Podcasts · Health & Fitness

The Best of You

Dr. Alison Cook

300 episodes

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.

Episodes page 2 of 6

  1. What to Do When Pain Makes God Feel Far Away

    · 12 min

    Today's Scripture: Psalm 73:21–28 What do you do when pain, bitterness, fear, or loneliness makes it hard to sense that God is near? Today’s Scripture gives language for the honest ache of feeling disconnected from…

  2. When You’re Exhausted From Proving You’re Good Enough

    · 8:40

    Today's Scripture: Titus 3:3–7 What happens when even your faith begins to feel like another place where you have to prove yourself? Today’s Scripture reminds us that God saves and renews us not because of how well we…

  3. 218. From Panic Attack to Survivor Season 50 Winner: How Aubry Bracco Learned to Trust Herself Again

    · 51 min

    What if the greatest risk isn't failing? What if it's losing yourself while trying to succeed? In this episode, Dr. Alison sits down with Survivor 50 winner Aubry Bracco for a conversation about resilience, identity,…

  4. When Your Pain Is Misunderstood

    · 8:52

    Today's Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:10–18 What do you do when someone misreads your pain and assumes the worst about you? Today’s Scripture introduces us to Hannah, whose anguish is mistaken for wrongdoing even as she is…

  5. How Jesus Meets You in Grief

    · 9:38

    Today's Scripture: John 11:17–27, 32–36 What do you do when grief leaves you wondering where God was—and why He didn’t intervene? Today’s Scripture shows us a Jesus who does not rush past sorrow, shame us for our…

  6. When You Feel Alone—and Wonder Where God Is

    · 9:15

    Today's Scripture: Psalm 145:8–18 What do you do when loneliness starts to make you question God’s nearness? Today’s Scripture reminds us that God does not ask us to come with polished words, tidy emotions, or perfect…

  7. How to Know If It’s Your Inner Critic or Conviction

    · 10 min

    Today's Scripture: 1 John 3:18–20 What do you do when the harshest voice in your life is the one inside you? Today’s Scripture helps us distinguish between true conviction, which leads to repair and life, and…

  8. 217. What to Do When You’re the Only One Trying: Leslie Vernick on Emotionally Destructive Relationships

    · 52 min

    Every marriage goes through difficult seasons. But what happens when you're the only one willing to do the work? When every conversation ends in blame, defensiveness, or silence? When you're trying to repair the…

  9. How to Believe What God Says About You

    · 9:47

    Today's Scripture: Judges 6:11–16 What do you do when God calls you beloved, strong, courageous, or capable — but a part of you does not believe it applies to you? Today’s Scripture shows God meeting Gideon while he is…

  10. How to Stop Silencing What You Need

    · 9:25

    Today's Scripture: Luke 18:35–43 What do you do when you’ve learned to swallow your needs, lower your voice, or stop asking for help? Today’s Scripture shows a blind man crying out to Jesus while the crowd tells him…

  11. What to Do When You Can’t Feel God Anymore

    · 10 min

    Today's Scripture: Psalm 77:1–12 What do you do when you believe in God, keep showing up, and still feel nothing? Today’s Scripture gives language for spiritual desolation — the ache of crying out to God and not…

  12. When You’re Tired of Being the Strong One

    · 12 min

    Today's Scripture: Colossians 1:15–20 What do you do when your nervous system believes everything depends on you? Today’s Scripture reminds us that it is in Christ (not in our own control)that all things hold…

  13. 216. Forgiveness Without Self-Abandonment: How to Forgive Without Ignoring the Harm with Amy Orr-Ewing

    · 59 min

    "Can I forgive someone and still keep healthy boundaries?" "Why does forgiveness still feel impossible?" Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful teachings of the Christian faith—and one of the most misunderstood.…

  14. Stop Letting Fear Make You Feel Smaller Than You Are

    · 10 min

    Today's Scripture: Numbers 13:25–33 What do you do when fear makes a hard conversation, new opportunity, or uncertain future feel bigger than your capacity to face it? Today’s Scripture shows how fear can distort…

  15. How to Love Someone Without Trying to Control Them

    · 9:23

    Today's Scripture: Luke 13:34–35 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** What do you do when someone you love will not come close, receive help, or change the pattern that is hurting them? Today’s…

  16. How to Stop Obsessing Over Someone Who Hurt You and Seems to Be Winning

    · 10 min

    Today's Scripture: Psalm 37:1–8 What do you do when someone who hurt you seems to be winning? Today’s Scripture speaks into the anger, grief, resentment, and fixation that can rise up when people do harm and appear to…

  17. When God Doesn’t Remove the Thing You Begged Him to Change

    · 10 min

    Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** What do you do when you’ve prayed for something to change—and it still hasn’t? In today’s episode, Dr. Alison…

  18. 215. 5 Toxic Patterns + The Family Role You Didn’t Choose But Still Carry

    · 47 min

    Have you ever noticed how quickly old patterns resurface when you're around family? Maybe you find yourself walking on eggshells. Struggling to voice your preferences. Feeling responsible for everyone else's emotions.…

  19. Help May Be Closer Than You Think

    · 9:35

    Today's Scripture: Genesis 21:14–19 What if the help you need is closer than you can see right now? In today’s episode, Dr. Alison reflects on the story of Hagar in the wilderness—a woman who had been used, cast out,…

  20. What To Do When You Step Out in Faith and Start to Panic

    · 10 min

    Today's Scripture: Matthew 14:22–33 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** Have you ever taken a risk, stepped out in faith, and then wondered if you made a mistake? In today’s episode, Dr. Alison…

  21. When Your Spirit Feels Drained and You’re Barely Holding On

    · 9:39

    In today’s episode, Dr. Alison reflects on David’s honest prayer: “My spirit fails.” This is not a polished prayer or a failure of faith. It is a truthful prayer from a depleted soul. If you’re still functioning on the…

  22. What If I Believe I Don’t Deserve Anything?

    · 11 min

    Today's Scripture: Ephesians 1:3–12 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** Why is it so hard to receive a love that's freely given—especially if you’ve learned that love has to be earned,…

  23. 214. The Difference Between God's Voice and Spiritual Manipulation with Theologian Steven Tracy

    · 1 h 04 min

    Scripture is powerful. It has the power to comfort, guide, convict, and restore. But when it's taken out of context or used to control, it can also leave deep wounds. In this conversation, Dr. Alison sits down with…

  24. The Day Children Play Again: God’s Vision for a Restored World

    · 12 min

    Today's Scripture: Zechariah 8:4–5 What if one of the clearest signs of healing isn’t just that danger ends—but that joy returns? In today’s episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on Zechariah’s beautiful vision of…

  25. When Your Pain Becomes Your Identity: How Jesus Gives You a New Name

    · 11 min

    Today's Scripture: Mark 5:1–20 Have you ever started answering to a name your pain gave you? In today’s episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the story of the man living among the tombs in Mark 5—a man whose torment…

  26. A Prayer for the Tired, Needy, and Overwhelmed

    · 11 min

    Today's Scripture: Psalm 86:1–7 What do you do when you feel so tired, stretched thin, or aware of your need that even prayer feels vulnerable? In today’s episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the tender image of a God…

  27. How to Sit With Grief When You Don’t Know What to Say—Even to Yourself

    · 9:37

    Today's Scripture: Romans 12:15 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the holy work of mourning with those who mourn. She explores why grief often…

  28. 213. Inner Work and Outer Boundaries: Why Healing Requires Both

    · 39 min

    What if healing isn’t just about changing your circumstances—but also tending what’s been growing inside of you? Last week, we explored the metaphor of seed and soil: the way your nature and your nurture shape who you…

  29. When Family Loyalty Gets Complicated

    · 11 min

    Today's Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:12–17 In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the complicated loyalty Jonathan faces as Saul’s son and David’s friend. Through the lens of family systems, she explores what happens…

  30. Overstimulated, Touched-Out, and Trying Not to Lose It

    · 9:49

    Today's Scripture: Mark 6:31-32 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on Jesus’ tender invitation to come away to a quiet place and rest. She explores…

  31. When Fear Has Been Running the Show

    · 10 min

    Today's Scripture: Psalm 34: 4-8 In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on what it means to bring fear into the presence of God. Instead of shaming fear or trying to force it away, she offers a compassionate way to…

  32. When Submission Has Been Used to Silence You

    · 11 min

    Today's Scripture: Ephesians 5:21–33 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the often misunderstood language of submission. She explores the heart of…

  33. 212. Why You Feel Everything So Deeply (and Other People Don’t): Childhood, Sensitivity & the Nervous System

    · 37 min

    Why do certain situations overwhelm you while someone you love seems completely unaffected? In this episode, Dr. Alison explores one of the most important questions we ask about ourselves: Why am I the way I am?…

  34. Finding Secure Attachment in God When Productivity, Approval, or People Can’t Sustain You

    · 9:01

    Today's Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5–8 In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on the powerful image of a tree planted by water. She explores what happens when we ask approval, productivity, perfectionism, control, or…

  35. How to Break a Bad Habit Without Hating Yourself

    · 10 min

    Today's Scripture: Mark 9:43–47 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** What do you do when you keep returning to the same behavior—the one that offers relief in the moment but leaves you feeling…

  36. When You Feel Stuck in a Pit & Help Seems Far Away

    · 9:27

    Today's Scripture: Psalm 40:1–3 What do you do when you’ve prayed, waited, done the work, and still feel stuck in the middle of a pit? In this episode, Dr. Alison Cook reflects on Psalm 40:1–3 and the kind of patience…

  37. How to Be Honest When You’re Angry Without Being Harmful

    · 8:35

    Today's Scripture: Ephesians 4:26–27 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** Anger can be confusing—especially if you were taught it was bad, dangerous, or unspiritual. But Scripture gives us a…

  38. 211. Is Productivity Ruining Our Mental Health? Why We Need More Play (Piera Gelardi)

    · 53 min

    When did being a responsible adult become synonymous with being serious all the time? Somewhere along the way, many of us learned that curiosity, playfulness, imagination, and wonder were things we needed to leave…

  39. When You’re Carrying Too Much Responsibility by Yourself

    · 9:43

    Today's Scripture: Numbers 11:10–17 There is a kind of exhaustion that comes from feeling responsible for too many people, emotions, needs, and outcomes. Today’s episode looks at Moses’ honest breaking point in Numbers…

  40. Over-Functioning, the Pressure to Meet Every Need, and What We Can Learn from Jesus

    · 9:54

    Today's Scripture: Mark 1:35–39 When everyone needs something from you, it can feel loving—even responsible—to respond immediately. But there is a difference between compassion and being controlled by demand. Today’s…

  41. When You’re Trying to Control What You Can’t Control

    · 9:10

    Today's Scripture: Psalm 46:1–7 When life feels unsteady, our bodies often know before our minds do. We tighten, scan, spiral, and reach for control—trying to make uncertainty disappear before we let ourselves rest.…

  42. How to Get Dressed on the Inside

    · 9:57

    Today's Scripture: Colossians 3:12–15 Every morning, we get dressed before stepping into the world—but what are we wearing on the inside? In today’s episode, we reflect on Colossians 3. This isn’t about performing…

  43. 210: From Emotionally Immature Parents to Emotionally Mature Parenting with Dr. Lindsay Gibson

    · 1 h 00 min

    What does it actually mean to raise an emotionally mature child? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Alison Cook sits down with renowned psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Lindsay C. Gibson, whose groundbreaking…

  44. Learning to Recognize the Voice of God

    · 9:46

    Today's Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1–10 Have you ever wondered if God was speaking, but you weren’t sure? In today’s episode, we look at the story of Samuel learning to recognize God’s voice. His story reminds us that…

  45. What to Do When You Have No More Capacity (But Life Asks You to Keep Showing Up Anyway)

    · 9:45

    Today's Scripture: John 2:1–11 What do you do when you’ve run out of energy, patience, joy, or capacity? In today’s episode, we look at Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana, where the wine runs out and Jesus…

  46. The Relief of Feeling Small Under a Big Sky

    · 9:12

    Today's Scripture: Psalm 8:1-9 Have you ever looked up at the sky and felt both small and strangely held? In this episode, Dr. Alison explores Psalm 8 and the healing power of wonder. We’ll look at how awe quiets the…

  47. What If Church Hurt Makes Gathering Feel Unsafe?

    · 9:49

    Today's Scripture: Hebrews 10:24–25 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** If you’ve ever heard “do not give up meeting together” and felt guilt rise in your body, this episode is for you. In…

  48. 209. Triggered in Marriage, Parenting, or Friendship? How to Respond Without Overreacting OR Shutting Down

    · 56 min

    What if getting “triggered” isn’t the problem… but a signal? We all have moments where our body reacts fast—your heart races, your defenses go up, and suddenly you’re not responding from your wisest self. In this…

  49. Attachment, Loyalty, and the Courage to Stay

    · 9:23

    Today's Scripture: Ruth 1:16–18 What’s the difference between love that strengthens your soul and loyalty that slowly erases you? In today’s reflection on Ruth 1, Dr. Alison Cook explores Ruth’s freely chosen…

  50. When a Bible Verse Feels Unsafe

    · 9:37

    Today's Scripture: Matthew 5:29–30 **Today's devotional is in response to listener requests.** Some Bible passages don’t just make us think—they make our bodies brace. In today’s reflection on Matthew 5:29–30, Dr.…

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