The Best of You

167: Can I Pray the Anxiety Away?


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What if anxiety isn’t something to pray away—or push down—but an invitation to deeper healing?

In this week’s re-air of one of our most downloaded episodes, Dr. Alison sits down with theologian and mental health advocate Curtis Chang about how anxiety can actually become a doorway to your truest self in God.

We explore:

🌿 Curtis's personal journey through debilitating anxiety

🌿 How Jesus himself experienced anxiety—and what that means for us

🌿 The shame that keeps us silent, and the healing that comes when we name it

🌿 How to walk with your kids through anxiety (without projecting your own)


This conversation is honest, hope-filled, and rich with both theological wisdom and practical insight. If you’ve ever felt anxious and ashamed—or if you’re supporting someone who is—this one is for you.


📘 Learn more about Curtis Chang’s work at Redeeming Babel and his book, The Anxiety Opportunity.


📥 Get your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here

📥 Get Alison’s free printable with five simple boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email.


For more on the anxiety series, check out:


Episode 55: Am I Supposed to Distrust Myself? 

Episode 56: Am I Really Supposed to Die to Myself?

Episode 57: Should I Turn the Other Cheek?


📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here

💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode.


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    Editing by Giulia Hjort

    Sound engineering by Kelly Kramarik

    Music by Andy Luiten

    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.‍

    © 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author.


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