Please enjoy this conversation Dr. Karin had on the Single and Not Settling podcast! A note from Vanessa of Single and Not Settling: "This is absolutely a dream come true. I was so nervous throughout this interview as I could have pinched myself, achieving this goal of mine. You see in 2020 after I was ghosted and the world shut down, I found a podcast by Dr Karin. Her advice on dating and relationships gave me hope, taught me so much of what I know today but also helped me dive deeper into why I was choosing the wrong men, it all began to make sense!! On this platform I created, I saw it as an opportunity to personally thank Dr Karin for having such an impact on my life, where I am today and where I continue to grow. Dr Karin is such a genuine person, so kind and has the best sense of humour! I am so proud of myself and proud of this episode. I hope you gain value from Dr Karin as much as I have throughout the years." In this exciting episode of "Single and NOT Settling," Vanessa Maree sits down with Dr. Karin Anderson Abrell, a psychologist, author, and captivating speaker. Dr. Karin opens up about her own experience as a "runaway bride" and so much more! Tune in to discover: The struggle of walking away from a relationship that seems "good enough." Dealing with the guilt that follows once you've left that relationship behind, and how Dr. Karin finally let go of that guilt. Insights into ghosting and navigating the world of dating apps. The importance of understanding your values and finding someone who shares those same values. High-status dating: What it entails and the impact when women take the lead in dating. Exploring Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and how it can transform negative thoughts into positive outlooks, especially on your dating journey. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation packed with valuable insights for your dating journey! Dr Karin's Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook I'd love to connect with you on Instagram! Head over to ⁠⁠⁠@vanessamaree_wingwoman ________________________________________________ Sponsors: Authentixx  Website: http://www.authentixx.com Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order! The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

Recently, I read an article in Time Magazine titled, “America Has Reached Peak Therapy. Why Is Our Mental Health Getting Worse?” Obviously, the content was quite sobering. How is it that mental health awareness is up, stigma is down—and yet, we’re more depressed and anxious than ever!?! I knew I wanted to discuss the article with Elliott and share it with the Love & Life community. Specifically, we unpack: The unintended consequences of a culture of “Mental Health Awareness.” How health insurance impacts the practice of psychotherapy—and even our understanding of emotional distress in general. How changes in counselors’ training programs affect not only the therapist/client relationship, but also the psychological community as a whole. Oh, and let’s not forget Pharma. The realities we highlight throughout the episode wouldn’t be occurring without a healthy dose—pun intended—of Big Pharma influence. Join us as we break down the current landscape while also providing hope for a more holistic, empowered approach to emotional wellbeing! Article: https://time.com/6308096/therapy-mental-health-worse-us/ Simon Says by Elliott Anderson: https://www.amazon.com/Simon-Says-Principles-Perspectives-Anderson/dp/0915725207/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21PGSPXG7KW7C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Kqa9NtnahBSuA6fJUyPREA.6ErqUgC2UO2Knyzxu7gH7227M7SxOuadKhb9ZenpX6w&dib_tag=se&keywords=simon+says+elliott+anderson&qid=1717619097&sprefix=simon+says+elliott+anderson%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1  Sponsors: Authentixx  Website: http://www.authentixx.com Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order! The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

No surprise, Elliott and I had plenty to say on this topic so we broke up the debate into two parts. In part 1 (ep. 304), Elliott and I tackled 3 questions: Are younger couples more at risk of codependency because they marry before their identities are sufficiently formed? Do older couples struggle to adjust to the division of labor and day to day norms because they’re “stuck in their ways?” What about extended family relationships? Are these easier to develop if we marry younger? In today’s episode we continue the debate by considering 3 more questions: Do couples who marry when they’re older struggle more with trust and expectations because they’ve often been hurt many times before? Do they bring more “baggage” to the relationship? What about the biological clock?  When a husband or wife pivots dramatically regarding career, passions, or goals, is this adjustment easier for younger couples? Or, might older couples take this transition in stride? Join us for part 2 of our “debate” about when it’s best to marry! Sponsors: Authentixx  Website: http://www.authentixx.com Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order! The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

Recently Dr. Karin appeared on the Odyssey Resilience podcast to discuss dating and anxiety!  From Odyssey Resilience:  “Dr. Karin Anderson Abrell is a psychologist, author, podcast host, and musician. Her book, Single is the New Black: Don't Wear White 'Til It's Right is a word of empowerment to singles—encouraging them to stay strong amidst “single shaming,” live life on their own terms, and never ever settle for anything less than an extraordinary relationship.  A former professor, Dr. Karin now hosts Love & Life—a podcast providing informative discussions grounded in an holistic understanding of psychology to help us thrive in all realms of love and life. She can be found on Instagram @dr.karin and X @DrKarinAnderson and on her website, www.loveandlifemedia.com.” Learn more about Odyssey Resilience here: https://www.odysseyresilience.org/  Sponsors: Authentixx  Website: http://www.authentixx.com Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order! The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

Elliott and I have been meaning to debate this question for a while now—so here it is! Elliott married at the tender age of 22 and, as for me, I was 42 before Dan and I tied the knot. We both have strong, loving marriages. We’re both incredibly happy. But, we took very different paths. Over the years, we’ve had fun taking sides—with Elliott proclaiming the benefits of marrying young and me asserting it’s better to wait. But, what does research say? And, which couples end up in Elliott’s office due to crises? Those who married younger or older? Join us for part 1 of our “debate” about when it’s best to marry.  Spoiler alert:  Elliott actually concedes a point to me—this rarely ever happens in any disputes we have! But, I’m guessing I’ll be conceding a few points to him in part 2. :-) Sponsors: Authentixx  Website: http://www.authentixx.com Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order! The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

Imagine this: you’ve worked your whole life to swim at the collegiate level. You make the team at an Ivy League school. All those sacrifices paid off—you’re competing at the elite level! And then, before your sophomore year, a guy joins the team. His name is Will, but he now goes by Lia because during his junior year, he decided he was a woman and started hormone therapy. You don’t think it’s right that a 6’1” man will take the place of a female teammate–a girl who’s worked as hard as you did to earn her spot on the roster. Furthermore, you’re uncomfortable with a man changing in the women’s locker room. You mention this and you’re told, “You should get some psychological support.” None of this makes sense. None of it is fair. But, if you discuss it—even with your teammates—you’re called “transphobic.” You stop talking about it because no one’s listening. You finish your senior year and then head to New York for your first job. But, you’re still mad about it. You know men competing against women is wrong. You realized it’s bigger than the injustice you endured—women’s sports are at risk of extinction. You break your silence and join The Independent Women’s Forum—an organization devoted to protecting women’s rights in the midst of a culture that permits men to invade female spaces. This is exactly what happened to Paula Scanlan.   She shares her story today on Love & Life. Sponsors: Authentixx Website: http://www.authentixx.com Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order! The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

In the midst of newlywed bliss, we often overlook the importance of presenting ourselves to our families and friends as a united front. That is, until our in-laws begin to meddle and make inappropriate demands . . .  Of course, we remain respectful of our parents and in-laws. Of course, we want to avail ourselves of their wisdom and guidance. But, a young couple (or not-so-young couple) must demonstrate to their families (and to themselves) that their primary allegiance is to each other–NOT to their families of origin. It’s a complex, difficult process which involves grieving the loss of former alliances. For example, a father and daughter may have always had a special bond–which is wonderful–but now, the daughter’s primary connection needs to be with her husband.  Learn how to grieve these losses while simultaneously establishing healthy, appropriate boundaries with our families of origin.  Elliott and I discuss all this and more in today’s episode!  Sponsor: The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

You have questions. We’ve got answers! As part of our series on Elliott’s premarital counseling curriculum, we shared 2 episodes about how to cultivate true sexual intimacy and fulfillment.  We received some feedback from listeners whose sex lives are extremely difficult. They don’t intend to leave their marriages for various reasons–there are children involved, or they love each other deeply despite the physical disconnectedness, or they don’t believe sexual incompatibility warrants divorce–but obviously, they’re very unhappy with the status quo.  Specifically, listeners asked us: 1. What if my spouse is emotionally abusive? I’m not going to leave because we have children and I don’t want to disrupt their home. But, it’s brutal having sex with someone who’s cruel, demeaning, and volatile. Any thoughts? 2. Our sex life isn’t going well, but my spouse refuses to go to counseling. How can I make things better? 3.  feel like our sexual relationship is one sided in that my husband always gets his needs met, but mine rarely are. How can I address this without feeling like I'm begging? Join us to hear Elliott’s advice for these difficult issues around sex, emotional abuse, and incompatibility. Sponsor: The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

A 2016 Pew Research Poll found that just 44% of respondents consider shared religious beliefs to be key to a successful marriage. Therefore, 66% of us aren’t too worried about aligning spiritually with our partner. But, is it wise to minimize this? Actually, according to multiple studies, couples who pray together DO stay together. In fact, marital satisfaction is highly correlated with religious affiliation and committed practice. Join us for our responses to this data—and other research findings which highlights the importance of aligning spiritually with your partner.   Citations: Effects of Religious Practice on Marriage What Couples May Not Realize About Relgion and Marriage Sponsor: The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

Dave Wayne had found his passion and purpose in life. As a psychiatric nurse, he’d gained the respect of both his peers and superiors–so much so, that he won a prestigious award at his hospital!. Not long after receiving this accolade, Dave was fired. Why? He declined to take an injection of an experimental product.  But as so often happens in life, our darkest moments propel us in a new direction–one that’s more aligned with our values and better suited to who we’re meant to become!. And, in Dave’s case, his skepticism around Big Pharma had already made him realize a profession grounded in pharmaceutical interventions wouldn’t be a fit for him long term.  Dave now serves as a holistic health coach. He emphasizes the importance of nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset on our emotional well-being as he helps clients “describe” from medications. Join us to learn how you can thrive free of Pharma!    Sponsor: The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! David Wayne Website: https://www.describe.health Instagram: @david.wayne.rn Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson Citations: Undisclosed financial conflicts of interest in DSM-5-TR: cross sectional analysis, BMJ 2024; 384 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-076902 (Published 10 January 2024) https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-076902/rapid-responses