“They Just Can’t Leave the Church Alone”

Last updated on: November 13, 2018 at 12:53 am By Natasha Helfer

“They just can’t leave the church alone” is a phrase many progressive or post mormons hear often from their believing friends, family and community members. It’s a phrase that is found belittling, marginalizing and offensive. Here is a good explanation as to why this is the case. Today’s guest post is written by Ashley Ruttan. Opinions shared on guest posts may not completely reflect the positions of the blog’s author. Ashley is a Canadian Mormon Feminist. Her ward callings and research... Read more

Checking the Facts and Myths about “False Reporting”

Last updated on: November 27, 2018 at 1:34 am By Natasha Helfer

I recently had an excellent interview for the Mormon Sex Info Podcast that I broadcast on Facebook Live which you can see HERE. I spoke with Katherine Wela Bogen who shares very important and currently relevant information in regards to the myths about “false reporting.” With the Kavanaugh hearings, our country had some dialogue and discourse that was incredibly difficult to watch from the perspective of a mental health professional. Many myths about sexual assault were prevalent not only in... Read more

When life gives you lemons, make salad!

Last updated on: April 26, 2018 at 12:41 am By Natasha Helfer

I was touched by a Facebook post today where one of my friends shared in a vulnerable way her past struggles with suicidal ideation and coming on an anniversary date of a hospitalization. I share in hopes that others in similar situations can feel less alone. Please note the added burden of identifying as gay in our LDS community… as well as ecclesiastical counsel received that was not helpful. Today’s guest post is written by Kendra Ogzewalla. Opinions shared on guest... Read more

LDS Church: Why are you afraid to minister to and include transgender members?

Last updated on: April 26, 2018 at 12:24 am By Natasha Helfer

The following letter is written by one of our transgender members after having listened to the messages shared in our last General Conference. I would encourage for all LDS members to share with your ecclesiastical leaders and within your ward councils. How are we equipped to minister to and serve our transgender members? How are we going to make the space for them to worship comfortably and be able to participate and serve in return? Today’s guest post is written... Read more

A Millstone Loosed

Last updated on: April 8, 2018 at 12:08 am By Natasha Helfer

Given the current things that are coming to light finally within our church and how it has handled sexual assault allegations, I think this is a very timely piece. Today’s guest post is written by Dr. Randy K. Moss. Opinions shared on guest posts may not completely reflect the positions of the blog’s author. Dr. Moss received his PhD from BYU in Counseling Psychology in 1996 and has been working in the behavioral health field since 1985 with emphasis on co-occurring... Read more

What is “non-consensual” immorality?

Last updated on: April 7, 2018 at 12:55 pm By Natasha Helfer

The following post is by an anonymous guest who was born and raised in the Mormon church and is shared with permission. Although I may not agree with every single sentence… I didn’t want to alter their work and I agree with much more than I don’t. For a church that has at its very foundation the principle of agency… we do a poor job of practicing it. What is most important about the point of this piece is that... Read more

“Non-Consensual Immorality” not Appropriate way to Handle Sexual Misconduct

Last updated on: April 7, 2018 at 12:47 pm By Natasha Helfer

The comment said by Elder Cook during General Conference was problematic for a variety of reasons… although I’m totally willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that he was in no way trying to blame victims… At the same time… Elder Cook has access to monies, resources, professionals, and voices of victims that he is not tapping into… and so it’s difficult and even inappropriate to continue to give our leaders a “pass.” Our church should know how... Read more

General Conference and Mental Health

Last updated on: April 1, 2018 at 12:16 pm By Natasha Helfer

I’ve tried in the past to address General Conference from a mental health perspective… and it’s difficult to keep up with in on this format. So I’m doing it on my facebook page instead this time.. Please feel free to follow and add your own thoughts as to what messages are helpful for you in regards to mental health and whatever struggles you are facing… as well as the messages you might find problematic in this regard. Please keep your... Read more

I’m Not Marching Tomorrow

Last updated on: March 30, 2018 at 12:29 am By Natasha Helfer

Another guest post from “Sandy” — who was willing to give an interview to Mormon Mental Health about her experience of childhood sexual assault in the context of worthiness interviews (protectldschildren.org). She can use this blog as a platform for as many writings as she would like to post. This piece includes details that may be upsetting for some to read. I am honored that I will be wearing Sandy’s charm bracelet with me tomorrow as her proxy during the... Read more

“Thanks, past me.” The Importance of Self Care

Last updated on: March 25, 2018 at 11:41 pm By Natasha Helfer

Another guest post from “Sandy” — who was willing to give an interview to Mormon Mental Health about her experience of childhood sexual assault in the context of worthiness interviews (protectldschildren.org). She can use this blog as a platform for as many writings as she would like to post. I really appreciate this piece from Sandy because it talks about the experiences many have with PTSD, the importance of seeing dissociation as a coping skill that isn’t always negative, and... Read more