Mormon Mental Health Podcast: Recent Episodes
Mormon Mental Health Podcast
Mormon Mental Health is an online mental health resource serving the Mormon community through hosting mental health podcasts. Mormon Mental Health was created in response to an increasing demand for an easy way to inform and connect Mormons seeking mental health services with resources and professionals that address Mormon culture, Mormon beliefs, and the issues unique to Mormon family and community systems. Mormon Mental Health is a service of Mormon Stories and the Open Stories Foundation. Mormon Stories explicitly seeks to align all operations with the Mormon Stories Shared Values Statement. Additionally, we endeavor to ensure that the projects we undertake 1) support individuals in Mormon-related faith crises, 2) save marriages where appropriate, 3) heal families, and 4) celebrate, challenge, and advance Mormon culture in healthy ways.
On this panel episode, Natasha hosts Michelle Peets, Jenny Ellege and Ellan Alexander as they discus concern in the rise of domestic violence. Resource: Duluth Model: Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs https://www.theduluthmodel.org To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2022, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Natasha Helfer interviews Brittney Hartley in her journey towards becoming a spiritual director and the importance of spirituality in our lives, religious or not.
Brittney joins Bill Reel weekly on the podcast, “Almost Awakened.” You can find out more by going to: https://www.nononsensespirituality.com nnspirituality@gmail.com To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2022, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
On this panel episode, Natasha hosts Michelle Peets, Jenny Ellege and Ellan Alexander as they discus concern in the rise of domestic violence. Resources mentioned during this podcast: Duluth Model: Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs To help keep Mormon Mental Health…
Natasha Helfer interviews Brittney Hartley in her journey towards becoming a spiritual director and the importance of spirituality in our lives, religious or not. Brittney joins Bill Reel weekly on the podcast, “Almost Awakened.” To help keep Mormon Mental Health Podcast…
Join Natasha, Allan Alexander and Lisa Butterworth for a discussion on upping emotional intelligence in one way or another! To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2022, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Natasha Helfer, Tami Harris and Lisa Butterworth talk about healthy strategies and framings to get us through the Holiday season in ways that feel authentic and meaningful. To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Natasha Helfer, Allan Alexander and Michelle Peets talk about emotional intelligence as it relates to how males are socialized and how that shows up in their work with couples and individuals. How they love to help men with sex, intimacy, and relational success!
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Natasha interviews Drew Hansen about this great new resource for families. For more, including a free two week trial, please visit upliftkids.org. To help keep Mormon Mental Health Podcast going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Natasha is joined by Jesse Funk on this episode of Mormon Mental Health. They discuss how the church has sent members to infiltrate and report back on Post-Mormon Retreats and Support Groups. For resources, please visit: natashahelfer.com getmormonhelp.com To help keep Mormon Mental Health Podcast going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Jeff Lundgren hosts this episode of Mormon Mental Health Podcast. He is joined by Rachel Brown, LCSW, who works with those going through a faith transition/changing their relationship with the LDS church.
In this episode, Jeff and Rachel discuss the 6 principles of sexual health by Doug Braun Harvey in the context of the Mormon experience. The 6 principles include:
- Consent
- Non-Exploitative
- Honesty
- Shared Values
- Protection from STIs, HIV and unwanted Pregnancies
- Mutual Pleasure
To find out more on the 6 principles, you can visit:
https://www.theharveyinstitute.com/six-principles-of-sexual-health
And/or check out the series Natasha Helfer did with Doug Braun Harvey on 6 principles of Sexual Health:
- Consent: https://mormonsex.info/2017/10/22/057-sexual-principle-1-consent/
- Non-Exploitative: https://mormonsex.info/2017/11/21/058-sexual-principle-2-non-exploitative/
- Honesty: https://mormonsex.info/2018/01/15/062-sexual-principle-4-honesty/
- Shared Values: https://mormonsex.info/2018/02/05/066-sexual-principle-5-shared-values/
- Part 1: https://mormonsex.info/2017/11/29/059-sexual-principle-3-unwanted-pregnancy/
- Part 2: https://mormonsex.info/2017/12/19/060-sexual-principle-3-avoiding-stis/
- Protection from STIs, HIV and unwanted Pregnancies
- Mutual Pleasure: https://mormonsex.info/2018/03/12/071-sexual-principle-6-mutual-pleasure/
- Complicating the 6 principles of sexual health: https://mormonsex.info/2018/04/09/075-complicating-the-6-sexual-health-principles/
To find out more about Jeff, visit Wasatch Family Therapy in Sandy, Utah.
To contact Rachel, email her at wandercounseling@gmail.com.
To help keep Mormon Mental Health Podcast going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
The Symmetry Solutions Team goes through the recent address by Holland, given at BYU, offering an educational lens in being able to recognize when inappropriate tactics are being used in a minimizing, belittling or abusive way. This especially impacts the LGBTQ+ community and their families. It has both local and global implications for which we are highly concerned. The last 30 min discusses resources for anyone needing help because of this address. For more about Colette Dalton, please visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/colette-dalton For more about Jenny Elledge, please visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/jennyelledge For more about Michelle Peets, please visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/michelle-peets To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Jeff Lundgren hosts this episode of "Mormon Mental Health Podcast." He is joined by Blaire Ostler as she talks about her new book "Queer Mormon Theology: An Introduction."
To purchase the book, you can find it on Amazon:
"Queer Mormon Theology: An Introduction" by Blaire Ostler
To help keep "Mormon Mental Health Podcast" going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
The Symmetry Solutions team discusses the dour implications of continued hate speech that comes from LDS leaders towards our LGBTQ+ communities. They also discuss ways to help including resources in our community. Please consider donating to keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021. Please visit mormonmentalhealth.org to donate.
This episode was previously recorded for "Mormon Sex Info" and is being refurbished here on "Mormon Mental Health Podcast."
Natasha interviews Katie Langston about her new memoir, “Sealed: An Unexpected Journey into the Heart of Grace.”
Katie talks about how sexual shame became a regular part of her upbringing as early as age 3-4 due to her mother's distress with normative masturbation. Along with non-comprehensive sexual education, worthiness interviews with bishops and other hurdles, Katie struggles to understand and accept things as normal as her body, interest and crushes on boys, and her worth as an individual.
Katie believes that her development of OCD was exacerbated by her rigid and conservative environment that constantly pitted her against her own mind/body.
You can purchase Katie's book at:
https://www.amazon.com/Sealed-Unexpected-Journey-Heart-Grace/dp/B0942XKY98/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Sealed&qid=1621036279&sr=8-2&fbclid=IwAR20ln6I9UbxLH6tB3oGqu4R_Lu8c0st_AlQt-_GJVTTJROapuhIqXXTzW8
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
This episode was previously recorded for "Mormon Sex Info" and is being refurbished here on "Mormon Mental Health Podcast."
Natasha interviews Kyle on his experience with her disciplinary council and what it means to the LGBTQ LDS community.
Kyle is the host of Latter Gay Stories:
https://lattergaystories.org/about/
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
This episode was previously recorded for "Mormon Sex Info" and is being refurbished here on "Mormon Mental Health Podcast."
Natasha Helfer interviews Jennifer Gonzalez about her emotional experience going through the last few weeks leading to her excommunication and how “whiteness” plays a part.
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
This episode was previously recorded for "Mormon Sex Info" and is being refurbished here on "Mormon Mental Health Podcast."
Lisa Butterworth, LCPC, NCC interviews Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CST-S about her response to the Washington Post Piece - Part 1
https://www.washingtonpost.com/.../mormon-sex.../...
https://www.aasect.org
Letter that was drafted by a group of about 30 LDS therapists sharing their concerns about ethics and the dangers of church overreach or discipline for practicing in line with one's professional and clinical standards:
https://docs.google.com/.../1jNYb0i2ksVQ_Zb.../edit
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
This episode was previously recorded for "Mormon Sex Info" and is being refurbished here on "Mormon Mental Health Podcast."
Host Lisa Butterworth interviews Kersti Spjut and discuss the Family Acceptance Project. They discuss facts of LDS Parents of LGBTQ youth.
Resources:
The Family Acceptance Project (familyproject.sfsu.edu) – the absolute best resource. Start here! They have a video and pamphlet specifically for LDS families.
- Mormons Building Bridges (mormonsbuildingbridges.org) have a couple good info pages with links to articles and a glossary of terms.
- Listen, Learn, & Love (listenlearnandlove.org/podcasts): Richard Ostler’s podcast, about the experiences of LGBTQ members of the Church
- PFLAG.org has lots of good resources
- The Trevor Project (thetrevorproject.org) has good resources specifically for addressing suicidality
- Books for parents
- The Transgender Teen by Stephanie Brill & Lisa Kenney
- The Transgender Child by Stephanie Brill & Rachel Papper
- Raising the Transgender Child, by Michele Angello & Alisa Bowman
- This is a Book for Parents of Gay Kids, by Dannielle Owens-Reid
- Unconditional, by Telaina Eriksen
- Lisa Diamond Ted Talk "Born this Way"
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
This episode was previously recorded for “Mormon Sex Info” and is being refurbished here for your enjoyment.
This is a conversation between prominent LDS therapists about the upcoming membership council Natasha Helfer is facing this weekend (April 18, 2021).
To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021, please donate at mormonsex.info.
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org
This episode was originally recorded for the "Healing Sols Podcast" and is being refurbished here for your enjoyment.
Natasha Helfer and Kristin Bennion discuss their concerns about what has been happening in the nation with the rise of conspiracy theories and their dangers from a psychological perspective.
"The ‘Shared Psychosis’ of Donald Trump and His Loyalists"
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-shared-psychosis-of-donald-trump-and-his-loyalists/?fbclid=IwAR2fwhFtvUalzsAQ8B5nKgK4_5XdgHLsbdA6Q8SWXtvn8_TxIzC7z9Uuqro
For more on Kristin, you can visit:
https://www.intimateconnectionscounseling.com/about/
To keep Mormon Mental Health going passed 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Jeff Lundgren is joined by Andrea Bradshaw Jessop in this episode of Mormon Mental Health.
Andrea shares her journey of leaving polygamy and finding her identity after years of not knowing what it was. She shares the ups and downs and leaving, including the mental health journey she endured.
Andrea can be found on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/andrea.bradshaw.9275
You can find her practice, Joyful Energy Now, also on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Joyful-Energy-Now-109260790416339/
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Jeff Lundgren hosts this episode of Mormon Mental Health. He is joined by Andraea Lynne who shares her experience with ethical non-monogamy and her experience having grown up in the church. They discuss the beginnings of polygamy within the Mormon religion and posit the idea that it wasn’t ethical, but was about property. Andraea then shares her experiences and how it’s a lot of work and it requires communication and boundaries. She then leaves with giving some helpful tips and resources for anyone interested in finding out more.
You can also join her Facebook groups:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1790658221146223/?ref=share
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2140468222646608/?ref=share
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
This episode was originally recorded for the "Healing Sols Podcast" and has been refurbished for your enjoyment.
For more from Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CSTS, please visit https://www.natashahelfer.com.
Nuance in Considering Late Term Abortion with Analiesa Leonhardt who is a nurse midwife, has a doctorate as a nurse practitioner from the university of Utah and was a doula for five years prior. She recently wrote a facebook post - https://www.facebook.com/analiesa.leonhardt/posts/10164136788910007 - that caught Natasha's attention in regards to the current legislation trying to be passed in Colorado (prop 115) in regards to limiting abortion after 22 weeks. Analiesa does a phenomenal job educating us about the moral and ethical impications of such a measure in regards to a woman's ability to make decisions, especially when facing the devastating news that the fetus has medical complications that may not allow for the baby to live past delivery. She shares statistics and information that are important to consider as we all face the dilemmas around our views on abortion, and the consequences of the current polarized discussion on this topic. Her thoughtful language and approach to this topic has a profound impact on the listener. You will value the listen.
This episode was originally recorded for the "Healing Sols Podcast" and has been refurbished for your enjoyment.
For more from Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CSTS, please visit https://www.natashahelfer.com.
Being Resilient as an Individual and within Relationships with Christian Moore, LCSW, founder of whytry.org and author of The Resilience Breakthrough: 27 Tools for Turning Adversity into Action. Christian travels the world presenting to all kinds of organizations, specifically those serving underpriviliged youth, about rising above very challenging situations usually affected by learning disorders. We discuss the traits and behaviors that lead towards resilience minded frameworks and how these can benefit your life, mental and relational health. How do we better understand the differences of unconditional vs. conditional love and what they both reap? What is "street resilience"? What does a role of a mentor in our development offer? Are we really just supposed to be getting "rid" of negative feelings? What role can what are typcially labeled "negative feelings" play in empowerment and self-transformation? How can we get along with people who believe fundamentally different things than we do (super important part of the podcast given we are just days away from the US election)? Christian is a brilliant thinker who has put his own life experience to the test in regards to his theoretical framing. Transformative listen that I recommend going through at least twice!
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org
During a “Face to Face” with church youth on September 13th, 2020, Elder Donald Rasband answered questions including, “I have serious questions about the truth claims of the church and I am seriously considering removing my name from the records of the church. Can you give me a reason I should stay?”
He proceeds to answer with an example of a young man who had struggled with depression and suicidality.
Jeff Lundgren (https://www.symmetrysols.com/jefflundgren) hosts this episode of Mormon Mental Health Podcast to talk about the harm of Elder Rasband’s response. He is joined by:
Merri-Grace Allred, currently getting her PhD in Immunology from the University of Iowa
AJ Jano who shares his personal experiences with depression and suicidal ideation in the church
Alessandra Jacobson who is a Marriage and Family Therapist
Clair Mellenthin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Play Therapist Supervisor and author of, “Attachment Center Play Therapy: Play Therapy Proved Strategy for Child Disorders” and “My Many Colors of Me Workbook.” She is also a media expert on children and family issues.
And Michael Benjamin, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, primarily a therapist with children, adolescence and their families.
The panelists share their reactions to the response by Elder Rasband and then dive into advice for church leaders, parents and, really, all of us.
Resources discussed:
The National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
My3 – A sucide prevention app
https://my3app.org
The Trevor Project
https://www.thetrevorproject.org
To help keep this podcast going past 2020, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Hosts Jennifer White, LCSW and Jeff Lundgren, CMHC chat in this episode of Mormon Mental Health Podcast about how transitioning Mormons explore substances including coffee, alcohol, cannabis, psilocybin and ayahuasca.
Jennifer and Jeff will be presenting on this topic at the Sunstone Digital Symposium July 30th, 2020 at 3:25pm-4:25pm MST. For more information, please visit: https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/registration/
To help keep this podcast going past 2020, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Natasha Helfer Parker, Lisa Butterworth, Jenny Elledge and Tami Harris talk about alternate approaches to depression.
This episode is offered by Symmetry Solutions and shared with Mormon Mental Health Podcast.
Please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org to keep the podcast going past 2020.
*Please note that this episode contains some technical issues. We thank you for your understanding.
On this episode of Mormon Mental Health Podcast, Jimmy Bridges is joined by Emily Janes, MS, a Marriage and Family therapist about to start her doctoral program at Texas University in the fall. In this interview, Emily discusses the findings from her masters thesis where she interviewed women in the Mormon community who had experienced disaffiliation from the church.
Emily discusses “Hybrid Identity Theory” which is the main theory she used to research her topics of womanhood, identity, and church disaffiliation:
Hybrid Identity Theory is used to examine, “the encounter, conflict, and/or blending of two ethnic or cultural categories which, while no means pure and distinct in nature, tend to be understood and experienced as meaningful identity labels by members of these categories” (Lo, 2002, p. 199).
The full citation is:
Lo, M. M. (2002). Doctors within borders: Profession, ethnicity, and modernity in colonial Taiwan. University of California Press.
Please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org to keep the podcast going past 2020.
Natasha Helfer Parker is joined by Lisa Butterworth as they talk about racism and white supremacy and, in particular, how these pervasive systems affect the mental health and well-being of our communities.
This episode is offered by Symmetry Solutions and shared with Mormon Mental Health Podcast.
In lieu of donating to Mormon Mental Health Podcast, we encourage you to donate to various Black Lives Matter organizations including:
To donate to the NAACP, visit: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/naacp-1
To donate to Black Lives Matter, visit: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019
Join Natasha Helfer Parker for a fascinating and emotional discussion with Dr. Fatimah Salleh about racism within Christianity and the LDS Church. Please consider taking her upcoming 6-week workshop on dismantling racism within the LDS church. Healing and anti-racism work begins with being willing to sit in spaces where our minds and beliefs are opened and challenged. Fatimah will definitely bring that ability to the table, with a grace and spunk that speaks to my soul.
To sign up for her workshop, “Spit & Mud: The Messy Miracle of Sight,” please go to:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spit-and-mud-the-messy-miracle-of-seeing-christian-racism-tickets-109406690356?fbclid=IwAR0syLgRAixy1my2R5jCMXx6f8M83rv3t_CX6D4d7AosRy-10gKnciT0i2k
"Spit & Mud" is a six week online workshop focusing on the impact of racism within the Christian church.
In lieu of donating to Mormon Mental Health Podcast, we encourage you to donate to various Black Lives Matter organizations including:
To donate to the NAACP, visit: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/naacp-1
To donate to Black Lives Matter, visit: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019
Join Natasha for an interview with the fabulous Mica McGriggs about racial equality and social impact. Dr. McGriggs defines racism, white fragility and white supremacy and why Mormons are more vulnerable to racism. They discuss “systems” and what we as white people can do to not be complicit.
Dr. McGriggs will be offering a class for anyone to join. To find out more, please visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/racial-equity-social-impact-tickets-104768040028?fbclid=IwAR1QCgrdBfD_efgtLQCOfeOGYn12SGw11Q-TXFP-5uJ2T0wW9yFvYGN8Azk
Resources discussed in this episode:
“Religion of a Different Color: Race and the Mormon Struggle for Whiteness” by Paul Reeve
https://www.amazon.com/Religion-Different-Color-Struggle-Whiteness/dp/0199754071
“The Bridge Poem” by Donna Kate Rushin
https://www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/thebridgepoem.html
W.E.B. Du Bois and “double consciousness”
First used in an Atlantic Monthly article, “Strivings of the Negro People” in 1897: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1897/08/strivings-of-the-negro-people/305446/
More information on “Double Consciousness”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_consciousness
NAACP Legal Defense Fund
https://www.naacpldf.org
“Mormonism and White Supremacy: American Religion and The Problem of Racial Innocence” by Joanna Brooks
https://www.amazon.com/Mormonism-White-Supremacy-American-Innocence-ebook/dp/B08761ZHCP
President Russel M. Nelson’s social media statement condemning racism and pleading for peace
https://www.facebook.com/russell.m.nelson/posts/3015443371856412
Deseret News article on President Nelson’s social media statement
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-06-01/president-nelson-addresses-race-in-social-media-post-185657
To donate to the NAACP, visit: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/naacp-1
To donate to Black Lives Matter, visit: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019
Host Jeff Lundgren is joined by guest Vhari Macbeth. She talks about her research on self-compassion with LDS Woman.
You can find out more by visiting: https://www.cedarpsychiatry.com
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2020, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Join Jimmy Bridges for another episode of Mormon Mental Health Podcast. With us is Dr. Tyler Lefevor on intersections of religion, gender, sexuality, and health.
Please consider participating in the 4 Options Survey: 4optionssurvey.com
This survey is designed to identify important aspects of life and relationships for those who experience (or have experienced) same-sex sexual attractions and identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer (LGBQ), heterosexual, or with another sexual identity or reject a label who are or were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), and analyze if there are any similarities or differences between those who are:
1 - Single and celibate*
2 - Single and not celibate
3 - In a heterosexual/mixed-orientation** relationship; or
4 - In a same-sex relationship
Those in other types of relationship and single statuses are also invited to participate to expand our understanding of possible options.
This study also investigates if or how religious/spiritual issues are involved in respondents’ level of satisfaction and relationship or single status.
To find out more about Dr. Lefevor, please visit: https://www.rhodes.edu/bio/tyler-lefevor
Other resources mentioned in this podcast:
Affirmations: https://www.goaffirmations.org/about-us
Latter Gay Stories: https://lattergaystories.org
“Far Between” by Kendall Wilcox: http://farbetweenmovie.com/about/
“Voices of Hope”: https://www.northstarlds.org/voices-of-hope
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2020, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Please note there were technical difficulties so we thank you in advance for your understanding.
Join host Jimmy Bridges as he interviews Dr. Michelle Washburn-Busk, PhD, licensed marriage and family therapist, as she unpacks sneaky forms of sexism. With her recent completion of her dissertation on gender, power, and couples, and hundreds of hours of clinical experience with couples, Dr. Washburn-Busk defines and demonstrates what benevolent sexism is, what it looks like, and how to appropriately address it in couple relationships.
For more on Dr. Washburn-Busk, you can go here: https://www.andrewsinc.net/michelle-washburn-busk.html
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2020, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
On this episode of Mormon Mental Health, Natasha interviews Dr. Jimmy Bridges, PhD, LMFT, CFLE, on privilege awareness. Natasha is also excited to announce Jimmy will be one of the new hosts for Mormon Mental Health.
For more information and to contact Jimmy, please visit:
https://www.symmetrysols.com/jimmybridges
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2020, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
On this joint production with Symmetry Solutions, Natasha hosts a panel discussion with Jana Spangler, IPC, and Jenny Elledge, LMFT, to discuss LDS missionaries returning home due to COVID-19 and things families and individuals are needing to navigate unexpectedly.
To find out more about Symmetry Solutions, please visit:
symmetrysols.com
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2020, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Join Natasha Helfer Parker as she interviews Kattie and Allan Mount from the “Marriage on a Tightrope Podcast.” They will discuss this mixed-faith marriage resource as well as an upcoming 6-week online class that the three will be partnering on to help the many who need strategies and education on how to navigate mixed-faith marriage in edifying family-friendly ways.
To register for the online class, please go here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/workshop-on-a-tightrope-tickets-97487950083?fbclid=IwAR3hF9js1_H-z1aIpviwQ83RnsPiq0zKkqe6htrgjOY7rzwoEZSxV7xL1nc
To see a therapist or wellness coach, including Kattie who has just joined the Symmetry Solutions team, please visit Natasha’s online practice: symmetrysols.com
Please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org to keep the podcast going past 2020.
Jennifer White hosts this episode of Mormon Mental Health. She is joined by Wendy Christian, a psychoanalyst and licensed clinical social worker in New York City trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and trauma-focused therapy.
Prior to becoming a mental health professional, Wendy studied American Literature at BYU where she wrote her master’s thesis on women in the Book of Mormon. Subsequently, Wendy obtained a master’s degree in clinical social work at Fordham University and post-graduate training in marriage and family therapy and in psychoanalysis and religion at the Blanton-Peale Institute. Wendy has a private practice in Manhattan and can be contacted through her web site wendychristiantherapy.com.
Jennifer and Wendy discuss how an individual can make a faith transition out of Mormonism. Some of the questions Jennifer and Wendy discuss are
- What does it look like if someone is having a faith crisis?
- What advice would you give to those leaving the church in setting healthy boundaries?
- What unique challenges do Mormons face when they leave the church?
The following resources are mentioned in the episode:
A Thoughtful Faith Podcast with Gina Colvin episodes 170 & 171: Enmeshed Family Systems, Differentiation and Faith Crisis: A Discussion with Wendy Christian and Friends
THRIVE
Exponent II organization
@parenting.aftermormonism on Instagram
Thoughtful Transitions Facebook group
Mormon Spectrum in-person meet-ups
Mormon Stories Podcast Community on Facebook
Sunstone magazine, podcasts, annual conference.
Natasha interviews Cherie Burton in this episode of Mormon Mental Health. They discuss concerns with religion, Mormonism, concerns for women in Mormonism and then things you can do for self-care.
Cherie Burton is the host of the “Women Seeking Wholeness” podcast. To find out more about her and the programs she offers, visit:
https://cherieburton.com/category/womenseekingwholeness/
Please donate to Mormon Mental Health to keep this podcast going past 2020. Thank you.
From Mormon Stories, this is Part 2 of our review of the recently announced changes to the LDS Church's General Handbook of Instructions. Major changes include:
- Major changes to the church's Disciplinary Council and Exommunication processes.
- Major changes for LGBTQ Mormons, and specifically for Transgender Mormons.
- Some minor changes for women/feminists.
- Other changes to general policy.
Tonight our panel includes Natasha Helfer Parker, Gina Colvin, Anthony D. Miller, Kyle Ashworth, Samantha Taylor, and Jana Johnson Spangler.
For a comprehensive over of changes, see here:
https://www.mormonstories.org/…/a-summary-of-todays-change…/
Part 1 can be found here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1260-major-changes-to-lds-general-handbook-instructions/id312094772?i=1000466221815
Join host Jennifer White as she interviews Jesse Ellis, LCSW. Jesse shares his personal story of being a child victim of sexual abuse.
Jesse talks about about the negativity that came into his life was more from the shame rather than early introduction to sexuality.
Jesse is a therapist at Utah Valley Psychiatry and Counseling Services.
To contact him you can call his office: 801-357-7525
Or find him on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/jesse.wren.ellis
Natasha was a guest on the "Wannabe Balanced Mom" Podcast.
To find out more, visit:
http://www.wannabebalanced.com/2019/05/ep-57-healing-from-sexual-shame-w-natasha-helfer-parker/
Trigger Warning.
If you’ve experienced sexual trauma, some of the things we discuss in this episode may trigger unwanted emotions to surface.
Natasha Helfer Parker, a licensed marriage and family therapist
and certified sex therapist coaches Sean and I through sexual shame and trauma.
Natasha has 20 years experiencecounseling individuals, couples, and families. Her areas of expertise includes working within
the intersections of faith, life transitions and sexuality.
Natasha joined Braxton Dutson on his podcast, "Birds and Bees Podcast".
For more information, visit:
https://www.birdsandbeespodcast.com/ep-041-masturbation-values-and-kids-with-natasha-heifer-parker-mfr-cst/
Masturbation, There are a lot of euphemisms for the word that makes many people uncomfortable to talk about. Let’s face it, many parents are worried about what it means if their child masturbates.
If you are a parent who wants to be able to support your child in building values around masturbation while also avoiding shaming them then this episode is for you. Braxton and Natasha Heifer-Parker, MFT, CST are here to help dispel myths, talk about values, talk about masturbation, and to support parents in creating a value-centric view on masturbation. This is especially supportive for those who live in religious communities and practice themselves.
Many of us have grown up in a religious setting that explicitly or overtly teaches values about masturbation. It is difficult to be able to follow these values while also addressing the reality that the majority of children are participating in self-soothing/masturbation practices.
In this Episode we explore:
The question “when does masturbation usually start?”
Speaking to values when addressing masturbation
Different approaches to conversations about masturbation with your child.
Avoiding shame when having these (multiple) conversations.
Creating “I Do’s” in what you value, VS following a “to Do” list.
Historical views of Masturbation and how they affect us now.
Identifying what we want for our children as a sexual being later in life.
Offering a value-centric view on Masturbation in religious communities while addressing the ways we can best support our children.
Natasha Helfer-Parker, MFT, CST speaks with Braxton about being able to explore these topics, address uncomfortable situations, and improve your understanding about “The M word.”
Listen on Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcXBM6GS-Pfk9CB6ctmvLLg
Leave Birds and Bees an iTunes review https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birds-and-bees-podcast/id1201131540?mt=2
Leave a Stitcher Review https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/braxton-dutson/birds-and-bees-podcast
Birds and Bees Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/birdsandbeespodcast
Listen from our webpage Birdsandbeespodcast.com
Host Jeff Lundgren interviews "Earthly Parents" who wrote a book for his adult children, “And It Was Very Good: A Ladder-day Saints Guide to Lovemaking.” He writes the book in regards to comprehensive sexuality from a values perspective that fits within an LDS framing.
The guest goes by “Earthly Parents” to protect the privacy of his family and wife. As a parent, he writes to his children as what he wants his adult children to know about sexuality, especially going into marriage.
He talks about his background in Mormonism and then goes into the book including chapter 1 as “Our family’s Sexual Articles of Faith”.
He also shares experiences from readers after having read the book.
For a free copy, please email earthlyparents@gmail.com. You are welcome to share the PDF as well.
The book is also in audio form at Audible.com.
Kimberly Anderson joins Jennifer White in this episode of Mormon Mental Health. Kimberly shares her journey of becoming an advocate and therapist for the LGBTQIA community which includes her coming out as a trans woman as an adult. She shares her thoughts on the relationship of the LGBTQIA community and Mormonism and advice to bishops and leaders on how to address individuals who come out as transgender.
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Melody Anderson joins Jeff Lundgren on this episode of Mormon Mental Health to discuss how trauma presents in men based on their core values and beliefs. Having recently presented at a domestic violence conference, she talks to Jeff about how trauma presents itself, why it does and what men who deal with trauma can do to start the healing process. She includes resources.
To connect with Melody directly, you can email her directly at melodyjoyd@gmai.com.
To help keep Mormon Mental Health alive past 2019, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Jenny Black joins host Jeff Lundgren on this episode of Mormon Mental Health. Jenny grew up a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a rule-following member. While researching the church for a family member that left the church, she experienced a faith crisis. Through the process she gave herself permission to change her priorities which was the hardest thing for her. This is her story of her faith transition and how she saw the divine hand of God throughout the process. She shares some tips on things someone can do who finds themselves going through a similar faith transition experience.
You can find out more about Jenny at theeverythinghousewife.com.
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Natasha is excited to have colleagues begin hosting episodes of Mormon Mental Health. This is to allow for more diverse voices and to bring you, the listener, more content.
One host will be Jeff Lundgren.
Jeff is currently getting his licensing but is already participating in the field. He is a member of the Mormon Mental Health Association.
To find out more and see what Jeff is up to, please visit:
http://www.jefflundgren.com/category/advocacy/
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Natasha is excited to have colleagues begin hosting episodes of Mormon Mental Health. This is to allow for more diverse voices and to bring you, the listener, more content.
One host will be Jennifer White.
Jennifer White is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has been employed professionally in the mental health field since 2005. She is proficient in helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Jennifer works with clients in a variety of environments, such as in the office, in-home, or online.
She is well known for creating a safe environment where clients share without the fear of being judged. Jennifer has a gift to help clients achieve their highest potential.
Jennifer enjoys being committed to the therapeutic process and is passionate about supporting her clients to heal, grow, and learn. She has a great love for people and respects different perspectives and cultural experiences.
Jennifer received a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science at Utah Valley University and a Masters Degree in Social Work at Brigham Young University.
You can find out more about Jennifer by going to:
https://www.symmetrysols.com/jennifer-white
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.
From The Gift of the Mormon Faith Crisis
In this episode of The Gift of the Mormon Faith Crisis licensed marriage and sex therapist and active Mormon Natasha Helfer Parker shares with us a more effective approach to masturbation and pornography for both teens and adults.
Jennifer Limones joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health to discuss the recent training the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints released for abuse training and protection of youth and minors. Jennifer, having taken the training, shares her insights with Natasha about the training and, although it’s a step in the right direction, she validates some of the fears of it not being run by a third party, that there is no accountability as to what was involved in the training through trauma-informed lens, and of course, nothing is being done about one-on-one worthiness interviews.
To find out more about a program Jennifer feels is a more healthy approach, you can check out “Darkness to Light” by Stewards of Children by going here: https://www.d2l.org/education/stewards-of-children/
You can find out more about Sam Young’s movement, “Protect LDS Children” by going here: https://protectldschildren.org
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Shandra Petersen Harris joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health as they discuss mixed faith families and the impact of President Nelson’s recent general conference address. Shandra is majoring in clinical mental health as a graduate student, stationed in San Antonio, Texas. References from this episode: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/mormontherapist/2019/04/president-nelson-im-having-a-trust-crisis.html
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/mormontherapist/2019/06/waves-a-response-to-painful-rhetoric.html
To order Natasha’s book, “One Family, Two Views”, you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/One-Family-Two-Views-Mixed-Faith/dp/1724860100/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=one+family%2C+two+views&qid=1563153488&s=gateway&sr=8-1
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Natasha is joined on this episode by Jenny Elledge and Jana Spangler. They talk about aspects or framings of Mormon theology that can be helpful to mental health instead of detrimental. Some of the topics they include are: agency, love as the primary commandment, faith, ongoing revelation and many more. Jenny Elledge is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She works with clients with mixed faith marriages & families. You can find out more about her by going here: https://www.symmetrysols.com/jennyelledge Jana specializes in mentoring those who are going through faith transitions or wanting to work on spiritual journeys. You can find out more about Jana Spangler by going here: https://www.symmetrysols.com/jana-spangler To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Jimmy Bridges presented the following at the MO/KAN AAMFT Conference held in Kansas City, March 22, 2019.
It is titled: Therapeutic Considerations for Queer Clients with Conservative Religious Upbringings
What does it take to be queer and Christian? Clinicians working with queer clients consider the contextual factors of societal discrimination often involved in presenting problems. When queer clients come from conservative or fundamentalist religious upbringings, presenting issues and mental health can often be associated with deeply held religious beliefs. Clinicians grow in clinical competence with queer-religious clients by considering their own personally held narratives about religion, gender and sexual minority identities, and the intersection of both. This presentation will present findings from an original research project with a group religiously conservative and queer-identified adults.
Jimmy Bridges, MS, LMFT is a doctoral student in the couple and family therapy program at Kansas State University. His research looks at the experiences of sexual minorities from conservative religious settings, particularly within Mormon communities, and feminist consciousness- raising processes for majority identity holding individuals, clinicians, and researchers.. Jimmy maintains a clinical practice at Symmetry Solutions LLC out of Wichita, KS.
Please consider donating to Mormon Mental Health by going to: mormonmentalhealth.org.
Jimmy Bridges joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health. Recently Jimmy presented at a conference. His presentation was titled, “Queer Clients with Conservative Religious Upbringings: Therapeutic Considerations.” Natasha and Jimmy discuss his presentation and dig a bit deeper into his research and conclusions.
Jimmy Bridges, MS, LMFT is a doctoral student in the couple and family therapy program at Kansas State University. His research looks at the experiences of sexual minorities from conservative religious settings, particularly within Mormon communities, and feminist consciousness- raising processes for majority identity holding individuals, clinicians, and researchers. Jimmy maintains a clinical practice at Symmetry Solutions LLC out of Wichita, KS. You can find out more about Jimmy by going here: https://www.symmetrysols.com/jimmybridges
Natasha will be present at some events coming up including:
Thrive 2019: Find Healing & Joy Beyond Mormonism
June 7th-9th
http://thrivebeyondmormonism.com
Transitioning Mormons Annual Cruise
July 17th-24th
https://www.ccruiseplanner4fun.com/rw/view/83268
Sunstone Symposium
July 31st-Aug 3rd
https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/2019-salt-lake-summer-symposium/
2019 Oklahoma City, OK Mormon Faith Faith Crisis Workshop
September 13th – September 14th
https://donorbox.org/2019-oklahoma-city-faith-crisis-workshop
To help keep Mormon Mental Health alive past 2019, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
In episode 168, Natasha was joined by Kevin Kloosterman, a trained RO-DBT Therapist. RO-DBT is a more recent therapy model and Kevin shared his thoughts on the model. You can find the episode by going here:
https://www.mormonmentalhealth.org/168-kevin-kloosterman-and-ro-dbt-therapy/
In this episode, Kevin is back along with Thomas Lynch, the founder of RO-DBT. They are joined by Erica Smith Lynch, who happens to be Thomas’ wife. The group discuss the beginnings of the treatment, how Kevin became involved, and what it is which includes that it is a trans-diagnostic treatment approach with roots in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy).
Thomas Lynch is a professor Emeritus at the school of Psychology at the University of South Hampton. He was the director of the Duke Cognitive Research Program at Duke University until 2007. Currently he is the director of Emotion and Personality Biobehavioral laboratory at the University of South Hampton. He’s been the recipient of large research grants from different sources including the National Institute of Health. He is also the recipient of the John M. Road’s Psychotherapy Research Endowment and a Beck Institute Scholar.
RO-DBT and Thomas Lynch as the founder are recognized internationally. You can find out more about Thomas, including his publications by going here:
http://www.radicallyopen.net/about-the-treatment-developer/
Erica Smith Lynch is the Chief Executive of “Radically Open” and the director of treatment development and training for RO-DBT. She’s been a part of the development of this model since 2008 and has been working alongside Thomas in training therapists.
Kevin Kloosterman has been a former bishop and served on the board of the Mormon Mental Health Associations (mormonmentalhealthassoc.org). To find out more about Kevin, you can go to his website: https://relationquest.com/about-us
They reference DBT and its founder, Marsha Linehan. You can find out more about her by going here:
https://behavioraltech.org/about-us/founded-by-marsha/
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Natasha was recently a guest on Braxton Dutson’s “Birds and Bees Podcast.” Braxton is a LCSW and Certified Sex Therapist in Salt Lake City, Utah. He works at The Healing Group and can be found here:
https://www.thehealinggroup.com/therapists/2018/4/20/braxton-dutson-lcsw-cst About the episode:
Masturbation, There are a lot of euphemisms for the word that makes many people uncomfortable to talk about. Let's face it, many parents are worried about what it means if their child masturbates.
If you are a parent who wants to be able to support your child in building values around masturbation while also avoiding shaming them then this episode is for you. Braxton and Natasha Heifer-Parker, MFT, CST are here to help dispel myths, talk about values, talk about masturbation, and to support parents in creating a value-centric view on masturbation. This is especially supportive for those who live in religious communities and practice themselves.
Many of us have grown up in a religious setting that explicitly or overtly teaches values about masturbation. It is difficult to be able to follow these values while also addressing the reality that the majority of children are participating in self-soothing/masturbation practices.
In this Episode we explore:
The question "when does masturbation usually start?"
Speaking to values when addressing masturbation
Different approaches to conversations about masturbation with your child.
Avoiding shame when having these (multiple) conversations.
Creating "I Do's" in what you value, VS following a "to Do" list.
Historical views of Masturbation and how they affect us now.
Identifying what we want for our children as a sexual being later in life.
Offering a value-centric view on Masturbation in religious communities while addressing the ways we can best support our children.
Natasha Helfer-Parker, MFT, CST speaks with Braxton about being able to explore these topics, address uncomfortable situations, and improve your understanding about "The M word."
Listen on Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcXBM6GS-Pfk9CB6ctmvLLg
Leave Birds and Bees an iTunes review https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birds-and-bees-podcast/id1201131540?mt=2
Leave a Stitcher Review https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/braxton-dutson/birds-and-bees-podcast
Birds and Bees Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/birdsandbeespodcast
Listen from our webpage Birdsandbeespodcast.com
Read more at https://birdsandbeespodcast.libsyn.com/#8HRf8D8XJYV090ou.99 Check out the “Birds and the Bees Podcast” Page here: https://birdsandbeespodcast.libsyn.com Please consider donating to Mormon Mental Health by going to mormonmentalhealth.org.
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Alyson & George Deussen, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who lost a son, who identified as gay, to suicide almost three years ago after the exclusion policy had been announced. They discuss, among other things, their response to the policy reversal announced recently. Alyson and George have found a great community in affirmations. To find out more, please visit: affirmations.org To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Nathan Kitchen, President of Affirmations, and Laurie Lee Hall, SVP, join Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health. They join and discuss the impact of the reversal of the “exclusion policy”.
They focus on the approach that Affirmations uses:
- Name what is hurting you and what is wounding you
- Feel safe to name your beliefs or non beliefs
- Do so in a supportive and civil way
- Does your community allow for you to be happy right now
For more on Affirmations, please go here: https://affirmation.org
Kevin is a father of 5, dentist in Arizona, engaged to his fiancé.
Laurie Lee is a previous bishop and stake president which ended when the brethren found out she was transgender. She is an architect with a private practice in Salt lake City and Tennessee.
Several things were referenced in the podcast including:
John Bonner’s essay on the policy and what the church could have said:
https://www.facebook.com/john.bonner1/posts/10158390319904942?hc_location=ufi
Affirmations Reaction to the policy:
https://affirmation.org/reversal-of-the-november-2015-policy-on-gay-families/?fbclid=IwAR35l859YDWDpOjozGj60KrSbocX6Kmyt7dNXJ9gwuEukG93KgfDbrLTc-s
Stories and Reactions of the November 2015 Policy Reversal
https://affirmation.org/tag/nov-15-policy-gay-families-reversal/?fbclid=IwAR3gRKw3tBTHSfknnUHGA71rrGDSViUhu5avSB6vwnRMogEuB3pJJg7Ccg4
Local Chapters of Affirmations: https://affirmation.org/chapters/?fbclid=IwAR3CAV7YzUgTQhSlMSAYmbD4RNs3dNokAeAE8Xj8T6hqHGU0QTS05JD9BY4
Upcoming Affirmation Conferences and Events:
https://affirmation.org/upcoming-conferences-and-featured-events/?fbclid=IwAR32LP81Zk-jEjoJ4h11jovqX1jOnjAsUnW2rieJgbDO1IsxLlFwdat-7f4
To keep the podcast alive past 2019, please donate at https://www.mormonmentalhealth.org
In this episode of Mormon Mental Health, Natasha is joined by Fabian Markez, J. Fernando González Díaz, Luis David Trujillo & Joaquín R. Busseporp who are all members of the South American Affirmacion organization. The interview is in Spanish as Natasha feels it’s important to hear voices in Mormonism other than the classic USA voice.
To keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please become a subscriber at mormonmentalhealth.org.
In this episode of Mormon Mental Health, Natasha is joined by Sara Hughes-Zabawa, Jennifer White and Lisa Butterworth as they discuss the recent reversal of the 2015 exclusion policy surrounding children with LGBTQ+ parents not being baptized and participating in other aspects of the church.
The 4 approach the policy from a clinical perspective and how LGBTQ+ folks were affected in 2015 and now. They also address:
1) Holding space for those serving the community,
2) The complex feelings happening because of the reversal, and
3) Strategies to approaching general conference in healthy ways.
Sara recommends Greg Prince’s new book, Gay Rights and the Mormon Church:
https://www.amazon.com/Gay-Rights-Mormon-Church-Consequences/dp/1607816636/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=greg+prince&qid=1555947771&s=gateway&sr=8-1
You can see him speak in his work here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcnVagLY-lM&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1Q6or1NvFrRVDMPMUjf2Nhm8viQP4H7ANaIsFY9tC6coVI31aXPSqYfcI&app=desktop
You can find out more about the Family. Project by going here:
https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/?fbclid=IwAR2PVWFUF3tCe703UlIfmou4zi6plVxzfZP1QsRfUv0w6VZw77b8zCqsVZk
Sara Hughes-Zabawa, LSCW, lives in Montana specializing in trauma and specific women’s issues. She is a wellness coach and therapist with Symmetry Solutions.
https://www.symmetrysols.com/sara-hughes-zabawa
Jennifer White, LCSW, specializes in helping people with depression, anxiety, sexuality concerns, trauma, and faith transitions/journeys. She offers coaching/consultation and therapy services to individuals, couples and families.
https://www.symmetrysols.com/jennifer-white
Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC, is a wellness coach and therapist with Symmetry Solutions as well as the founder of the Feminist Mormon Housewives.
https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworth
http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org
BYU Faculty Members and Therapists at BYU, Marty Erickson and Michael Buxton, join Natasha on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. They discuss the group therapy they do at BYU for students surrounding sexual concerns. The program follows the “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” (ACT). CAPS (the department of counseling at BYU) is available for students and they stress confidentiality. In this episode they talk about the evolution of the therapy, what a group sessions looks like and how they’ve seen the results. Marty is a part time faculty member at BYU and is the president of the Mormon Mental Health Association. He is a licensed marriage family therapist with a masters and PhD. He has worked at BYU for over 8 years and works at Alliance Behavior Psychology in Orem. Links to Marty online: https://caps.byu.edu/node/marty-erickson https://alliancebehavioralpsychology.com/marty-erickson-phd/ Michael is a full time faculty member at BYU. He went to BYU for undergrad and went to the University of Georgia or a masters and PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. Link to Michael Buxton online: https://caps.byu.edu/node/mike-buxton Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber to help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019.
Dr. Jana Reiss and Dr. Benjamin Knoll recently released a book about a survey they performed and the results, specially about Millennials. The book started 2011 when Dr. Reiss was interested in childhood and adolescents within Mormonism. But it then changed when Jana became interested in how those children are as adults, how the religion informed them and how those teachings in childhood might affect adult retention and religiosity. She then created a survey which was to see if there was intergenerational change and difference within the Mormon community itself. The book is a result of the survey.
Natasha approaches the conversation from a mental health standpoint and, specifically, a faith transition standpoint (faith transition does not necessarily mean leaving the church). Dr. Jana Reiss has a Doctorate in American Religion and is a Columnist for Religion News Service. Dr. Benjamin Knoll is a Political Science Professor at Center College in Kentucky. He specializes in politics and religion and specifically how we can understand religious and political behavior using public opinion surveys. You can find out more about them and the book by going to: thenextmormons.org
Please consider becoming a monthly subscriber to help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019.
Ricky and Larry Siegel join Natasha to discuss cannabis and stereotypical myths surrounding its use. Recently a journalist came out with an article (soon to come out with a book) about the “truth” about marijuana. Ricky and Larry go through its arguments, debunking them with science and data. In fact, their data suggests that there are far more positives that come from the plant than negatives.
The original article can be found here:
https://imprimis.hillsdale.edu/marijuana-mental-illness-violence/
You can find out more about the Siegels at modernsextherapyinstitutes.com.
Please visit https://www.natashaparker.org/ for upcoming events. To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Zac Erickson, Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists, joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health. He shares his experience with ADHD and how he now helps those who have been diagnosed with this condition. He goes into detail about the 3 subtypes, how diagnoses are made, how to help those struggling, including parenting tips and what kind of treatments are available.
Zac practices individual and couple therapy and specializes in ADHD. He is a member of the Mormon Mental Health Association.
Please visit https://www.natashaparker.org/ for upcoming events. To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.
On this episode of Mormon Sex Info, Matt Fullmer joins Natasha to share his experience going through “Sex Addiction Treatment,” coming from the Mormon Tradition. He shares his experiences with the treatment as the church ramped up its porn rhetoric, why the treatment didn’t work for him and why he’s now better off realizing that this type of treatment is not clinically sound nor effective.
To find a certified sex therapist in your area, please visit: AASECT.org
Please visit https://www.natashaparker.org/ for upcoming events.
Recently Elder and Sister Redlunds did a talk in Hawaii for young adults regarding faith, doubt and doubters. Mike Hancey joins Natasha to discuss their reactions to the talk and how damaging it can be to those going through a faith crisis or transition.
Mike recently resigned from the church. He shares his experience going through his own personal crisis and why this talk was the catalyst to resign. He also shares his thoughts on what he would tell the Redlunds if he could.
The original talk can be found here:
https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/elder-and-sister-renlund-discuss-faith-doubt-worldwide-broadcast
Natasha and Mike discuss the gospel essays the church has recently started to come out with. You can find the links here: https://www.lds.org/topics/essays?lang=eng
Please visit https://www.natashaparker.org/ for upcoming events. To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Kevin Kloosterman, MS, LMFT, joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health. Kevin shares his experience with Radically Open-Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO-DBT). RO-DBT is an evidence-based treatment developed by Dr. Tom Lynch, PhD and is informed by over 20 years of clinical and experimental research. RO-DBT has proven to be successful in helping individuals with a wide range of challenges that have emotional over-control at their core, including persistent depression, treatment-resistant anxiety, eating disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. RO-DBT focuses on growth within three core components: openness, flexibility, and social connectedness. The goal of RO-DBT is to help individuals develop new ways of thinking and behaving that promote openness to social and environmental feedback, feelings of social safety, and ultimately the ability to form genuine connections with others. This is done through a series of skills training classes and individual therapy sessions that focus on self-enquiry, empathy, and warm acceptance of emotions, thoughts and behavior.
Kevin has been a former bishop and served on the board of the Mormon Mental Health Associations (mormonmentalhealthassoc.org). To find out more about Kevin, you can go to his website: https://relationquest.com/about-us To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.
In this episode of Mormon Mental Health, Natasha discusses the changes with the temple wording and why the changes might have mental health implications for the members of the church. She is joined by: Sarah Hughes-Zabawa, LSCW, living in Montana specializing in trauma and specific women’s issues and a wellness coach with Symmetry Solutions. https://www.symmetrysols.com/sara-hughes-zabawa Jimmy Bridges, PhD student at Kansas State University studying queer Mormon populations while clinical work mainly focuses on couples working and engaging men in the therapy process. He is also a clinician for Symmetry Solutions. https://www.symmetrysols.com/jimmybridges Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC, is a wellness coach with Symmetry Solutions and a therapist as well as the founder of the Feminist Mormon Housewives. https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworth http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org Jimmy mentions Michael Kimmel’s approach that making men aware of gender leads to equality. http://lcw.lehman.cuny.edu/academics/inter/women-studies/documents/why-men.pdf To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Tresa Edmunds joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health. Tresa is a writer, advocate and entrepreneur. In this episode she discusses her experience caring for her child who has autism spectrum disorder and what this diagnosis is about from one mom’s perspective and how to deal with it (spoiler alert: self-care.)
She discusses how her job is not to be the voice of her son but to share his voice with the world.
Tresa can be found online, going by the name of “Reese Dixon,” on Mormon Feminist Housewives: http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org/fmh-bloggers/reese-dixon/
As well as her blog: http://www.reesedixon.com
She has recently started a self-care subscription service for self-care gear which can be found at: haventreebox.com
Tresa recommends the “Ring Theory” when it comes to comfort and relationships: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/promoting-hope-preventing-suicide/201705/ring-theory-helps-us-bring-comfort-in
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Katherine Wela Bogen joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health. She is a returning guest as she recently joined Natasha to discuss false reporting when it comes to sexual assaults.
In this episode, Katherine discusses her relationship with Judaism and especially how her advocacy for it has been affected in the Trump Era.
She discusses the 8 stages of Genocide: http://www.genocidewatch.org/images/8StagesBriefingpaper.pdf
Katherine is a clinical research program coordinator at Rhode Island Hospital in the department of Psychiatry, working in violence protection research for over 3 years. A Facebook post she made in response to false reporting during the Brett Kavanaugh hearings when Christine Blasey Ford came out went viral in which she gave data on false reporting. You can find the post here:
https://www.facebook.com/katherine.bogen/posts/2141527535858774
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Katherine Wela Bogen joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health to discuss the data behind false reporting. She made a facebook post during the Brett Kavanaugh hearings when Christine Blasey Ford spoke out about her experience with Kavanaugh in high school. The post went viral and you can find it here:
https://www.facebook.com/katherine.bogen/posts/2141527535858774
Katherine is a clinical research program coordinator at Rhode Island Hospital in the department of Psychiatry, working in violence protection research for over 3 years. She started out as a pediatric violence resistant research assistant at the University of Pittsburg Medical School, working with vulnerable populations.
Bogen is currently collaborating on a chapter with her boss,Dr. Lindsay Orchowsky, and with Alan Berkowitz who was one of the founding fathers of “Social Norms Theory.” They are collaborating on a chapter that will be in “The Handbook for Interpersonal Violence” to be published in 2020. The chapter is on false reporting and how common (or uncommon) false reporting is, what some of the barriers to reporting are to begin with, how false reporting is qualified, etc.
You can find Berkowitz “An Overview of the Social Norms Approach” paper here: http://www.alanberkowitz.com/articles/social%20norms%20approach-short.pdf
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.
In this part 1 of a conversation with John Dehlin, Natasha and John discuss his research and findings when it comes to LGBBTQIA and Mix Orientation Relationships. John shares how he came into this field, how he got his data and what findings his data represents.
John Dehlin is a researcher, podcster and social activist. He has a Ph.D. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Utah State University. You can find out more about his private coaching practice here: http://www.johndehlin.com/privatepractice/
John is also the founder of Mormon Stories Podcast: https://www.mormonstories.org
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Lisa Butterworth joins Natasha to discuss her personal journey with depression. Having never had any major issues, recently Lisa finds herself battling with it. She discusses how she deals with it on a personal level but also as a mental health professional.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Lisa has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a provider at Symmetry Solutions. You can find out more about her here: https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworth
She is also the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website which you can find here: http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org.
To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Natasha Helfer Parker runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions and writes at The Mormon Therapist for Patheos: Hosting the Conversation of Faith. She also hosts the popular podcasts, Mormon Mental Health & Mormon Sex Info and creates the sex educational resource, Sex Talk with Natasha.
Michelle Washburn-Busk and Jimmy Bridges join Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health. They are both current PhD candidate students at Kansas State, working towards the Marriage and Family Therapy program.
The episode starts with Natasha sharing her background with differentiation, her education on it and how her view of it has evolved. Michelle and Jimmy talk about building off of Ryan and Deci’s “Self-Determination Theory”. They also discuss differentiation in sexuality among other things.
Michelle can be reached at: mbusk@andrewsin.net or mbusk@ksu.edu
Or at Andrews Associates in Manhattan, KS
Jimmy can be reached at jamesgb@ksu.edu. He is also a provider at Symmetry Solutions. You can find out more about him here: https://www.symmetrysols.com/jimmybridges
Some references from the episode:
“Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness” by Richard Ryan and Edward Deci
The Olson Circumplex Model
“Differentiation of Self: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives” by Peter Titelman
“Passionate Marriage” by David Schnarch
And, Michelle’s Spirit Animals:
Brené Brown: https://brenebrown.com
Sue Monk Kidd: https://suemonkkidd.com
To help Mormon Mental Health be going past 2018, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.
Mary Stanley joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health. Mary is an Art Therapist. She discusses her background and looks at how art can be applied to different treatment issues.
Mary has a BFA in Fine Arts & Psychology from Albion College and a Masters of Professional Studies in Art Therapy & Creativity development from the Pratt Institute. She is a Board Certified Art Therapist among other things.
You can find out more about Mary by going here:
https://www.thehealinggroup.com/management-team/2018/4/20/mary-stanley-cmhch-atr-bc-atcs
Or email her directly at mary@thehealinggroup.com
To help keep this podcast going past 2018, please become a monthly subscriber at mormonmentalhealth.com.
Mormon Mental Health Association Colleague, Kelly Furr, joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health.Kelly is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in Arizona and is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern in Florida. She helped with the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, in February 14, 2018, as members of the community were directly affected. Kelly shares her experience while also sharing insights into how to help victims affected by trauma.
For more information about Kelly, you can visit her website: kellyfurr.com
You can also email her at kellyfurrtherapy@gmail.com
Her areas of expertise include: Couple and Parent-Child Relationships, Spirituality and Religious Issues, Crisis Counseling After a Traumatic Event, Grief and Loss, Perfectionism, Sports and Performance Psychology, Women's Issues, Infertility, LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy, Multiculturalism and Diversity, Disabilities
Services: Therapy with Families, Couples and Individuals, Psycho-Educational Presentations, Online Coaching.
Joelle Casteix joins Natasha on this episode. Joelle is a sexual assault advocate having worked with SNAP and is currently with STOP. Joelle shares her story of sexual assault while a student at a Catholic school where the heads of the school knew what was happening, silencing her as a teenager. She goes into detail with similarities between her religion, Catholicism, and Mormonism. Natahsa and Joelle discuss what survivors can do, what leaders can do and what members/friends can do to help sexual assault victims. To visit STOP, please go to https://stop.team/ To visit SNAP, please go to http://www.snapnetwork.org/ Natasha is holding a retreat in October. For more information please go to mormonmatters.org. To see Natasha’s presentation at the Wichita Oasis on Principles of Sexual Health, you can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/WichitaOasis/videos/313996712726035/UzpfSTExMTk2NjQ0Mjc6MTAyMTMwOTU5OTUzNzA3NDg/
Summer Meyers joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health. Summer is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. As an Art Therapist she focuses on creativity as healing. Summer shares her story with Natasha about her experience with Mormonism and why she was led to be an Art Therapist as well as her experience as an Art Therapist with a particular project with clients. To view the drawings, please go here: goo.gl/g4PWs2
Summer can be reached at summer@pacificmft.com or at 424-254-9188. She has a web presence at pacificmft.com/summer-myers and a soon to be completed website at summermyers.com. Her full research project can be found at https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd/321/
Please consider donating to Mormon Mental Health to keep the podcast going past 2018. To donate, please visit mormonmentalhealth.org.
Jared and Juli Egley traveled to Wichita, KS, to share their story in detail with Natasha. Jared experienced sexual abuse as a child by his uncle who is currently serving as a bishop. Please note: explicit details are shared about the abuse As of the posting of this podcast, the area president and Jared’s Uncle’s Stake President are refusing to take any action. Natasha refers to this story in a previous episode, without using Jared and Juli’s names. To listen to episode 137, please go here: https://www.mormonmentalhealth.org/137-sex-in-the-mormon-news-april-2018/ Please consider donating to Mormon Mental Health to keep the podcast going past 2018. To donate, please visit mormonmentalhealth.org.
Due to the news of Sam Young's excommunication, we are rereleasing episode 55 from February 2015.
Sam Young organized "Protect LDS Children". You can find out more by going here: http://protectldschildren.org
.....
This week the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has once again been in the news in regards to the excommunication of one of their own: this time it’s John Dehlin of Mormon Stories – only months after the excommunication of Kate Kelly of Ordain Women. There have been lesser, yet still painful ramifications (losing callings, not being able to attain temple recommends, disfellowshipment, etc.) for members of the church on a global level as we struggle with both historical, doctrinal and social issues we may not all agree on. This is having a significant impact in many stake, ward and family systems – with frustration, anger and relationship struggles becoming unfortunate, yet common happenings.
On the evening of the news that John Dehlin was excommunicated, Natasha Helfer Parker, Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, Joanna Brooks, Dan Wotherspoon, and Brian Dillman got together via Skype audio chat to discuss various ways they personally cope with the kinds of distress such things cause, and perspectives that help heal them in times of difficulty. Their sharing is this podcast episode, which is being co-released by Mormon Matters, Rational Faiths podcast, and Mormon Mental Health podcasts. How might we experience and understand our anger in healthy ways? How do we not let our emotions get the better of us and block out wider perspectives that likely would serve us better for the long haul? Can historical and sociological frameworks help us see these recent events in greater context, help us understand ways to move forward rather than repeat negative cycles? Are there larger spiritual or existential framings that can help us make peace with the tensions life and the many things we care about seem to constantly call upon us to bear?
In a section led by Joanna Brooks, she refers to and describes this chart:
Violence Cycle
A poem for my brothers and sisters
Please listen and then share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Many thanks to The Lower Lights for the beautiful bumper music and to Brian Dillman for audio production of this podcast.
Shannon Hickman of Core Healing Counseling and Kristin Hodson of the Healing Group join Natasha on this month’s Sex in the Mormon News. On this episode, they discuss several articles which include their criticism about an article coming out of BYU Idaho that talks about why comprehensive sex ed is damaging, discussion around the Mormon Mental Health statement that recently was released about worthiness interviews and then the policy that is harmful to homosexual members in the church.
Also, Kristin tells her experience dealing with state legislature trying to teach consent in classrooms.
Links to articles:
http://www.purecouples.org/blog/2018/8/5/husbands-your-wife-isnt-a-porn-star
http://sexualwholeness.com
https://ldsmag.com/why-comprehensive-sexuality-education-does-more-harm-than-good/
They also discussed Caitlyn Ryan’s Family Acceptance Project which you can find here:
https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/people/staff/caitlin-ryan
Thank you to all that have donated to Mormon Mental Health. To donate, please go here and consider becoming a monthly supporter: www.mormonmentalhealth.org
This episode is an intimate conversation with Natasha’s close friend, Melissa, who found she was in a mixed orientation marriage several years into her Mormon marriage. At the time, Natasha was a part of Melissa’s process of uncovering her own journey. And, Natasha went on her own journey because of this situation herself, admitting her own biases.
Natasha will be co-hosting a retreat Oct 12-14 in Salt Lake City Utah on “Understanding and Navigating Healthy Perspectives and Journeys within Mormonism.” To attend, please visit: https://www.mormonmatters.org/retreats/
As always, please consider donating as the Mormon Mental Health Podcasts need your support to continue past 2018. Please donate by going here: https://www.mormonmentalhealth.org
TRIGGER WARNING
Rape and other abuse are discussed in this episode.
In March of 2018, MormonLeaks released an audio recording and transcript of McKenna Denson interviewing Joseph Bishop, MTC President during her time she was in the MTC in 1984. Bishop groomed and raped her and now Denson is bringing suit against him and the LDS Church.
McKenna joins Natasha to discuss the mental health aspects of her life as a young sexually abused child by her step father to her encounters with Bishop, and after. Natasha also dives into the cyclical responses of perpetrators and why this is problematic and shares advise on what kind of help there is and things to look out for.
McKenna’s interview with Mosaic Podcast:
https://www.mosaicpodcast.com/episodes/mormon-me-too-part-1-the-first-law-of-heaven
To help McKenna with costs of Travel & Expenses as she continues to attend legal proceedings, please go to:
https://www.gofundme.com/mtc-victims-legal-amp-travel-fund
As always, in order to keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2018, we ask that you become a donor by going to mormonmentalhealth.org.
In this episode of Mormon Mental Health, Natasha is joined by 3 women of faith: Gina Colvin, Katie Langston and Fatimah Salleh. As leaders of congregations, they discuss the mental health concerns in the construct of religion, and in particular, Mormonism. They also discuss what other communities can teach Mormonism and what Mormonism can teach these other communities.
Gina, Katie and Fatimah will be presenting at the Sunstone Symposium on July 22, 2018.
Three Witnesses
July 22, 2018 at 7pm
Community of Christ Chapel
2747 E Craig Dr, Salt Lake City
Free Event
An interfaith gathering, rooted in friendship and faith, where three women of faith share their own Christian witness of the unfolding of Jesus from the margins.
For Katie’s speech a the Protect LDS Children March in Salt Lake City, UT in March of 2018, you can find it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsrJXOzI2f4
Gina Colvin is the host of “A Thoughtful Faith” which you can find here where Fatimah joins on several episodes:
https://www.athoughtfulfaith.org
Natasha will be present at the Sunstone Symposium, presenting several times. For more information, please visit:
https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/2018-salt-lake-symposium-schedule/
As always, in order to keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2018, we ask that you become a donor by going to mormonmentalhealth.org.
https://www.mormonstories.org/houston/
https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/2018-salt-lake-summer-symposium/
Thank you to all that have donated to Mormon Mental Health. To donate, please go here and consider becoming a monthly supporter: www.mormonmentalhealth.org
Natasha Helfer Parker runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions and writes at The Mormon Therapist for Patheos: Hosting the Conversation of Faith. She also hosts the popular podcasts, Mormon Mental Health & Mormon Sex Info and creates the sex educational resource, Sex Talk with Natasha.
Sheri Winston joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Sheri is the author of "Women's Anatomy of Arousal: Secret Maps to Buried Pleasure." Natasha and Sheri discuss her book and specifically the ways in which women experience sexual pleasure. To find out more about Sheri and the work she is doing, please visit: https://intimateartscenter.com To purchase the book, please go here: https://intimateartscenter.com/shop/the-book-womens-anatomy-of-arousal/
Shannon Hickman joins Natasha on this episode of Sex in the Mormon News for June 2018. They begin the discussion with comments from an article that recently came out in the "Journal of Sex Research" called, "God, I Can't Stop Thinking About Sex! The Rebound Effect in Unsuccessful Suppression of Sexual Thoughts Among Religious Adolescents" where they discuss the research supporting the view that suppressing sexual thought only causes more damage. Natasha and Shannon then revisit the Josh and Lolly Weed blog post, "Turning a Unicorn into a Bat: The Post in Which we Announce the End of Our Marriage" and how this has affected members as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
To find out more about Shannon's practice, Core Healing Counseling, please go here: http://corehealingcounseling.com/about/
For the article discussed from the "Journal of Sex Research", please go here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2018.1461796
Natasha mentions an episode in which she interviewed BYU professor, Dr. Brian Willoughby. To listen and find out more about the episode, please go here:
https://www.mormonmentalhealth.org/104-byu-study-on-pornanxiety-correlation/
To read the blog posts by Josh and Lolly Weed that Natasha and Shannon reference, you can find them here:
http://joshweed.com/2012/06/club-unicorn-come-closet-ten-year-anniversary/
http://joshweed.com/2018/01/turning-unicorn-bat-post-announce-end-marriage/
As always, in order to keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2018, we ask that you become a donor by going to mormonmentalhealth.org.
In light of a statement on LDS.org declaring, “An inability to feel the spirit … is often a symptom of poor mental health,” Natasha Helfer Parker, MFT CSTand John Dehlin, Ph.D. are joined by our guest Matt to speak about his experiences with Mormon faith crisis, depression, and suicidality—issues he has dealt with for 20 years.
According to Matt, it makes him angry to read that his struggles were a trial, test, or blessing from God, or that he could have been healed if he had more faith, prayed, or hadn’t “sinned.” Matt believes that religious observance is not a cure for mental health illness, and in these episodes, Natasha and John discuss how Mormonism, and in particular a faith transition in the context of Mormonism, can exacerbate the symptoms of depression.
Part 1: Natasha and John discuss depression and then introduce our guest, Matt
Part 2: Matt shares his faith transition and how it affected his mental health
Part 3: Natasha, John, and Matt discuss the LDS Church’s statement regarding mental health and the ability to feel the “Spirit”
Natasha will be in Houston the beginning of July and will be attending the Sunstone Symposium at the end of July where she will be presenting multiple sessions as well as have a booth that she encourages all to stop by. For more information, please visit her website: natashaparker.org
OR
https://www.mormonstories.org/houston/
https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/2018-salt-lake-summer-symposium/
Thank you to all that have donated to Mormon Mental Health. To donate, please go here and consider becoming a monthly supporter: www.mormonmentalhealth.org
In light of a statement on LDS.org declaring, “An inability to feel the spirit … is often a symptom of poor mental health,” Natasha Helfer Parker, MFT CST and John Dehlin, Ph.D. are joined by our guest Matt to speak about his experiences with Mormon faith crisis, depression, and suicidality—issues he has dealt with for 20 years.
According to Matt, it makes him angry to read that his struggles were a trial, test, or blessing from God, or that he could have been healed if he had more faith, prayed, or hadn’t “sinned.” Matt believes that religious observance is not a cure for mental health illness, and in these episodes, Natasha and John discuss how Mormonism, and in particular a faith transition in the context of Mormonism, can exacerbate the symptoms of depression.
Part 1: Natasha and John discuss depression and then introduce our guest, Matt
Part 2: Matt shares his faith transition and how it affected his mental health
Part 3: Natasha, John, and Matt discuss the LDS Church’s statement regarding mental health and the ability to feel the “Spirit”
Natasha will be in Houston the beginning of July and will be attending the Sunstone Symposium at the end of July where she will be presenting multiple sessions as well as have a booth that she encourages all to stop by. For more information, please visit her website: natashaparker.org
OR
https://www.mormonstories.org/houston/
https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/2018-salt-lake-summer-symposium/
Thank you to all that have donated to Mormon Mental Health. To donate, please go here and consider becoming a monthly supporter: www.mormonmentalhealth.org
In light of a statement on LDS.org declaring, “An inability to feel the spirit … is often a symptom of poor mental health,” Natasha Helfer Parker, MFT CSTand John Dehlin, Ph.D. are joined by our guest Matt to speak about his experiences with Mormon faith crisis, depression, and suicidality—issues he has dealt with for 20 years.
According to Matt, it makes him angry to read that his struggles were a trial, test, or blessing from God, or that he could have been healed if he had more faith, prayed, or hadn’t “sinned.” Matt believes that religious observance is not a cure for mental health illness, and in these episodes, Natasha and John discuss how Mormonism, and in particular a faith transition in the context of Mormonism, can exacerbate the symptoms of depression.
Part 1: Natasha and John discuss depression and then introduce our guest, Matt
Part 2: Matt shares his faith transition and how it affected his mental health
Part 3: Natasha, John, and Matt discuss the LDS Church’s statement regarding mental health and the ability to feel the “Spirit”
Natasha will be in Houston the beginning of July and will be attending the Sunstone Symposium at the end of July where she will be presenting multiple sessions as well as have a booth that she encourages all to stop by. For more information, please visit her website: natashaparker.org
OR
https://www.mormonstories.org/houston/
https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/2018-salt-lake-summer-symposium/
Thank you to all that have donated to Mormon Mental Health. To donate, please go here and consider becoming a monthly supporter: www.mormonmentalhealth.org
Jennifer White, CSW, returns on this episode of Mormon Mental Health as Natasha continues her series on boundaries. In this episode, Jennifer and Natasha discuss boundaries with parents post-mission, the engagement period and then after marriage. James joins the discussion to share his experience with his in-laws in his marriage especially how he and his wife have gone through a faith transition.
Natasha finishes up the episode by giving 4 tips to help with setting boundaries with parents and in-laws.
References:
Dr. Julie Hanks
http://www.drjuliehanks.com/2017/02/01/25-things-not-to-say-to-believing-loved-ones-when-you-leave-the-church/
Natasha will be in Houston the beginning of July and will be attending the Sunstone Symposium at the end of July where she will be presenting multiple sessions as well as have a booth that she encourages all to stop by. For more information, please visit her website: natashaparker.org
OR
https://www.mormonstories.org/houston/
https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/2018-salt-lake-summer-symposium/
Thank you to all that have donated to Mormon Mental Health. To donate, please go here and consider becoming a monthly supporter: www.mormonmentalhealth.org
Natasha is joined by Braxton Dutson, CWS, in the second episode of the series discussing the letter that Camille Bailey Aagard wrote to her son about porn. This episode includes multiple references including the following: Al Vernacchio’s “For Goodness Sex” https://www.amazon.com/Goodness-Sex-Changing-Sexuality-Values/dp/0062269518 David Ley “Ethical Porn for Dicks” https://www.amazon.com/Ethical-Porn-Dicks-Responsible-Pleasure-ebook/dp/B01M67PXK9/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 Paul Malan “The Naked People In Your iPod” https://medium.com/@ungewissen/the-naked-people-in-your-ipod-f770a27fdb59 Mormon Sex Info episode with Paul Malan “The Naked People In Your iPod” http://www.mormonsexinfo.com/69-naked-people-in-ipod Marty Klein Porn Literacy Checklist https://www.yourtango.com/experts/martyklein/porn-literacy-checklist-for-talking-to-kids-middle-school-age-and-older Braxton Dutson and Al Vernacchio on the “Birds and Bees Podcast” “Teaching Values in Sexual Health with Al Vernacchio” http://www.birdsandbeespodcast.com/021-teaching-values-in-sexual-health-with-al-vernacchio/ Please check out the podcast Braxton hosts, “Birds and the Bees” http://www.birdsandbeespodcast.com/
Linda Swayne Gifford joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health. At the age of 68, Linda came out last fall as transgender. She shares her story with Natasha which includes the effect it had on her family, the church’s response and how all of this accumulated and affected her mental health. References discussed in this episode: The Gender Bread Person http://itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2012/03/the-genderbread-person-v2-0/ To read the guest blog post Linda wrote, please view it here: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/mormontherapist/2018/04/lds-church-why-are-you-afraid-to-minister-to-and-include-transgender-members.html For ecclesiastical leaders wondering how to help, please visit Symmetry Solutions and book a free hour consultation: symmetrysols.com
Please consider donating to Morman Mental Health if you’d like to see this program continue after 2018: https://www.mormonmentalhealth.org
Kristyn Decker joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Mental Health. Having been the child of polygamous prophet, Kristyn shares her journey of being part of a polygamous group and also her post-fundamentalist life. She shares her experience with sexuality as a fundamentalist, her experience going on the show “Sister Wives” and then Natasha and Kristyn dive into the doctrines used to keep people dedicated to the group.
Kristyn is the author of “Fifty Years in Polygamy: Big Secrets and Little White Lies”:
https://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Years-Polygamy-Secrets-Little/dp/145255000X
Other references referred to in the episode include:
Lindsay Hansen Park’s “Year of Polygamy” Podcast which you can find at yearofpolygamy.com
You can find out more about “Sister Wives” by going to tlc.com/tv-shows/sister-wives/
As always, please consider donating to Mormon Mental Health by going to mormonmentalhealth.org
On this episode of Mormon Mental Health, Natasha is joined by Karin Franklin Peter who is a Community of Christ minister and serves on the Council of Presidents of Seventy. Natasha and Karin discuss Karin's personal spiritual journey in the church, the reaction by members in the church and current changes taking place.
Natasha sums up the episode by mentioning some of the mental health practices that Karin and the Community of Christ employ that both Mormons and non-Mormons alike can learn from.
For more information on the Community of Christ, please visit their website:www.cofchrist.org
Karin also hosts a Community of Christ podcast, Project Zion Podcast. To find out more, please visit: projectzionpodcast.org/tag/community-of-christ/
Thank you to all that have donated to Mormon Mental Health. To donate, please go here and consider becoming a monthly supporter: www.mormonmentalhealth.org
Natasha Helfer Parker runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions and writes at The Mormon Therapist for Patheos: Hosting the Conversation of Faith. She also hosts the popular podcasts, Mormon Mental Health & Mormon Sex Info and creates the sex educational resource, Sex Talk with Natasha.
Sarah Hughes-Zabawa, LCSW, and Jennifer White, CSW, join Natasha to discuss consent and ways that we can better equip ourselves whether as leaders in the church, family members, supports and allies for anyone that has had to deal with any type of sexual assault.
Discussed in this topic are articles including, Myths about Rape and How to Teach Consent to Kids from everydyafeminism.com:
https://everydayfeminism.com/2015/02/how-to-teach-consent-to-kids/
Natasha Helfer Parker runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions and writes at The Mormon Therapist for Patheos: Hosting the Conversation of Faith. She also hosts the popular podcasts, Mormon Mental Health & Mormon Sex Info and creates the sex educational resource, Sex Talk with Natasha.
Kristin Marie Bennion and Amy Heffernan join Natasha as they discuss current topics in Mormonism surrounding sexuality. They discuss the term "non-consensual immorality" and how this is not a "thing," the Protect LDS Children movement, the situation surrounding Joseph Bishop and go into depth of one man's experience who found his sexual perpetrator was recently called to be a bishop.
During the conversation, Natasha realizes she is a mandatory reporter for this man's experience. As she processes the situation with Kristin and Amy, she realizes she needs to report the perpetrator. Please note that Natasha consulted with her professional ethics/legal board and has placed a call to child protective services in regards to the case discussed in the podcast.
To view the the talk Natasha gave for the Protect LDS Children march in Salt Lake City, please go here: www.facebook.com/ProtectLDSChildren/videos/1801423469921921/
Thank you to all that have donated to Mormon Mental Health. To donate, please go here and consider becoming a monthly supporter: www.mormonmentalhealth.org
Jim Summers joins Natasha as he discusses his sexual orientation and how it didn't fit the traditional LDS mold and specifically the impact that it had on him, the choices he made and where he's at today.
Thank you to all that have donated to Mormon Mental Health. To donate, please go here and consider becoming a monthly supporter: www.mormonmentalhealth.org
Natasha Helfer Parker hosts a panel with Shannon Hickmanand Kristin Marie Bennion where they all help a mom, Camille Bailey Aagard, go through a letter she wrote to her son in regards to her concerns about pornography.
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Milena Garcia Skollar, member of the Mormon Mental Health Association, about preventing sexual abuse from a parenting perspective, educating kids, treatment options, etc. especially in light of the many conversations currently taking place in the Mormon church in regards to consent, sexual assault, and how the church has historically handled these types of situations.
Natasha Helfer Parker and Tim Birt, both mental health professionals and members of the Mormon Mental Health Association, have a discussion and response in regards to the guidelines that were updated and released yesterday by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in regards to preventing and responding to abuse.
Natasha wanted to release this tonight... but will be offering more of the links mentioned within the interview in the following days.
Mormon leaders unveil new rules allowing another adult in room for interviews
First Presidency Directs Leaders to Prevent and Respond to Abuse
Preventing and Responding to Abuse Resource Document
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews a prior bishop... who is choosing to remain anonymous due to a variety of concerns he has about talking about these topics to begin with (i.e. confidentiality of those he has served as a bishop, confidentiality of his own family situation and legal protection for sharing what he is talking about today). He will go by "Dave" in this interview and his voice has been altered to protect his identity.
Dave reached out to me due to my involvement with the protectldschildren.org movement where we are asking the church to consider stopping one-on-one bishop interviews where minors are asked about sexual behavior.
He is sharing his own experiences that he had as a father where one of his children had been molested in their ward building. He shares the experience he had with his wife as they tried to deal with this concern within the church system and how that ended up being futile. He also shares his experience with the church "hotline" that is supposed to help in these situations... and is very clear about the expectations members should have (or not have) when it comes to the system that is currently in place.
Dave also speaks about his own experience serving as a bishop and the types of training that were available, the guidance given when he himself was in a situation where people were reporting abuse, etc.
His main message to listeners throughout the podcast is to gain a clear understanding of the legalities involved and how the church is in of itself a legal entity and will act as such (whether one considers this ethical/moral or not). And therefore, to make sure that as a victim or as a parent of a victim you are contacting appropriate authorities and resources... and not rely on the church to be a player in solving these issues.
protectldschildren.org
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Jenn Adams in regards to her experience being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Jen comes from a Mormon background and she tells her story not only from a clinical perspective… but also how her religious framing affected how she perceived aspects of her mental health and treatment options. They discuss lots of common issues people face: how does one separate their own identity from a mental health diagnosis, role of family history & mental health, how manic episodes can influence impulsive behaviors that then get caught up in ecclesiastic disciplinary processes, and how spirituality and emotions can get conflated within clinical symptoms. They also talk about some of the things that ecclesiastical and auxiliary leaders can be aware of when ward members might present with these medical issues.
Mentioned during podcast:
Living with Bipolar Disorder as a Spouse Part 1
Living with Bipolar Disorder as a Spouse Part 2
Living with Bipolar Disorder as a Spouse Part 3
Sunstone
12 Ways to Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder
Natasha Helfer Parker runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions and writes at The Mormon Therapist for Patheos: Hosting the Conversation of Faith. She also hosts the popular podcasts, Mormon Mental Health & Mormon Sex Info and creates the sex educational resource, Sex Talk with Natasha.