

Love and Life with Dr. Karin and Pastor Elliott
Dr. Karin and Pastor Elliott
Love & Life is your place for conversations grounded in psych research, psychotherapy, and Biblical truth to help you THRIVE in love and life!
Join psychologist Karin Anderson Abrell, Ph.D. and pastor and psychotherapist Elliott Anderson, M.A., as they focus on relationships and how to flourish therein with a holistic approach to emotional and psychological well-being, recognizing we only thrive when we nourish each of these key domains—Mind, Body, and Spirit. Together they bring over 60 years of counseling experience and academic expertise to each podcast discussion and interview.
Join psychologist Karin Anderson Abrell, Ph.D. and pastor and psychotherapist Elliott Anderson, M.A., as they focus on relationships and how to flourish therein with a holistic approach to emotional and psychological well-being, recognizing we only thrive when we nourish each of these key domains—Mind, Body, and Spirit. Together they bring over 60 years of counseling experience and academic expertise to each podcast discussion and interview.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 30, 2025 • 43min
Reality of Our Choices: Take Charge! Ep. 379
 Elliott recently shared some of psychiatrist Dr. William Glasser’s work with Karin. Karin hadn’t researched his work in a long time, and it immediately resonated with her and the times we are living in. Dr. Glasser developed Reality Therapy and Choice Theory and was very critical of traditional therapy modalities of his time.In this episode, we explore these themes and how we can see them through a Biblical lens. Elliott relates this to many of his clients who have recently felt stuck in their ability to make choices and move forward in life, making change. Karin also explores the ways in which modern-day therapy disempowers and dehumanizes so many people seeking help. What actions can we take to make real change? How do we get unstuck?What are the choices we make day to day that we have the power to change?We hope you are encouraged and empowered as you listen. Make it happen! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson 

Oct 23, 2025 • 36min
How Releasing Control Impacts Our Relationships Ep. 378
 After a variety of counseling sessions that revolved around similar themes Karin and Elliott dive into the topic of control. What do we do when our world around us feels chaotic and anxious? How do we deal with being misunderstood and mistreated? What’s the antidote to trying to control the people and situations in our lives? Where is God in the midst of anxiety and fears?Karin and Elliott share their strategies, re-frames, and wealth of experience on how to deal with these big questions we all face. Be empowered and encouraged as you listen! If you have any additional questions or comments feel free to reach out to us on our website or on social media. Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson 

Oct 16, 2025 • 57min
The Dehumanization of Mental Health with David Wayne Ep. 377
 Today we have the pleasure of hosting Love & Life favorite David Wayne to discuss the intersection of faith, mental health, and the devastating ways Big Pharma impacts those seeking help. We discuss the spiritual awakening that many have experienced over the last 5 years, the challenges of navigating the mental health system, and the importance of emotional connection and self-empowerment in recovery. * The mental health system often perpetuates harm rather than healing.* How labels dehumanize people seeking help.* How SSRIs numb our emotions. * The importance of our emotions as we heal.* How hope and self-empowerment are essential for recovery.* And much more!Enjoy the conversation and we pray that it meets you wherever you are on your journey towards wholeness and healing. Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson 

Oct 9, 2025 • 41min
Real Women's Day: Protect Women & Girls with Evelyn Harrington Ep. 376
 Jennifer Sey, CEO of XX-XY Athletics has proclaimed October 10th (X X) as Real Women’s Day.We at Love & Life are here for it!Jennifer encourages us to speak out—to be bold in our support and protection of women and girls.I have purchased several T-shirts from XX-XY Athletics. The statements on the shirts are logical and reasonable, yet at this chaotic time, they are often perceived as controversial by many people. I wear them to invite others to think. I want them to consider their positions. And, I want to advocate for women and girls. Because when men pretend to be women, they steal women’s positions, championships, and scholarships.In effect, they erase women. In today’s episode, our intern, Evelyn, joins me to share her thoughts, as a young Gen Z woman, on these concerns!We invite you to join us as we support Jennifer‘s campaign. Speak up! Stand up! And, maybe even wear a T-shirt, proclaiming your beliefs about sex, reality, and the importance of protecting women and girls!Evelyn also wrote a piece for us in honor of 10/10 Real Women's Day. You can read it here:Substack - Girls Are Girls by Evelyn HarringtonDr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson 

Oct 2, 2025 • 39min
Attachment in a Divided Nation Ep. 375
 Elliott and I have recently talked about pain and grief around the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The horror and fury of losing a Godly leader are bad enough. The shocking reality that some people celebrated his murder heaps additional sorrow on those in mourning. (For more on this, please see ep. 372).At the same time, God continues to redeem and bring glory to even the most hideous of circumstances. A spiritual fire has awakened many—people are returning to church and speaking boldly about their beliefs and faith.We focus on this beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3).In the midst of division, we find comfort with likeminded friends—this shared grief provides healing in and of itself.For example, after listening to the episodes about Charlie, a friend from college texted me with a heartfelt, supportive response. Elliott and I discuss her text which led to a conversation about attachment.We use the framework of Attachment Theory to flesh out the tension, pain, and dissension we feel at this time. How do we move through the vicissitudes of attachment to our friends, family, country, and God?Throughout our conversation, Elliott provides Scripture to help us navigate strained connections. Ultimately, we lean on God as our secure attachment. 

Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 11min
Believe All Women—Including Moms of Autistic Children Ep. 374
 I’m still somewhat in shock. I NEVER thought I’d hear America’s most powerful leaders acknowledge what mothers of autistic children have known for years—the autism epidemic has nothing to do with genes and EVERYTHING to do with toxic and pharmaceutical exposures.Including vaccines.And yes, in the press conference, Trump initially mentioned Tylenol and the fact that taking it during pregnancy leads to an increased risk of a future diagnosis of autism for the baby.But, right after that, Trump brought up vaccines stating that autism is virtually nonexistent in some communities where children don’t get them.He looked to Bobby for confirmation and Bobby agreed that yes, several studies suggest this to be true in communities like the Amish, for example.I was THRILLED to hear the top health official in the US utter this truth! Finally, the moms of autistic children are vindicated. Finally, pediatricians won’t be able to gaslight them anymore. Finally, “believe all women” applies to them!I invited our favorite dissident psychiatric nurse, Dave Wayne, to share his take on the press conference. Will we actually start preventing autism? Can we treat it with leucovorin as Dr. Makary asserts? And, how will these announcements impact the future of MAHA and the medical freedom movement?Join us for a lively discussion on all things autism, junk medical research, and, of course, Big Pharma!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson 

Sep 25, 2025 • 37min
I Went to Charlie Kirk’s Memorial: Here’s What Really Happened Ep. 373
 As we continue to mourn the murder of Charlie Kirk and reflect on his legacy, Karin shares her personal experience attending Charlie’s memorial service this past Sunday. She describes what she witnessed firsthand and the impact it had on her and those she attended with. Karin and Elliott also delve into the significance of forgiveness, healing, and confronting anger in the process of grieving while also addressing the criticisms and outrage that some commentators expressed about the memorial service. Was the memorial a platform to encourage revenge or forgiveness? How do we wrestle through these topics that have seemingly become so polarizing? Please join us as we have a real dialogue about how we navigate through these topics as we seek to honor Charlie’s legacy. Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson 

Sep 23, 2025 • 30min
Charlie Kirk’s Murder: When Friends Don’t—or Won’t—Mourn with You Ep. 372
 I’ve been thinking a lot about friendships in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Especially because, as we’ve talked about before on the program, many friendships have become strained in these highly charged times. So when you admire a prominent figure who takes a stand politically, you can be certain friends who vote in the other direction will not only NOT admire him, they may actually despise him. And, should he be murdered, they’ll shed no tears. They might, in fact, be secretly glad he’s dead. Where does that leave the friendship?We typically lean on friends during our pain and sadness. We look to them for empathy—even if they aren’t suffering the same loss.True friends imagine how we’re feeling; they put themselves in our shoes and grieve with us. As Paul instructed, they “carry our burdens.”But maybe they can’t—or, won’t—when the loss involves someone or something they abhor. Then what? What happens to the friendship?I’m dealing with this right now and in today’s episode, Elliott helps me process. If your friendships are fractured due to these divisive times—or, for any reason—please join us. Below you’ll find the video we referenced in the episode:https://youtu.be/azE7nqqQMmoSponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson 

Sep 18, 2025 • 32min
Remembering Charlie Kirk: Grieving the Senseless Ep. 371
 How do we move through the shock and grief of murder?We’re horrified, outraged, and demoralized. Nothing makes sense. WHY, God?And furthermore, Charlie was gunned down for inviting others to debate him at universities. Aren’t universities designed for spirited discourse? When we disagree, isn’t the solution to continue sharpening our positions, as opposed to silencing counter-arguments?Elliott and I respond to Charlie’s murder by sharing Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ Stages of Grief while supplementing her model with principles from Scripture. If you’re grieving, please join us for a word of healing and hope.Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson 

Sep 4, 2025 • 33min
What Therapy Gets Wrong About Mental Health Awareness Ep. 370
  We continue our conversation today discussing some of the issues we find in the therapy profession and the impact it has on individuals seeking help. Specifically, we explore:	•	What is Big Therapy?	•	The Problem with Codependency in Therapeutic Relationships	•	Mental Health Awareness and Its Implications	•	How to Frame Mental Health Positively	•	The Dangers of AI in Therapy	•	And More!We want to empower individuals to make informed decisions and to think critically when seeking out therapeutic help. If you have questions about therapy please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at http://loveandlifemedia.comSponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson 


