5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful wisdom that supports healing and is hopeful and inspirational!

L.P. · September 15, 2022

This book shares Alison’s heart for supporting and loving others who are on a journey to discover their best self. As a Christian therapist, she delivers her content in a kind and compassionate tone with continual reminders that we are not to feel shame for the “self” that exists due to negative beliefs and past trauma or wounding. She shows us how connecting with ourselves by naming and processing our feelings and becoming more self aware of our negative beliefs and patterns will support us in our growth toward our best self. She also shares the importance of our relationships to our growth and healing work.Her message is extremely hopeful for her readers as she unveils truths from scripture as well as best practices from the mental health field that will guide the reader on their path to healing and wholeness. She does a fantastic job of sharing how our past wounds and trauma have impacted us and the negative patterns that we may have developed as a way of coping with our experiences as children. I especially love the steps she shares for healing these wounds and transforming these negative patterns, as well as the inclusion of clearly defining what is healthy and what is unhealthy for ourselves or what we may be experiencing with others.What I especially appreciated about the book was the way Alison shares not only scripture but also ways that Jesus modeled the traits and behaviors that we need to be the best versions of ourselves that God created us to be. As a woman of faith, I appreciated that lens of truth.Alison tackles many of the topics that are areas of difficulty for women as a gender, who have cultural expectations placed on them that negatively influence their beliefs about their identity. Alison gives us a glimpse of what our true self is and how it compares to our false self. She also gives suggestions for how we can connect more to ourselves to uncover our true self that may be in hiding, as we move toward becoming our best self. Women tend to struggle with boundaries, people pleasing, perfectionism, seeking approval, etc. and Alison gives us permission to break these patterns and shows us the freedom for our souls that will be the benefit. I found her included tools, reflections, scripts, and personal and client examples that Alison to be valuable and insightful.I highly recommend the book to anyone who is seeking hope and healing and wants to become their best self!

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT book

J.S. · September 15, 2022

This book is EXCELLENT.As a general Christian women's self-help book, "The Best of You" ticks all the boxes--warm, practical, encouraging, and deeply *helpful*. Dr. Alison Cook draws both from both personal stories and years of experience as a trained therapist to cover many of the most common areas where women struggle. At the heart of every conversation, Allison gently draws women back to a question many of us have never had the courage to ask: "What is it that *you* want?"On the surface, that's a simple and obvious question--but it's one that many women (especially those within American Protestant/evangelical circles, I suspect) have difficulty answering. In an attempt to "take up our cross," "turn the other cheek," and avoid selfishness/pride, Dr. Cook describes how many of us have mistaken "selflessness" for not having a self, altogether. This particular misrepresentation of how Christ actually lived (and how the Bible teaches us to live) results in deeply unhealthy ways of relating to others--which in turn, often lead to anxiety, depression, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.While Dr. Cook does a great job identifying problems, her focus--and clearly, her passion--is on helping her readers find healing and growth. She does not waste time over-analyzing or criticizing who is to blame when women internalize Christian messages in ways that lead to codependency, poor boundaries, spiritual bypassing and toxic positivity. (In this age of divisiveness, she probably could have sold more books--and controversy--had she taken that route!) Instead, Dr. Cook's clinical background gives her compelling stories from real-life women to share, and a talent for asking questions that cut straight to the heart of a matter. In fact, I found that the reflection/application questions at the end of each chapter were especially strong compared to other books I've read. (Having made their case in the bulk of a chapter, some authors will make the mistake of overwhelming a reader with too many questions to actually digest, or only offer low-quality, fluff questions that don't bring the material home.) Dr. Cook's writing clearly benefits from years of time spent listening to actual clients, and learning how to ask effective questions that prompt meaningful change.Dr. Cook's advice is wise and familiarly grounded within the best practices of modern psychology, so there is probably nothing particularly ground-breaking about much of her content; and the book actually covers so many different relational situations, that I (personally) hit a point of emotional over-saturation around chapter 8. That said--the content is all *really good,* and the *way* it is articulated is even better. "The Best of You" feels like time spent sitting with the very best kind of therapist--someone who is wise, trustworthy, and deeply committed to helping you become the best version of yourself.Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Dr. Cook--God bless you! and thank you so much for your work.

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable for Every Woman

C. · September 17, 2022

As a counselor, I loved this book! It would be a great resource for every woman coming into my office, and I might add it as a "must read" for them.Dr. Cook has a way of pointing us back to God (the real God, not some fabricated false image) but without religiosity. She expertly shares psychological principles that help the reader discover why life isn't working at the moment and helps to connect to truths that help them realize their problems are NOT because of weak faith or a lack of faith. Even if you are not a Christian, her gentle guidance through the psychological landscape of boundary making and difficult relationships makes this book worth reading. I promise, you will not be "hit over the head with the Bible" within these pages!It is written in a friendly, easy to understand manner, yet is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement. Even those who might have been hurt or endured abuse within the walls of a Christian church will be able to find a path to a renewed relationship with the God Who desires relationship with each of His creation and a path to healing their broken heart. By following the guidance in this book, a person will be able to strengthen their inner heart, embrace their emotions (even the hard ones), learn to not be taken advantage of, and to life one's voice confidently and courageously.Reflection questions at the end of each chapter will help a person process the chapter's information and apply it to their life right now.Overall, a breath of fresh air that offers hope for all who are stressed or wounded or discouraged. Don't delay, buy the book NOW.

Balm for the Soul

W. · March 15, 2023

I have, finally, found a book that sensitively addresses trauma and Jesus’ care and love as He leads us to wholeness. Thank you, Alison.

beautiful

S.C. · December 18, 2022

So many excellent lessons to learn, even as a man reading a book aimed at women! So much of it rings true for me and my experiences. Thanks, Alison.

The Best of you

S. · January 18, 2023

I thorougly enjoyed reading this book and learned a lot from it. I found the book very helpful.thank you so much

Phenomenal.

C.S. · November 21, 2022

Such a profound book full of truth and wisdom. Extremely thoughtful and well-written. I will be re-reading this. Highly, highly recommend.