The Best of You Podcast with Dr. Alison Cook
The Best of You Podcast with Dr. Alison Cook
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Episode 134: Bridging Mysticism and Science—A Personal Journey Through OCD with Therapist Ryan Kuja
Are you curious about how science and spirituality intersect in understanding and treating mental health conditions like OCD?
This week, therapist and spiritual director Ryan Kuja shares his incredible journey through the complex world of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). From a young age, Ryan battled intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed, at 17, he cried out to God-a pivotal moment that launched him into an unexpected exploration of mysticism, neurobiology, and the intricacies of diagnosis. This episode is designed for everyone, whether you or someone you love is dealing with OCD, or you're simply interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse human experience.
Here’s what we cover:
* Ryan recounts the pivotal moment at 17 when his struggle with OCD drove him to seek divine intervention
* The difference between OCD and common intrusive thoughts-what sets them apart?
* An overview of the latest and most effective treatments for OCD, from clinical approaches to innovative therapies
* Ryan shares the spiritual practices that have not only helped manage his OCD but also enriched his spiritual journey
Have a question for Dr. Alison? Leave it here. (docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3N7QByNr1lLxXtAxPQG2DlbTQnCtLvp86RfWSxdkX-puz7Q/viewform)
Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here (www.dralisoncook.com/podcasts/bridging-mysticism-and-science--a-personal-journey-through-ocd-with-therapist-ryan-kuja) .
If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love:


Episode 129 (www.dralisoncook.com/podcasts/understanding-your-anxiety--a-step-by-step-guide-to-finding-calm-advocating-for-yourself-and-cultivating-inner-resilience) : Understanding Your Anxiety-A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Calm, Advocating For Yourself, and Cultivating Inner Resilience


Episode 51 (www.dralisoncook.com/podcasts/the-12-common-thinking-traps-mind-reading-mental-filters-and-how-to-stop-taking-things-personally) : The 12 Common Thinking Traps, Mind Reading, Mental Filters, and How To Stop Taking Things Personally

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• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU (betterhelp.com/BESTOFYOU) and get on your way to being your best self.

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 (megaphone.fm/adchoices)
มุมมอง: 37

วีดีโอ

Episode 133: From Feeling Numb to Meaning-Making - Navigating the 6 Stages of Grief with Renowned...
มุมมอง 61วันที่ผ่านมา
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...
Episode 132: Caring for Everyone but Yourself? 3 Strategies for Managing Overwhelm and Emotional ...
มุมมอง 7614 วันที่ผ่านมา
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 prac...
Episode 131: Navigating Holiday Emotions-An Honest, Heartfelt Conversation About Guilt, Nostalgia...
มุมมอง 7821 วันที่ผ่านมา
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 thes...
Episode 130: Is This Autism? Understanding Neurodiversity, Navigating Social Cues, & How to Suppo...
มุมมอง 54หลายเดือนก่อน
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 bet...
Episode 129: Understanding Your Anxiety-A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Calm, Advocating For Your...
มุมมอง 111หลายเดือนก่อน
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 na...
Episode 128: Generational Trauma-Overcoming Inherited Dysfunction & Legacy Burdens with Therapist...
มุมมอง 117หลายเดือนก่อน
Are you carrying burdens that aren't entirely your own? Could understanding your family's past be the key to unlocking a healthier future? In this powerful episode, we dive into the concept of generational trauma with my guest, Gina Birkemeier, therapist and author of the book & workbook, “Generations Deep”. Gina shares her personal and professional insights on how deep-seated family issues can...
Episode 127: Healing Childhood Wounds-The Enmeshed Family & 5 Toxic Patterns that Affect Your Abi...
มุมมอง 166หลายเดือนก่อน
Are patterns from your past influencing how you show up in relationships today? In this episode, we explore how early family dynamics-like criticism, control, & emotional immaturity-shape our adult relationships. This process isn’t about placing blame but about building awareness of behaviors that impact self-worth, boundaries, and relational health. By naming these patterns, we open a path to ...
Episode 126: Restoring Wonder & Play in Intimacy-Navigating Sexual Brokenness, Safety, and Vulner...
มุมมอง 1072 หลายเดือนก่อน
Did you know that by adulthood, most people have experienced some form of sexual wounding? Today's conversation with Sam Jolman, therapist and author of the new book, "The Sex Talk You Never Got," is one of my absolute all-time favorites. Why? It truly surprised me. It’s so rare to find a nuanced conversation about sex-especially in a world where we’re constantly tugged between a reductive view...
Episode 125: Recovering From Purity Culture: Dismantle the Myths, Reject Shame-Based Sexuality, a...
มุมมอง 1342 หลายเดือนก่อน
Today's episode is a fascinating conversation about the phenomenon of "purity culture." You've heard the phrase, but my guest today, licensed therapist and purity culture expert, Dr. Camden Morgante, is here to explain exactly what it was and how it created a culture of shame, fear, and coercion around sex, especially for women. We explore the damaging myths purity culture perpetuated and the w...
Episode 124: Boundaries & Numbing-How to Set Healthy Limits and Stop Avoiding Your Feelings
มุมมอง 1572 หลายเดือนก่อน
If you’ve ever struggled to set boundaries or wondered why it’s so hard to respect them in others, this episode is for you. We dive deep into how to set and receive healthy boundaries, and why so many of us confuse healthy limits with toxic behaviors. Spoiler: setting boundaries isn’t selfish-it’s necessary for healthy, thriving relationships. But that’s not all. When our boundaries are shaky, ...
Episode 122: Balancing Mental, Emotional, & Spiritual Health with John Mark Comer
มุมมอง 1982 หลายเดือนก่อน
Has anxiety ever made it hard for you to connect with God? Do you love God but sometimes struggle with church? Today's episode is such a breath of fresh air. I had the pleasure of diving into a deep, insightful conversation with New York Times bestselling author John Mark Comer. We explore the powerful intersection of mental, emotional, and spiritual health, uncovering how these aspects work to...
Episode 121: The 5 Languages of Faith-Caring for the Disillusioned, Doubting, and Disconnected Pa...
มุมมอง 1223 หลายเดือนก่อน
We all face doubt, disappointment, and even disillusionment at times. In today’s episode, I’m sharing with you my framework for cultivating a vibrant inner spirituality-one that doesn’t bypass or exile the hard parts of this faith journey. Here’s what I cover: 1. The surprising secret to emotionally resilient faith 2. What is an inner family of parts? 3. Research on different faith orientations...
Episode 120: Navigating Celebrity Culture-How Personas, Platforms, & Profits Are Hurting the Chur...
มุมมอง 533 หลายเดือนก่อน
Today’s conversation is a fascinating deep-dive into celebrity culture with Katelyn Beaty, editor and author of Celebrities For Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, & Profits are Hurting the Church. We explore the dynamics of celebrity culture and its profound effects on both the church and our personal sense of worth and mission. Here’s what we cover: 1. The importance of developing an inner locus ...
Episode 119: Drawing Strength from the Past -The Spirit of Justice & True Stories of Faith, Race,...
มุมมอง 863 หลายเดือนก่อน
It was an absolute honor to sit down with New York Times bestselling author & public historian Dr. Jemar Tisby for an incredibly rich conversation about his brand new book,The Spirit of Justice. We discuss his own story of coming to faith and what led him to explore stories of Black Christians who tirelessly pursued healing, goodness, and justice against impossible odds. Here’s what we cover: 1...
Episode 118: Types of Therapy, the Importance of Trauma-Informed Care, & the Role of Sin in Therapy
มุมมอง 893 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 118: Types of Therapy, the Importance of Trauma-Informed Care, & the Role of Sin in Therapy
Episode 117: Healing in the Messy Middle-How to Transform Churches, Families, & Communities with ...
มุมมอง 924 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 117: Healing in the Messy Middle-How to Transform Churches, Families, & Communities with ...
Episode 114: Healing Trauma- How to Break Cycles, Heal From Trauma, & Restore Your Faith With Tr...
มุมมอง 1934 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 114: Healing Trauma- How to Break Cycles, Heal From Trauma, & Restore Your Faith With Tr...
Episode 113: A New Vision of Human Flourishing-A Christian Approach to Mental Health with Duke Un...
มุมมอง 1695 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 113: A New Vision of Human Flourishing-A Christian Approach to Mental Health with Duke Un...
Episode 112: Navigating Anxiety-Practical, Powerful Tips to Recognize and Transform Anxiety In Yo...
มุมมอง 1225 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 112: Navigating Anxiety-Practical, Powerful Tips to Recognize and Transform Anxiety In Yo...
Episode 111: The Enneagram For Moms-How to Transforms Parenting Triggers & Blind Spots Into Growt...
มุมมอง 825 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 111: The Enneagram For Moms-How to Transforms Parenting Triggers & Blind Spots Into Growt...
Episode 110: How to Be Wise When People Are Difficult-Biblical Strategies For Keeping Your Emotio...
มุมมอง 1925 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 110: How to Be Wise When People Are Difficult-Biblical Strategies For Keeping Your Emotio...
Episode 109: Healing Burdens From the Past-How to Overcome Childhood Wounds and Heal Your Younger...
มุมมอง 2265 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 109: Healing Burdens From the Past-How to Overcome Childhood Wounds and Heal Your Younger...
Episode 108: Inside Out-Internal Family Systems, Therapy, and High-Performing Protectors with Jen...
มุมมอง 3356 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 108: Inside Out-Internal Family Systems, Therapy, and High-Performing Protectors with Jen...
Episode 107: Name, Frame, & Brave Depression: Science-Backed Strategies to Treat Mild and Stubbor...
มุมมอง 1666 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 107: Name, Frame, & Brave Depression: Science-Backed Strategies to Treat Mild and Stubbor...
Episode 106: Transform Limiting Beliefs, Embrace Critical Thinking, & Navigate Holistic Health wi...
มุมมอง 1456 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 106: Transform Limiting Beliefs, Embrace Critical Thinking, & Navigate Holistic Health wi...
Episode 105: 4 Lies We Tell, the Mental Health Benefits of Honesty, & How to Stop Lying In Your R...
มุมมอง 1416 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 105: 4 Lies We Tell, the Mental Health Benefits of Honesty, & How to Stop Lying In Your R...
Episode 104: Overcoming the Fear of Vulnerability-Strategies to Stop Feeling Alone and Build Mean...
มุมมอง 1457 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 104: Overcoming the Fear of Vulnerability-Strategies to Stop Feeling Alone and Build Mean...
Episode 103: Name, Frame, and Brave Gossip
มุมมอง 1057 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 103: Name, Frame, and Brave Gossip
Episode 102: I Shouldn’t Feel Conflicted About God-How to Name, Frame, and Brave Complicated Emot...
มุมมอง 1667 หลายเดือนก่อน
Episode 102: I Shouldn’t Feel Conflicted About God-How to Name, Frame, and Brave Complicated Emot...

ความคิดเห็น

  • @dorindapowers3198
    @dorindapowers3198 หลายเดือนก่อน

    ?

  • @dorindapowers3198
    @dorindapowers3198 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What it love yourself

  • @starrzhang8505
    @starrzhang8505 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you!

  • @starrzhang8505
    @starrzhang8505 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is unbiblical.

  • @travtay50
    @travtay50 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I could learn more without the commercials

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this video.

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode.

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode.

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode.

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode!

  • @v.c.tattoosfitzpatrick
    @v.c.tattoosfitzpatrick 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi there, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode.

  • @CesarI.
    @CesarI. 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I recently discovered your work Dr. Cook from a recent discussion you had with Carey Nieuwhof and it lead me to your podcast. Thank you for this episode, as a Christian walking currently thru a painful divorce, it was refreshing and painful (a tension I'm learning to hold) to hear this discussion. I could expound on many areas discussed, but gratitude is what I most wanted to communicate. Looking forward to viewing and reading more of your work.

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode, I really love it.

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode, I really like it.

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! 🇩🇴 Thanks for sharing this episode!

  • @LG-br3fe
    @LG-br3fe 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    How is it possible that you have only 619 subscribers? Your podcasts are bringing so much truth, freedom, and healing to someone like me who was trapped in people pleasing, codependency, and was a strong empath. Thank you, Dr. Cooke. Your teachings resonate with me and you are part of only a handful of persons I listen to on a regular basis. May God expand your healing ministry to reach millions more for his glory. Blessings 💞

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Snato Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode, I love it.

  • @lsoneonly
    @lsoneonly 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love the positive idea of not focusing on the nos but focusing on the things I want to say yes to, the things that God wants for me, the things that bring me joy. That makes it so much easier because I don't feel guilty for saying no to a friend who wants too much of me when it's not saying no to be selfish but to be free to say yes to something else. I have been trying to do this and I have found real freedom, but still felt some guilt (and got a lot of guilt trips) but this will help a lot! Thank you!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode.

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! I struggled with depression for 7 years so I'm still seeing a Christian psychiatrist who really helps me and it's working out well. I also seeing a Christian psychologist. My life gets better when I visit them. I really thank God for being with me in this process. Thank you for sharing this episode, I like it!

  • @alfredbudy1985
    @alfredbudy1985 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Attitude is how most people process anger

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, thanks for sharing this episode! Blessings from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode!

  • @iw9338
    @iw9338 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent thanks very much 😅

  • @iw9338
    @iw9338 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent thanks very much 😊

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! I really love listening to this episode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, thanks for sharing this episode! May the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic!

  • @AA-hr6nj
    @AA-hr6nj 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    So beautiful! Wonderful content.

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode!

  • @cvazfitness7178
    @cvazfitness7178 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for being faithful and showing up. I love your book, have shared your book with those I love & now I'm going to go get Jamie's(in my head we're in a first name basis lol). I'm actually getting on Audible so I can listen to it right now. May you both see miracles & blessings as you are a miracle & blessing to others.

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! I loved this epsiode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    May the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Dr. Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Dr. Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! I really love this episode!

  • @mitalipatel5352
    @mitalipatel5352 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    15:09

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Alison, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! I really loved listening to this episode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Dr., may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    May the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! I reallty loved this episode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi there, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! I really loved this episode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi there, may the Lord bless you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! Thanks for sharing this episode!

  • @anal.mendoza
    @anal.mendoza 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Happy New Year to you from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic! I really love listening to your podcasts!

  • @EsseQuamVideriSe7en
    @EsseQuamVideriSe7en 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have always felt that happiness was Satan's substitution for joy. Happiness depends on circumstances. Joy, is not dependant on circumstances.

  • @EsseQuamVideriSe7en
    @EsseQuamVideriSe7en 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love your Podcast Dr. Cook! So looking forwards to what you bring to the table in 2024. Hope you got my suggestions for some podcast themes. Take care and God bless.

  • @javajossie7176
    @javajossie7176 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Never thought of doing activities to love myself!!