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 a...
Episode 150: The Great Sex Rescue—Debunking Harmful Messages About Intimacy in Christian Marriage with Sheila Wray Gregoire
In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Alison talks with Sheila Wray Gregoire, groundbreaking author of The Great Sex Rescue. They confront harmful misconceptions about sexual intimacy within Christian marriages, amplifying the often-overlooked voices of women.
Sheila shares powerful insights drawn from her extensive research involving over 20,000 Christian women, challenging damaging narratives and revealing startling truths about sexual satisfaction, obligation, and intimacy.
You'll learn:
* The 4 harmful teachings that negatively impact sexual intimacy
* Why “sex as obligation” is so destructive for women
* How to reframe your sex story with your spouse
* Practical steps toward recovering true intimacy
Sheila's compassionate yet bold approach offers hope, clarity, and practical wisdom for those longing to rewrite their sexual stories, reclaiming God's true design for intimacy.
Have a question for Dr. Alison? Leave it here.
Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.
If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:
Episode 125: Recovering From Purity Culture: Dismantle the Myths, Reject Shame-Based Sexuality, and Move Forward in Your Faith with Dr. Camden Morgante
Episode 126: Restoring Wonder & Play in Intimacy—Navigating Sexual Brokenness, Safety, and Vulnerability with Therapist Sam Jolman
Thanks to our sponsors:
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Contact www.restoringthesoul.com and learn how their Intensive Counseling Process can jump start your journey to the place you want to be. As a special gift for The Best of You podcast listeners, visit www.restoringthesoul.com/bestofyou to download "5 Ways Unresolved Trauma May Be Derailing Your Relationship."
Music by Andy Luiten
Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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40:31
Episode 149: Narcissism in the Bible—5 Toxic Behaviors to Avoid & How to Protect Your Soul
In this week’s episode, Dr. Alison explores the pervasive issue of narcissism—a term that's become increasingly relevant in today's culture. From toxic relationships to leadership failures, the influence of narcissism is widespread, affecting many without us even realizing it. Dr. Alison explains what it is and offers strategies to protect ourselves from its insidious effects.
You'll discover:
* The true meaning of narcissism beyond the buzzword.
* How to recognize love bombing
* The dangers of gaslighting and manipulation
* The tactics of triangulation
* Practical steps to guard your emotional health and develop resilience.
Have a question for Dr. Alison? Leave it here.
Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.
If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:
Episode1: What is Narcissism Really?
Episode 13: Dr. Alison Answers Your Questions: Criticism, Narcissism, and Boundaries
Thanks to our sponsors:
Go to www.organifi.com/bestofyou today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.
As a listener of The Best of You Podcast, you can qualify to see a registered dietitian for as little as $0 by visiting faynutrition.com/bestofyou.
Go to Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
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.
I want all my listeners to enjoy a deep, restful night’s sleep with a new mattress from Birch. Go to birchliving.com/bestofyou for 20% off sitewide.
Contact www.restoringthesoul.com and learn how their Intensive Counseling Process can jump start your journey to the place you want to be. As a special gift for The Best of You podcast listeners, visit www.restoringthesoul.com/bestofyou to download their pdf called "5 Ways Unresolved Trauma May Be Derailing Your Relationship."
Music by Andy Luiten
Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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36:30
Episode 148: The Truth About Marriage—Dan Allender on Healing, Intimacy & Hard Fights
In this episode, Dr. Dan Allender, a pioneer in Christian counseling and founder of The Allender Center, joins Dr. Alison to explore the raw, real work of marriage, trauma, and intimacy. Known for his groundbreaking book, The Wounded Heart, Allender has spent decades teaching how personal trauma shapes relationships. And on the very day of his 48th wedding anniversary, he openly shares how these dynamics continue to play out in his own marriage.
In this episode, we dive into:
* The surprising (and hilarious) fight he and his wife had the night before their anniversary
* Why marriage is both heaven and hell—and why that’s actually a good thing
* The childhood wounds that have impacted his own marriage
* Why logic doesn’t help when we get emotionally hijacked
* How to fight well and grow through conflict
Check out The Deep Rooted Marriage anywhere books are sold.
Have a question for Dr. Alison? Leave it here.
Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.
If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:
Episode 137: The Mindful Marriage—Overcome Pain Cycles and Discover the Surprising Secret to Lasting Love with Ron and Nan Deal
Thanks to our sponsors:
Go to Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Go to AquaTru.com and enter code BESTOFYOU at checkout to get 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier!
Contact Restoring the Soul today and learn how their Intensive Counseling Process can jump start your journey to the place you want to be. As a special gift for The Best of You podcast listeners, download their free pdf "5 Ways Unresolved Trauma May Be Derailing Your Relationship."
Turn back time on the appearance of your skin with Purity Woods’s Age-Defying Dream Cream. Go to puritywoods.com/BESTOFYOU or enter code BESTOFYOU at checkout for an additional 10% off your first order.
Music by Andy Luiten
Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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53:17
Episode 147: The Hidden Trauma of Being the Chosen Child & a Path Toward Healing—Making Sense of Your Family Story with Therapist Adam Young
In this powerful episode, Dr. Alison welcomes Adam Young, a psychotherapist and author of the new book, “Make Sense of Your Story”, to dive into the complexities of family dynamics, and how the stories we tell about our families shape our adult lives. Adam shares his personal experiences and professional insights on how being triangulated within his family as a child impacted his psychological development and emotional health.
Here's what you'll learn:
* Why it’s crucial to identify family myths
* The unique trauma of being the chosen child
* Idealizing families—why we do it & how it hurts us
* The danger of self-betrayal in relationships
* The #1 way to heal childhood attachment wounds
* Traits of securely attached relationships
Get Make Sense of Your Story by Adam Young
Have a question for Dr. Alison? Leave it here.
Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.
If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:
Episode 79: Surviving Trauma & A Path to Forgiveness—Finding God In the Hardest Parts of Your Story With Esau McCaulley
Thanks 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.
Contact Restoring the Soul today and learn how their Intensive Counseling Process can jump start your journey. As a special gift for The Best of You podcast listeners, visit www.restoringthesoul.com/bestofyou to download their pdf "5 Ways Unresolved Trauma May Be Derailing Your Relationship."
Go to Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Music by Andy Luiten
Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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47:59
Episode 146 BONUS: Why Fun Matters, the Difference Between Escape & Relief, and a Journey Through Loss with Annie F. Downs
In this special bonus episode of The Best of You podcast, Dr. Alison welcomes Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author and founder of the That Sounds Fun network. Together, they explore the balance between joy and hardship, and the crucial differences between escapism and genuine relief. Annie also shares the poignant story behind her new children’s book, Where Did TJ Go? as well as insights into how fun and play can be integral to healing.
Here’s what we cover:
* The negative internal messages Annie had to overcome
* The difference between real relief and escapism
* Annie's personal journey through grief and how it has deepened her understanding of joy
* Practical advice on integrating play into everyday life
* An exclusive look into Annie’s new children's book, a heartfelt tool for families navigating grief
Purchase Annie's new children's book Where did TJ Go?
Have a question for Dr. Alison? Leave it here.
Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.
If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love
Episode 142: Digital Detox—Surprising Insights from 7 Screen-Free Weeks with Monks & Amish Farmers Featuring Carlos Whittaker
Thanks to our sponsors:
Go to Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Contact Restoring the Soul today and learn how their Intensive Counseling Process can jump start your journey or launch. And be sure to visit www.restoringthesoul.com/bestofyou to download their pdf called "5 Ways Unresolved Trauma May Be Derailing Your Relationship."
Music by Andy Luiten
Sound editing by Kelly Kramarik
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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.
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