What Loneliness Is Trying to Tell You with Dr. Alison Cook

Why Are We So Lonely Even When We're Not Alone?

Host Curtis Chang talks with psychologist and podcaster Dr. Alison Cook about why America's loneliness epidemic can't be solved by simply adding more people to our lives. They explore how attachment wounds, anxiety, distraction, and modern life leave us disconnected—and how solitude and honest prayer can become paths toward healing. Dr. Cook offers a practice for loneliness: "recognize and return"—name what you feel, then remember, "I am loved even here."

02:46 - Why Do We Minimize Loneliness?

05:12 - What Is Attachment Theory?

10:31 - Childhood Wounds and Cultural Context

13:42 - Where God Enters the Healing Process

16:14 - The Inner Dialogue with God

20:44 - The Importance of Solitude

27:20 - The Modern Epidemic of Loneliness

35:16 - Loneliness as a Holy Longing

39:22 - Spiritual Practices for a Healthy Inner Life

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Mentioned in This Episode:

• Dr. Cook's The Secure Soul: Finding Inner Strength and Connection When Trust Doesn't Come Easy
• The U.S. Surgeon General's report: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation
• Professor Irvin D. Yalom's Existential Psychotherapy
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Life Together

Scriptures:

• Psalm 42 (ESV)
• Psalm 131 (ESV)
• Psalm 139 (ESV)
• Genesis 2 (ESV)
• Romans 8 (ESV)

More From Alison Cook:

• Dr. Alison Cook's Website
• Dr. Alison Cook's The Best of You podcast

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The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.