Emotional Resilience

Are you ready to embark on a journey of healing and transformation? In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we are joined by the inspiring Dr. Toni Cooper, a renowned psychologist, author, and public speaker. With decades of experience in the fields of anxiety, depression, and dysfunctional family dynamics, Dr. Cooper shares her profound insights on coping strategies and how to deepen our connection to God.

Embrace Faith, Family, and Mental Health

In this episode, our hosts, Naty and Veda, delve into meaningful conversations that matter. They explore the intersection of faith, family, and mental health, offering wisdom and guidance to help you live a life fully alive. Dr. Cooper’s expertise and compassionate approach make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to overcome emotional and mental hurdles.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Inspiration Behind Dr. Cooper’s Work: Discover what inspired Dr. Cooper to focus on anxiety, depression, and adult survivors of dysfunctional families in her book and podcast.
Understanding Learned Helplessness: Learn about the concept of learned helplessness and how recognizing it can benefit you.
Practical Coping Strategies: Get practical tips for managing emotions, especially during challenging times.
Dealing with Toxic Guilt: Understand the origins of toxic guilt and how to release it while embracing forgiveness.
The Role of Faith: Explore how one’s view of God impacts their ability to draw on their faith, particularly in times of crisis.
Overcoming Mental Health Stigma: Gain insights on how to overcome the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage those in need to seek help.

Why You Should Listen

Dr. Cooper’s work is truly inspirational. She combines her professional expertise with a deep understanding of faith to offer strategies that are both practical and spiritually enriching. Whether you are personally struggling with mental health issues or looking to support a loved one, this episode provides valuable tools and encouragement.

Listen Now

Tune in to Thrive by The Rising Muse to hear this enlightening conversation. Subscribe to our podcast, share it with your friends and family, and leave us a review. Your support helps us reach more people who can benefit from these conversations.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Embrace your faith, cherish your family, and take care of your mental health. Together, we can thrive.

If you’re in a crisis, please call 988. If someone you love is in a crisis, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. Don’t forget to check out Dr. Cooper’s resources. Stay strong, and until next time, don’t forget to thrive!

About Toni Cooper

Dr. Toni Cooper is a psychologist, author, and public speaker. Since 1986, she has been teaching adults the strategies to grow emotionally, build healthy relationships, heal from trauma, and experience God at a deeper level. Toni’s mission is to help people find the courage, confidence, and comfort they need through a deeper bond with Jesus Christ.
She has served as a college instructor, retreat and conference speaker, and teacher of continuing
education for mental health professionals. For many years, Toni helped train medical students as
an adjunct assistant professor at the Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine. She is a
frequent guest on local radio discussing topics related to coping with life’s challenges.
In 2019, Toni felt led to “go digital” with her message to help people become Fully Alive in Christ.
At that time, she started a YouTube channel to help people develop practical coping strategies from
a Biblical perspective.
In 2021, the Lord prompted Dr. Cooper to start a podcast, “Life Without Baggage”. The purpose
of the podcast is to help people understand how to deepen their connection to the Lord and break
through emotional baggage to walk out their destiny.

The Lord has given Dr. Cooper 7 books that help people hear the voice of the Lord, correct distortions in their thinking, build confidence in how to study the Bible, and break into the blessings of God.
Dr. Cooper is in private practice at WellSpring Counseling Center in Uniontown, Ohio. In her free
time Toni enjoys pickle ball, hiking, and ballroom dancing.

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Stay tuned for more episodes and remember, you are always supported on your journey to mental and spiritual wellness.

Hey there, Risers! As we gear up for the most wonderful time of the year, it’s crucial to acknowledge that for many of us, the holiday season can be a mixed bag of emotions. From the stress of gift shopping to the pressure of creating the perfect feast, negative emotions can sneak in and dampen our festive spirit. Fear not, though, because I’m here to share some tried-and-true strategies to help you sleigh those emotional challenges and make this season truly merry and bright.

1. Unwrapping the Causes:

The first step in managing negative emotions is identifying their source. Whether it’s the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, family dynamics, or personal expectations, understanding what triggers your emotions is the key to finding effective solutions. Take a moment to reflect on your feelings and pinpoint the root causes.

2. Jingle All the Way to Self-Care:

‘Tis the season of giving, but don’t forget to give yourself the gift of self-care. Amidst the holiday chaos, carve out time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s sipping on a cup of hot cocoa, indulging in a good book, or taking a serene winter walk, self-care is the ultimate antidote to stress.

Tip: Incorporate small self-care acts in your daily routine to boost your emotional well-being and create a more harmonious holiday experience.

3. Deck the Halls with Positive Affirmations:

Positive affirmations are like ornaments for your mind, adding a sparkle of optimism to your thoughts. Combat negative emotions by creating a mantra or affirmation that resonates with you. Repeat it daily, especially when faced with challenging situations. This simple practice can help shift your mindset and cultivate a more positive holiday experience.

Tip: Infuse your affirmations with festive keywords to maximize the holiday spirit in your daily routine.

4. Sleigh Stress with Mindfulness:

Mindfulness is the secret sauce to navigating the holiday season with grace. Embrace the present moment by practicing mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or simple awareness exercises. These practices can help you stay grounded, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being.

5. Santa’s List: Prioritize and Delegate:

Feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list? Channel your inner Santa and create a prioritized list of tasks. Delegate responsibilities when possible and remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Breaking down tasks into manageable steps can make the holiday workload more manageable and less daunting.

Tip: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Allow others to do it their way, it will improve you relationships and allow cooperation.

The holidays are a time for joy, love, and celebration, but it’s okay to acknowledge and address negative emotions. By unwrapping the causes, practicing self-care, embracing positive affirmations, incorporating mindfulness, and prioritizing tasks, you can sleigh those emotional challenges and make this festive season truly magical.

So, here’s to a holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and an abundance of positive vibes. Cheers to a holly, jolly, and emotionally resilient celebration!

As always be blessed!