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 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
--------
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
--------
50:12
Episode 145: From Rejection to Redemption—Transforming Your Rejection Story Into One of Loving Empowerment
This week Dr. Alison dives into a heartfelt exploration of rejection, including how we internalize rejection from early life experiences, and how these moments shape our sensitivity to social dynamics and self-perception later in life. Dr. Alison shares personal stories and scientific insights to unpack the physical and emotional impacts of rejection, offering a pathway to healing and acceptance.
You’ll learn:
* How early experiences of rejection influence our reactions and relationships in adulthood
* The scientific basis for why rejection hurts so much
* Strategies for reframing our internal narratives
* Practical tips for engaging with the parts of ourselves that still feel the sting of past rejections
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 87: A Surprising Way to Break Free From Self-Criticism & Comparing Yourself to Others
Thanks to our sponsors:
Go to www.organifi.com/bestofyou today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.
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.
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
--------
34:49
Episode 144: Healing the Soul Through Encounters with Jesus Featuring John Eldredge
In this profoundly insightful episode, Dr. Alison explores the often overlooked "young places" within our souls with John Eldredge, New York Times bestselling author, counselor, and the author of the new book Experience Jesus. Really. Together, they explore how these inner areas of wounding can lead to transformative encounters with Jesus, providing opportunities for deeper healing through experiencing God’s loving presence.
Here’s what we cover:
*John's challenge to move past our over-reliance on left-brain thinking
*The surprising ways God beckons our souls toward healing
*A powerful example of how Jesus responds to young parts carrying trauma
*The critical mistake many make when seeking healing
*Why John believes we are all like amphibians
*The difference between the illusion of security and the reality of safety
Get Experience Jesus. Really here
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 76: When Self-Help Isn’t Enough—Finding the Faith & Strength to Move Forward after Loss & Heartache With Granger Smith
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.
Go to Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
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.
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
--------
51:59
Episode 143: Reparenting Your Younger Self—How to Stop Seeking Approval From Others & Find Inner Security
Today, we're diving deep into something that touches so many of us—why we seek external validation and approval from others, and how healing our younger parts can set us free. If you've ever found yourself people-pleasing, perfecting, over-performing, or seeking approval from others, this episode is for you.We’ll explore:
✔️ Why younger parts of us drive our overfunctioning tendencies
✔️ How unmet childhood needs shape our patterns of guilt and perfectionism
✔️ The difference between external validation and true inner security
✔️ My own journey of reconnecting with an 8-year-old part of me (and how it changed everything)
✔️ Simple, practical ways you can start reparenting your younger self today
Whether you're longing for more joy, play, and vitality—or you're ready to step off the hamster wheel of approval-seeking—this episode will give you tools to start reconnecting with the young parts of you that have been waiting for your attention.
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 138: Breaking Free from Overfunctioning—Discover the Hidden Costs of Always Being 'The Responsible One’
Episode 140: If You Struggle with Guilt and Second-Guessing Yourself, This Will Set You Free – How to Stop Blaming Yourself for Things That Aren’t Your Fault
Episode 39: Boundaries for Your Soul—How to Navigate Your Overwhelming Thoughts & Feelings
Thanks to our sponsors:
Go to www.organifi.com/bestofyou today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.
Go to puritywoods.com/BESTOFYOU or enter code BESTOFYOU at checkout for an additional 10% off your first order.
Go to Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Sign up for AromaTru's Insider Club today and you'll receive a FREE Waterless Oil Diffuser and a FREE lemon eucalyptus oil - that's over $200 in savings. Head to aromatruorganics.com/bestofyou to take advantage of this exclusive offer.
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.
Ireland