Transgender issues have become a hot topic in culture and in the Christian church. Is the cultural narrative missing the point, and if so, where? How can Christians address the distress those struggling with gender issues experience in a redemptive way? Dr. Carol's guest on this fascinating episode is Walt Heyer, who transitioned to living as a woman for eight years, and then de-transitioned back to his birth gender. Walt has now devoted his life and influence to helping others who are struggling with these issues. His faith and relentless pursuit of wholeness will inspire you. Check out  ..read more

In part one of last week's conversation, Dr. Carol described why information alone is not effective in bringing sexual wholeness, and why experiences and true connection is necessary. In part two, you'll hear what Dr. Carol Ministries has already been doing to help people grow into sexual wholeness, and some of the results. And you'll hear about the new kind of experience we are offering to help people bring Jesus into the places they need Him most, and how you - or a friend - can be a part of this. Check out Dr. Carol's new book Sexpectations: Reframing Your Good and Not-So-Good Stories ..read more

There's an abundance of information available in regards to sexuality and relationships. But that information has not resulted in any lessening of sexual brokenness - in the culture at large or within the Christian church. Something is missing. In this first of a two-part conversation, Dr. Carol addresses that missing piece by discussing neurobiology, the way God created human beings with the need for intimacy (different from sex), and the process God uses to bring us to integration and wholeness. You'll understand what leads to true change, and why more information doesn't work. Check out Dr ..read more

If your marriage is difficult, when is it a character issue? And when is it the way someone's brain is wired?  How do you respond with grace while protecting your sanity? Neurodiversity, in particular autism spectrum disorder, impacts human relationships deeply, especially marriages. On this episode Dr. Carol talks with Dr. Stephanie Holmes, psychologist and coach specializing in neurodiverse Christian marriages, about how understanding brain wiring provides perspective on living wisely in a difficult marriage, differentiating character issues vs. neurology issues, and provides an honest ..read more

Same-sex attraction and homosexuality are hot-button issues both in culture and in the  Christian church. But beneath the debates about behavior, as important as those are, there are deeper matters of the heart including the need for attachment and intimacy. How does that connect with what Scripture says about homosexuality? In this challenging and deep episode, Dr. Carol talks with Anne Edward about her own journey through lesbianism, the matters in her heart that led her out of that, and what it's looked like for her to follow Jesus and now minister to countless others wrestling with is ..read more

Confused, emotionally exhausted, or feeling crazy or depressed about your marriage? These might be signs you are being impacted by narcissistic and emotional abuse. Narcissism is a loaded word in our contemporary culture. But how do you know if that's what you're experiencing is your imagination, or is truly toxic? Dr. David Hawkins, director of the Marriage Recovery Center, has been dealing with individuals so affected for over 40 years. He joins Dr. Carol on this episode to provide a sobering picture of the suffering narcissistic and emotional abuse brings, and also to offer some wonderful g ..read more

Bad things happen even to good people. What happens in a person when they experience trauma or ongoing hardship? There's been a lot of talk in the last few years about trauma-informed care, PTSD, and such. How does all that integrate with faith in God and one's Christian experience? Dr. Shannae Anderson, licensed clinical psychologist, has been working in this field for over 25 years. She talks with Dr. Carol on this episode about integrating psychological trauma-informed care with the Holy Spirit's presence and work in a person's heart to bring healing, growth, meaning, and resilience. They t ..read more

How are you attempting to fill the empty places in your heart? If it's with sex, how's that working for you? And when it hasn't gone well, how do you find grace for your messy story? On this episode Dr. Carol talks with Matt and Laurie Krieg. Matt's a licensed therapist. Laurie is president of Impossible Ministries. Together they help people deal with issues around sexuality and marriage, including LGBTQ+ issues, in God-honoring ways. Here they share how they are living out grace in their own messy stories, and what it's been like to help other people do the same. Find Laurie Krieg on her  ..read more

Christians have questions about sex! But where do you go for the answers? Some questions have factual answers, but more often the questions have to do with deeper matters of the heart. In this challenging episode Dr. Carol responds to 10 questions YOU have asked, about all kinds of things - married sex, sexless marriages, single and sexual, porn, masturbation, different sexual practices, STDs, sex ed, and more. Yup, we're "going there!" And you'll want to find out more about Dr. Carol's new book Sexpectations: Reframing Your Good and Not-So-Good Stories About God, Love, and Relationships ..read more

The illusion that intimacy in marriage just "happens" may not even last as long as the wedding cake. Maybe the intimate connection between you was good but became broken, or maybe you've never had that strong of a connection. What are the practical steps for those who want more from their relationship to actually build true intimacy that lasts? Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith had to wrestle with that question in their own marriage. On this episode they talk with Dr. Carol about not only their story, but the practical framework they've developed to help couples at every stage of their relationship ..read more