Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol
Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol is a weekly podcast dedicated to helping men, women, and couples experience good health, loving relationships and joyful spirituality that Jesus came to bring.
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Stronger Together: Why Close Friends Are Necessary
09/19/2023
Stronger Together: Why Close Friends Are Necessary
The loneliness epidemic is real, and has a larger impact on physical and mental health than most people realize. But friendship is hard and messy, perhaps more so in our culture today than ever before. Are ongoing authentic friendships really possible? And are they worth the effort and the risks? Lawyer, author, and speaker Justin Whitmel Earley joins Dr. Carol on this episode to talk about how we are all Made for People and the concept of covenant friendship. He talks vulnerably about the difficulties and risks of such friendship, but also about how this is possible regardless of your relationship status or past history. Connect with Justin Whitmel Earley on his , , , or . Find Justin's book Check out Dr. Carol's article Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave a confidential comment .
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Holy Sexuality: A Gospel-centered Approach to Sex in Today's Culture
09/12/2023
Holy Sexuality: A Gospel-centered Approach to Sex in Today's Culture
Teens and young people today are swimming in, drowning in, an unhealthy culture especially around issues of sexuality and gender. Holy sexuality often seems outdated or impossible. But these questions and challenges are not new. Dr. Christopher Yuan joins Dr. Carol in this deep and empowering episode to address holy sexuality - what it is, how it differs from the contemporary mindset, where these challenges come from, and how teens and young people can be discipled to embrace a gospel-centered lifestyle and worldview around issues of sexuality and gender. Check out , especially if you're a parent, grandparent, or even a church leader. Check out , where he shares his testimony in much more detail. Find Dr. Christopher Yuan on , , , , or . Find Dr. Yuan's book Check out Dr. Carol's articles: - - - Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave her a confidential message .
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Finding Meaning in the Chaos: Jeff and Tami Allen's Remarkable Marriage Story
09/05/2023
Finding Meaning in the Chaos: Jeff and Tami Allen's Remarkable Marriage Story
"Meaningless. Meaningless. Everything is meaningless." Those depressing words are actually from the Bible. If your life and marriage are messed up and meaningless, is there any way to find growth and meaning for yourself and for your relationship? Jeff and Tami Allen say Yes. On this week's podcast they talk with Dr. Carol about their tumultuous, even traumatic, early years together, and the long journey to finding true goodness and meaning. You'll see Jeff's extremely popular comedy with a whole new perspective after hearing their story. Get Jeff's book Connect with Jeff Allen on , , , , or . Get our free download: Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! You can leave her a confidential message .
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What Does the Bible Really Say About Same-Sex Marriage?
08/29/2023
What Does the Bible Really Say About Same-Sex Marriage?
Issues around same-sex relationships are "hot topics" both in culture and in the Christian church. And what about same-sex marriage in particular? What does the Bible really say about same-sex marriage? And how should we even go about addressing these kinds of questions? On this no-holds-barred episode Dr. Carol talks with Preston Sprinkle from the , about what the Bible has to say about what marriage IS and how that impacts our conversations around LGB issues. They address how followers of Jesus should both think and behave in theologically faithful and personally compassionate ways. Find Preston Sprinkle on his , , , or . Check out his podcast Find Preston's book Check out Dr. Carol's article Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! You can leave her a confidential message .
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Decoding Narcissism: Understanding the Signs and Solutions In Your Relationships
08/22/2023
Decoding Narcissism: Understanding the Signs and Solutions In Your Relationships
Narcissism can be an unfounded accusation, and it can also lead to marriage trauma. How do you know if you're living with a narcissist? And what if you might be one? Narcissism creates challenges for any relationship, but especially in the most intimate relationship of marriage. In this episode Dr. Carol talks with Dr. Jake Porter, relational psychotherapist, about the nuances of narcissism, why we all need a bit of it and when it becomes a problem, and some practical things you need to know if you're living with such a person. There's more hope than you may have thought possible. You can connect with Dr. Jake Porter at his , the , or on or . Check out his webinar . Use the promo code DRCAROL for 50% off the already-low price. Check out our Dr. Carol Ministries for additional helpful resources. And Dr. Carol would love to hear from you. You can leave a confidential comment or question .
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Healing from Loss: The Importance of Grieving Well
08/15/2023
Healing from Loss: The Importance of Grieving Well
We all experience loss. Small or large, healing from any loss requires grieving well. Many people imagine grief only applies when a loved one dies. It certainly applies then, but for mental, relational, and spiritual health it's important to grieve all our losses. Chuck and Ashley Elliott have experienced losses - individually and together, including loss of trust through pornography use, and loss of children through repeated pregnancy loss. They talk with Dr. Carol on this episode about the impact of grief on relationships with each other, with family and friends, and with God. Connect with Chuck and Ashley Elliott on , , , or . Find their book If you have lost a loved one in death, you'll want Dr. Carol's 30-day email series . Dr. Carol would love to hear from you. Leave a confidential comment or question .
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Christians and and the Gender Identity Debate: A Closer Look At It's Impact and Controversies
08/08/2023
Christians and and the Gender Identity Debate: A Closer Look At It's Impact and Controversies
Questions around gender identity have become a hot topic both in culture and for many Christian families and young people. Why now? What the medical world calls "gender-affirming care" has major, often permanent, life-altering consequences. Should we be concerned? This episode features a conversation between Dr. Carol and Lori Kuykendall, president of Beacon Health Education Resources. Lori has many years of experience in ministry, health education, and the public sphere, and she has plenty to say about what she calls this "5-Alarm Fire." Find more resources at . Dr. Carol would love to hear from you. Leave a confidential comment or question .
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From Roommates to Soulmates: Rediscovering Intimacy in Marriage
08/01/2023
From Roommates to Soulmates: Rediscovering Intimacy in Marriage
When you said "I do" you were expecting a connected, safe, life-giving, and intimate relationship. But you may now be wondering, "What's gone wrong?" Too many spouses end up living as roommates instead of as soulmates. You'll find yourself saying "me too" in this powerful episode as Dr. Carol outlines nine barriers to whole-person intimacy in marriage, and provides six specific keys to overcoming those barriers. And you'll hear about a practical resource to help you put those keys into practice. Check out the course, on sale THIS WEEK ONLY! And Dr. Carol loves to hear from you; you can leave a confidential message .
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What to Do If You've Been Betrayed in Your Relationship
07/25/2023
What to Do If You've Been Betrayed in Your Relationship
When trust is broken in a marriage there's always an underlying story. Although behaviors absolutely matter, there's more to be addressed. Looking at the matters of the heart for both the betrayer and the betrayed spouse makes a new chapter possible - regardless of what happens in the marriage. In this episode Jessica and Ryan McDaniel talk with Dr. Carol about their story. You may first think it's Ryan's story, but keep listening; it's Jessica's story too! And then they talk about what's happened in both of their hearts, and how they now help other couples work through these very matters in their hearts also. Catch up with Ryan and Jessica McDaniel on . If you've been hurt in this way, join the coming up on September 30. And get your ticket now; early bird pricing only lasts until July 31st. Check out these articles from Dr. Carol: - - If your heart needs some individual care, check out with Dr. Carol.
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Married But Lonely
07/18/2023
Married But Lonely
Being married and feeling alone may be the worst loneliness of all. Whether or not sex is happening, your heart craves true intimacy. And can true connection happen even after trust has been broken? Danisa and Jorge Suarez did not have good role models to build their marriage on, but they persisted. In this episode Dr. Carol talks with them about what they learned, and their work together now as a couple helping other couples overcome sexual issues or betrayal and build the kind of intimacy they need. They also talk about their heart for helping Christian leaders who struggle in this area. Connect with Danisa and Jorge Suarez at their website You can find Jorge on , , or You can find Danisa on , , or This article from Dr. Carol Check out our online course Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave her a confidential message .
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The Why and How of Talking to Your Kids About Sex
07/11/2023
The Why and How of Talking to Your Kids About Sex
If you're a parent, you are likely anxious about talking with your kids about sex. And many parents and others who care about kids feel that the ways most people have been handling "the sex talk" hasn't worked well at all. The Lindas have a different approach than you're used to seeing. In this episode Dr. Carol talks with Linda Noble and Linda Stewart, who are both educators and parents, about the deeper ideas kids need to understand about God's design for the body, sex, love, and relationships, and how parents and mentors can make this a normal part of shepherding kids and teens. Check out site, where Linda Noble and Linda Stewart have a lot of resources available Find their book Check out the books by Christopher West mentioned in this episode: and Check out this resource page from Dr. Carol Ministries: Dr. Carol always loves to hear from you. You can leave her a confidential message .
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The Idol Trap: How to Avoid Making Marriage, Singleness, or Parenthood Your Ultimate Goal
07/04/2023
The Idol Trap: How to Avoid Making Marriage, Singleness, or Parenthood Your Ultimate Goal
Relationship status is a big deal. Marriage was God's idea, and He created it to be good. But when we make something God created to be good into an idol, it becomes harmful. We can do that with marriage or parenthood. We can also do that with singleness. In this brief episode Dr. Carol addresses the harm that can come when we turn one of God's good gifts into an idol, and how we must fully live into the relationship status to which God has called us – regardless of whether married, single, or parents - or not. Check out Dr. Carol's article on this: Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave a confidential message for her .
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Living Without Lust
06/27/2023
Living Without Lust
LUST. What a disturbing word for many. Is living without lust possible? What is lust, and is it possible to have healthy sexual desire apart from lust? Dr. Carol's guest on this episode believe the answers to those questions is YES. Jay Haug is the executive director of Living Without Lust, an organization helping men who struggle with lust and supporting the Christian leaders who serve them. He shares his own story of sex addiction and the long journey to finding freedom, and what the most important keys to freedom are for anyone experiencing the control of lust. Connect with Jay Haug's organization for real support and practical resources Find Jay Haug's book Check out the ministries Jay mentioned that offer intensives to help someone with sex addiction begin the journey to recovery: , , and . Check out these resources from Dr. Carol Ministries: - free download - online course Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave her a confidential message .
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The Root Cause of Abortion, Sex Trafficking, and Sex Addiction
06/20/2023
The Root Cause of Abortion, Sex Trafficking, and Sex Addiction
Our culture has politicized so much around abortion, sex trafficking, even sex addiction. Policies matter. However, it's more important to address the roots underlying such painful and difficult realities. On this episode Dr. Carol talks with Lisa Rowe who has previously worked with sex trafficking survivors and is currently executive director of Support After Abortion. But this is not primarily a discussion of abortion, but about deeper heart needs involved. Lisa shares how she learned this in her own heartbreaking story, and what kind of support makes the most difference for those who have experienced these hard things. Check out Check out these articles from our blog: - - Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave a confidential message for her .
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How to Satisfy Your Heart's Deeper Desires
06/13/2023
How to Satisfy Your Heart's Deeper Desires
What has your heart most deeply longed for? Whether you've used these words or not, it has something to do with being safe, secure, and loved. Life often leads to deep wounds around your deepest longings. What do you do then? As a little girl Sue Moore prayed, "God, make me pretty, and happy, and give me a man who loves me." On the podcast today she talks with Dr. Carol about how different her life ended up than how she had originally hoped, how God brought rescue and goodness out of all the mess, and how she now helps others on the journey from brokenness to wholeness especially in the area of sexuality. Connect with Sue Moore at Check out these articles from Dr. Carol Ministries: Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave a confidential message .
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The Heart of the Matter: Why Focusing on Behaviors Isn't Enough
06/06/2023
The Heart of the Matter: Why Focusing on Behaviors Isn't Enough
Behaviors matter. Sexual behaviors matter! But focusing most on behaviors leads to "trying harder" and failing, and stops short of addressing the deep heart changes needed for lasting transformation. In this episode Dr. Carol shares the core part of her message given at the Sexual Integrity Leadership Summit. This message shows how the "problem" is less of a sex problem and more of an intimacy problem. And she addresses God's plan for intimacy as the solution, and what you can do about it. Check out our free download Some of the ministries offering small groups to support you in growing in sexual wholeness: , , , and . Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave her a confidential message .
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Can A Marriage Be Good If One Spouse Deals with Mental Health Struggles?
05/30/2023
Can A Marriage Be Good If One Spouse Deals with Mental Health Struggles?
Marriage always takes work. But what happens when mental health struggles get added to the mix? How can both partners experience intimacy and goodness when things get messy? In this eyeopening episode Dr. Carol talks with founder and president of The Veritas Creative, Jon Seidl and his wife, Brett, a business owner and interior designer. Jon lives with significant mental health diagnoses. However, in this conversation the couple discus how their marriage has not only survived but thrived, and how those in the body of Christ can help those challenged with mental illness. Connect with Jon Seidl at , , , , or Connect with Brett Seidl on her Find Jon's books and For personal help with mental health or marriage challenges, check out these courses from Dr. Carol Ministries: - - Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! Leave her a confidential message .
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Regaining Love After Loss and Emotional Bankruptcy
05/23/2023
Regaining Love After Loss and Emotional Bankruptcy
Loss is always possible when you love. But when emotional bankruptcy and loss happen repeatedly, regaining intimacy and love has even more challenges. In today's episode Dr. Carol talks with Rachel Faulkner Brown who describes herself as emotionally bankrupt during her first two marriages which both ended in death and grief. Hear how she found freedom, healing, true intimacy, and love again, and how she is now leveraging her story in helping thousands of hurting women. Connect with Rachel Faulkner Brown at and , or or . Get her , and enter promo code DrCarol25 for 25% off!! If you're walking through grief, you'll appreciate this 30-day email series Dr. Carol loves to hear from you; you can leave her a confidential message
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How One Woman Found Freedom from Same-Sex Attraction Through Relationship with Jesus
05/16/2023
How One Woman Found Freedom from Same-Sex Attraction Through Relationship with Jesus
Behaviors matter. Sexual behaviors matter. But at least as if not more important are the underlying matters of the heart, such as broken needs for intimacy, isolation, and believing lies about the world, self, and God. Maria Nistri, Dr. Carol's guest on the podcast today, serves as executive director of Exchange Ministries. Here she shares her story of what she describes as "struggle and victory over same-sex attractions" and the role that an intimate daily relationship with Jesus has played in her journey. Find out more about Exchange Ministries on . Check out our You can leave me a confidential message .
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Love, Loneliness, Sex and the Single Christian
05/09/2023
Love, Loneliness, Sex and the Single Christian
Many in the Christian church see singleness as a condition of deficit, focused on what a single person doesn't have. The culture and ministries of many churches give the subliminal message that marriage and children are a higher spiritual state than singleness. That's not a Biblical - or a historically Christian perspective. Listen as Dr. Carol talks with Dr. Dani Treweek, author, adjunct professor, and ordained Anglican deacon, about the meaning of singleness. This conversation "goes there" - about a theology of singleness, struggles have with intimacy, loneliness, and sex, and what singleness can and should mean for the body of Christ. Connect with Dr. Dani Treweek on , , or . Find her book Check out Dr. Carol's article Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! Leave her a confidential message .
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Unpacking Christian Controversies Around Sex and Sexuality
05/02/2023
Unpacking Christian Controversies Around Sex and Sexuality
Why does it matter that God created humans as sexual beings? What does that tell us about ourselves, and more importantly about God? How do we make sense of all the harm sex/sexuality has brought to many people in light of what God originally intended to be good? In this deep and encouraging conversation Dr. Carol talks with John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, about bringing what God reveals in Scripture about these topics into this cultural moment even when it brings controversy. Find more about the Check out the article Find John Stonestreet on or My podcast episode with Joshua Butler: Check out this You can get in touch with me personally by leaving a confidential message
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Dr. Carol Answers Your Toughest Questions About Relationships, Sexuality and Intimacy
04/25/2023
Dr. Carol Answers Your Toughest Questions About Relationships, Sexuality and Intimacy
We hear from many of you asking questions about difficult situations involving sexuality, relationships, and intimacy. In this episode Dr. Carol addresses a number of your questions around these challenging issues. Issues she addresses include sexual betrayal in marriage, shame around masturbation, struggles to break free from pornography, and long-standing disconnect around sexual intimacy between husband and wife. Check these resources Dr. Carol mentioned: Free download Online course Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. Leave a question or confidential message .
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Happily Even After: How God Redeems Broken Hearts
04/18/2023
Happily Even After: How God Redeems Broken Hearts
Happily ever after - does that even happen? Not for most couples. Beyond behaviors (which matter), what do you do with the messed-up, hijacked, and broken matters of the heart when a marriage is wounded? Bob and Dannah Gresh are both ministry leaders and authors in their own rights. But in this vulnerable episode they talk with Dr. Carol about the process God used to redeem their own wounded marriage and what that looked like for both of their hearts. Check out the . Find Dannah Gresh on , , , or . Connect with Bob and Dannah's organizations and Find Dannah's book Check out Dr. Carol's article Check out our online course You can leave Dr. Carol a confidential message .
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How God's Vision for Sex Challenges Today's Culture
04/11/2023
How God's Vision for Sex Challenges Today's Culture
What's the big deal about sex? Why does God care? What does God's original vision around sex say about Him and His design and plans for us? Dr. Carol talks with Joshua Ryan Butler, author and pastor, about seeing God's vision for sex as a window into God's story of redemption, and a validating guide to living with authentic love in a changing culture. Some of these ideas may sound controversial. Listen through the lens of seeking to understand what God has had in mind from the beginning. Check out Joshua Ryan Butler on , , or . Find Josh's book Do you need to address your sexual story? Our course can help you do that. Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! You can connect with Dr. Carol confidentially .
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The Alternative to Toxic Christian Male Masculinity
04/04/2023
The Alternative to Toxic Christian Male Masculinity
Both culture and the church in recent years have seen too many examples of male sexuality gone wrong. But what's the alternative? In this provocative episode Dr. Carol's talks with writer, research, and ordained minister Zachary Wagner, as he critiques purity culture, shares his vulnerable story, and offers a view of non-toxic Christian masculinity. Connect with Zachary Wagner on or . Find Zach's book Check out Dr. Carol's article Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! Leave a confidential comment .
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Practical Ways to Build Your Faith When Everything Seems to Be Going Wrong
03/28/2023
Practical Ways to Build Your Faith When Everything Seems to Be Going Wrong
The toughest seasons of life often highlight the ways in which we've searched for hope in places and people that let us down. These hard times always challenge your relationship with God. Can your faith in Him remain intact? Or can it even grow? In an honest and uplifting conversation Dr. Carol talks with international speaker, Bible teacher, and author Michele Cushatt about simple, surprising, and practical ways to build your faith when your world is falling apart. And then they apply these ideas to what to do when your relationships are what's falling apart. Find Michele Cushatt on her , , , or Find Michele's latest book Check out Dr. Carol's articles: - - You can leave Dr. Carol a confidential comment or question .
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How to Find Hope and Healing After Betrayal
03/21/2023
How to Find Hope and Healing After Betrayal
Nothing hurts more than feeling betrayed in your closest personal relationships such as your marriage. Although your story is yours alone, what you're feeling is not unique. Understanding the way your heart has been damaged and what is needed for healing will be a roadmap forward. In today's podcast, Dr. Carol talks with Lyschel Burket, founder of Hope Redefined, a ministry organization helping women take steps toward healing, about her own story of betrayal, the specifics of how she made it through, and what you need to know that will bring you your own healing. Find Lyschel Burket on her , , or . If you'd like some simple ideas about what to do when you feel you can't talk to anyone, . You can leave Dr. Carol a confidential question or comment .
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Why Love Triumphs Over the Wounds of Sexual Abuse
03/14/2023
Why Love Triumphs Over the Wounds of Sexual Abuse
Sexual harm and abuse leaves deep wounds and toxic shame, so much so that many find it hard to believe healing is really possible. What's that process like? Is it worth it? How does God bring about that healing? What about if you're too angry with God to even want Him close? Dr. Carol talks with Mary Ann Otley about the many layers of healing her heart had to go through to find wholeness. Maryann shares in detail what it looks like to allow Jesus into the wounded places so He can minister healing. Connect with Mary Ann Otley on her , , or . Find her book Check out Dr. Carol's article To leave a confidential message, or a question for Dr. Carol's upcoming Q&A episode around sex and intimacy, .
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How to Experience God's Transforming Power in Your Story
03/07/2023
How to Experience God's Transforming Power in Your Story
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 , and especially their . Find them on , , , or . Some of John Fort's books: , , and Get our free 30-day email devotional series Check out our online course Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave a confidential message .
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Finding Healing Ways to Address Race Relations in the Body of Christ
02/28/2023
Finding Healing Ways to Address Race Relations in the Body of Christ
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 or Find the book , and check out all the additional videos and information . Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave a confidential message .
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