Mormon Sex Info: Recent Episodes
Natasha Helfer Parker
This episode is being re-released for your enjoyement. Please enjoy the episode.
Natasha Helfer interviews Dr. Gina Ogden, PhD, LMFT (August 9, 1935 – November 2, 2018) on one of the most common complaints that get brought to sex therapists: low female sexual desire.
Gina shares years of experience where she helps us ask pivotal questions to break this construct apart. What is it that we desire? Do women give themselves permission to experience pleasure? Gina instructs on her 4-dimensional model approach to what she calls the Integrative Wheel of Sexual Experience – where we delve into Body, Mind, Heart and Spirit. Walking through these four dimensions is an approach that allows one to take a holistic approach to such things as libido or erotic differences in partnerships.
Gina Ogden is an award-winning sex therapist, family therapist, researcher, teacher, and author. She is founder of the Relational Sexuality Network, an international collaboration of practitioners whose mission is to expand the practice of therapy and sex therapy beyond limiting notions of function and dysfunction to include a wide range of diversity and experience. She conducts retreats and trainings internationally, lectures widely, leads tele-seminars attended by professionals all over the world, and has appeared in the media from talk radio to the Oprah Winfrey Show. She supervises and trains sex therapists, physicians, nurses, social workers, family therapists, and other health providers in the Four-Dimensional Wheel approach, to broaden their understanding of sexual experience. She conducted the only nationwide survey on integrating sexuality and spirituality. She is the author of ten books. Her most recent books for a general readership (all published by Trumpeter) are: The Return of Desire (2008) and The Heart & Soul of Sex (2006). The 3rd edition of Women Who Love Sex, was published in 2007. Her books for a professional readership (all published by Routledge) are: Expanding the Practice of Sex Therapy: An Integrative Model for Exploring Desire and Intimacy, (2012) and Extraordinary Sex Therapy: Creative Approaches for Clinician (2015)—an edited collection of innovative and creative approaches from colleagues in the US and the UK. Her 4-D Wheel workbook for clinicians is : Exploring Desire & Intimacy: Innovative Approaches, Practical Applications–due in September, 2016. Links to resources that are covered during the podcast: Lessons From Women Who Love Sex – Poster graciously offered by Gina Ogden The Return of Desire: A Guide to Rediscovering your Sexual Passion by Gina Ogden Exploring Desire & Intimacy: Innovative Approaches, Practical Applications (due out in September of 2016) Kristin Hodson of the Healing Group and author of Real Intimacy: A Couples Guide for Genuine, Healthy Sexuality The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future by Riane Eisler
You can find out more on her website.
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
This episode is being re-released for your enjoyement. Please enjoy the episode.
Natasha Helfer interviews Richard and Lawrence Siegel, in the continuing discussion of why the framing of sexual issues as addiction is problematic. What are the neurological/medical explanations currently taking place within the sexual field? What are the diagnostic implications? What is the research that has been happening for the last 20 years on these issues? Is research interpreted and applied correctly? What do many of the terms being thrown around even mean? And can evidence-based/peer-reviewed research truly be found to support the addiction model for treating sexual problems? What happens when we look at our sexual behavior from the lens of it being broken, and even diseased? How does this affect such things as personal and relational trust? What are some of the issues that we should be talking or concerned about when it comes to sexual functioning? How should we treat and address sexual problems if we are not going to use an addiction model?
Richard M. Siegel, LMHC, CST is a Florida-licensed Mental Health Counselor, Director of the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, a Florida Board Certified Sex Therapist and Qualified Supervisor, and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Supervisor of Sex Therapy, and Provider of Continuing Education. He has a rich experiential background, including over 20 years as a sexuality educator and fifteen years in private sex therapy practice. In addition to his private practice in Boca Raton, Florida, Mr. Siegel is an adjunct faculty member at Palm Beach State College and enjoys a national reputation as a respected trainer, supervisor and conference presenter.
Lawrence Siegel, MA is a Clinical Sexologist and sexuality education consultant. He is the founder and serves on the Board of Directors of Sage Institute for Family Development, a non-profit training and counseling center in Florida. Larry sits on the faculties of several colleges, universities and training institutions, and is nationally recognized as a leader in the fields of sexuality, sexual development, sexual pharmacology, and medical sexology.
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Natasha is joined by Dr. Betty Martin to discuss consent on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast.
The Art of Receiving and Giving: The Wheel of Consent is based on the work of Betty Martin, over her 30+ years of working hands-on with patients, clients, and students. Over the last couple of years, she has been graciously assisted by Robyn Dalzen, who helped her get the book over the finish line. Dr. Betty Martin has had her hands on people professionally for over 40 years, first as a Chiropractor and upon retiring from that practice, as a certified Surrogate Partner, Sacred Intimate, and Somatic Sex Educator. Her explorations in somatic-based therapy and practices informed her creation of the framework, The Wheel of Consent®. As part of her work with the School of Consent, Betty travels around the world teaching practitioners how to create empowered agreements in their client sessions, in her highly sought-after training “Like A Pro: The Wheel of Consent for Practitioners.” Originally developed as an offering to teach much-needed consent skills to sex workers and touch providers, this training is now attended by somatic therapists, massage therapists, sexuality educators, medical and health care workers, activists, human resources folks and the spectrum of touch-based professional providers – all of whom complete the training with a clear understanding of how consent starts with our own bodies, and then expands outwards into all forms of human relating, with or without touch.
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
This episode is being re-released for your enjoyement. Please enjoy the episode. Natasha has an upcoming group that you can sign up for: Pornography Dilemma Online Group with Natasha This group has been developed to help couples overcome the common struggles with pornography use within the marital contract. During this group, we will: Begin to deal with and repair the typical secrecy/betrayal cycles that have historically occurred in the relationship with sexual media. Understand evidence-based information about sexual media allowing well-informed decisions to be made based on science and our values instead of myths and folklore. Help couples understand the importance of balancing the need for individual autonomy and relational connection that can often feel contraindicated. Learn to move from “ownership” models of sexuality to “partnership” models of sexuality. Guide couples through agreement work based on principles of sexual and marital health (honesty, shared values, transparency, and differentiation). Begin repairing trust and building a relationship where relational, erotic sexuality can flourish if that’s what both partners want moving forward. WHEN: TUESDAYS 8 PM MT November 5, 12, 19, 26 & December 3, 10, 17 WHERE: Online Register here: https://symcounseling.com/group-registration/ or call: 1-208-391-7804 Go here for more: https://symcounseling.com/pornography-dilemma/ Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. Joe Kort, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist on his latest Psychology Today article called, https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/understanding-the-erotic-code/201511/why-i-am-no-longer-sex-addiction-therapist Why I am No Longer a Sex-Addiction Therapist (a great follow up to Episode 1: Porn Addiction: Is it Real?). They cover a wide range of topics, including: What is the history of the sex addiction model? Why (at least initially) can this model be helpful? What are some of the reasons why the sex addiction model does not offer long-term success for many? How do we go about defining and treating out of control sexual behavior? What role does past trauma play? What role does sexual shaming play? What role does secrecy play? What is the difference between secrecy and privacy? What role do other mental health diagnoses play? How do we go about supporting and defining healthy sexuality? How do we make room for our own and our spouse's erotic interests? How do we deal with the tension between religious values/teachings and the sexual desires/tastes/fantasies an individual or couple are experiencing? Be aware that Dr. Kort shares some frank clinical examples from his practice that include some sexual details. Dr. Joe Kort is a leading expert on sex and relationships. He specializes in Out-of-Control Sexual Behaviors, Relationship Problems and Marital Conflict, Sex Therapy, and Sexual Identity Concerns, Depression, Anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. His practice is located in Royal Oak, Michigan but he welcomes clients from all over the Metro Detroit area. Dr. Kort is also available for long-distance coaching and consultation. Dr. Kort graduated from Michigan State University with dual majors in Psychology and Social Work. At Wayne State University, he earned his Master's in Social Work (MSW), then a Master’s (MA) in Psychology, and has received his Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical Sexology from the American Academy of Clinical Sexologists (AACS). To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening. And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
This episode is being re-released for your enjoyement.
Please enjoy the episode.
Natasha has an upcoming group that you can sign up for:
Pornography Dilemma Online Group with Natasha
This group has been developed to help couples overcome the common struggles with pornography use within the marital contract.
During this group, we will:
- Begin to deal with and repair the typical secrecy/betrayal cycles that have historically occurred in the relationship with sexual media.
- Understand evidence-based information about sexual media allowing well-informed decisions to be made based on science and our values instead of myths and folklore.
- Help couples understand the importance of balancing the need for individual autonomy and relational connection that can often feel contraindicated.
- Learn to move from “ownership” models of sexuality to “partnership” models of sexuality.
- Guide couples through agreement work based on principles of sexual and marital health (honesty, shared values, transparency, and differentiation).
- Begin repairing trust and building a relationship where relational, erotic sexuality can flourish if that’s what both partners want moving forward.
WHEN: TUESDAYS 8 PM MT
- November 5, 12, 19, 26 & December 3, 10, 17
WHERE: Online
Register here: https://symcounseling.com/group-registration/
or call: 1-208-391-7804
Go here for more: https://symcounseling.com/pornography-dilemma/
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. Nicole Prause, founder of the Sexual Psychophysiology and Affective Neuroscience (SPAN) Laboratory, in regards to the research she has personally done (and is aware of) concerning our relationships with pornography and erotic viewing materials.
They cover all types of topics such as: What are some common correlations that are made in regards to porn viewing research that are completely inaccurate? Are we aware that those who view porn tend to be more egalitarian in their relationships? Why does it matter if we call problematic behavior by the right name (i.e. addiction vs. compulsivity vs. out-of-control, etc.)? Did you know that women respond to erotica in similar ways as men do and even share similar sexual tastes? Did you know that people who view erotic films report having increased desire for sexual activity with their spouse/partner? Objectification of women is definitely a problem, but violence? Not so much. Did you know that those who report having “out of control” behavior with porn viewing actually watch the same or less than those who don’t identify with having a problem? And that research is now showing that those who see their behavior as problematic tend to come from religious or conservative backgrounds?
Get up to date with what we think is science versus what is actually science in regards to positives and negatives that can come from porn/erotic viewing.
Nicole Prause obtained her PhD at Indiana University with joint supervision from The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction in 2007. Her concentrations were in neuroscience and statistics. She completed her APA/APPIC clinical internship at the Boston Consortium. Her clinical rotations were in neuropsychological assessment and behavioral medicine; her research fellowship was at Harvard University in alcoholism treatment. She was promoted to Associate Scientist at UCLA in 2014. Current laboratory interests include primary rewards, transcranial brain stimulation, and approach motivation.
She is licensed as a psychologist in the state of California. Dr. Prause currently holds positions as the founder of Liberos LLC, an independent research institute, and Data Scientist in Los Angeles.
Resources mentioned during podcast:
Religion, Spirituality and Sexual Addiction: A Critical Evaluation of Converging Fields Position of the Mormon Mental Health Association
Trib Talk: Porn and Public Health Treating Out of Control Behavior by Doug Braun-Harvey and Michael Vigorito
Other Resources: Prause et al. (2015) the latest falsification of addiction predictions Other subjects mentioned: Masters and Johnson The Meese Report Lifestar Network Fight the New Drug
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Natasha is joined by Rachel Larsen on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Rachel Larsen interviews Natasha Helfer about the types of issues couples come into therapy in regards to distress about porn use. They also discuss an upcoming support/educational group.
Pornography Dilemma Online Group with Natasha
This group has been developed to help couples overcome the common struggles with pornography use within the marital contract.
During this group, we will:
- Begin to deal with and repair the typical secrecy/betrayal cycles that have historically occurred in the relationship with sexual media.
- Understand evidence-based information about sexual media allowing well-informed decisions to be made based on science and our values instead of myths and folklore.
- Help couples understand the importance of balancing the need for individual autonomy and relational connection that can often feel contraindicated.
- Learn to move from “ownership” models of sexuality to “partnership” models of sexuality.
- Guide couples through agreement work based on principles of sexual and marital health (honesty, shared values, transparency, and differentiation).
- Begin repairing trust and building a relationship where relational, erotic sexuality can flourish if that’s what both partners want moving forward.
WHEN: TUESDAYS 8 PM MT
- November 5, 12, 19, 26 & December 3, 10, 17
WHERE: Online
Register here: https://symcounseling.com/group-registration/
or call: 1-208-391-7804
Go here for more: https://symcounseling.com/pornography-dilemma/
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Natasha is joined by Ian Kerner on this episdoe of the Natasha Helfer Podcast.
Ian Kerner, PhD, LMFT is the co-Director of the sex therapy program at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy and contributes regularly on the topic of sexual health for CNN. He is the New York Times best-selling author of "She Comes First" (Harper Collins) which has been translated into more than a dozen languages and he maintains a private practice in NYC dedicated to honoring the centrality of sexuality in his patients’ lives.
Natasha and Ian discuss sexual scripts and also refer to another one of his books, "So Tell Me About the Last Time You Had Sex: Laying Bare and Learning to Repair Our Love Lives."
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Natasha is joined by Kerry Pray in this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. Kerry recently wrote and edited a book, "The Book of Queer Mormon Joy."
The story of queer Mormons is one that some might not expect to be joyful. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has traditionally asserted that queerness is counter to God’s plan and that gender as determined at birth is eternal. Any marriage other than a monogamous pairing of male and female is “counterfeit.” So called “wickedness,” we are told, “never was happiness.”
But queer Mormons tell different stories—stories filled with joy. This collection includes essays by queer Mormons across the LGBTQ spectrum who, when they looked inside themselves, found divinity rather than sin. Stories by people who are made exactly as they are meant to be, and live accordingly.
Queer Mormons who feel forced out of the institutional church don’t typically find despair on the outside or abandonment by the divine. Instead, their lives are rich and beautiful—made all the more so by the struggle. The Book of Mormon tells us, “Men are that they might have joy.” The Book of Queer Mormon Joy affirms that trans, nonbinary, intersex, asexual, bisexual, polyamorous, and gay people have joy. Joy is for everyone.
You can find the book on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Book-Queer-Mormon-Joy/dp/1560854707/ref=sr_1_1?crid=33OVKFYI67VX8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YRC_CZZ0YUwO6QFhgGCjJDqn9HF54WHVihKSkZgc9ni_ldetq47Cfc2uv4Igd00KbXtw7qNXYuEwLk7-zHvkAoiQnr3qkIF2HGcmvBRt5p4.zwrYIQb7yp3EGLukxuthKzpwVsd8nUkkDL5_XB_tzN0&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+book+of+queer+mormon+joy&qid=1724816170&sprefix=the+book+of+queer+mormon+joy%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Evita "Lavitaloca" Sawyer joins Natasha on this episode on the Natasha Helfer Podcast! They discuss all things nonmonogamy.
To find out more about Evita, check out her instagram profile @lavitaloca34:
https://www.instagram.com/lavitaloca34/?hl=en
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Natasha is joined by other providers on the Symmetry team to discuss current events, in particlar, the recently released Trans policy by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Natasha is joined in this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast by one of her providers, Sara Rands, ACMHC, to discuss "Faith Transitions and Existential Therapy".
You can find out more on Sara by going here: https://symcounseling.com/sara-rands/
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Natasha is joined by other providers on the Symmetry team to discuss current events.
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Natasha sat down with Brittney Hartley, the author of "No Nonsense Spirituality."
If you're looking for a fresh perspective on spirituality without the need for blind belief, this is the perfect listen for you. Listen to discover practical tips and insights for incorporating spirituality into your everyday life.
You can find out more by going here: https://nononsensespirituality.com
and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nononsensespirituality/
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Dr. Marie Thouin joined Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. Dr. Thouin is the author of the exciting new book "What is Compersion? Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships." Can you believe this is the first scholarly comprehensive book on compersion?!
Pre-order the book now! https://amzn.to/3xaeNBP You can find out more at: whatiscompersion.com
She is also on Instagram at: @love_insight_dating
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Trisha Jensen joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast as they discuss mixed faith marriages.
Trisha Jensen is a Wellness coach with six years of coaching experience. She works with individuals, couples, and families struggling with faith crises, faith transitions, and navigating inter-faith relationships. Building trust, establishing healing pathways, and encouraging personal growth are hallmarks of Trisha’s coaching style and experience.
You can find more on Trisha here: https://symcounseling.com/trisha-jensen/
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Natasha is joined by Rita Rutland to discuss holistic medicine, ketamine and wellness. She runs Restorative Halth Primary Care and Ketamine Clinic. She is a Family Nurse practitioner and primarily specializes in adult medicine. Her focus is health promotion rather than disease management. Lifestyle modification rather than medications. Her background is alternative health and sports medicine.
She grew up in Japan immersed in holistic medicine and was a personal trainer before transitioning into a nursing career. She worked over 15 years as a nurse before becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
She provides a fee for service/concierge medicine tailored to the needs of her patients; phone consults, telemedicine, and in office appointments.
You can find out more at: restorativehealthprimarycare.com
You can text! Include your name and what kind of treatment you're looking for.
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
On this podcast of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Natasha is joined by Allison Shiffler (@therapywithallison_) for a live discussion on repressed sexuality and the religious culture of shame, and more specifically, how this affects individuals in the context of sex addiction, impulsive behavior, hookup trauma, and the pain of hiding what could be healthy authenticity. Allison can be found on: Psychology today To schedule time with Allison, visit the link in her instagram bio: https://www.instagram.com/therapywithallison_/ You can also check out her website: https://www.therapy-with-allison.com Natasha also has openings for new clients: https://symcounseling.com To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Natasha is joined by other providers on the Symmetry team to discuss current events.
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Natasha is joined by Natalie Henry on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. Natalie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) in Washington State. Natalie has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Westminster University in Salt Lake City, Utah. Natalie has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah with a minor in English.
For more on Natalie, check out her website: https://www.nataliehenrytherapy.com
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Natasha is joined by Jordan Rullo to discuss couples sex therapy! Jordan is a Board Certified Clinical Health Psychologist, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Sex Therapy Supervisor, and Certified Gottman Therapist. She is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality treatment based on the latest research and evidence. Therapy with her is interactive, involves weekly homework, and is focused on meeting your treatment goals.
For more, you can visit her website: https://www.jordanrullo.com
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Jonathan Alder joins Natasha on this episode of the podcast. Jonathan shares his experience of being gay while at BYU. He recently wrote a book, "Closeted," sharing his experience. You can find out more on his webiste:
http://jonathan-alder.com/books/closeted.php
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember:
Register now for Natasha’s upcoming “Reclaiming Female Sexuality” workshop. Use Promo code: GIRLSDAY to buy 3 tickets or more for $165 each. Make sure to include the names of the others in your group in the comments at checkout. To register, go to: natashahelfer.com/retreat
Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Natasha is joined by other providers on the Symmetry team to discuss current events.
For more on RAINN, go to: rainn.org
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember:
Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Read More
This was so exciting to be able to collaborate with Mormon Stories in interviewing the one and only Emily Nagoski regarding her new book Come Together - talking about long term relationships and sexuality. Such a relevant topic for everyone! and especially relevant for couples who are deconstructing high demand religion... and renegotiating their sex lives... with so many potential myths and stories that are not helpful nor accurate.
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember:
Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Melanie Macatee joins Natasha on this episode of the podcast. She shares her journey about finding herself through religious trauma.
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember:
Register now for Natasha’s upcoming “Reclaiming Female Sexuality” workshop. Use Promo code: GIRLSDAY to buy 3 tickets or more for $165 each. Make sure to include the names of the others in your group in the comments at checkout. To register, go to: natashahelfer.com/retreat
Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
Trisha Jensen, ICF, joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast as they discuss various weight loss drugs including the benefits, risks and controversies. As a certified nutrition coach, Trisha also works with clients struggling with body image, weight loss, and relationship with food. She has several years of experience helping clients recognize the connection between nutrition and mental health.
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember:
Register now for Natasha’s upcoming “Reclaiming Female Sexuality” workshop. Use Promo code: GIRLSDAY to buy 3 tickets or more for $165 each. Make sure to include the names of the others in your group in the comments at checkout. To register, go to: natashahelfer.com/retreat
Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
You can now register for “Unwind Together” an exclusive retreat for couples, October 3rd-6th, 2024, and use the code: UNWIND225 for an early bird discount. To register, go to: natashahelfer.com/retreat
Natasha is joined by other providers on the Symmetry team to discuss current events.
For more on them:
Trisha Jensen, ICF: https://symcounseling.com/trisha-jensen/
Michelle Peets, LCSW: https://symcounseling.com/michelle-peets-2/
Sally "Sal" Osborne, Wellness Coach: https://symcounseling.com/sal-osborne/
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember:
Register now for Natasha’s upcoming “Reclaiming Female Sexuality” workshop. Use Promo code: GIRLSDAY to buy 3 tickets or more for $165 each. Make sure to include the names of the others in your group in the comments at checkout. To register, go to: natashahelfer.com/retreat
Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
You can now register for “Unwind Together” an exclusive retreat for couples, October 3rd-6th, 2024, and use the code: UNWIND225 for an early bird discount. To register, go to: natashahelfer.com/retreat
Natasha sat down down with the well-respected sex therapist and author of the thought-provoking book "The Existential Importance of the Penis" Daniel Watter. Together they delve into deep discussions about masculinity, sexuality, and the complexity of the male experience. To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember:
Register now for Natasha’s upcoming “Reclaiming Female Sexuality” workshop. Use Promo code: GIRLSDAY to buy 3 tickets or more for $165 each. Make sure to include the names of the others in your group in the comments at checkout. To register, go to: natashahelfer.com/retreat
Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
You can now register for “Unwind Together” an exclusive retreat for couples, October 3rd-6th, 2024, and use the code: UNWIND225 for an early bird discount. To register, go to: natashahelfer.com/retreat
Natasha discusses ketamine and how it can be beneficial for a myriad of factors for you. She is joined by Jake Clark-Bellenfant, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC and Medical Director and Provider at Symmetry Solutions. Jake oversees and provides psychiatric evaluations and follow-up care for those receiving Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and medication management. He received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Utah and graduated from the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Vanderbilt University.
Jake has 12 years of professional experience in Mental Health and has worked with both youth and adults with a variety of mental health diagnoses in residential, inpatient, correctional, and outpatient settings as a psych tech, Registered Nurse, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
For more on Jake, go here: https://symcounseling.com/jake-bellenfant/
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.
And remember:
Register now for Natasha’s upcoming “Reclaiming Female Sexuality” workshop. Use Promo code: GIRLSDAY to buy 3 tickets or more for $165 each. Make sure to include the names of the others in your group in the comments at checkout. To register, go to: natashahelfer.com/retreat
Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.
You can now register for “Unwind Together” an exclusive retreat for couples, October 3rd-6th, 2024, and use the code: UNWIND225 for an early bird discount. To register, go to: natashahelfer.com/retreat
The latest episode of The Natasha Helfer Podcast featured an insightful conversation with Sally Osborne on the challenges that lesbians and queer folks face within the LDS church. Listen as Natasha and Sal dive deep into these topics and explore ways to create a more inclusive and understanding community. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha and Aimee are getting into the "weed" in this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast! They dived into the intriguing world of cannabis and sexuality. Curious about the impact of cannabis on intimacy, pleasure and connection? Check out the episode! This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I was so excited to have had the Siegel brothers back on the show to talk about all the language that gets thrown around - consistently in clinically inaccurate ways. Especially in conservative and high-demand religious communities, the term “addiction” gets used not only by lay people, but other mental health professionals, in ways that pathologize people’s sexuality.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Carah Burrell joins Natasha on this episode to discuss her journey.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Tara Olson and Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST-S discuss recent legislative updates in the state of Utah which affects all kinds of minority populations. It is appalling to see the backwards steps that are being taken in conservative, religiously motivated states throughout the country that are not abiding by evidence-based research and everything we know about social justice, relational health and mental health. The ramifications of these legislations harm people, have immediate effects, and even criminalize folks in ways that can have lifelong impacts.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I interviewed Preston Hobbs, ACMHC - who currently works for me at Symmetry Solutions, on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. I am so grateful he was willing to get so personal about his experience growing up Latter-day Saint/Mormon and the history he had with sexual shame from a very young age, being considered a "sex/porn addict" and the treatment approaches he faced in the LifeStar program. He shares how this affected his marriage, his relational health, his mental health and his physical health. This is far too common a story within our (and many other) religious communities. It's spiritually/emotionally abusive on the side of the church and it's malpractice on the side of the mental health.
Preston is currently taking clients at our group practice (Symmetry Counseling), and can help others who have had similar experiences. He is also very good at working with other mental health concerns, couples counseling and adolescents.
You can schedule time with him here: https://symcounseling.com/preston-hobbs/
Also if you want to take advantage of my next Recovering from Male Sexual Shame group... check out the following link:
https://symmetrypath.com/male-sexual-shame-recovery
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Dr. Joli Hamilton joins Natasha on this episode of The Natasha Helfer Podcast. Dr. Joli Hamilton is the relationship coach for couples who color outside the lines. She is a research psychologist, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and AASECT (pronounced ay-sect) certified sex educator. Joli also co-hosts the Playing with Fire podcast with her anchor partner, Ken. Joli’s been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, and NPR. She’s spent the past two decades studying and reimagining what love can be if we open our imaginations to possibility. Joli helps people create non-monogamous partnerships that are custom-built for their authentic selves, no more shrinking, pretending, or hiding required.
For more on Joli: https://www.jolihamilton.com
To take her quiz, go here: https://www.jolihamilton.com/quiz
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
On this episode, Natasha interviewed Ellen Barnard, MSW, CSE. Ellen is a matriarch in the field and brings immense wisdom and resources. She is a Sexuality Educator and the owner of A Woman's Touch Sexuality Resource Center, a shop offering sexual health education and products in a comfortable boutique setting. It's also a website and has been sharing valuable information for decades.
For more than 35 years Ellen has been working with older folks and people with disabilities to support their desires for intimacy, love and sexual wellness. She believes that each person is unique and that sexual health and pleasure looks different for each of us. She looks at all challenges through a lens of creativity and curiosity, and invites you to do the same.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha is joined by Kelly Trust again on this episode! They continue their conversation, this time on ethical non monogamy.
You can find Kelly on Instagram at: @kellymariefitmom
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
In this episode, Natasha interviewed Kelly Trust. In her words, "Once upon a time I went to Brigham Young University largely in part to growing up born-in-the-covenant Mormon (meaning it was a birthright and lifestyle handed to me with a whole garbage pile of labels and expectations along with it)
"My freshman year they suspended me out for a violation of their honor code - a list of rules that align with the church on how to behave and what will get you removed from campus. It was a premarital sexual relations violation with a BYU football player. Lucky for him and the school he got to stay and play football for them that year while I went to a nearby school for my first year of college. That story is one of many that hurt me as an individual who was taught my only place in the world was to be a support to the men around me.
"A year later, in order to heal from the trauma of being shamed by my school, church, and family - I started bodybuilding. It’s changed my whole world. I read a lot a lot of books along the way too that taught me about what it means to be wholehearted. It’s not easy to face your demons. But it’s absolutely necessary if you want to move on from them. The only way up is through.
"And then you can show up at your old school outside the football stadium in the middle of the night after getting your first coat of tan for a show in SLC and take a dope picture of yourself naked on top of the cougar mascot."
From Natasha: as a fellow “got kicked out of BYU for sex as an adult woman at a federally accredited university”… that I wanted to interview Kelly! How badass is this?
Kelly Trust is an exMormon bodybuilder and mother of one amazing four year old son. She is currently doing sports massage for fellow athletes and enjoying building herself up along the way. Kelly graduated from Brigham young university in athletic training. Since leaving the church she has been an advocate for exMormons and anyone transitioning away from a high demand religion. She does her best to share the things she wishes she knew when she was younger.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha and her team of providers discuss current events.
For more on Natasha, you can go here: https://symmetrypath.com/natasha-helfer
For more on Jenny Elledge: https://symmetrypath.com/jenny-elledge
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha interviewed Evelyn Hornbarger who was just declined from being able to sing in a Latter-day Saint (aka Mormon) Christmas Eve event at her local congregation. We discussed how difficult it is to face these kinds of community rejections due to shifts in belief, especially in light of the Church often preaching unity while so often ostracizing so many of us who still want to be involved. Make sure to give us a listen. I also invite you to subscribe to the podcast on YouTube and all the other spaces you find your listening pleasures (ie Spotify, iTunes, etc). Evelyn Hornbarger has a bachelor’s degree in English literature (Brigham Young University), and a Master’s degree in public health (New Mexico State University). Mothering five awesome children, Evelyn has had a wide range of experiences to navigate - including her own religious deconstruction in order to effectively understand and support her transgender son. Through her personal education in caring for her children, Evelyn is a voice of loving and celebrating humans. In her personal time, Evelyn loves to be outside and creates connections out of history, relationships, poetry, birds, and beads. She and her husband, Ian, are currently raising their family in San Antonio, TX. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha is joined by Megan Negendank, LMFT, CST, to discuss her book, “Loving Someone who has Sexual Trauma.” Megan is the Founder of her practice, Love Heal Grow.
You can find out more about Megan at: https://www.lovehealgrow.com/about-megan/
She's on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/megan.lovehealgrow/
Go to Love Heal Grow website at: lovehealgrow.com
You can find her book, “Loving Someone who has Sexual Trauma" anywhere that books are sold.
On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Loving-Someone-Sexual-Trauma-Compassionate/dp/1648481574/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1702608616&sr=8-1
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha and her team of providers discuss current events.
For more on Natasha, you can go here: https://symmetrypath.com/natasha-helfer
For more on Jenny Elledge: https://symmetrypath.com/jenny-elledge
For more on Michelle Peets: https://symmetrypath.com/michelle-peets
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha is joined by Kenlee Anderson to ask questions about sexually educating children.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha and team talk about their couple retreat from a fewweeks ago and the Importance of taking time with each other.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha and Allan Alexander discuss current events including General LDS Conference and what's been happening with some LDS therapists.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Meet Kurt! I am so excited to have had him join me on The Natasha Helfer podcast! In his daily life, Kurt Reinhardt leads a successful career as a consultant, cherishes his role as a devoted partner and loving father, occasionally embarks on adventures, and is an enthusiastic amateur gastronaut. However, over the past decade, Kurt has also been a passionate advocate for men's health and suicide prevention. He annually spearheads a campaign known as "Dyeing to Stop Men Dying" to raise funds for the Movember Foundation, a prominent charitable organization dedicated to addressing global concerns related to men's mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer. Recognized by his signature beard, Kurt has decided to use this distinctive feature for a meaningful purpose. Every dollar contributed during his October campaign serves as a vote to determine the colors he will dye his beard with throughout the entire month of November, often referred to as "Movember." This creative initiative transforms Kurt into a walking advertisement for critical men's health issues. Kurt's achievements have gained him recognition on an international salon blog, where he was showcased alongside men from various parts of the world. Additionally, he has also been featured on our local Fox news station, further underscoring his impact and contributions. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
What are your thoughts about the use of the word “Mormon”? Is it microaggressive? Natasha shares her thoughts on the term and her experience as a key note speaker a few months back. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
There is a long standing history of therapists making the mistake of pathologizing human behavior through the lens of their own religious bias. Maurice Harker, founder of Sons of Helaman: Eternal Warriors, is such an example. He has created programs and written books mostly focused on “sexual self-mastery” which align with his beliefs as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka the Mormon Church). Braxton and Natasha discuss the ethical and problematic issues for the public to be aware of in this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast.
Research shows repeatedly that folks from conservative and high demand religions are more vulnerable to these types of unethical services, and are more apt to internalize the shame of identifying as “diseased” for sexual practices or orientations that are considered normal and even healthy in the clinical sexological field. It does not escape us that therapists like this are also often in the public eye for much more egregious behavior, which is the current case with Maurice Harker who is being investigated for serious clinical abuses.
Braxton Dutson, LCSW, CST graduated with his masters of Social Work degree and is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist in Salt Lake City Utah. He is the creator of Birds and Bees Podcast (iTunes and Stitcher), a popular sexual/relationship health podcast for couples and parents, and works for The Healing Group. He works with couples, individuals and teens largely in the intersection of sexuality and mental health.
birdsandbeespodcast.com
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha and her team of providers discuss current events.
For more on Natasha, you can go here: https://symmetrypath.com/natasha-helfer
For more on Allan Alexander: https://symmetrypath.com/glenn-allan-alexander
For more on Jenny Elledge: https://symmetrypath.com/jenny-elledge
For more on Michelle Peets: https://symmetrypath.com/michelle-peets
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha interviewed a phenomenal panel of experts in the mental health field regarding the ethics of practice given the scandal that has broken about Jodi Hildebrandt. This panel will include professionals who specialize in sexuality, religion and child/adolescent development. Panelists include:
Dr. Julie Hanks - https://www.drjuliehanks.com
Aimee Heffernan - https://www.facebook.com/aimeeheff
Clair Mellenthin - https://clairmellenthin.com
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I'm excited to be joined by Corrine Christian for this epiosde of, "Ask Me Anything!" Corrine will be bringing questions from her group described below.
Corrine is a mother of 7 children, five via open adoption, married to her hubby for 21 years, left Mormonism in the spring of 2018. She started a private women’s online & in person group called “Women Transitioning amid Faith & Knowledge” which supports any women who’ve left all legalistic, high demand religions and are focusing on what’s ahead, how to work through traumas and healing from adverse experiences inside those cults and out.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha and her team of providers discuss current events including updates to BYU honing their language on honor code language regarding LGBTQ students and the church's response via the Church News website, saying there are no changes regarding their LGBTQ stance, the "Barbie" movie and how it intersects with Mormonism, and the tragedy of the Maui fires.
For more on Natasha, you can go here: https://symmetrypath.com/natasha-helfer
For more on Allan Alexander: https://symmetrypath.com/glenn-allan-alexander
For more on Jenny Elledge: https://symmetrypath.com/jenny-elledge
For more on Michelle Peets: https://symmetrypath.com/michelle-peets
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I’m so pleased to have sats down with Jeff Stewart today and have a conversation regarding what the last year has been like for him and his family as he received an ambiguous cancer diagnosis. He went through surgery and treatment not knowing at times along the way what his prognosis would look like. Cancer. A scary word none of us wants to hear. One of the ways he dealt with his fears and pain was to write: writing specifically geared towards his children.
Jeff Stewart is a healthcare consultant, scientist, inventor, award-winning playwright and father of seven. He was a Jeopardy! College Champion and runner-up in the Tournament of Champions. Jeff lives in Cary, North Carolina.
You can find his book, "Living: Inspiration from a Father with Cancer," here.
authorjeffstewart@gmail.com
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I’m excited to have sat down and have a lovely vulva chat with the amazing April Davis. A compelling speaker, creative consultant, visual artist and wordsmith, April Davis has been featured in magazines, on podcasts, and on stage, sharing her wisdom, humor and knowledge as the creator of The Vagina Blog and The Vagina Blog Podcast. Her passion and drive have created an entire community around female body health, as she empowers women and vagina owners to love themselves fully while focusing on bringing light to taboo topics that we just don\’t talk enough about, like sex and periods, along with self-love and positivity. April has a background as a doula, a photographer and a birth assistant to a midwife - so she’s seen a lot of vaginas. She’s hoping to provide entertainment and education around topics we could all use more information about. You can follow her on Instagram, and listen to her podcast. https://thevaginablog.com
Some resources:
Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods
Hormone Repair Manual: Every Woman's Guide to Healthy Hormones After 40
OMGyes.com
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Back by popular demand, I had the amazing Dr. Lisa Diamond back on the show to discuss some recent research that has been making some buzz out of Utah State University. We are both concerned on how, without proper context, this kind of study will get weaponized within the LDS community as well as other high-demand religious communities. The study can be found here: "The Impact of Changes in Religion on Health Among Sexual Minority Mormons" by Dr. Tyler Lefevor Check out another article: "Jana Riess: Religion can help LGBTQ Latter-day Saints’ mental health, especially if they’re out of the closet" Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Jane Christie and Sara Delaney played a crucial role (along with many others) in the grassroots movement in the UK to have the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints require background checks of anyone who works with the youth of the Church. Unlike many other religious organizations, the Church has a history of NOT having Background Checks be a part of giving “callings” to folks who work with children and adolescents. This has been a concern many members worldwide have brought to the leader’s attention for decades. The Church has preferred to take an in-house approach to allegations of abuse, guiding bishops and other ecclesiastical leaders to first call the Church’s hotline (which is overseen by attorneys), instead of contacting local authorities. This is a huge win in getting the Church to comply with local governing bodies and their methodology in best protecting children and minors.
Jane Christie hosts the 21st Century Saints podcast and livestream. She joined the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a teenager and throughout her life has served in the Church in Scotland in callings including as Young Women’s President, Relief Society Counsellor, and Youth Sunday School teacher. Jane’s interest in the lived experience of church members along with her caring role for her disabled son has led to her focus on the protection and inclusion of the vulnerable within faith communities.
Sara Elizabeth Delaney has a long-term professional background as Probation Officer and Social Worker working with adult and child victims and perpetrators of harm. Sara is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in England serving in callings throughout her 40+ years of membership. She currently serves as Safeguarding Specialist on her Stake.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
In this episode, Natasha interviewed “Master of Disaster.” Dr. Randy Bell is a sociologist and an economist who specializes in disaster recovery projects. He has consulted in numerous world tragedies including the World Trade Center, Flight 93, Sandy Hook, BP Oil Spill, Hurricane Katrina, the Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test sidtes, the Northridge earthquake, OJ Simpson case, Jon Benet Ramsey case, Heaven’s Gate and hundreds of others. Dr. Bell has written a book about Post-Traumatic Thriving… Yes, you read that right. Not Disorder…THRIVING. His optimism about humans’ abilities to persevere and be resilient come not only through science, but through his lived experience having met thousands of people during catastrophic circumstances in their lives. Trauma is an unfortunate, yet common part of life. Having been a victim, survivor and thriver of sexual, spiritual and emotional trauma myself, I know first-hand how the stories we tell ourselves about trauma matter. We are resilient, adaptable creatures. Come join us for a fascinating conversation of the human spirit being about growth and resilience and the importance of knowing how to resolve unresolved trauma.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha sat down with Brent Bokovoy to discuss his latest film, "Ronald’s Little Factory". Those growing up in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints receive clear messages that in order to abide by the “Law of Chastity” you should not fall to the temptation of masturbation. This belief, that masturbation is a sin, is common in fundamental, conservative & strict religions. Masturbation has long been seen within the scientific and pediatric communities as normative human behavior. We discussed the impacts these kinds of religious teachings have, when in essence, people are expected to go to war with a natural part of themselves.
There will be a showing of the movie that I will host on August 3rd at 7 pm at Brewvies Cinema Pub in Salt Lake City for anyone who wants to join us. Brent Bokovoy is an award-winning filmmaker from San Diego. His short films have won awards from Universal Studios, The San Diego Film Awards, and the horror magazine Rue Morgue. His first feature film, Ronald’s Little Factory, is a dark comedy film inspired by his early life as an awkward Mormon boy. He is currently writing another quirky Mormon horror story he plans to film in early 2024.
Movie synopsis - The night before he leaves on his Mormon Mission, Ronald handcuffs his hands to his bedpost to keep himself from “revving” up his little factory. When he accidentally gets stuck to his bed, his overbearing mother must call on all the “peculiar” members of their church to help free Ronald. Ronald’s Little Factory is a dark comedy feature film inspired by the cult classic “Little Factory” talk by Boyd. K. Packer. The film may or may not be based on actual events from the early life of Brent Bokovoy.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I’m so excited I got to talk to Lacey Marie about her journey dealing with infection and illness due to breast implants. And how she has come to terms and peace with her boobless body as well as her advocacy work to educate others.
After years of Mormonism and the need for perfection, Lacey Marie had gone to great lengths to fit into the ideal woman box that had been painted by society and The Mormon culture. In an effort to save her marriage she opted for a breast augmentation. At the end of it all she was left, as some would say, was deformed & completely boobless. However, she would describe herself as confident and free from all the self sabotage chains that once held her back.
Lacey Marie’s Ted Talk: Why I am Boobless After Breast Implant Illness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_APuiU03k8
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha is joined by Allan Alexander and Jenny Elledge to go over current topics including:
mental health stigmas in certain religious populations
award for advocacy against female genital mutilation
wave of anti-transgender bills divide religious leaders
For more on Symmetry Solutions, visit symmetrpath.com
For more on Allan, visit: https://symmetrypath.com/glenn-allan-alexander
For more on Jenny, visit: https://symmetrypath.com/jenny-elledge
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha Helfer tackles some questions from the audience in regards to sex therapy!
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
As I have watched in despair as the medical and general rights of our trans community members continue to get stripped in state after state, I am continually motivated to interview people who work in the field and can speak to the many issues I feel people are making decisions based on fear, bias, misinformation, bad science, bad politics and plain old discrimination. Dr. Lisa Hansen recently wrote an excellent op-ed in the Salt Lake Tribune titled “Mental health professionals see the danger in Utah’s anti-transgender law.” We will discuss her many points, as well as what she is seeing on the ground since she runs a non-profit mental health clinic which specifically targets care for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Hopefully what Maya Angelou said is still true: when we know better we do better.
To find out more about Dr. Hansen and her clinic, please visit:
https://flourishtherapy.org/lisa-tensmeyer-hansen/
Please consider donating:
https://flourishtherapy.org/#donate
Your donations go directly to supporting clients to receive the quality care they need and deserve. Donations will also go towards empowering more counselors and therapists to be trained in best practices that increase the quality of life for LGBTQ individuals and families.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I interviewed Dr. Lacey Bagley who was facing an ecclesiastical disciplinary council this past Sunday morning from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she was excommunicated. This episode was recorded the night before the excommunication. Dr. Bagley is queer and is in a mixed-orientation marriage. She and her husband have been life long members of the church and have been devoted to their faith and faith community. Due to their decisions to find solutions to make their marriage sustainable and her strong advocacy as a mental health practitioner to support LGBTQ+ individuals in her community (she is the founder of the first mental health clinic in Provo, Utah owned and ran by queer professionals - Celebrate Therapy), she is being charged with adultery and apostasy. Dr. Bagley taught as an adjunct professor and earned her Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University in 2021. For more on Jenny, visit: https://symmetrypath.com/jenny-elledge
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha is joined by Jenny Elledge as they discuss current events at the intersection of religion, sexuality, and mental health.
For more on Symmetry Solutions, visit symmetrpath.com
For more on Jenny, visit: https://symmetrypath.com/jenny-elledge
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Have you ever thought about how you would react if your child came out as LGBTQ+? Has this already happened? Do you have any regrets? Do you wonder if you were supportive enough? Even though I am a certified sex therapist and a licensed family therapist, I faced some of the biases and mistakes I made when my kiddo came out. I am sitting down for a frank discussion with Rowan as they look back on the journey to allyship. Rowan Helfer Parker (they/them) is a biology student at the University of Utah, with their studies focusing on ecology, evolution, and the environment. They are bisexual and non-binary and have been out to their family for several years. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
When we go through faith transitions, people tend to respond in all different kinds of ways. Feeling fear, confusion, anger, and betrayal are super common. And many of us cry, rage, and go into funks of depression - also, totally normal. At the same time, laughter and using creativity are also ways people heal. Today we will be talking with Jennifer Renart, co-creator of the ExMo Candle Company. She says on her website: “I love making ex-Mormon candles. It’s been beyond cathartic pouring my issues with the church into a jar and then lighting it on fire.”
Jennifer’s family converted to Mormonism when she was six. A bishop’s interview at 15 started severe feelings of worthlessness, which only intensified during her time at Southern Virginia University. Issues with Prop 8 and the A Year of Polygamy podcast pushed her into a faith transition. Making candles has been a powerful part of healing. When I burn the “Licked Cupcake” scented candle--I feel it. After spending a decade thinking she was alone and worthless, she hopes their candles can stand as physical reminders to others that none of us are alone in faith transition land.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Have you seen those awesome cartoons where Jesus is holding a rainbow sheep? Where Jesus gets all sassy with hypocritical and mean churchgoers who are ostracizing whole segments of our population? Where Jesus is walking out of church holding hands with the trans sheep?They are all sooooo bad ass!!
I got to interview the man behind the scenes, David Hayward (aka The Naked Pastor)! I couldn’t be more excited to have heard his religious deconstruction story, how he got started with his art and some of what he has to say to so many who are done with hypocritical, harmful religions and their practices.
In 2010, after 30 years as a pastor, David Hayward left the ministry to focus on NakedPastor and the community that was emerging around it. It’s now his full-time gig! With a Masters in Theological Studies, as well as Diplomas in Religious Studies and Ministry, and University Teaching, he is no stranger to belief systems.Beyond his art, he’s also written 9 books and posts several times a month on his blog. If you’re interested in hearing his ideas about deconstruction, spirituality, and freedom, you might enjoy his newsletter which you can sign up for on his website, nakedpastor.com.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Thank you for joining us for a Symmetry Solutions panel discussion. I'm joined by Jenny Elledge and Michelle Peets as we discuss:
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SEC and financial fines of the LDS Church - mental health implications
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Social Safety study finds high number of Utah women feel chronically unsafe
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New BYU President
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Holland speaking at public university
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Ongoing domestic violence concerns in religious communities
Visit our website to learn more about our bios and group practice: symmetrypath.com. Please consider donating to keep this podcast going at natashahelfer.com.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Do you wonder why your’e having such a hard time if you’ve left your religion? Do you think it’s silly to struggle when all you’ve experienced is a “shift of beliefs”? Turns out this isn’t so silly after all! You may fit the criteria for a cPTSD diagnosis! I was so excited to have interviewed the person who developed the term "Religious Trauma Syndrome". I remember being skeptical decades ago when I heard the language. And now, after working with people from conservative and high demand religions for over two decades, I understand the significance of Marlene Winell’s work. Dr. Marlene Winell is a licensed psychologist, educator, and writer in western Massachusetts. Her background includes 30 years of experience in human services, in both community and academic settings. She holds a doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University and is the author of, "Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving their Religion." Dr. Winell directs the organization, Journey Free, with services for recovery from harmful religion. In 2011, she named "Religious Trauma Syndrome." Marlene is also a filmmaker, photographer, mother, and grandmother. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I was so happy I got the chance to chat with Allan about the importance of emotional intelligence for a person's growth and development. Also within the context of relationships. We specifically focused on "men" - people who identify and/or grew up socialized with male gender roles/expectations. To register for Allan’s group starting in April please visit symmetrypath.com/groups
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
The last two times I have presented on sex therapy and faith transitions at the Mormon Mental Health Association, I have received a similar critique that goes something along the lines of: “I wish you wouldn’t swear during your presentations. It’s unprofessional.” Since, these evaluations are confidential/private, I thought I would turn my response into a podcast so we could have a wider discussion about the taboos of swearing, some of the reasons they exist, and why my swearing is actually an intentional part of how I present.
Here to help me have this discussion is Aimee Heffernan, LMFT, CST, a dear friend and colleague who has much in common with me in regards to our professional background. She is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, a Certified Sex Therapist, a board member of the Mormon Mental Health Association, comes from the same high-demand religious background I do, and specializes in religious sexual shame.
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I’m so glad I got the chance to talk to Dr. Stefani Goerlich all about kink! So many misperceptions and taboos abound around this sexual topic and anytime we can dismantle discrimination and edify education, we all get healthier.
Stefani Goerlich is an award-winning author of The Leather Couch: Clinical Practice with Kinky Clients, and the advance-practice sequel Kink-Affirming Practice: Culturally Competent Therapy from the Leather Chair. Stefani is an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist and an expert in working with Gender, Relationship, and Sexuality Diversities as well as religious minority clients, and has over 15 years’ experience in supporting survivors of domestic and sexual trauma.
Describing herself as “building bridges between the margins and the mainstream,” Stefani has worked with high-risk young people, commercial sex workers, and survivors of human trafficking- among others. In addition to her work as The Society for Sex Therapy and Research’s Diversity Chair, she is the founder of Bound Together Counseling, a boutique private practice based in Detroit, Michigan, where she offers Sex, Relationship and Mental Health therapy to members of the GSRD community, their partners, and their families; and co-founder of the Securing Sexuality podcast and conference which educates listeners about safe sex in a digital age by exploring the intersection of intimacy and technology.
Stefani holds a Master’s in Social Work from Wayne State University, where she specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, earned her Post-Graduate Certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan, and recently completed her PhD in Clinical Sexology. A member of the University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program Teaching Faculty, she is a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Michigan, Ohio, and Arizona and is currently putting the finishing touches on her next book, With Sprinkles on Top: Everything Vanilla People and Their Kinky Partners Need to Know to Communicate, Explore, and Connect, coming in Fall 2023.
You can follow Stefani on Instagram at @BoundTogetherCounseling and by visiting www.boundtogethercounseling.com or www.securingsexuality.com
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Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I’m excited that I spoke with Jacqui about the archetypes Latina women regularly face. Don’t be too sexual or you’ll be in trouble with religion or other groups of women. But be sexual for the male gaze and heteronormative “success.” Where in lies the encouragement to be sexual for herself? Jacqueline Mendez is an AASECT-certified sex therapist and sex therapist supervisor. She provides sex therapy supervision virtually to clinicians nationally and internationally. She is the founder of The Center for Relationship and Intimacy WellBeing, which serves clients throughout California and will soon launch in other states, and Latinx Sex Therapy, which supports sex education/therapy resources for the greater Latinx community. Jacqueline is integrative and holistic in weaving spiritual practices, multicultural rituals, and body-focused techniques with more traditional therapy modalities. She is a fierce advocate of sex positivity and is determined to make it easier for others to talk more about sex, pleasure, and relationships. She delights in breaking down sexual stigma and gender polarity in the Latinx/Latine community. Jacqueline also believes in the importance of revitalizing the soul of the healer—helping mental health clinicians in the practice of self-care. She regularly contributes to various media outlets and podcasts such as the New York Times, Univision, Telemundo, Refinery 29, Well + Good, and NPR, among others. A dynamic speaker, Jacqueline has spoken at various platforms, including the annual AASECT Conference and the Motion Picture Television Fund’s Deal With It Conference. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Thank you for joining us for a Symmetry Solutions panel discussion. I shared an update on my interaction with local church leaders. We also covered some other topics including the recent church's temple changes.
Natasha Helfer, Jenny Elledge, Stephanie Lobrot and Allan Alexander. Visit our website to learn more about our bios and group practice: symmetrypath.com. Please consider donating to keep this podcast going at natashahelfer.com.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I am excited to have had Dr. Roni Jo Draper on the show. Many people say they don’t want things to be politicized or sexualized… especially when it comes to kiddos. Well, sorry to break it to you but all of our homes are full of political, sexual, cultural and ecosystemic “curriculum” whether you realize it or not. Dr. Draper is a career educator and we are going to have a wonderful discussion about -what- and -how- we teach. Even your home decor will probably make the cut. Roni Jo Draper, Ph.D. (Yurok|she.her) was a professor in the Department of Teacher Education in the David O. McKay School of Education at Brigham Young University for 22 years where she taught courses in multicultural education, women’s studies, and literacy. She has also devoted a considerable amount of her scholarship to address the challenge of preparing teachers to create classrooms that allow our most minoritized children to thrive. In her recent work she has turned to Indigenous storytelling and other art forms to share stories that center the lives of Indigenous peoples. She has produced the film Scenes from the Glittering World, about the in- and out-of-school lives of three Navajo young people attending a remote high school on the Navajo Nation. Roni Jo is also the writer, producer, and director of the documentary Fire Tender, which centers the lives of Yurok fire practitioners as they work to return cultural fire to heal land. Additionally, Roni Jo works as an advocate for social justice in her community where she serves as the Vice-President of PFLAG Provo/Utah County, and on the National Board of the ACLU. She is the Past-President of the ACLU of Utah. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Thank you for joining us for a Symmetry Solutions panel discussion. We covered: trans affirming care and how it’s in danger from many legislative processes (definitely where I live in Utah); the support for gay marriage bill and implications for “religious freedoms” arguments continuing to allow for discrimination; the “modestfying” of art to meet church standards; and the ongoing taboo within religious communities to get adequate mental health services.
Natasha Helfer, Jenny Elledge, Stephanie Lobrot and Michelle Peets. Visit our website to learn more about our bios and group practice: symmetrypath.com. Please consider donating to keep this podcast going at natashahelfer.com.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I sat down with Dr. Tina Sellers about the unfortunate legacy Christianity has with Sexual Shame. With both of us having backgrounds in faith traditions, I believe we share a distress that certain religious communities can't seem to find more sex-positive and effective approaches to such an important part of the human experience. We discussed the history and ramifications of sexual shame and some approaches people may find helpful in reframing these things in their lives. Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers is a licensed sex and gender feminist psychotherapist, best-selling author, researcher, emeriti professor, and media personality whose expertise spans sex therapy, spiritual intimacy, parenting, medicine, and social justice. Her revolutionary perspectives have been expressed on platforms such as “Spirituality & Health,” “Refinery 29,” “Vocal,” “Medium,” and “Bust Magazines,” along with many podcast, radio, news, and TV outlets. Known for exposing the impact of patriarchy and sexual shame on our ability to securely attach to our partners, and instruct our children to attach to theirs, Dr. Sellers’ book, “Sex, God, & the Conservative Church – Erasing Shame from Sexual Intimacy,” has had a global impact. Her latest book, “Shameless Parenting – Everything You Need to Raise Shame-free, Confident, Kids and Heal Your Shame Too!” was a New Release Bestseller in eight categories. She speaks throughout the world on how to heal, and how to raise shame-free relationally confident children. In 2015, Dr. Sellers left her academic position of 28 years to found the Northwest Institute on Intimacy, a post-graduate institute to train psychotherapists, educators, clergy, and physicians in sexual health and understanding their sexual biases. Most do not realize that these professionals do not get sexual health training in graduate school. Since our ability to do pleasure and connection is core to our happiness, it is critical that all professionals serving public health and wellness receive this training. Dr. Tina can be followed on Instagram @DrTinaShameless. Please consider donating to keep this podcast going at natashahelfer.com.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I got the opportunity to speak with Dr. Nicole Prause about this important topic that affects so many people coming from high-demand and conservative religious communities. She has been paramount in helping my understanding throughout my career, especially in the dangers of conceptualizing sexuality through an "addictions" lens. She has some new research out where they looked at online "support groups," run by unqualified people that, not only offer tons of misinformation and unrealistic expectations for young men but also, incite violence. Dr. Nicole Prause is a licensed psychologist and a neuroscientist researching human sexual behavior and the physiology of sexual response. Her research has played a pivotal role in helping us understand that hypersexaulity might be better understood as a "non-pathological variation of high sexual desire", rather than an addiction. She is also the founder of Liberos LLC, an independent research institute. She states on the Liberos site: “After ten years of research at universities, I found myself caught between the prohibitions of my institutions on crucial research and the free-for-all poor science behind products in the marketplace. There must be a compromise that uses strong science to inform sexual health for the public. Liberos is my answer.” Dr. Prause is currently back at UCLA at the department of medicine as a senior statistician. Please consider donating to keep this podcast going at natashahelfer.com.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
I sat down with Dr. Kimberly Applewhite and we talked about the importance of connection in a world that too often values individualism. Most of us know by this point that relationships matter to our quality of lives. At the same time navigating interpersonal situations is challenging. Especially during the holidays.
Kimberly Applewhite, PsyD. Is a licensed psychologist at the Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment. She specializes in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI) for health related stressors. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from New York University; and a Masters of Science in School Psychology and Doctorate of Psychology in School-Clinical Child Psychology from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University (APA Accredited). Her graduate school focus was on assessment and treatment of children and families in bio-psycho social-spiritual contexts, as well as treatment of ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ populations.
Please consider donating to keep this podcast going at natashahelfer.com.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
So many things I love speaking about with Lucie Fielding on this podcast! I just heard her this past summer give one of the best keynotes of my life at the AASECT national conference. All about embodied eroticism and the stories our bodies tell. They are the author of Trans Sex, a groundbreaking book for clinical approaches.
Lucie Fielding, PhD, MA, LMHCA, Resident in Counseling (she/they) is a queer, non-binary femme, and a therapist practicing in Virginia and Washington. She holds an MA in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute (2018) as well as a PhD in French from Northwestern University (2008), where she specialized in erotic literature. Their background in literature attunes them to the many ways that cultural scripts inscribe themselves on our bodies and can inform our embodied erotic lives. In addition to their work as a therapist, Lucie teaches in the Sex Therapy Certificate Program at Antioch University-Seattle. They are the author of Trans Sex: Clinical Approaches to Trans Sexualities and Erotic Embodiments (2021), which was named a finalist for a 2022 Lambda Literary Award (Lammy) in the Transgender-Nonfiction category. You can find out more about Lucie at https://luciefielding.com or follow them on Twitter (@Lucie_Fielding) and Instagram (@sexbeyondbinaries).
Please consider donating to keep this podcast going at natashahelfer.com.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Cami Hurst's original research looks at "Outcomes for women who consent to unwanted sex in long-term relationships" which sheds new light on understanding and treating low sexual desire for adult women. Cami is a licensed therapist with a private practice in Meridian, ID. She is an AASECT certified Sex Therapist, and just completed her doctoral work in Clinical Sexology. Cami is one of the founders and current president of ISHP (Idaho Sexual Health Professionals Association). She is also the podcast host of "Sex Therapy 101". As a therapist, educator, advocate, and researcher, Cami is passionate about sexual health through the lifespan.
www.camihurst.com
Please consider donating to keep this podcast going at natashahelfer.com.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
The Natasha Helfer Podcast is here!
Lisa Diamond joins Natasha on this first episode to discuss the evolution of sexuality.
Lisa M. Diamond is an American psychologist and feminist. She is a professor of developmental psychology, health psychology and gender studies at the University of Utah. Her research focuses on sexual orientation development, sexual identity, bonding and social safety.
She is best known for her 2008 book, "Sexual Fluidity: Understanding Women's Love and Desire." In this book, she discusses the fluidity of female sexuality, based on her study of 100 non-heterosexual women over a period of 10 years. This was ground-breaking work and carries huge implications worthy of discussion especially for faith communities impacted by high-demand/conservative religion and religious dogma. We are going to talk ALL about this the evolution and shifts of sexuality being NORMAL, while not allowing religious communities to use the idea of "choice" to shame and belittle normative human development.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
Natasha interviews bible scholar and sex therapist, Dr. Caleb Jacobson, about what the Bible has to say (or not say) about sex.
This episode was previously recorded for the Healing Sols Podcast and has been refurbished here for your enjoyment.
For more from Natasha, please visit: natashahelfer.com.
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/
This episode was previously recorded for the Healing Sols Podcast and has been refurbished here for your enjoyment.
On this episode of the Healing Sols Podcast, Natasha is joined by Sarah Bridges, a certified lactation counselor and founder of "Latch On, Latch Off." She has her own YouTube channel where she offers support to the many tricky aspects of being a parent of an infant: https://www.youtube.com/.../UCOhcEuIjMmntSJoaE2g0isQ/about Sarah describes many of the common challenges, misinformation and pressure/expectations that can cause unnecessary pain, self-blame, and relational/sexual problems. She does a lovely job of interweaving her own challenges and vulnerabilites as she faced being a new mother and offers some good suggestions on how to get the information and support needed to heal and empower yourself as a parent or a couple in regards to the very common life stage of "after the baby." Sarah offers online breastfeeding classes and other resources and can be reached at: https://latchonlatchoff.wixsite.com/website or latchonlatchoff@gmail.com Great listen... please share with those you know may need support in this time of life which can be equally beautiful/difficult. For more from Natasha, please visit: https://www.natashahelfer.com
This episode was previously recorded for the Healing Sols Podcast and has been refurbished here for your enjoyment.
Natasha is joined by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife on this episode of Healing Sols Podcast. Dr. Finlayson-Fife was trained by the late Dr. David Schnarch so they discuss his methods and trainings, how he took what Murray Bowen taught with his Bowen theory and translated into the field of sexuality, and sex and anxiety. Natasha and Dr. Finlayson-Fife also discuss his 4 points of being well differentiated/balanced.
For more on Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, you can visit her website:
https://www.finlayson-fife.com
For more from Natasha, please visit: https://www.natashahelfer.com
This episode was previously recorded for the Healing Sols Podcast and has been refurbished here for your enjoyment.
For more from Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CSTS, please visit https://www.natashahelfer.com.
Healing Sols Podcast episode #13: A Transgender Coming Out Story, with Mandy Lynn Danzig, LCSW, a social worker, musician and activist based in Salt Lake City. She is currently the director of HIV Case Management and Beahviroal Health Consulting at the University of Utah's Infectious Disease clinic. Mandy shares her story about growing up in a religioulsy conservative community and how that impacted & limited her ability to consider gender identity throughout her development into adulthood. She talks about her personal journey of transitioning, through the lens of a mental health clinician and best standards of care for the transgender community. We have the special treat of listening to a couple of original songs, as well as some education at the end on the current status of HIV statistics, treatment and its hopeful eradication. Super informative listen! Check out more of her music and information at https://www.mandylynndanzig.com
This episode was previously recorded for the Healing Sols Podcast and has been refurbished here for your enjoyment.
For more from Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CSTS, please visit https://www.natashahelfer.com.
Healing Sols Podcast episode #11: 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 previously recorded for the Healing Sols Podcast and has been refurbished here for your enjoyment.
For more from Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CSTS, please visit https://www.natashahelfer.com.
Healing Sols Podcast episode #9: 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!
This episode was previously recorded for the Healing Sols Podcast and has been refurbished here for your enjoyment.
For more from Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CSTS, please visit https://www.natashahelfer.com.
Healing Sols Podcast episode #7:
Myths & Facts with Sex Trafficking of Minors with Allan Alexander, MFT who works as a Clinical Field Lead with San Diego Youth Services... in particular assessing for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) in the youth that show up in juvenile hall. Allan shares typcial myths about sex trafficking (i.e. this doesn't happen in my neighborhood, kids are kidnapped into sex slavery, this only happens to females, this only happens to poor people, drugs and mental health issues lead to risks, etc.). He also talks about risk factors we should be aware of such as lack of supportive adults in their lives, being a runaway or truant youth, being kicked out of your home (higher likelihood for LGBTQ+ kids), having domestic violence or other abusve dynamics in the home and lack of community resources. We answer questions like: What are the challenges that these minors are facing? How do we address sex trafficking from a systemic perspective? Who are the main consumers of sexually exploitative services? What kinds of conversations should you be having with your kids to help reduce risks? Important and informative listen!
This episode was previously recorded for the Healing Sols Podcast and has been refurbished here for your enjoyment.
For more from Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CSTS, please visit https://www.natashahelfer.com.
Informative discussion with Dr. Christine King Burke, pelvic floor physical therapist and clinical supervisor for the Hoag Pelvic Health Program in Newport Beach, CA. You will hear an educational conversation about the many reasons women in particular experience painful sex. It is disheartening to hear the statistics of how common it is for women to report painful sex, and how it is often normalized by our culture instead of understanding that there are reasons and treatments for issues such as vaginismus, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, and more. Listening will help you understand what issues you or your partner may be experiencing so that you can be better prepared to advocate for your pelvic floor health with your medical providers. We answer questions like: Should everyone be doing kegel exercises? Are some penises just too big for some vaginas? Isn't it normal for sex to hurt the first time you have intercourse, after having a baby or after menopause? What about anal sex? What does a pelvic floor therapist do? Great listen!
This episode was previously recorded for the Healing Sols Podcast and has been refurbished here for your enjoyment.
Healing Sols Podcast episode #3: Sex after Pregnancy. Informative discussion with Dr. Stephanie Buehler, licensed psychologist and AASECT certified sex therapist and author of "Counseling Couples Before, During and After Pregnancy: Sexually and Intimacy Issues.” You will hear a comprehensive dialogue about the many hiccups couples often encounter after that sweet baby is born. From physical issues (i.e. painful sex), hormonal implications (i.e. mood swings/postpartum depression), psychological stressors and narratives (i.e. how do I feel about my sexuality as a parent?), gender role expectations (i.e. how am I supposed to be showing up as a mom or dad?), social stressors (i.e. opinions or pressures from well meaning family or friends) and body image frustrations (i.e. will I ever lose that baby fat!?). Having babies are usually a wonderful time in a couple's life... and yet, wonderful times can still be stressful. Listening will help you prepare for some things you may not currently be aware of as well as give you some ideas as to what you can do to remedy some problems you come across. It can also give you a sense of some things you may need to talk through years after baby making time to get your sex life back on track. Great listen!
https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Couples-Before-During-Pregnancy-ebook/dp/B074QFJ5ZK/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3P3YQRFSZT2PJ&dchild=1&keywords=stephanie%20buehler&qid=1601353756&sprefix=Buehler%20step%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-2&fbclid=IwAR3jSGta4S2Y72mWgev8RTIZ6uUNALMszsh4druWKJqhLvmk73LmwIWSSnc
https://www.amazon.com/Every-Mental-Health-Professional-Second/dp/0826174442/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3P3YQRFSZT2PJ&dchild=1&keywords=stephanie%20buehler&qid=1601353756&sprefix=Buehler%20step%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-1&fbclid=IwAR1r363wkfr7l1XT_DtSg7cidTjwUcPbtRSVWOmWb0uRoMNn8cnmHrw_XvI
https://www.learnsextherapy.com/?fbclid=IwAR0fpU27LBi6KyIJMlZRpLs80pJBAlvfwiiyWJVnYGGIbeRl78Uw7Q-BEgc
https://thebuehlerinstitute.com/?fbclid=IwAR077yRl1SH7P41O-SjplQoRa16Tb6CQUoo1roVIOCec6y4hoyB8lC2_xVc
This episode was previously recorded for the Healing Sols Podcast and has been refurbished here for your enjoyment. Healing Sols Podcast episode #2: Reconstructing Identity after Faith Transition & Spiritual Abuse. Open discussion with Julienna Viegas, political scientist, blogger and podcaster talking about her journey coming from a conservative religous background and how her identity has been challenged and rebuilt after her faith transition. You will hear an intersectional perspective on how her identity formation deals with her sense of self as a woman, as a black woman, as a non citizen US resident, her politics & values, her professional choices, her sexuality, and her thoughts of identifying as a spiritual abuse survivor. Julienna is a great example of exactly the type of journey we will often be addresing at the Healing Sols Podcast: Reimagining yourself after realizing the lens you were living through was not working. Great listen! https://www.spiritualabuseresources.com/conferencesevents/dallas-tx-event?fbclid=IwAR0F5PCv40uifLudz2rJ-XQv4JWnGUoy2G3E5IiM1F4GWQz7BJSiy0YuhvA https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-faith-transition-podcast/id1482991805 https://www.mormonstories.org/podcast/what-progressive-mormons-want-with-julienna-viegas-haws/
This episode was originally recorded for the Healing Sols Podcast and is being refurbished here for your enjoyment. Waldinger's Contributions to Sex Therapy. Fascinating discussion with Dr. Jim Pfaus, researcher, neurobiologist, and sexologist currently based at Concordia University about the work of late psychiatrist, Dr. Marcel Waldinger and his significant contributions to the field of sex therapy. We better understand and conceptualize conditions such as Persistent Genital Disorder, Rapid or Premature Ejaculation, and Delayed Ejaculation/Orgasm as well as effects of SSRI’s on sexual response due to his work. You will get a great anatomical lesson on how our bodies respond to sexual stimuli as well as a clearer understanding of how arousal and desire show up in human bodies and the many things that affect them.
Same great content with a new name! We're excited to announce "The Natasha Helfer Podcast" which is all about sex, religion and everything in between. No need to subscribe to anything new as everything will be brought to you here. Continue joining us as we continue on this journey together!
Episode 1 premieres December 21st!
For more, visit natashahelfer.com.
In this episode of Mormon Sex Info, Natasha is joined but some of her other Symmetry Solutions providers to discuss the recent AP article, “Seven years of sex abuse: How Mormon officials let it happen.” Join Colette Dalton, Jenny Allege, Stephanie Lobrot, Michelle Peets and Natasha as they share their thoughts and what they’re seeing from their patients.
You can find the article here:
https://apnews.com/article/Mormon-church-sexual-abuse-investigation-e0e39cf9aa4fbe0d8c1442033b894660
You can find out more about the providers at:
https://www.symmetrysols.com/all-providers
Colette Dalton, LCSW
Jenny Elledge, LMFG
Stephanie Lobrot, MS, ACMHC
Michelle Peets, CSW
Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST-S
Resources shared:
rainn.org
Mormonmentalhealth assocation
Symmetry sols
Mormon mental health podcast
Mormon sex info podcast
To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022, please donate at mormonsex.info.
Natasha interviews Ian Easter on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Ian Easter talks about growing up gay in a religiously conservative community, going through conversion therapy, recovering from that type of background and his journey into becoming a sex therapist and helping others. You can find Ian on Facebook or at iseaster@hotmail.com. To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022, please donate at mormonsex.info.
After 28 years at Brigham Young University, adjunct English professor Sue Bergin said she was fired without explanation. She believes it was her views on LGBTQ rights caused the conservative religious school to not renew her contract.
If you’re interested in Sue’s help with editing, you can find her on Facebook or email her at: sue@suebergin.com
She is currently editing memoirs.
To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022, please donate at mormonsex.info.
Natasha is joined by Linda Weiner, one of the authors of “Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy,” a one-of-a-kid book which discusses in detail (including beautiful illustrations) this revolutionary intervention developed by Masters &Johnson in helping couples attune to sensation as an important facet to sexual satisfaction. https://www.amazon.com/Sensate-Focus.../dp/1138642363 To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022, please donate at mormonsex.info.
MSI 148
Pleasure Prescription: A Surprising Approach to Healing Sexual Pain with Dee Hartmann Natasha interviews pelvic floor therapist Dee Hartmann, author of “The Pleasure Prescription: A Surprising Approach to Healing Sexual Pain,” in regards to the role pleasure plays in helping with genital pain and sexual function for female bodies. Resources discussed: vulvalove.com pleasuremovement.com https://lioness.io https://www.amazon.com/Pleasure-Prescription-Surprising-Approach-Healing/dp/1643885790/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022, please donate at mormonsex.info.
Natasha interviews Cami Hurst, looking for survey participants! This research has to do with looking at outcomes of consenting to unwanted sex for women. Cami Hurst who is in the process of getting her PhD in Sexology is conducting this important study so that we can better understand the effects of what many tend to call “duty sex.” Please take 15-30 minutes to contribute to this important work that is bound to help so many people and professionals better navigate a very common aspect of human sexuality. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CTPWSZN To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022, please donate at mormonsex.info.
Natasha is joined by Kyle Ashworth of Latter Gay Stories on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Recently, BYU stopped speech services to 3 transgender students. Some of the things Natasha and Kyle discuss about the situation include the ramifications it has on not just the transgender students but also to students studying speech pathology. Please reach out to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to let them know how you feel about this topic: asha.org Please consider donating to Latter Gay Stories: https://lattergaystories.org To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022, please donate at mormonsex.info.
Natasha Helfer interviews Clara Dehlin about her book, “A Little Book of Ace.” Clara recommends some resources for anyone interested in finding out more about ASexuality: Reddit has a great ASexual Community AVEN- Asexual Visibility and Education Network: http://www.asexuality.org/?fbclid=IwAR2DFj7lPyaikvLNBTGpMp5LgJx1phEtc4kASsXPHMSeeYuKVcdxEpy00r8 “Ace” by Angela Chen: https://www.amazon.com/Ace-Asexuality-Reveals-Society-Meaning/dp/0807014737/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3U32GDFZOAZLL&keywords=ace+Angela+chen&qid=1643832262&sprefix=ace+angela+chen%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1 “Invisible Orientation” by Julie Decker You can find Clara’s book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Ace-learning-asexuality/dp/B09B2F9BLB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1T1CYX30D5RBW&keywords=Clara+dehlin&qid=1643832362&sprefix=clara+dehlin%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1 Clara is also on TikTok and Instagram: TikTok: sixfootsaurpod IG: claradehlin To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022, please donate at mormonsex.info.
Natasha Helfer interviews Stacey Jackson-Roberts - the new CEO of the Utah Pride Center. They discuss some of the current climate in Utah in regards to the LGBTQ+ population, specifically when the dominant religion presents challenges to affirming spaces. Please consider a donation to support this pivotal non-profit in this state. https://utahpridecenter.org To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022, please donate at mormonsex.info.
Natasha Helfer apologizes in regards to comments she has made in several podcasts/presentations that have implications for asexual folx. Symmetry Solutions panel discusses further. "In attempting to encourage people to consider sexual oppression from pleasure-averse, sex-negative cultural backgrounds and sharing my clinical lived experience in regards to the questions I receive from primarily female clients questioning a possible asexual orientation, I have made comments that without proper care & contextualization delegitimize asexuality and could be weaponized by people from our community in not believing or taking seriously those who identify as asexual. I apologize for my missteps and commit to better languaging and contextualization in the future, as well as the continued ongoing education I regularly participate in as an AASECT certified clinician. I ascribe to queer theory and best standards of care, which support ethical spaces where neutral self discovery is offered in affirmation of self determination & authenticity, especially in the areas of sexual orientation and gender identity." -Natasha Helfer “A Little Book of Ace: learning more about asexuality” by Clara Dehlin https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Ace-learning-asexuality/dp/B09B2F9BLB/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2UTG3QJPI9GA1&dchild=1&keywords=ace+dehlin&qid=1635955043&sprefix=ace+dehlin%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-3 asexuality.org To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022, please donate at mormonsex.info.
Lisa Butterworth hosts this episode of Mormon Sex Info. She is joined by Colette Dalton to discuss sexual values, part of a series they are doing. They discuss the “Sexual Values Inventory” which you can find here: https://www.natashaparker.org/forms Check out the series Natasha Helfer did with Doug Braun Harvey on 6 principles of Sexual Health: 1. Consent: https://mormonsex.info/2017/10/22/057-sexual-principle-1-consent/ 2. Non-Exploitative: https://mormonsex.info/2017/11/21/058-sexual-principle-2-non-exploitative/ 3. Honesty: https://mormonsex.info/2018/01/15/062-sexual-principle-4-honesty/ 4. Shared Values: https://mormonsex.info/2018/02/05/066-sexual-principle-5-shared-values/ 1. Part 1: https://mormonsex.info/2017/11/29/059-sexual-principle-3-unwanted-pregnancy/ 2. Part 2: https://mormonsex.info/2017/12/19/060-sexual-principle-3-avoiding-stis/ 5. Protection from STIs, HIV and unwanted Pregnancies 6. Mutual Pleasure: https://mormonsex.info/2018/03/12/071-sexual-principle-6-mutual-pleasure/ 7. Complicating the 6 principles of sexual health: https://mormonsex.info/2018/04/09/075-complicating-the-6-sexual-health-principles/
For more on Lisa, please visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworth **For more about Colette Dalton, please visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/colette-dalton** **Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021. You can donate at mormonsex.info.**
141: Topic: The Complexities for Queer Member: Why it's not helpful to say "you should just leave" Lisa Butterworth hosts this episode of Mormon Sex Info. She is joined by Colette Dalton to discuss "The Complexities for Queer Member: Why it's not helpful to say 'you should just leave’."
In the podcast, they mention the following Symmetry Live video: https://www.facebook.com/symmetrysols/videos/391164999197251 For more on Lisa, please visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworth For more about Colette Dalton, please visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/colette-dalton Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022. You can donate at mormonsex.info.
Lisa Butterworth hosts this episode of Mormon Sex Info. She interviews LaToya Cheatham as they discuss sex and the Black Church.
Lisa and LaToya discuss similarities and differences between common Mormon and Black Christian messages and outcomes around sexuality.
For more on Lisa, please visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworth
Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022
Jeff Lundgren hosts this episode of Mormon Sex Info. 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/
- Protection from STIs, HIV and unwanted Pregnancies
- 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/
- 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.
Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022
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 Symmetry Teams spends the last 30 minutes of this podcast discussing resources for anyone needing help because of this address.
Please donate at mormonsex.info.
Lisa Butterworth and Colette Dalton chat on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Netflix recently came out with a documentary, “Pray Away,” about Conversion Therapy.
Lisa and Colette discuss the documentary and specifically how hurtful Conversion Therapy has been within the Mormon community.
Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021 please donate at mormonsex.info.
Holly Chase joins Natasha Helfer and Tami Harris to address questions from the “Single Mormon Transitions” group.
The “Single Mormon Transitions” group is for people who have some sort of connection past with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS -also known as Mormons). Most members have experienced a faith transition and identity either as unorthodox (progressive)-Mormon, post-Mormon, and ex-Mormon.
Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021 please donate at mormonsex.info.
Colette Dalton joins Lisa Butterworth on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Colette realized she is a lesbian later in life. She and Lisa talk about her journey of self discovery and coming out.
To find out more about Colette, visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/colette-dalton
Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021 please donate at mormonsex.info.
This episode was originally recorded for the “Mormon Mental Health Podcast” and is being refurbished here for your enjoyment.
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 Sex Info” going past 2021, please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021 please donate at mormonsex.info.
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 Sex Info going past 2021 please donate at mormonsex.info.
Lena Elkhatib, LMFT, CST, joins Lisa Butterworth on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Lena shares her experience as a therapist with her Muslim community and, in particular, addressing sexual health.
For more about Lena, you can visit: https://essentiatherapy.com/
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: “Sex, God, and the Conservative Church” by Tina Sellers
Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021 please donate by clicking on the DonorBox button at the top of this page.
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 struggled 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 the rigid and conservative environment that constantly pitted her against her own mind/body.
Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.
Please support the Mormon Sex Info Podcast with a donation at https://mormonsex.info.
Natasha interviews Kyle Ashworth the Host of Latter Gay Stories Podcast, a space where LGBTQ or SSA individuals, their families and allies can acknowledge, explore and honor shared experiences.
Kyle and Natasha discuss his experience with her disciplinary council and what it means to the LGBTQ LDS community.
Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.
*Please help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021 by making a donation at the top of this page.
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.
Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.*
*Please help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021 by making a donation at the top of this page.
In Part 1 of this interview, Lisa Butterworth, LCPC, NCC talks with Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CST-S about her response to the Washington Post Piece from April 16, 2021.
The pair also discuss the 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. Over 600 health professionals showed their support by signing this letter.
Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.*
*Please help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021 by making a donation at the top of this page
Host Lisa Butterworth interviews Dr. Kersti Spjut, a licensed clinical psychologist who works as clinical faculty member in Psychological Services at a university by day, and runs a private practice in the evenings. They discuss the Family Acceptance Project and 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 KenneyThe
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”
Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.*
*Please help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021 by making a donation at the top of this page
This is a conversation between prominent LDS therapists about the upcoming membership council Natasha Helfer faced April 18, 2021.
To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021, please donate at mormonsex.info.
Alice Roberts, LCSW, joins host Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC, on this episode of Mormon Sex Info.
Alice is a mental health provider at Wasatch Family Therapy in Utah where she specializes in Couples Therapy, Sex and Intimacy, Anxiety and Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Spirituality and Women’s Issues.
In this episode, Lisa and Alice discuss Sexual Shame and what some of the reasons may be that individuals go through it.
Resources mentioned during the podcast: Definition of Sexual Health: https://www.symmetrysols.com/single-post/2019/09/27/moving-from-sexual-shame-to-sexual-health
Al Vernacchio: https://alvernacchio.com/for-goodness-sex/
Disclaimer: Natasha originally recorded this podcast for her Healing Sols podcast.
Natasha interviews Michael and Carla Sommerfeld in regards to their experiences offering sexual education classes within religious/faith communities. Michael is
You can also find more information on Michael here:
To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021, please donate at mormonsex.info.
Disclaimer: This was recorded by Jeff Lundgren for The Mormon Mental Health Podcast.
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.
Andrea welcomes you to join her Facebook groups:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1790658221146223/?ref=share
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2140468222646608/?ref=share
Jeffrey Lungren, CMHC is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor specializing in men’s issues, relationships and couples, anxiety, depression, faith transitions, interfaith relationships, anger, and spirituality. Jeff works with people of all ages, including families and older children and teens.
Disclaimer: Natasha originally recorded this podcast for her Healing Sols podcast.
Natasha is joined by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, who was trained by the late Dr. David Schnarch. They discuss Dr. Schnarch’s methods and trainings, focusing on what he took from Murray Bowen, and the Bowen theory and translated into the field of sexuality, and sex and anxiety.
Natasha and Dr. Finlayson-Fife also discuss the 4 points of being well differentiated/balanced.
Disclaimer: Natasha originally recorded this podcast for her Healing Sols podcast.
Natasha interviews Mandy Lynn Danzig, LCSW about her transgender coming out story. Mandy is a social worker, musician and activist based in Salt Lake City. She is currently the director of HIV Case Management and Behavioral Health Consulting at the University of Utah’s Infectious Disease clinic.
Mandy shares her story about growing up in a religiously conservative community and how that impacted and limited her ability to consider gender identity throughout her development into adulthood. She discusses her personal journey of transitioning, through the lens of a mental health clinician and best standards of care for the transgender community. In addition to sharing a couple of her original songs, Mandy addresses current status of HIV—statistics, treatment and its hopeful eradication.
Disclaimer: Natasha originally recorded this podcast for her Healing Sols podcast.
Natasha has a serious conversation with Analiesa Leonhardt, DNP. Analiesa is a nurse midwife, has worked a doula and has a Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Utah.
Analiesa’s recent facebook post about the current legislation in Colorado(Prop115) limiting abortion after 22 weeks – 7 caught Natasha’s attention.
Analiesa educates about the moral and ethical implications of such a measure as it relates to a woman’s ability to make decisions, especially when facing the devastating news that the fetus has grave medical complications that would not allow the fetus to live after delivery.
She has a thoughtful and knowledgeable approach to this topic as she shares statistics and information that are invaluable in making informed decisions regarding the polarizing topic of abortion.
Disclaimer: Natasha originally recorded this podcast for her Healing Sols podcast.
Natasha discusses the Myths & Facts of the Sex Trafficking of Minors with Allan Alexander, MFT. Allan works as a Clinical Field Lead with San Diego Youth Services. In particular, assessing for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) in the youth that show up in juvenile hall. Allan shares typical myths about sex trafficking (i.e. this doesn’t happen in my neighborhood, kids are kidnapped into sex slavery, this only happens to females, this only happens to poor people, drugs and mental health issues lead to risks, etc.). He also talks about risk factors we should be aware of such as lack of supportive adults in their lives, being a runaway or truant youth, being kicked out of your home (higher likelihood for LGBTQ+ kids), having domestic violence or other abusive dynamics in the home and lack of community resources.
Disclaimer: Natasha originally recorded this podcast for her Healing Sols podcast.
Natasha has an informative discussion with Dr. Christine King Burke, a pelvic floor physical therapist and clinical supervisor for the Hoag Pelvic Health Program in Newport Beach, CA.
You will hear an educational conversation about the many reasons women in particular experience painful sex. It is disheartening to hear the statistics of how common it is for women to report painful sex, and how it is often normalized by our culture instead of understanding that there are reasons and treatments for issues such as vaginismus, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, and more. Listening will help you understand what issues you or your partner may be experiencing so that you can be better prepared to advocate for your pelvic floor health with your medical providers.
We answer questions like: Should everyone be doing kegel exercises? Are some penises just too big for some vaginas? Isn’t it normal for sex to hurt the first time you have intercourse, after having a baby or after menopause? What about anal sex? What does a pelvic floor therapist do?
Disclaimer: Natasha originally recorded this podcast for her Healing Sols podcast.
Natasha has an informative discussion with Dr. Stephanie Buehler, licensed psychologist and AASECT certified sex therapist and author of “Counseling Couples Before, During and After Pregnancy: Sexualy and Intimacy Issues.” You will hear a comprehensive dialogue about the many hiccups couples often encounter after that sweet baby is born. From physcial issues (i.e. painful sex), hormonal implications (i.e. mood swings/postpartum depression), psychological stressors and narratives (i.e. how do I feel about my sexuality as a parent?), gender role expectations (i.e. how am I supposed to be showing up as a mom or dad?), social stressors (i.e. opinions or pressures from well meaning family or friends) and body image frustrations (i.e. will I ever lose that baby fat!?). Having babies are usually a wonderful time in a couple’s life… and yet, wonderful times can still be stressful. Listening will help you prepare for some things you may not currently be aware of as well as give you some ideas as to what you can do to remedy some problems you come across. It can also give you a sense of some things you may need to talk through years after baby making time to get your sex life back on track.
Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.
Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CSTS can be reached at natashahelfer.comand runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions, which focuses on helping families and individuals with faith concerns, sexuality and mental health. She hosts the Mormon Mental Health and Mormon Sex Info and Healing Sols Podcasts, is the current past president of the Mormon Mental Health Association and runs a sex education program, Sex Talk with Natasha. She has over 20 years of experience working with primarily an LDS/Mormon clientele.
Disclaimer: Natasha originally recorded this podcast for her Healing Sols podcast.
Fascinating discussion with researcher, neurobiologist, and sexologist, Dr. Jim Pfaus, about the work of late psychiatrist, Dr. Marcel Waldinger and his significant contributions to the field of sex therapy. We better understand and conceptualize conditions such as Persistent Genital Disorder, Rapid or Premature Ejaculation, and Delayed Ejaculation/Orgasm as well as effects of SSRI’s on sexual response due to his work. You will get a great anatomical lesson on how our bodies respond to sexual stimuli as well as a clearer understanding of how arousal and desire show up in human bodies and the many things that affect them.
Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.
Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CSTS can be reached at natashahelfer.com and runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions, which focuses on helping families and individuals with faith concerns, sexuality and mental health. She hosts the Mormon Mental Health and Mormon Sex Info and Healing Sols Podcasts, is the current past president of the Mormon Mental Health Association and runs a sex education program, Sex Talk with Natasha. She has over 20 years of experience working with primarily an LDS/Mormon clientele
Host Lisa Butterworth welcomes Tami Harris to the podcast in this episode of Mormon Sex Info. After going through a divorce, Tami shares her experiences with leading a healthy sexual life post-marriage.
Tami Harris, CLC, LMT specializes in coaching those who have gone or are currently going through major life transitions or are looking to add purpose and meaning to their life. She provides support and tools to assist them in the process.
She is holding the 6-week post divorce online workshop “whatever…i’ll just date myself” starting October 1st.
BY THE END OF THE 6 WEEKS :
-You will discover that enduring happiness comes from within, not from other people.
-You will learn to listen to and better trust your innate wisdom.
-You will learn techniques that will help you to re-wire your brain for a more positive mindset.
-You will learn the importance of having a strong sense of self and how it will benefit other relationships.
-You will learn how to feel confident and complete being single.
-You will learn that you can create whatever life you desire, not what others think you should have.
Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.
Please help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2020 by making a donation at the top of this page
Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. Lisa specializes in women’s issues, faith transitions, sexual concerns, LGBT+ journeys, trauma, anxiety disorders, body image concerns, and depression. She offers both coaching/consultation and therapy services to individuals, couples and families. Lisa is also the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website and support group.
Caron Cordes, MSPSY, EDIT joins host Lisa Butterworth in this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Caron, a certified eating disorder recovery coach, at Symmetry Solutions shares how eating disorders could intersect with sexuality.
Caron Cordes, MSPsy, EDIT is a trained life coach with a Master’s Degree in Psychology. Having utilized therapists and life coaches in her own healing, Caron offers an empathetic, client-directed approach to healing with experience in faith transitions, depression and anxiety, trauma and is a certified eating disorder recovery coach.
Resources Mentioned During this Podcast: Eating Disorders and Sexuality–https://mirror-mirror.org/
Reclaim Your True Self: Letting go of who you should be and loving who you are–6 Week Online Group starting 10/1/2020.
Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy EDIT™
Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.
Please help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2020 by making a donation at the top of this page
Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. Lisa specializes in women’s issues, faith transitions, sexual concerns, LGBT+ journeys, trauma, anxiety disorders, body image concerns, and depression. She offers both coaching/consultation and therapy services to individuals, couples and families. Lisa is also the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website and support group.
Caron Cordes, MSPSY, EDIT joins host Lisa Butterworth in this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Caron, a certified eating disorder recovery coach, at Symmetry Solutions shares how eating disorders could intersect with sexuality.
Caron Cordes, MSPsy, EDIT is a trained life coach with a Master’s Degree in Psychology. Having utilized therapists and life coaches in her own healing, Caron offers an empathetic, client-directed approach to healing with experience in faith transitions, depression and anxiety, trauma and is a certified eating disorder recovery coach.
Resources Mentioned During this Podcast: Eating Disorders and Sexuality–https://mirror-mirror.org/
Reclaim Your True Self: Letting go of who you should be and loving who you are–6 Week Online Group starting 10/1/2020. Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy EDIT™
Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.
Please help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2020 by making a donation at the top of this page
Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. Lisa specializes in women’s issues, faith transitions, sexual concerns, LGBT+ journeys, trauma, anxiety disorders, body image concerns, and depression. She offers both coaching/consultation and therapy services to individuals, couples and families. Lisa is also the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website and support group.
Amy Elisa Hedrick joins host Lisa Butterworth on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. They discuss ways in which couples who are interested in opening their marriage can do so in healthy ways. They also share insights into how common open marriages are and things couples didn’t expect once they do so.
Amy Elisa Hedrick is a licensed clinical professional counselor practicing in Idaho for the past 17 years, maintaining her own private practice for the past 10 years. In 2010, she began the journey to become a certified sex therapist completing her curriculum through Florida Sex Therapy Training Institute. She is deeply passionate about sexual health and through that passion, she has committed her career to helping couples and individuals accept their sexual truth, optimize their sexual function, embody their authentic pleasure, and benefit from accurate, up-to-date knowledge of human sexuality.
To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2020, please donate by clicking on the DonorBox button on this page.
Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.
Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. Lisa specializes in women’s issues, faith transitions, sexual concerns, LGBT+ journeys, trauma, anxiety disorders, body image concerns, and depression. She offers both coaching/consultation and therapy services to individuals, couples and families. Lisa is also the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website and support group.
Cami Hurst joins host Lisa Butterworth on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Cami Hurst is a sex therapist and joined the field after poor advice when she was first married. She’s been on a crusade since to educate newlyweds on what to expect, what is healthy and what is “normal”.
Cami Hurst is passionate about helping married couples build life-long love stories. She specializes in Female Sexual Development, Mutual Sexual Satisfaction for couples, Sexual Education for Premarital/Newlywed couples, Sexual Orientation and Identity congruence for individuals and their families , Affair recovery, Post-addiction relationship recovery. Cami also specializes in spiritual issues such as faith crisis, faith reconstruction or transition, and mixed-faith marriages.
To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2020, please donate by clicking on the DonorBox button on this page.
Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.
Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. Lisa specializes in women’s issues, faith transitions, sexual concerns, LGBT+ journeys, trauma, anxiety disorders, body image concerns, and depression. She offers both coaching/consultation and therapy services to individuals, couples and families. Lisa is also the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website and support group.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha is joined by Sexologist Shamyra Howard, LCSW on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Shamyra is the author of “Use Your Mouth: Pocket-sized Conversations to Simply Increase 7 Types of Intimacy in and out of the Bedroom”. Shamyra and Natasha discuss sexual conversations and she shares her insights into her book and how important conversations are surrounding intimacy.
Shamyra Howard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a private practice serving the Baton Rouge, LA and surrounding areas. Shamyra is also a Sexologist, Sex and Relationship Therapist, Amazon Best Selling Author, and International Speaker.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/shamyra.howardblackburn and https://www.onthegreencouch.com to learn more about Shamayra.
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.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available.
Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit: mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Emma Daley and Adam “Fuzzy” Konner, founders of “Consent Beyond Yes” in regards to a “collaborative approach” to consent that differs from our typical ways of thinking about this concept. Applicable for those who are in long-term relationships/marriage, those who are dating in adulthood and for anyone teaching teens about consent!
Emma Daley (she/they) is a body psychotherapist, consent educator, and occasional math tutor. She began developing Consent Beyond Yes with Fuzzy while pursuing her Master’s degree in Naropa University. Emma has a background in PreK-12 and post-secondary education and is an Our Whole Lives sexuality education facilitator. When she’s not talking about sex, she might be found dancing, journaling, or climbing trees.
Adam “Fuzzy” Konner (they/them) is a nomadic educator of consent, contact improvisation, co-ops, and alternative economic and monetary systems. They have been teaching classes and workshops on various topics to both children and adults for over 15 years. They also work as a freelance web and software developer, a worker co-op consultant with Collective Seeds Consulting Co-op, and the Executive Director ofCommon Good Washtenaw, a community currency. They are currently practicing conscious vagabondage after leaving their former home base in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha was joined by Dr. Cameron Staley on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. They discuss Dr. Staley’s recent TEDx talk on pornography addiction.
In his TEDx talk, Changing the Narrative Around the Addiction Story, Dr. Staley shares details from his research and counseling experience regarding helpful ways to talk about sexuality and how to effectively reduce unwanted pornography viewing through mindfulness. In order to help even more individuals who are struggling with pornography, he developed an online self-directed program called LifeAfterPornography based on the same ACT principles he uses in his counseling work and the same approach proven effective in research to reduce unwanted pornography viewing in adults.
Dr. Cameron Staley is a clinical psychologist who is passionate about providing counseling, teaching courses for the psychology department, and supervising counselors and psychologists in training at Idaho State University. He has presented his research on pornography at the International Academy of Sex Research (IASR) and the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) along with peer-reviewed publications in the journals of Socioaffective Neuroscience and Psychology, Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, and Archives of Sexual Behavior. Cameron completed his psychology internship at Brigham Young University’s Counseling and Psychological Services where he first learned Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as an effective treatment for unwanted pornography viewing.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha interviews Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC on this episode of Mormon Sex Info.
They discuss the conversations Lisa wishes we were having around sexuality in Mormonland.
Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University and received two undergraduate degrees in Special Education and History from Utah State University.
Lisa has been passionate in working towards women’s issues for over a decade and is dedicated to her career in helping individuals, couples and families in their goals towards mental health, healthy relationships and self-actualization as a provider at Symmetry Solutions. She is the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website and support group.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Trigger Warning:
If you’ve experienced sexual trauma, some of the things we discuss in this episode may trigger unwanted emotions to surface.
Natasha joined Crystal Escobar on her Wannabe Balanced Mompodcast.
Crystal and her husband, Sean had recently discussed sexual shame and trauma in one of their recent podcasts. Natasha reached out and provided a “therapy session” to help them along the path to healing.
Crystal Escobar is a mother of 4 and wannabe balanced mom. She has a passion for helping moms find balance and purpose in motherhood and business. Crystal is a momprenuer, health & lifestyle podcaster.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha joined Braxton Dutson on his podcast, “Birds and Bees Podcast”.
Natasha Helfer-Parker, MFT, CST, CSTS speaks with Braxton about being able to explore topics, address uncomfortable situations, and improve your understanding about “The M word.”
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 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.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
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.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
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.
Resources Mentioned During this Podcast: 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
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha had the great pleasure to interview world renown Dr. Barry McCarthy. They discuss sexuality as we age (and hint… you’re going to benefit from listening to this regardless of how old you are).
Dr. McCarthy is a clinical psychologist with a subspecialty in marriage and sex therapy practicing at the Washington Psychological Center in Washington DC. He is professor of psychology at American University where he teaches an undergraduate human sexual behavior course. Barry, with his wife Emily, has written seven well-respected books, with some of the most recent being Enhancing Couple Sexuality, Finding your Sexual Voice, Sexual Awareness: Couple Sexuality for the Twenty-First Century and Rekindling Desire: A Step By Step Program to Help Low-Sex and No-Sex Marriages.
In addition, he has published over fifty-five professional articles and fourteen books and has presented over one hundred and ten workshops nationally and internationally.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer-Parker, MFT, CST 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.
Natasha speaks with Braxton about being able to explore these topics, address uncomfortable situations, and improve your understanding about “The M word.”
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 help dispel myths, talk about values, talk about masturbation, and support parents by 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.
Resources mentioned during the podcast: 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
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Braxton Dutson and Shannon Hickman join Natasha on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Recently the church published a new page on pornography so the 3 professionals discusses what they like and don’t about the page.
He is also the host of the “Birds and the Bees Podcast” that teaches children and couples about intimacy and talking to kids about sexual health. You can find out more about the podcast by going here: https://www.thehealinggroup.com/therapists/2018/4/20/braxton-dutson-lcsw-cst
Shannon Hickman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an AASECT Certfified Sex Therapist. She works for the Core Healing Group and is a Gottman trained therapist. To find out more about Shannon’s practice, Core Healing Counseling, please go here: http://corehealingcounseling.com/about/
Resources mentioned during podcast: Interview Natasha did with Matt Folmer (170: Why “Sex Addiction” Isn’t a Thing – A Personal Story)
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha is joined by BYU Faculty Members and Therapists Dr. Marty Erickson, Ph.D. and Dr. Michael Buxton Ph.D. 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, 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.
Dr. Erickson is a part time faculty member at BYU and is the president of the Mormon Mental Health Association. He received his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iowa State University. In addition to his work at BYU Dr. Erickson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Alliance Behavior Psychology in Orem. UT
Dr. Buxton is a full time faculty member at BYU with Ph.D. in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
In this episode of Mormon Sex Info, Natasha is joined by “Earthly Parents” who recently 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”.
For a free copy, please email earthlyparents@gmail.com. You are welcome to share the PDF as well.
Resources mentioned during the podcast: And It Was Very Good: A Latter-day Saint’s Guide to Lovemaking by Earthly Parents
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Amy Hammer joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Sex Info as they discuss instances when young children and pre-adolescents are involved in sexual play/exploration with one another. Amy is a CST and Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist specializing in adolescents, adults, couples/marital, family and severe mental illness. Amy works at a Mental Health center in Kansas. Amy and Natasha discuss how to help children become healthy sexual beings especially in environments where there might be assault or abuse whether by other siblings or others in the home. Topics include why they don’t like the term predators for a younger population, what can be done to help them when they are adults to be healthy sexual beings, when to get help, how to get help, and various resources to help. Resources mentioned during the podcast: Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
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 or effective.
Matt resides in Topeka, KS where he has a dental practice.
Resources about the Research on Pornography: Your Brain on Porn
https://www.natashaparker.org/recommend
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
On this episode of Mormon Sex Info, Tammy Ellis returns. She and Natasha discuss some myths Tammy has observed in higher education when it comes to sexuality including gender dysphoria, pregnancy and sexuality. They also talk about how to treat sexual behavior that’s out of control and older people not being interested in sex.
Tammy shares her story and her growing up experience and how it helped her get into this field and what types of research she is doing.
Tammy has a Masters Degree from Utah State in Social Work and is enrolled in the
University of Michigan training program that prepares candidates for AASECT certification.
Resources mentioned during podcast: Stephanie Buehler and pregnancy: Counseling Couples Before, During, and After Pregnancy: Sexuality and Intimacy Issues
Genderbread Person
Gender Unicorn
“Transmormon”
Eli Green, founder of The Transgender Training Institute
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Dr. Lehmiller returns on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. He continues discussing his book “Tell Me What You Want”. They go into depth with his book including the differences between male and female fantasies along with 15 things that can affect sexual fantasies. Some of these include: age, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and political affiliations. He ends with overall takeaways of the book.
Dr. Justin Lehmiller is researcher, writer and public speaker about Sexual Health and sexuality. He received his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Purdue University. He is a Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute and author of the book Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life.
Dr. Lehmiller is an award-winning educator, having been honored three times with the Certificate of Teaching Excellence from Harvard University, where he taught for several years. He is also a prolific researcher and scholar who has published more than 40 pieces of academic writing to date, including a textbook entitled The Psychology of Human Sexuality (now in its second edition) that is used in college classrooms around the world.
Dr. Lehmiller’s research focuses on topics including casual sex, sexual fantasy, sexual health, and friends with benefits. His studies have appeared in all of the leading journals on human sexuality, including the Journal of Sex Research, Archives of Sexual Behavior, and The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Dr. Lehmiller has run the popular blog Sex and Psychology since 2011, and it now receives several million page views per year. He has been interviewed by numerous media outlets.
Resources mentioned during podcast: You can find out more about Lehmiller by going to his website: https://www.lehmiller.com/about-sex/
Natasha and Dr. Lehmiller discuss Dr. Joshua Grubbs and self-assessment
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Dr. Justin Lehmiller joins Natasha Helfer Parker on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Dr. Lehmiller recently published his new book, “Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire” and discusses the book with Natasha, specifically how fantasies play into sexuality.
Dr. Justin Lehmiller is researcher, writer and public speaker about Sexual Health and sexuality. He received his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Purdue University. He is a Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute and author of the book Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life. Dr. Lehmiller is an award-winning educator, having been honored three times with the Certificate of Teaching Excellence from Harvard University, where he taught for several years. He is also a prolific researcher and scholar who has published more than 40 pieces of academic writing to date, including a textbook entitled The Psychology of Human Sexuality (now in its second edition) that is used in college classrooms around the world. Dr. Lehmiller’s research focuses on topics including casual sex, sexual fantasy, sexual health, and friends with benefits. His studies have appeared in all of the leading journals on human sexuality, including the Journal of Sex Research, Archives of Sexual Behavior, and The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Dr. Lehmiller has run the popular blog Sex and Psychology since 2011, and it now receives several million page views per year. He has been interviewed by numerous media outlets.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Katherine Wela Bogen joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Sex Info 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 fan find it here:
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 Pittsburgh 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 father 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.
Resources mentioned during podcast: Katherine’s Facebook Post
Alan Berkowitz’s paper “An Overview of the Social Norms Approach”
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
In the first part of this conversation with John Dehlin, Natasha and John discuss his research and findings when it comes to LGBTQIA 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, podcaster and social activist. He has a Ph.D. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Utah State University. John is the founder of the Mormon Stories Podcast and also has a private coaching practice.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha interviews Tammy Ellis, a provider at Symmetry Solutions who is undergoing training to become a certified sex therapist. They discuss information being covered in her classes in an attempt to help educate the Mormon Sex Info audience as to the newest research and topics that the sexological field is covering.
Tammy has a Masters Degree from Utah State in Social Work and is enrolled in the University of Michigan training program that prepares candidates for AASECT certification.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
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. Resources mentioned during podcast To visit STOP, please go to https://stop.team/ To visit SNAP, please go to http://www.snapnetwork.org/
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Blaire Ostler and Nick Stewart join Natasha on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Both Blaire and Nick identify as bisexual and they share their stories of coming out within a Mormon culture. They give helpful suggestions to help both individuals who identify as bisexual as well as those who are family and friends of those who identify as bisexual.
Resources mentioned during podcast: Affirmations: http://www.goaffirmations.org/ Mormons Building Bridges: http://mormonsbuildingbridges.org/ Encircle: https://encircletogether.org/
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Shannon Hickman of Core Healing Counseling and Kristin Hodson 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, Kristen tells her experience dealing with state legislature trying to teach consent in classrooms.
Kristin Hodson is Founder and Executive Director of The Healing Group in and co-author of the newly published book Real Intimacy: A Couples Guide for Genuine, Healthy Sexuality. She practices as a psychotherapist with a passion helping women find their authentic self by working through areas where they feel stuck.
Shannon Hickman is a LCSW, CST and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years of experience in a variety
of disciplines. Shannon derives great joy and satisfaction from helping individuals and couples discover the bliss that goes along with sex, intimacy, connection, relationships and much more at Core Healing Counseling in Murray, UT.
Resources mentioned during podcast: http://www.purecouples.org/blog/2018/8/5/husbands-your-wife-isnt-a-porn-star
Home 01
Is Sugar the New Nicotine? 5 Ways to Move Forward
They also discussed Caitlyn Ryan’s Family Acceptance Project which you can find here:
https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/people/staff/caitlin-ryan
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Lisa Hacking in regards to her experience figuring out female arousal and orgasmic potential as she went through shifts in her faith journey.
Lisa now courageously shares her experience with other women in worshops helping them understand how to better address issues of sexual repression and shame.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
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.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
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.
Resources mentioned during podcast: McKenna’s interview with Mosaic Podcast
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
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
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. Sheri Winston is a celebrated sexuality teacher, award-winning author and medical professional. She offers classes, workshops and retreats online and at in-person venues such as sexuality boutiques, privately sponsored classes, conferences and educational institutions.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
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…
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Liz Klinger joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Liz is the Co-Founder and CEO of Lioness, a vibrator that tracks women’s pleasure to better explore their own bodies and sexuality. Natasha and Liz dive into the genesis of the product, the current status and how pleasure is different for every woman and the hope for Lioness in the future.
And, for anyone interested in the Lioness, Liz is giving all listeners a 15% discount! Just use “NATASHA” at checkout.
To see the product and get your 15% discount, please go to https://lioness.io
And, to see Liz’s Ted Talk, please find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gzspv0GU5E
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker discusses sex related topics in the Mormon news May 2018
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Rob Perkins joins Natasha on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Rob Perkins is the co-founder of the website OMGYes.com. This is a website dedicated to women’s sexual pleasure.
Rob and Natasha discuss the research he and his team are conducting to help bring female sexual awareness to the masses.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
In this episode of Mormon Sex Info Natasha interviews Megan Torrey-Payne about the stages of Menopause and sexuality. The discussion primarily focuses on Perimenopause; the confusing grey area of time in every woman’s life. The dialogue focuses on defining perimenopause and how to manage the normal trials of being a healthy and sexual woman in perimenopause.
Megan Torrey-Payne is a a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist working in Southern California. She has over 15 years of experience working in a therapy practice. The primary focus of Megan’s therapy practice is working with individuals and couples on improving the relationships in their lives, with an emphasis on the sexual relationship. “All relationships. All genders. All people.”
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha is joined by Symmetry Solutions colleagues Sarah Hughes-Zabawa, LCSW, and Jennifer White, LCSW. They discuss issues of consent and ways to better equip church leaders, family members, supporters and allies of anyone who has had to deal with any type of sexual assault. Resources Mentioned During this Podcast: Perpetrator Responses to Victim Confrontation: DARVO and Victim Self-Blame How to Teach Consent to Kids in 5 Simple Steps
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
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 possible 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. Natasha also consulted with the couple in question before she placed any report.
Resources mentioned during 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 for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha is joined once again by Dr. Doug Braun-Harvey to wrap up their discussions on the Universal Sexual Health Principles.
They discuss the difference between Sexual Health and Healthy Sexuality and how to handle it when the principles are conflicting and/or values change.
Douglas Braun-Harvey is a sexual health author, trainer and psychotherapist. Doug is a co-founder of the The Harvey Institute, an international education, training, consulting and supervision service for Improving health care through integration of sexual health. He teaches and trains nationally and internationally linking sexual health principles within drug and alcohol treatment, group psychotherapy, HIV prevention and treatment, and child maltreatment. Previous publications include “Sexual Health in Recovery: Professional Counselor’s Manual” (2011) and “Sexual Health in Drug and Alcohol Treatment: Group Facilitator’s Manual”(2009). Doug is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Certified Sex Therapist. He currently serves as Treasurer of AASECT and, as an alumni of the University of Minnesota, to join their Advisory Board for the Program in Human Sexuality in which he is a founding donor of the Doug Braun-Harvey Fellowship in Compulsive Sexual Behavior. He has been providing individual and group therapy in his San Diego private practice since 1987.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha interviews Dr. Laurie Mintz about her book Becoming Cliterate and her passion for helping people, especially woman embrace sexuality and sexual pleasure.
Dr. Laurie Mintz is a feminist author, therapist, professor, and speaker. She is Professor at the University of Florida, she teaches the Psychology of Human Sexuality. Dr. Mintz has over 20 years working with private clients on sexual issues and has published over 50 research studies.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha discusses Sex in the Mormon News March 2018.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha interviews Lexi Kite, PhD one of the founders of BeautyRedefined.org. Some of the topics they discuss are self objectification, “how to see more than bodies and how to be more than bodies”, sexiness vs. sexuality and modesty rhetoric.
Beauty Redefined is a non profit nonprofit dedicated to promoting positive body image to women, run by identical twins Lexie Kite, Ph.D. and Lindsay Kite, Ph.D.
Lexie and Lindsay, self proclaimed progressive, feminist mormons, have become leading experts in the work of body image resilience through research-backed online education available on their website, social media, and through speaking events to tens of thousands across the US.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha interviews Dr. Doug Braun-Harvey for the final part of this series discuss the principles of Sexual Health, developed by the World Health Organization.
The sixth principle is mutual pleasure.
Douglas Braun-Harvey is a sexual health author, trainer and psychotherapist. Doug is a co-founder of the The Harvey Institute, an international education, training, consulting and supervision service for Improving health care through integration of sexual health. He teaches and trains nationally and internationally linking sexual health principles within drug and alcohol treatment, group psychotherapy, HIV prevention and treatment, and child maltreatment. Previous publications include “Sexual Health in Recovery: Professional Counselor’s Manual” (2011) and “Sexual Health in Drug and Alcohol Treatment: Group Facilitator’s Manual”(2009). Doug is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Certified Sex Therapist. He currently serves as Treasurer of AASECT and, as an alumni of the University of Minnesota, to join their Advisory Board for the Program in Human Sexuality in which he is a founding donor of the Doug Braun-Harvey Fellowship in Compulsive Sexual Behavior. He has been providing individual and group therapy in his San Diego private practice since 1987.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Bryce Cook, founding member of ALL (Arizona LDS LGBT Friends and Family) and the “All are alike unto God Conference,” member of the church and father of two gay sons, in regards to his writing the following piece for Dialogue Journal:
What Do We Know of God’s Will For His LGBT Children? An Examination of the LDS Church’s Position on Homosexuality
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Mormon Sex Info interviews Paul Malan on the article he wrote several years ago, The Naked People in your iPod, that has garnered national attention — including renowned sex therapists. He writes it from a perspective as a father who wants to help his son navigate the landscape that teens currently face in regards to sexually explicit material they can easily come across on the internet. Paul comes from a Mormon background and offers a sex-positive and comprehensive perspective.
Audio version of The Naked People in your iPod
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker leads a monthly podcast “bookclub style” with colleagues who also happen to be AASECT Certified Sex Therapists in regards to current articles, news stories, research, etc. that have to do with the Mormon community from a sex-positive perspective…
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Paul Joannides, author of The Guide to Getting it On, which is reminiscent of an encyclopedia about sexuality. Anything you would want to know about is covered, to the point that medical school and other training facilities are now using this resource as a text in their training programs. Paul talks about some of the content and what drove him to do this type of work to begin with.
Resources Mentioned During this Podcast: Guide to Getting it On Website and Blog
Marty Klein
The Joy of Sex
Videos on Guide to Getting it On
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Mormon Sex Info interviews Dr. Doug Braun-Harvey for part five in a 6-part series to discuss the principles of Sexual Health, developed by the World Health Organization.
The fifth principle of “shared values” is discussed in length and detail. How do our values get shaped? What’s the difference between our beliefs and our values? What happens when we have competing values that are in conflict with one another? Or when we have competing values and/or beliefs with our sexual partner?
Douglas Braun-Harvey is a sexual health author, trainer and psychotherapist. Doug is a co-founder of the The Harvey Institute, an international education, training, consulting and supervision service for Improving health care through integration of sexual health. He teaches and trains nationally and internationally linking sexual health principles within drug and alcohol treatment, group psychotherapy, HIV prevention and treatment, and child maltreatment. Previous publications include “Sexual Health in Recovery: Professional Counselor’s Manual” (2011) and “Sexual Health in Drug and Alcohol Treatment: Group Facilitator’s Manual”(2009). Doug is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Certified Sex Therapist. He currently serves as Treasurer of AASECT and, as an alumni of the University of Minnesota, to join their Advisory Board for the Program in Human Sexuality in which he is a founding donor of the Doug Braun-Harvey Fellowship in Compulsive Sexual Behavior. He has been providing individual and group therapy in his San Diego private practice since 1987.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker leads a monthly podcast “bookclub style” with colleagues who also happen to be AASECT Certified Sex Therapists in regards to current articles, news stories, research, etc. that have to do with the Mormon community from a sex-positive perspective.
This month join Natasha and Kristin Marie Bennion as they discuss the following news stories & articles:
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the Protect LDS Children petition and press conference,
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survey results coming out of BYU study in regards to reporting sexual assault, and
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how LDS Living Magazine dealt with the dresses worn in solidarity with the #metoo movement at the Golden Globes.
Resources Mentioned During the Podcast: Protectldschildren.org
Protect LDS Children Press Conference
Fox News Reports on the Press Conference
SNAP- Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
Declaration of Sexual Rights by the World Association for Sexual Health
Most BYU sexual assault victims either report to Mormon church leaders or don’t report at all, campus survey shows
Results of the BYU Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault
Julie Valentine: BYU professor encouraged by results of new research on sexual assault kit processing
Donna Kelly: Helping Sexual Assault Victims and Keeping BYU Accountable for Title IX Recommendations
Mormons miss the point of #MeToo by focusing on modest gowns at Golden Globes by Jana Riess
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha interviews Dr. Doug Braun-Harvey for part three in a 6-part series series to discuss the principles of Sexual Health, developed by the World Health Organization.
The fourth principle of “honesty” is discussed in length and detail. Why is a value most of us have sometimes so difficult to practice? What types of things get in the way of sexual honesty? Honesty requires vulnerability and vulnerability requires safety. But what if what you’re trying to share doesn’t feel safe to the recipient of the information?
Douglas Braun-Harvey is a sexual health author, trainer and psychotherapist. Doug is a co-founder of the The Harvey Institute, an international education, training, consulting and supervision service for Improving health care through integration of sexual health. He teaches and trains nationally and internationally linking sexual health principles within drug and alcohol treatment, group psychotherapy, HIV prevention and treatment, and child maltreatment. Previous publications include “Sexual Health in Recovery: Professional Counselor’s Manual” (2011) and “Sexual Health in Drug and Alcohol Treatment: Group Facilitator’s Manual”(2009). Doug is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Certified Sex Therapist. He currently serves as Treasurer of AASECT and, as an alumni of the University of Minnesota, to join their Advisory Board for the Program in Human Sexuality in which he is a founding donor of the Doug Braun-Harvey Fellowship in Compulsive Sexual Behavior. He has been providing individual and group therapy in his San Diego private practice since 1987.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha leads a monthly podcast “bookclub style” with colleagues who also happen to be AASECT Certified Sex Therapists in regards to current articles, news stories, research, etc. that have to do with the Mormon community from a sex-positive perspective.
This month join Natasha, Kristin Hodson and Shannon Hickman as they discuss an article written anonymously by an LDS woman on the Exponent ii website called Virginal Sex. She shares her thoughts about how the lack of sexual education affected her sexuality in the context of her marriage.
Resources Mentioned: Aimee Heffernan: Achieving Female Orgasm
Jennifer Finlayson Fife: LDS Female Sexuality with Jennifer Finlayson-Fife Part 1
Sex Positivity in Mormonism
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Mormon Sex Info interviews Dr. Doug Braun-Harvey for part three in a 6-part series to discuss the principles of Sexual Health, developed by the World Health Organization.
The third principle of avoiding unwanted pregnancy and STIs is discussed in length and detail. Many assume this is a simple concept, and yet we see in much of our national discussion today, that it’s much more complicated than we’ve assumed in the past. This is a principle the majority of people agree with….
Douglas Braun-Harvey is a sexual health author, trainer and psychotherapist. Doug is a co-founder of the The Harvey Institute, an international education, training, consulting and supervision service for Improving health care through integration of sexual health. He teaches and trains nationally and internationally linking sexual health principles within drug and alcohol treatment, group psychotherapy, HIV prevention and treatment, and child maltreatment. Previous publications include “Sexual Health in Recovery: Professional Counselor’s Manual” (2011) and “Sexual Health in Drug and Alcohol Treatment: Group Facilitator’s Manual”(2009). Doug is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Certified Sex Therapist. He currently serves as Treasurer of AASECT and, as an alumni of the University of Minnesota, to join their Advisory Board for the Program in Human Sexuality in which he is a founding donor of the Doug Braun-Harvey Fellowship in Compulsive Sexual Behavior. He has been providing individual and group therapy in his San Diego private practice since 1987.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha interviews Dr. Doug Braun-Harvey for part two in a 6-part series to discuss the principles of Sexual Health, developed by the World Health Organization.
The third principle of avoiding unwanted pregnancy and STIs is discussed in length and detail. In fact, this part 1 only goes into reproductive decision making. You would think the conversation would be as simple as “use birth control and condoms.” Not so. Doug has an uncanny way of furthering the conversation in such important ways that have implications for those in committed relationships, casual relationships, teens, adults and parents.
Douglas Braun-Harvey is a sexual health author, trainer and psychotherapist. Doug is a co-founder of the The Harvey Institute, an international education, training, consulting and supervision service for Improving health care through integration of sexual health. He teaches and trains nationally and internationally linking sexual health principles within drug and alcohol treatment, group psychotherapy, HIV prevention and treatment, and child maltreatment. Previous publications include “Sexual Health in Recovery: Professional Counselor’s Manual” (2011) and “Sexual Health in Drug and Alcohol Treatment: Group Facilitator’s Manual”(2009). Doug is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Certified Sex Therapist. He currently serves as Treasurer of AASECT and, as an alumni of the University of Minnesota, to join their Advisory Board for the Program in Human Sexuality in which he is a founding donor of the Doug Braun-Harvey Fellowship in Compulsive Sexual Behavior. He has been providing individual and group therapy in his San Diego private practice since 1987.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha interviews Dr. Doug Braun-Harvey for part two in a 6-part series to discuss the principles of Sexual Health, developed by the World Health Organization.
The second principle of having sexuality be non-exploitative between partners is incredibly important. When “exploitation” comes up as a word, many think of extremes like human trafficking. However, the reality is that exploitative tactics are found in the most common of relationship… including marriage. Learn how to recognize manipulative tactics and patterns we should avoid in order to enjoy healthier more satisfying sexual relationships.
Douglas Braun-Harvey is a sexual health author, trainer and psychotherapist. Doug is a co-founder of the The Harvey Institute, an international education, training, consulting and supervision service for Improving health care through integration of sexual health. He teaches and trains nationally and internationally linking sexual health principles within drug and alcohol treatment, group psychotherapy, HIV prevention and treatment, and child maltreatment. Previous publications include “Sexual Health in Recovery: Professional Counselor’s Manual” (2011) and “Sexual Health in Drug and Alcohol Treatment: Group Facilitator’s Manual”(2009). Doug is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Certified Sex Therapist. He currently serves as Treasurer of AASECT and, as an alumni of the University of Minnesota, to join their Advisory Board for the Program in Human Sexuality in which he is a founding donor of the Doug Braun-Harvey Fellowship in Compulsive Sexual Behavior. He has been providing individual and group therapy in his San Diego private practice since 1987.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. Doug Braun-Harvey for part one in a 6-part series to discuss the principles of sexual health developed by the World Health Organization.
The first principle of consent is discussed in length and detail. Many assume this is a simple concept, and yet we see in much of our national discussion today, that it’s much more complicated than we’ve assumed in the past. This is a principle the majority of people agree with regardless of culture, race, socio-economic status, gender, etc. And yet it goes profoundly wrong on a regular basis as we can see by the #metoo movement with so many sharing publicly (often for the first time) where they were involved with sexual encounters that were non-consensual. Such an important conversation with implications for ourselves, for our children, for our relationships and for our communities.
Douglas Braun-Harvey is a sexual health author, trainer and psychotherapist. Doug is a co-founder of the The Harvey Institute, an international education, training, consulting and supervision service for Improving health care through integration of sexual health. He teaches and trains nationally and internationally linking sexual health principles within drug and alcohol treatment, group psychotherapy, HIV prevention and treatment, and child maltreatment. Previous publications include “Sexual Health in Recovery: Professional Counselor’s Manual” (2011) and “Sexual Health in Drug and Alcohol Treatment: Group Facilitator’s Manual”(2009). Doug is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Certified Sex Therapist. He currently serves as Treasurer of AASECT and, as an alumni of the University of Minnesota, to join their Advisory Board for the Program in Human Sexuality in which he is a founding donor of the Doug Braun-Harvey Fellowship in Compulsive Sexual Behavior. He has been providing individual and group therapy in his San Diego private practice since 1987.
Resources Mentioned During this Podcast: Out of Control Behavior Part 1
Out of Control Behavior Part 2
Treating Out of Control Sexual Behavior: Rethinking Sex Addiction
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. Joe Kort in regards to his background in both the sex addiction certification process and becoming a Certified Sex Therapist. They discuss the issues with looking at sexual behavior through an addictions lens, even when there are problematic issues that should be treated. There is an important overlay to be aware of between values and behaviors as well as the challenging of heteronormative culture – where only certain types of sexual behaviors or tastes are credited as healthy. Being aware of the different types of training is useful information for both professionals and the general public, who is looking to get help from the most credible sources. Sex positive approaches are best when dealing with behavior that feels out of control or that is in conflict with a person’s or partner’s values.
Dr. Joe Kort is a leading expert on sex and relationships. He specializes in Out-of-Control Sexual Behaviors, Relationship Problems and Marital Conflict, Sex Therapy, and Sexual Identity Concerns, Depression, Anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. His practice is located in Royal Oak, Michigan but he welcomes clients from all over the Metro Detroit area. Dr. Kort is also available for long-distance coaching and consultation. Dr. Kort graduated from Michigan State University with dual majors in Psychology and Social Work. At Wayne State University, he earned his Master’s in Social Work (MSW), then a Master’s (MA) in Psychology, and has received his Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical Sexology from the American Academy of Clinical Sexologists (AACS).
More about Dr. Kort:
- Teaching Faculty at University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program
- Certified IMAGO Relationship Therapist
- Board Certified Sexologist
- Member of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH)
- Member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers
- Member of the National Association of Certified Social Workers
- Certified AASECT Therapist, Supervisor of Sex Therapy and Member of American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
- Member of EMDRIA Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Basic Training
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
He has been featured in Huffington Post Live & Huffington Post, Psychology Today, The New York Times, and Woman’s Day.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. Tina Sellers in regards to her work with clients and students from religiously conservative cultures and her experience noticing a recent increase of sexual shame coming from what she calls the purity movement. She recently published a book called Sex, God and the Conservative Church: Erasing Shame from Sexual Intimacy where she addresses sex-positive approaches people can reduce harmful shame and adopt both Christian and Hebrew traditions that can enhance, heal and
edify their sexual relationships. She presented at the Rocky Mountain Sex Summit , September 22-23, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dr. Sellers is the Director of Medical Family Therapy at Seattle Pacific University and has been teaching the sexuality course for the Family Therapy program.
Resources Mentioned During the Podcast: AASECT
Al Vernacchio: Sexual Educator
Sex, Mom and God: How the Bible’s Strange Take on Sex Led to Crazy Politicsby Frank Schaeffer
Are We Due for Another Sexual Revolution? with Dr. Roger Libby
Thank God for Sex project
Girls and Sex: Navigating Complicated Landscape by Peggy Orenstein
The Etiology and Phenomenology of Sexual Shame: A Grounded Theory Study by Dr. Noel Clark
Christians Caught Between the Sheets — How ‘Abstinence Only’ Ideology Hurts Us by Tina Sellers
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. Marty Klein in regards to his latest publication, "His Porn, Her Pain: Confronting America's Porn Panic with Honest Talk About Sex." Dr. Klein presented at the Rocky Mountain Sex & Intimacy Summit in Salt Lake City, September 22-23, 2017. They discuss some of the societal and relational challenges that have taken place since the advent of broadband internet, and how we are often having the wrong conversations. Instead of focusing on important discussions in regards to our sexuality, our fears, our intimacy needs/wants, etc., we keep the focus on “porn panic” rhetoric, which is subject to many myths and misinformation. This has significant implications not only for couples and individuals, but for how we parent and educate our teens. The importance of being willing to challenge our biases around meanings and assumptions we make about pornography and be open to expert research & facts, is paramount in being able to move into healthier sexual narratives and relationships.
Resources Mentioned During this Podcast:
"His Porn, Her Pain: Confronting America's Porn Panic with Honest Talk About Sex.
"Sexual Intelligence: What We Really Want from Sex-and How to Get It"
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. Roger Libby, author of The Naked Truth about Sex: A Guide to Intelligent Sexual Choices for Teenagers and Twentysomethings and Sex from Aah to Zipper: A Delightful Glossary of Love, Lust and Laughter. They discuss the history of sexual revolutions that have been part of our sexual narrative in this country, which then affects myths, folklore, perceptions and processes that affect the day-to-day lives of sexual relationships. They also discuss where the next sexual revolution needs to go… so that we can continue to make progress in sexual spheres, in legal realms, for different parts of of our population and in cultural attitudes.
Resources Mentioned During this Podcast: We Need a Sex Positive Revolution! Ted Talk
Our Whole Lives: Lifespan Sexuality Education
Sexual Choices: An Introduction to Human Sexuality
National Orgasm Week
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. David Ley, author of Ethical Porn for Dicks: A Man’s Guide to Responsible Viewing Pleasure and a return guest on the show. Many people, even members of the LDS church, are moving away from the “porn addiction” framing and rigid expectations of 0% viewing of sexually explicit material. But then the next question inevitably comes up… how do I participate in a behavior that has questionable issues in regards to the industry, my values, ethics, cultural objectification of women in particular and many other legitimate concerns. This interview attempts to address or at least begin a dialogue around some of these topics.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Four Certified Sex Therapists who routinely work with Mormon clientele continue to offer a response to An Open Letter to Bishops from a Wife of a Pornography Addict: 7 Things I Wish You Knew. Natasha Helfer Parker, Kristin Hodson, Kristin Marie Bennion and Shannon Hickman lead a thorough discussion walking listeners through both the clinically sound parts of the piece as well as those perspectives that they consider not helpful and even harmful to potential readers.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Four Certified Sex Therapists who routinely work with Mormon clientele offer a response to An Open Letter to Bishops from a Wife of a Pornography Addict: 7 Things I Wish You Knew. Natasha Helfer Parker, Kristin Hodson, Kristin Marie Bennion and Shannon Hickman lead a thorough discussion walking listeners through both the clinically sound parts of the piece as well as those perspectives that they consider not helpful and even harmful to potential readers.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Mormon Sex Info interviews Dr. Brian Willoughby, associate professor at Brigham Young University, in regards to his involvement with the recent research publication written in The Journal of Sex Research titled: Damaged Goods: Perception of Pornography Addiction as a Mediator Between Religiosity and Relationship Anxiety Surrounding Pornography Use.
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker continues her interview with Ryan Flake, who was referred to the LDS Addiction Recovery Program by his bishop due to confessions about viewing sexually explicit material and masturbation. They discuss his upbringing as a Mormon and the many messages he received from an early age that contributed to quite a bit of sexual shame by the time Ryan was preparing to go on a mission, even though he was not having any relational sexual experiences. Ryan’s story does a good job of highlighting how certain rigid expectations and attributed meanings can do harm in regards to self-esteem, anxiety management, relational dynamics, sexual development and self-identity. Ryan talks about his experience with the ARP and how he found the messaging shaming and unhelpful in his particular situation where “addiction” was not a correct assessment.
It is the hope of podcasts like these to educate the public about the difference between things such as chemical dependency from relational and behavioral problems that are more common among the general population. It is important to get help and find adequate resources for whatever issues one might be facing. Correct assessment and competent professional help are vital first steps. Unfortunately, the research shows that mental health professionals who come from a religious background themselves, will be more willing to follow a “sex” or “porn addiction” model even though there is no such formal diagnosis. Therefore, the Mormon community needs to be aware that getting adequate help for this topic is complicated and one needs to use caution and good research to get appropriate help.
Resources Mentioned During this Podcast: How Concepts of Sex Addiction and Porn Addiction are Failing Clients
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Ryan Flake, who was referred to the LDS Addiction Recovery Program by his bishop due to confessions about viewing sexually explicit material and masturbation. They discuss his upbringing as a Mormon and the many messages he received from an early age that contributed to quite a bit of sexual shame by the time Ryan was preparing to go on a mission, even though he was not having any relational sexual experiences. Ryan’s story does a good job of highlighting how certain rigid expectations and attributed meanings can do harm in regards to self-esteem, anxiety management, relational dynamics, sexual development and self-identity. Ryan talks about his experience with the ARP and how he found the messaging shaming and unhelpful in his particular situation where “addiction” was not a correct assessment.
It is the hope of podcasts like these to educate the public about the difference between things such as chemical dependency from relational and behavioral problems that are more common among the general population. It is important to get help and find adequate resources for whatever issues one might be facing. Correct assessment and competent professional help are vital first steps. Unfortunately, the research shows that mental health professionals who come from a religious background themselves, will be more willing to follow a “sex” or “porn addiction” model even though there is no such formal diagnosis. Therefore, the Mormon community needs to be aware that getting adequate help for this topic is complicated and one needs to use caution and good research to get appropriate help.
Resources Mentioned During this Podcast: How Concepts of Sex Addiction and Porn Addiction are Failing Clients
Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit:
mormonsex.info
Natasha Helfer Parker continues her interview with Dr. Daniel Parkinson, a psychiatrist who was raised Mormon and left the church partly due to being gay, and Thomas Montgomery, Mormon father of a gay son and husband to Wendy Montgomery who helped found the Mama Dragons. Both men recently collaborated on some articles they decided to publish on the same day, Utah’s Escalating Suicide Crisis and LDS LGBTQ Despair on Rational Faiths and Rejection and the Family on No More Strangers. They discuss the alarming increase in suicide rates in Utah — a trend that has been apparent since the Church’s involvement in Prop 8, increased focus on anti-gay rhetoric in talks over the pulpit and the “November 5th policy” which specifically calls out homosexual marriage as a sin worthy of excommunication going as far as disallowing children who reside in such marriages to participate in Mormon ordinances. Many from within church activity dismiss this type of “anecdotal evidence” stating that one can not blame the Church or any one reason for something as complicated as suicide. Both interviewer and interviewees challenge this type of thinking and call on leaders and members alike to take note and be alarmed at the harm that is being done to LGBT+ members across the age spectrum. With the April 2017 Ensign having yet another anti-LBGT article being published just this coming month… these types of podcasts sharing valuable information can be life-saving to many within our midst. Please listen.
Resources Mentioned During this Podcast: Family Acceptance Project
Families are Forever
The LGBTQ Mormon Crisis: Responding to the Empirical Research on Suicide
Youth Suicide Rates and Mormon Religious Context: An Additional Empirical Analysis
Dialogue
Mama Dragons
Affirmation
ALL Arizona
Utah’s Youth Suicide Problem interview with Doug Fabrizio
Mormon Mental Health Association
Mackintosh Family Video
ACE Study
I’ll Walk With You: Latter-day Saints Encouraging Love for our LGBT Brothers and Sisters
This organization has a Facebook group for active LDS parents of LGBTQ children – you can request to join by contacting this website.
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Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. Daniel Parkinson, a psychiatrist who was raised Mormon and left the church partly due to being gay, and Thomas Montgomery, Mormon father of a gay son and husband to Wendy Montgomery who helped found the Mama Dragons. Both men recently collaborated on some articles they decided to publish on the same day, Utah’s Escalating Suicide Crisis and LDS LGBTQ Despair on Rational Faiths and Rejection and the Family on No More Strangers. They discuss the alarming increase in suicide rates in Utah — a trend that has been apparent since the Church’s involvement in Prop 8, increased focus on anti-gay rhetoric in talks over the pulpit and the “November 5th policy” which specifically calls out homosexual marriage as a sin worthy of excommunication going as far as disallowing children who reside in such marriages to participate in Mormon ordinances. Many from within church activity dismiss this type of “anecdotal evidence” stating that one can not blame the Church or any one reason for something as complicated as suicide. Both interviewer and interviewees challenge this type of thinking and call on leaders and members alike to take note and be alarmed at the harm that is being done to LGBT+ members across the age spectrum. With the April 2017 Ensign having yet another anti-LBGT article being published just this coming month… these types of podcasts sharing valuable information can be life-saving to many within our midst. Please listen.
Resources Mentioned During the Podcast: Family Acceptance Project Families are Forever The LGBTQ Mormon Crisis: Responding to the Empirical Research on Suicide Youth Suicide Rates and Mormon Religious Context: An Additional Empirical Analysis Dialogue Mama Dragons Affirmation ALL Arizona Utah’s Youth Suicide Problem interview with Doug Fabrizio Mormon Mental Health Association Mackintosh Family Video ACE Study I’ll Walk With You: Latter-day Saints Encouraging Love for our LGBT Brothers and Sisters This organization has a Facebook group for active LDS parents of LGBTQ children – you can request to join by contacting this website.