Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol

The key to your freedom is sharing the things you'd prefer to hide, even the dark and ugly things of your sexual story. John Fort, Director of Training for Be Broken Ministries dicusses his sexual story which includes some very dark things that he experienced and also things he did to others. But more importantly, his story is a demonstration of how God has miraculously transformed his story into goodness for others.  In this don't-miss episode you'll hear about the power of sharing your story, finding redemption and why it matters. Connect with Be Broken Ministries, and especially their Family Care Ministry. Find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Youtube. Some of John Fort's books: Honest Talk: A new perspective on talking to your kids about sex, Father-Son Accountability: Integrity Through Relationships, and The Forbidden Scrolls: The Shadow of Black Rock       Get our free 30-day email devotional series Toward Sexual Wholeness Check out our online course Sexpectations    Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave a confidential message here. 

The topic of race relations can be emotionally-charged both in culture and in the church. What if those emotions could be part of the key to bridging the differences we often sense? How can principles of psychology and spiritual formation help us have conversations that make things better? Dr. Veola Vazquez, psychologist, professor, and author, talks with Dr. Carol about scientifically and biblically based ways to have healing conversations about race. And then the two doctors demonstrate such a healing conversation in a very vulnerable and emotional way. You may feel your own emotions stirred up as you listen. Connect with Dr. Veola Vazquez on her website or Twitter Find the book Healing Conversations on Race: Four Key Practices from Scripture and Psychology, and check out all the additional videos and information on this page. Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave a confidential message here. 

How did you learn about sex? Was it helpful? Perhaps your sex ed was lacking, or shame-filled, or not based on a Christian worldview. You want something better for your children, but aren't sure how to make that happen. In this conversation Dr. Carol has a challenging conversation with sex educator Kristen Miele. She believes YOU can be the sex ed teacher for your kids. This conversation addresses hard questions your children will certainly face, and you'll find some tools that can equip you to give your kids what they need. Connect with Kristen Miele on the Sex Ed Reclaimed website, Facebook, or Instagram. Check out Dr. Carol's article Parents, Kids, Technology - and Sex

"I can't tell anyone about this." That's shame talking. And it always ends in destruction. But how do you find someone to talk to? How do you find the courage to tell your story? What do you say? Guests Katie Griggs and Amanda Aanestad from The Victory Collective talk with Dr. Carol about their individual experiences with porn addiction, and the difference that came when they found the courage to tell each other. You might discover how you can tell your story too, and the difference that will make. Connect with Katie and Amanda at The Victory Collective website or Instagram To learn more about coaching with Dr. Carol, click here. For some thoughts from Dr. Carol about what to do when you can't talk to anyone, click here. 

The most frequent question that brings people to our website is, "How can I make my spouse want more sex?" Research from The Intimacy Project gives some very encouraging and practical answers that will help you do just that. Dr. Carol talks with Dr. Michael Sytsma, ordained minister, licensed professional counselor, certified sex therapist, and professor about his 30 years as a sex therapist and the fascinating results of his research on married sex. You're certain to discover some ways to make your married sex life much better and more satisfying. Connect with Dr. Sytsma on his website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Find the book by Dr. Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhein Secrets of Sex and Marriage: 8 Surprises That Make all the Difference, and related resources Check out these articles on our website: - 9 Possible Reasons Your Spouse Doesn't Want to Sleep with You - Having the Sex Talk With Your Spouse If you need individualized help, check out Dr. Carol's Coaching services

Pornography addiction affections Christian women too. And Dr. Carol's guest on this episode, Jessica Harris, believes we need to be talking about it. Jessica shares her story of porn addiction, overcoming sexual shame, and finding the lasting satisfaction, healing, and real grace , and the answer to the thirst many women struggle with in their soul. And listen to hear what she means by "indoor plumbing;" it's got nothing to do with anatomy. Find Jessica's book Quenched: Discovering God’s Abundant Grace for Women Struggling with Pornography and Sexual Shame   Connect with Jessica Harris on her website, Facebook, or Instagram. Dr. Carol would love to hear from you. You can leave a confidential message here. 

Nearly 1.8 million people attempt suicide in this country every year. If you're not affected personally you know someone who is. Mental health is an increasingly big problem in our culture. On this episode Dr. Carol talks with Heather Palacios, pastor's wife, suicide survivor, and founder of Wondherful, a venue dedicated to encouraging people with mental affliction through daily encouragement and LIFEBOX™s. Heather's story will inspire you. If you're in crisis right now, call the suicide hotline 988, or text GO to 741741. The call or text are free, and someone will connect with you live, right now. Connect with Heather Palacios on the Wondherful website, or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Dr. Carol would love to hear from you. You can leave a confidential message here. 

The unfilled longings in your heart are painful and can be misinterpreted. Sex and intimacy are related but they're not the same, and there's only one way to have the deepest needs in your soul fulfilled. Dr. Carol's guest on this episode, Amy Riordan, is a writer, speaker, licensed pastoral counselor, and founder of Longing for Intimacy. She shares her story that includes same-sex attraction and pornography addiction, and how she learned to experience true intimacy with Jesus, and also with her husband and friends. Connect with Amy Riordan on her website, Facebook, Youtube, or Instagram. Find Amy's books Longing for Intimacy: Hope For Women Struggling with Same-Sex Attraction and All of You: Hope and Healing for Women Seeking Freedom from Sexual Strongholds. Check out these articles on our website: - How to Pursue Intimacy Whether Married or Single - Being WITH Jesus in Ways That Bring Transformation Dr. Carol would love to hear from you! You can leave a confidential message here. 

If you've ever had that "EEK" moment as a parent, you know how Barb Winters, Dr. Carol's guest on this episode, felt when she discovered her son was hooked on porn. How was she to help her son? How could she deal with the feelings this brought up in her own heart? Barb sees herself as offering a virtual hug to parents in tough spots. But she also shares a great deal of wisdom that will help any parent of schoolage or teenage children address this area that every young person today will have to face. Connect with Barb Winters on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. You might also want to check out E3 Family Solutions. Check out Covenant Eyes resources for parents As a parent you'll want The Sex Talk video course to equip you to have "The Talk"

Has reading the Bible through in a year been one of those New Year's resolutions you  always seem to fail at? What if there was a different way to think about interacting with Scripture? To start the new year off, Dr. Carol talks with Trillia Newbell, lover of Scripture, Bible teacher, author, and Acquisitions Director at Moody Publishers, about her journey of interacting with the Bible and some refreshing, flexible, and inspiring ways to make God's Word part of your life this year. Find Trillia Newbell's book 52 Weeks in the Word: A Companion for Reading through the Bible in a Year Connect with Trillia Newbell on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can contact her here.