Who’s Holding You? Your Soul is Worth Tending :: Dr. Alison Cook [Ep 586]

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Alison Cook to talk about attachment, emotional healing, and the ways our relationships shape how we understand ourselves, others, and God.

We all have a deep need for connection, safety, and belonging, but we can sometimes place too much pressure on the people around us to meet those needs. Dr. Cook explains why human relationships are important while also reminding us that no person can be the ultimate source of everything our souls need. There is a deeper attachment available to us through God.

We also talk about what happens when old wounds surface, particularly when we finally feel safe enough for those parts of us to emerge. Dr. Cook describes these experiences as “soul ruptures”, moments when core memories and beliefs about ourselves can become activated. Instead of responding with shame or criticism, we can learn to slow down, notice what we're feeling, and become curious about what that part of us needs.

This conversation is especially meaningful for moms who spend so much of their time caring for everyone else. When we’re constantly focused on our children’s needs, it can be easy to lose touch with what’s happening inside of us. Dr. Cook encourages us to make space for our own souls, tend to the younger parts of ourselves that still need care, and allow God’s healing presence into those places. Our souls are worth tending to, too.

In This Episode

• Why attachment is such a fundamental human need
• Why we can’t expect another person to meet all of our emotional needs
• What divine attachment means and how God becomes our ultimate source of connection
• Why parts of us can surface when we finally feel safe
• What a soul rupture is and how core memories can continue to affect us
• How shame and blame show up when we feel like we don’t belong
• Learning to recognize and care for the younger parts of ourselves
• What it means to “parent your soul”
• Recognizing our internal bids for connection
• Why healing requires space for difficult emotions
• How moms can make more room for their own emotional and spiritual needs

• Why we don’t change through shame or criticism 

Connect with Dr. Alison Cook: 

• Website: Dr. Alison Cook
• Instagram: Dr. Alison Cook | Psychotherapist + Secure Attachment (@dralisoncook)
• Facebook: Dr. Alison Cook

Links Mentioned: 

• The Secure Soul: By Dr. Alison Cook
• Boundaries for Your Soul: By Dr. Alison Cook
• You Are the One You've Been Waiting For: By Richard Schwartz PhD
• Dr. Alison Cook | The Best of You Podcast 
• The Best of You Every Day Podcast - 8 minute devotional  

Related Episodes:

• Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 1) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 498]
• Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 2) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 499]
• Strengthening the Relationship with Your Adult Child :: Kathy Cunningham [Ep 543]

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