The Best of You

If you’ve ever struggled to set boundaries or wondered why it’s so hard to respect them in others, this episode is for you. We dive deep into how to set and receive healthy boundaries, and why so many of us confuse healthy limits with toxic behaviors. Spoiler: setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for healthy, thriving relationships.But that’s not all. When our boundaries are shaky, complicated emotions—like guilt, resentment, or anxiety—often arise. And instead of dealing with them, many of us reach for quick fixes: we numb. We avoid confronting those tough feelings that boundaries bring to the surface. Today, I’ll break down why we numb, how to recognize it, and the steps you can take to stop avoiding your emotions and start healing.This episode covers:* The difference between healthy boundaries and toxic behaviors* How to communicate boundaries without guilt or shame* Practical ways to receive boundaries from others gracefully* How to recognize when you’re numbing emotions (and what to do about it)* Why boundaries and emotional numbing are deeply connected—and how to untangle themYou deserve relationships that nourish you, not drain you. This episode will help you understand the power of boundaries and guide you toward emotional freedom.Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:Episode 24: Boundaries, the Spectrum of Toxicity, and a Note About EvilEpisode 26: How to say "No" to toxicity Thanks to our sponsors: Go to www.organifi.com/bestofyou today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today. Healing What's Within by Chuck DeGroat is now available wherever books are sold. 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. Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout. Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Visit cozyearth.com and unlock an exclusive 35% off with code BESTOFYOU. 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 do you do after someone hurts you?How do you heal the pain that lingers inside of you?This is such an incredibly helpful, honest and vulnerable conversation with my friend and fellow therapist Chuck DeGroat, author of the brand new book Healing What's Within. Chuck taught us so much about the harmful realities of narcissism in his book, When Narcissism Comes to Church, and now he's helping us heal the lingering wounds.Here’s what we cover:1. The moment that launched 5 years of inner chaos for Chuck2. 3 surprising questions God asks to each of us3. How Adam & Eve were manipulated4. The first step when dealing with narcissism5. How take feedback from others6. How to ask for what you need from othersFind a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Pre-order Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself--and to God--When You're Wounded, Weary, and WanderingIf you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:Episode 97: I Shouldn't Feel This Anxious—Insights on Trauma & Healing with Monique KovenThanks to our sponsors: Go to www.organifi.com/bestofyou today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today. Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Visit cozyearth.com and unlock an exclusive 35% off with code BESTOFYOU. 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

John Mark Comer, a New York Times bestselling author and founder of a non-profit for spiritual formation, dives deep into the intersection of mental, emotional, and spiritual health. He candidly discusses his own therapy experiences, challenging misconceptions about discipleship in the church. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating psychological insights into spiritual practices. Comer shares essential spiritual practices for holistic well-being and emphasizes how addressing trauma is crucial for fostering a genuine relationship with God. This enlightening dialogue is a must-listen for anyone navigating faith and mental health.

Dive into the complexities of faith as the speaker shares a framework for cultivating an emotionally healthy spirituality. Discover the concept of an inner family of parts that helps individuals navigate doubt and anxiety. Learn about the five different parts of faith and how they shape personal beliefs and community connections. The discussion emphasizes the importance of embracing internal conflicts for a richer spiritual experience, encouraging listeners to nurture authenticity and resilience throughout their journeys.

Today’s conversation is a fascinating deep-dive into celebrity culture with Katelyn Beaty, editor and author of Celebrities For Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, & Profits are Hurting the Church. We explore the dynamics of celebrity culture and its profound effects on both the church and our personal sense of worth and mission. Here’s what we cover:1. The importance of developing an inner locus of control2. How celebrity culture impacts the church3. Parasocial relationships & influencers as attachment figures4. Reevaluating what true success looks like5. How to discern trustworthiness in people you followCheck out Katelyn's book Celebrities for Jesus hereFind Katelyn's conversation with Chuck DeGroat on celebrity and narcissism hereFind a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:Episode 119: Drawing Strength from the Past —The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance with Dr. Jemar TisbyThanks to our sponsors: Register for Broken to Beloved Conference Go to www.organifi.com/bestofyou today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today. Right now get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription - but only for our listeners - at Babbel.com/BESTOFYOU. Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Visit cozyearth.com and unlock an exclusive 35% off with code BESTOFYOU. 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

It was an absolute honor to sit down with New York Times bestselling author & public historian Dr. Jemar Tisby for an incredibly rich conversation about his brand new book,The Spirit of Justice. We discuss his own story of coming to faith and what led him to explore stories of Black Christians who tirelessly pursued healing, goodness, and justice against impossible odds. Here’s what we cover:1. The impact of culture on mental & emotional health2. The double-edged sword of religion3. The dissonance Jemar felt as a Black Christian in predominantly white settings4. The lifelines who helped him shore up his faith5. What is the spirit of justice?6. Jemar’s thoughts on therapy7. What stories of resistance teach us about following JesusGet Jemar Tisby's new book The Spirit of Justice here.Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Thanks to our sponsors: Go to www.organifi.com/bestofyou today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today. Get 40% 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. Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Visit cozyearth.com and unlock an exclusive 35% off with code BESTOFYOU. 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

Delve into the world of therapy as experts discuss various modalities like DBT and CBT. Discover the significance of trauma-informed care and how it shapes healing journeys. Learn how therapists manage personal triggers during sessions and the importance of building trust. The conversation also touches on the delicate balance of sin within therapy, emphasizing compassion and responsibility. Whether you're new to therapy or on a healing path, this discussion offers valuable insights for personal growth.

Have you ever felt like you’ve grown and healed, but the people around you haven’t?In today’s episode, I’m joined by my friend and therapist, Dr. Monique Gadson, for a powerful conversation about how to ignite change not only within ourselves but also within the systems we're deeply connected to—whether that's our families, churches, or work environments. Here’s what we cover:1. Dr. Monique’s insights from her work as a therapist within a church setting (8:06)2. The difference between toxic cultures and imperfect human gatherings (17:00)3. How kindness can sometimes hinder growth (29:07)4. How to be "in" but not "of" a system (36:04)5. The effects of culture-wide PTSD (38:35)6. Practical ways to find and nurture hope (43:45)Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:Episode 33: People Pleasing & Developing Your Own Inner Compass—Thoughts on Depression, Mental Health & the Church, and Finding Hope in Dark Places w/ Dr. Monique GadsonEpisode 60: How to Make New Friends, Identify Red & Green Flags, & Extract Yourself From an Unhealthy Situation w/ Aundi Kolber & Dr. Monique GadsonEpisode 73: True Belonging vs. Groupthink, Cliques, & Trying to Fit In—How to Belong to Others While Staying True To YourselfThanks to our sponsors: Register for the Broken to Beloved Conference here 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! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to receive UP TO 39% Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to SundaysForDogs.com/BESTOFYOU or use code BESTOFYOU at checkout. Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Visit cozyearth.com and unlock an exclusive 35% off with code BESTOFYOU. 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

Did you grow up in a blended family? Are you navigating the complexities of creating one?Blended families face unique challenges, and it can be overwhelming to sift through the stigmas and bad advice that often surround step-parenting. In today’s very personal episode, I’m joined by blended family expert Ron Deal. Together, we explore how step-families can become a powerful part of God’s redemptive story, offering healing and hope in the midst of grief, loss, and complicated circumstances.Today’s episode is filled with powerful tips for ANY family about how to become healthier.Here’s what we cover:1. The two key ingredients to building and sustaining a healthy family (8:39)2. Common sources of dysfunction in families and how to address them (11:32)3. What the church often misunderstands about blended families and how we can shift the narrative (25:00)4. The redemptive power of step-families in transforming pain into purpose. (36:53)5. Empowering children to navigate change and loss with resilience (29:41)6. Practical ways to honor grief within families and create a supportive environment (41:39)Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Want to receive free bonus content? ⁠⁠Sign up for my free weekly email here.If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:Episode 85: The Goal of a Healthy Family & 6 Roles We Take On In DysfunctionEpisode 12: Overcoming the Pain of Divorce with Eryn EddyThanks to our sponsors: Register for the upcoming Broken to Beloved conference! 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. Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to receive UP TO 39%! Head over to WildHealth.com/BESTOFYOU and use code BESTOFYOU at checkout for 20% off! Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Visit cozyearth.com and unlock an exclusive 35% off with code BESTOFYOU. 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

Do you want to learn how to strengthen your relationship over time? Do you want to have better communication and deeper intimacy with your partner? In this very honest episode, you'll learn strategies from top marriage & relationship experts combined with Biblical wisdom to work through pain paints, set realistic expectations, and practice constructive conversations with your partner. Here’s what we cover:1. The most important way to improve your relationship (6:11)2. How to identify bad advice vs. a helpful confidant (13:34)3. Naming paint points in a healthy way (15:12)4. 3 ways to frame a relational pain point (24:34)5. The 4 most destructive qualities to a relationship (29:04)6. The 4 most important skills to a vital long-term relationship (32:24) Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.Do you have questions for Dr. Alison?⁠ Leave them here.If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:Episode 105: 4 Lies We Tell, the Mental Health Benefits of Honesty, & How to Stop Lying In Your RelationshipsEpisode 89: When A Relationship Has to Change—How to Tolerate Discomfort, Face an Attachment Void, & Resource YourselfThanks to our sponsors: Go to www.organifi.com/bestofyou today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today. Right now get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription - but only for our listeners - at Babbel.com/BESTOFYOU. Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! 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. Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code BESTOFYOU to receive UP TO 39%! Visit cozyearth.com and unlock an exclusive 35% off with code BESTOFYOU. 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