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