’s healing (11:48)3. Racial trauma (18:08)4. How to integrate different parts of yourself (28:53)5. Why we have to tell our stories (31:18)6. Esau’s thoughts on forgiveness (40:35)Check out How Far to the Promised Land here!Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.Related Episodes:Episode 78: The Mental Health Benefits of Forgiveness & Thoughts on Grace with Max LucadoEpisode 76: When Self-Help Isn’t Enough—Finding the Faith & Strength to Move Forward after Loss & Heartache With Granger SmithThanks to our sponsors:Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout.Go to storyworth.com/bestofyou and save $10 on your first purchase!Start taking control of your health today at WildHealth.com/BESTOFYOUMusic by Andy LuitenSound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile 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 episode is packed! First, I walk you through some practical, research-backed thoughts on forgiveness and grace. Then I invite you into a conversation I had with none other than Max Lucado about how God’s forgiveness and grace played out in his own life. Here's what we cover:1. The difference between grace & forgiveness (2:20)2. Personality type & forgiveness (7:11)3. 3 types of forgiveness (11:03)4. How to forgive (15:15)5. Max’s personal story of grace (23:28)6. Clear words of wisdom about toxicity (37:38)Check out Max Lucado's new book, God Never Gives Up On You: What Jacob's Story Teaches Us about Grace, Mercy, and God's Relentless LoveFind a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.Related Episodes:Episode 75: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress & Anxiety—How to Transform Your Mind Through the Power of PrayerEpisode 76: When Self-Help Isn’t Enough—Finding the Faith & Strength to Move Forward after Loss & Heartache With Granger SmithEpisode 77: The Dark Night of the Soul—Why It Happens & What It MeansThanks to our sponsors:This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.Visit seed.com/BESTOFYOU and use code BESTOFYOU to redeem 25% off your first month of Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic.Go to Reliefband.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to receive 20% off plus free shipping.To start decoding your body's messages, and pave the way for a healthier life visit nutrisense.com/bestofyou and get $30 off your first month and one month of board certified nutritionist support.Music by Andy LuitenSound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile 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

Explore the concept of the dark night of the soul, differentiate it from depression, and understand why God allows us to feel distant from Him. Discover how these challenging seasons can lead to personal growth and deeper connections with others.

I read country music singer Granger Smith's new book in one sitting and cried my way through it. It’s a powerful story of the unspeakable loss of his 3-year old son and what happened in the aftermath.Granger tried everything to cope with the trauma, including numbing and every self-help hack. It didn't work. This is an incredible story of what happens when self-help fails and God shows up. Here’s what we cover:1. The traumatic “slide show” that ran through Granger's mind for months (10:44)2. Why we numb (16:19)3. Granger's rock bottom moment and what happened after (24:33)4. What grief looks like when transformed (30:38)5. How self-help messages gaslight us (40:59)This episode contains discussions about suicide which may be distressing for some listeners. Please prioritize your well-being and proceed with caution. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential support.Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.Related Episodes:Episode 75: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress & Anxiety—How to Transform Your Mind Through the Power of PrayerEpisode 74: The Neurobiology of Hope and How to Find Hope in Hard Times with Dr. Curt ThompsonEpisode 67: The Link Between Faith & Emotional Healing—Gen Z, College Life, & A Hidden Search for Meaning with Cindy GaoEpisode 65: Vulnerability, Parenting, and Letting Go of Control—Inside A Guy’s Perspective With Our Friends From DadvilleThanks to our sponsors:Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.Visit seed.com/BESTOFYOU and use code BESTOFYOU to redeem 25% off your first month of Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic.Go to Reliefband.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to receive 20% off plus free shipping.Sleep deeply and wake gently with Hatch Restore - go to hatch.co/bestofyou to get $20 off and free shipping!Music by Andy LuitenSound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile 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

Prayer is where self-awareness meets God-awareness. I’ve come to cherish it as an intimate, deeply grounding practice. But I haven’t always felt that way. It used to evoke anxiety and activation inside of me as I worked to earn God's favor.That’s why I love this conversation with Kayla Craig, author of the new book Every Season Sacred. In this candid conversation, we talk about prayer in a fresh new way that will transform how you practice it. Here’s what we cover:1. Scientific research into the effectiveness of prayer (3:57)2. What prayer is (11:19)3. How to pray when your emotions are chaotic (38:43)4. Calming your nervous system (37:25) vs. hail mary prayers (10:44)5. Different types of prayer (33:02)Check out Kayla's new book Every Season Sacred: Reflections, Prayers, and Invitations to Nourish Your Soul and Nourish Your Family Throughout the YearFind a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.Related Episode:Episode 72: Overcoming Failure, Handling Adversity, and Telling Yourself the TruthThanks to our sponsors:Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.Go to AquaTru.com and enter code BESTOFYOU at checkout to get 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! AquaTru comes with a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee so if you don’t like it just send it back for a refund, minus shipping.Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.Music by Andy LuitenSound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile 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

I am so thrilled to have my friend, Dr. Curt Thompson, on the podcast today. I have been deeply transformed by Curt’s work, and in today's conversation, Curt breathes fresh life into a topic that is too easily tossed around and oversimplified—Hope.We take a deep dive into the intricacies of hope from a neurobiological, relational, and spiritual perspective. It's a must listen for anyone going through hard times.Here's what we unpack in our conversation:* What's happening inside our brains when we hope? (11:59)* Steps you can take in daily life to foster hope (17:55)* The link between hope and secure attachment (15:35)* How we embody and become hope for one another (21:04)* Reimagining hope in today’s world (22:41)Check out Curt's new book The Deepest Place.Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.Related Episodes:Episode 58: How to Find Friends Who Bring out the Best of You, Why it Matters, and How a Good Friend Can Transform Your Life with Dr. Curt Thompson, Amy Cella, and Pepper SweeneyEpisode 73: True Belonging vs. Groupthink, Cliques, & Trying to Fit In—How to Belong to Others While Staying True To YourselfThanks to our sponsors:Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.Go to Reliefband.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to receive 20% off plus free shipping.Visit seed.com/BESTOFYOU and use code BESTOFYOU to redeem 25% off your first month of Seed's DS-01® DailyMusic by Andy LuitenSound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile 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

If you’ve ever struggled to feel like you belong, this episode is for you. I’ve struggled with belonging for decades. I couldn't understand how other people seemed to find large groups of friends. But I’ve figure out how to belong on my own terms. And, paradoxically, I realized—that’s exactly what belonging is.Today’s episode is personal, hopeful, and practical. Here's what we cover:1. The myth of belonging (9:08)2. The 2 roads to isolation (5:36)3. What about social anxiety? (9:50)4. The surprising path to belonging (20:19)5. 3 easy steps you can take TODAY (29:50)Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.Related Episode:Episode 70: Mastering the Art of Emotional Intelligence—How to Harness the Power of Your Emotions to Improve Your RelationshipsThanks to our sponsors:This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU and get on your way to being your best self.Go to ⁠www.organifi.com/bestofyou⁠ today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout.To start decoding your body's messages, and pave the way for a healthier life visit nutrisense.com/bestofyou and get $30 off your first month and one month of board certified nutritionist support.Sound editing by Kelly KramarikWhile 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