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 133: From Feeling Numb to Meaning-Making — Navigating the 6 Stages of Grief with Renowned Grief Expert David Kessler
How do you move from feeling stuck to finding meaning and healing in your grief?
In today’s episode, I’m honored to speak with David Kessler, one of the world’s foremost experts on grief and the author who expanded Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s original five stages of grief by adding a sixth stage: meaning. We explore how common reactions like avoidance, blame, and bargaining are a normal part of the grieving process, and how finding meaning can be a transformative step toward healing. Whether you’re grieving a loss or supporting someone who is, this conversation will help you better understand the continuum of grief and the power of creating meaning.
Here's what we cover:
* The 5 stages of grief and how different parts of us experience loss
* David’s 6th stage of grief and how it developed out of his own story
* The most important question to ask someone who is grieving
* David’s 7 guidelines for creating meaning after loss
* Why grief is intimately linked to joy
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 98: I Shouldn’t Feel Alone in My Grief—Why Your Grief Matters & the #1 Most Important Support For Those Who Are Grieving
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Music by Andy Luiten
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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.
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Episode 132: Caring for Everyone but Yourself? 3 Strategies for Managing Overwhelm and Emotional Stress in the Sandwich Generation
Do you feel like you’re constantly caring for others, whether it’s aging parents, your kids, or even your career—and there’s little time left for you?
Women in the sandwich generation, particularly those aged 35-54, report higher stress levels than any other age group. If you’re juggling a heavy load of responsibilities as you care for others, you’re not alone. In this episode, you’ll gain practical tools to help you navigate this season with compassion and healthy boundaries, empowering you with the support and nourishment you need.
Here's what we cover:
* Why caring for others can stir up unresolved emotions and how to address them
* 3 key strategies to help you through stressful seasons
* The antidote for constant guilt
* How to set boundaries that protect your emotional well-being
* Practical ways to invite God into your daily routine
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 6: Do I Really Have an Inner Child? What It Means to Reparent Yourself
Thanks to our sponsors:
Go to www.organifi.com/bestofyou today and use code BESTOFYOU for 20% off your order today.
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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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42:56
Episode 131: Navigating Holiday Emotions—An Honest, Heartfelt Conversation About Guilt, Nostalgia, and Exhaustion with Author & Spiritual Director Anjuli Paschall
Do the holidays bring a mix of joy and complicated emotions for you?
We're supposed to feel grateful, and parts of us do. But other parts of us feel nostalgic, driven by guilt, exhausted, or even angry. In this honest, vulnerable conversation, author and spiritual director Anjuli Paschall joins me to explore the emotions that surface during the holiday season. We talk about how to navigate these feelings with grace, and how these emotions can be gifts in disguise. We cover. . .
* How to distinguish between true guilt and false guilt
* The surprising connection between anger and exhaustion
* Why nostalgia can be both comforting and bittersweet
* Practical ways to honor all your feelings during this emotionally complex season
* Anjuli’s practice of praying through complicated emotions and finding God’s presence in them
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 30: Protecting What’s Good Without Denying What’s Hard at the Holidays
Thanks to our sponsors:
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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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42:15
Episode 130: Is This Autism? Understanding Neurodiversity, Navigating Social Cues, & How to Support Loved Ones with Neuropsychologist Dr. Donna Henderson
Have you ever wondered if someone you know might be on the autism spectrum—or even questioned it about yourself?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or even missed entirely, especially in those who don’t fit common stereotypes. In this episode, neuropsychologist Dr. Donna Henderson joins us to unpack the complexities of autism, neurodiversity, and how we can better understand and support those around us.
What You’ll Learn:
* The 7 key criteria for identifying autism
* When to pursue a neuropsychological evaluation
* Why talk therapy often falls short for neurodivergent individuals
* How someone can exhibit an "autistic nervous system" without having ASD
* Practical ways to support loved ones
This conversation will deepen your understanding of neurodiversity and help you see the world - and those you love - in a new light.
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 129: Understanding Your Anxiety—A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Calm, Advocating For Yourself, and Cultivating Inner Resilience
Episode 85: The Goal of a Healthy Family & 6 Roles We Take On In Dysfunction
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 thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!
Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/BESTOFYOU and using code BESTOFYOU at checkout.
Visit cozyearth.com and unlock an exclusive 35% off with code 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
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46:35
Episode 129: Understanding Your Anxiety—A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Calm, Advocating For Yourself, and Cultivating Inner Resilience
Do you ever feel stuck in anxious thoughts?
Are you longing for more moments of calm throughout your day?
Every single one of us has a relationship with anxiety. The goal isn't to eradicate anxiety; it’s to work with anxiety to create more peace and balance in our lives. In this episode, I guide you through a clear, step-by-step understanding of your relationship with anxiety. Whether you’re navigating your own anxious moments or supporting loved ones, you'll learn how to identify root causes and key insights needed to find calm and clarity.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
* How to understand your unique experience with anxiety
* Key root causes of anxiety, including genetics, personality, and environment
* The impact of High Sensitivity (HSP) and neurodivergence on anxiety
* 3 practical techniques to calm anxiety and cultivate strong internal leadership
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 54: Can I Pray My Anxiety Away? A Surprising Approach to the Anxiety Pandemic & How to Walk Yourself & Your Kids Through It with Curtis Chang
Episode 109: Healing Burdens From the Past—How to Overcome Childhood Wounds and Heal Your Younger Self with Tammy Sollenberger
Episode 97: I Shouldn't Feel This Anxious—Insights on Trauma & Healing with Monique Koven
Thanks to our sponsors:
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!
Go to thrivemarket.com/bestofyou for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!
Go to puritywoods.com/BESTOFYOU or enter code BESTOFYOU at checkout for an additional 10% off your first order.
Visit cozyearth.com and unlock an exclusive 35% off with code 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
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.