160: When You Feel Unwanted—Meeting the Parts of You That Long to Belong with IFS Therapist Tammy Sollenberger
What do you do with the ache of not feeling wanted? The part of you that wonders if you’ll ever truly belong?
In this powerful conversation with IFS therapist and author Tammy Sollenberger, we explore how the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model helps you turn toward those tender places inside—rather than pushing them away.
This conversation originally struck a deep chord with listeners—and it feels especially relevant right now. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or tuning in again, it holds fresh insight for your journey.
Tammy shares:
Her personal story of feeling unwanted, even though her parents loved her.
Why “parts work” is so transformative in healing emotional wounds
How self-compassion opens the door to real connection
A simple practice to begin befriending the hurting parts within
If you’ve ever struggled with feeling left out, overlooked, or not enough—this episode will meet you with kindness, insight, and hope.
📘 Learn more about Tammy’s book: The One Inside
💬 Got a question or reflection? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode.
If you liked this episode, you'll love:
Episode 108 Inside Out—Internal Family Systems, Therapy, and High-Performing Protectors with Jenna Riemersma
Episodes 39 through 43 —Boundaries For Your Soul series on IFS in 5 parts
Thanks to our sponsors:
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Right now, save $10 on your first purchase when you go to StoryWorth.com/bestofyou!
Editing by Giulia Hjort
Sound engineering by Kelly Kramarik
Music by Andy Luiten
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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43:04
159: Spiritual Drowning, Honest Questions, and a God Who Doesn’t Let Go with Heather Thompson Day
I’m joined by the brilliant and beautifully honest Dr. Heather Thompson Day for a conversation on spiritual wrestling. Heather’s latest book, What If I’m Wrong? Navigating the Waves of Fear and Failure explores what happens when the faith you once relied on starts to unravel.
Heather shares openly about her father’s battle with Alzheimer’s, the spiritual crisis it triggered, and the years she spent in what she calls “spiritual drowning.” We talk about attachment, disappointment, failure, and the unexpected ways God shows up when everything else is falling apart.
This conversation is a powerful example of how doubt and faith can co-exist. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re allowed to question your faith—or felt like you were losing your grip on God—this episode is for you.
We explore:
What happens when the God you believed in no longer matches your reality
How therapy helped Heather not just psychologically but spiritually
Why what feels like failure may be something deeper—and more redemptive
The unexpected miracle Heather experienced at the end of her long season of doubt
This isn’t a story of tidy answers. It’s a story of holding on, even when you’re not sure what you’re holding onto.
🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs a reminder: doubt doesn’t mean you’re losing your faith—it might mean you’re learning to trust in a deeper way.
🔗 Heather’s new book: What If I’m Wrong?🔗 Connect with Heather: heatherthompsonday.com🔗 Follow Heather on Instagram: @HeatherThompsonDay
💬 Got a question or reflection? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode.
If you liked this episode, you’ll love:
Episode 98: I Shouldn’t Feel Alone in My Grief—Why Your Grief Matters & How to Support Those Who Are Grieving with J.S. Park
Episode 99: I Shouldn’t Feel Like My Spirit is Broken—Exploring a Broken Spirit & the Dark Night of the Soul with Christopher Cook
Thanks 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 Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and using promo code BESTOFYOU
Visit GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today and use code BESTOFYOU.
Right now, save $10 on your first purchase when you go to StoryWorth.com/bestofyou!
Editing by Giulia Hjort
Sound engineering by Kelly Kramarik
Music by Andy Luiten
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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39:39
158: Your Pain Has a Name: The Deeper Hurt Behind Distressing Thoughts with Therapist Monica DiCristina
What if your most distressing thoughts aren’t who you are—but a signal pointing to pain that needs healing?
Therapist and author Monica DiCristina joins me to talk about the deeper emotional and spiritual wounds that often lie beneath distressing thoughts.
Monica shares her personal journey with trauma-related intrusive thoughts and the power of finally naming what hurt.
We also explore what to do when intrusive thoughts show up in our inner worlds, how to seek the right kind of support, and why healing always starts with curiosity rather than shame.
Pick up your copy of Monica's new book: Your Pain Has a Name: A Therapist's Invitation to Understanding Your Story and Sorting Out Who You Are from What Hurts
Connect with Monica DiCristina
📞 Call 307-429-2525 to share your thoughts or a question for a future episode.
If you liked this episode, you’ll love:
Episode 134: Bridging Mysticism and Science—A Personal JourneyThrough OCD with Therapist Ryan Kuja
Episode 97: I Shouldn't Feel This Anxious—Insights on Trauma & Healing with Monique Koven
Thanks to our sponsors:
Go to Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and using promo code BESTOFYOU
Visit GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today and use code BESTOFYOU.
Right now, save $10 on your first purchase when you go to StoryWorth.com/bestofyou!
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.
Editing by Giulia Hjort
Sound design by Kelly Kramarik
Music by Andy Luiten
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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39:38
157: Braving Change—3 Ways to Get Unstuck & Transform Guilt and Regret
We're tackling a topic that continues to strike a chord with so many of you: how to make a change when you're stuck between loyalty and growth, guilt and freedom, regret and redemption.
If you’ve ever struggled with a complicated relationship or wrestled with the quiet shame of feeling stuck, this episode is for you.
We explore:
The 3 brave paths you can take when a relationship feels hard.
A powerful story of a woman confronting regret.
How to distinguish between true guilt and false guilt
What "radical surrender" really means.
Whether you're braving a big life change or feeling held back by old emotional patterns, this episode will gives you courage, clarity, and compassion.
📞 Plus, don’t forget to call 307-429-2525 to share your thoughts or a question for a future episode.
If you liked this, you’ll love:
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
Thanks 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.
Visit cozyearth.com and unlock an exclusive for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more with code BESTOFYOU.
Go to AquaTru.com and enter code BESTOFYOU at checkout to get 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier!
Get up to 50% off your custom-fit mouth guard at www.shopremi.com/BESTOFYOU today!
Editing by Giulia Hjort
Sound engineering by Kelly Kramarik
Music by Andy Luiten
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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28:54
156: Why Fear Shows Up When You’re About to Grow & How to Break Free from Self-Sabotage with Mary Marantz
What if fear isn’t a warning sign—but a signal you’re stepping into something that matters?
I’m joined by the brilliant and creative Mary Marantz to explore why fear often shows up right before a breakthrough—and how to stop seeing it as a reason to back down.
We also get into:* How fear hides behind perfectionism, people-pleasing, and procrastination* The surprising link between fear and creativity* Why grief is often the first step in learning to trust yourself* What it means to become the “grown-up in the room” for your own healing* How naming your inner critic can help disarm its power
Check out Mary’s new book Underestimated!
📞 We want to hear from you! What’s one area of your emotional, mental, or spiritual health where you’d like to grow? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a voicemail with your name, where you’re from, and your answer. Your voice may be featured in a future episode!
Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here.
If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:
Episode 10: What are Limiting Beliefs and How Do I Overcome Them with Mary Marantz
Episode 20: Making Peace with Yourself (& Facing Your Fear of Disappointing Other People)
Thanks to our sponsors:
Go to Quince.com/bestofyou for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/NIVAB and using promo code BESTOFYOU!
Visit GoGeviti.com to learn more about how you can start optimizing your health without leaving home today and use code BESTOFYOU.
Give your loved ones a unique, heartfelt gift you’ll all cherish for years—StoryWorth! Right now, save $10 on your first purchase when you go to StoryWorth.com/bestofyou!
For 20% off your order, head to Reliefband.com and use code BESTOFYOU.
Editing by Giulia HjortMusic by Andy LuitenSound design 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
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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