I get frustrated when I’m asked to speak in Sacrament meeting or teach adults (either in Sunday School or Relief Society) and feel so constricted by the “manual.” I don’t think it speaks to my truths… especially when there are things I disagree with. And I don’t think that not being true to myself is healthy for me and my mental health. How can I stay engaged with this religion that I love and that identifies me… without being disrespectful... Read more
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. She is a powerful writer and I love sharing her pieces. More Than This: At therapy this week I was telling my therapist Susan, about how my anxiety has reared its... Read more
As far as inner transformations concerned, there is nothing you can do about it. You cannot transform yourself, and you certainly cannot transform your partner or anybody else. All you can do is create a space for transformation to happen, for grace and love to enter. Eckhart Tolle Relationships will require you to get your hands dirty. They will require risk. They will undoubtedly wound you at some point or another. There is no other way. Natasha Helfer Parker Natasha... Read more
I often talk with my faith transitioning clients that going through an anger phase is not only normal, but healthy. And for each individual that takes on different meanings and experiences. By the end of our work… we start talking about making amends with the faith that we come from. This too can take many different shapes and forms. I have seen it be an important task in the faith transitioning process… and especially helpful in the movement of distancing... Read more
A HUGE thank you to Timothy Birt for being willing to do this work and sharing it here on The Mormon Therapist! I cannot state strongly enough what an important document this is. Please take note of the many things we can do to lower the risk of abuse taking place in the context of our own ward and stake homes. How the Church Approaches Abuse – A Professional’s Response By Timothy Birt, MS, LPC, LMFT The Mormon News Room... Read more
Several of us from the Mormon Mental Health Association are trying to gather some resources in case any wards/stakes affected by today’s school shooting in Florida could use some extra support. There are many resources already available and we will link to a lot of those. At the same time, there may be some particular suggestions from a Mormon lens that might also be helpful. Thank you Randy Moss, Ethan Bratt and Robert Allred for contributing your thoughts and resources... Read more
All Taken from the Shoulder to the Wheel Project 5 ways you can honor Black History Month: Attend “The Legacy of Black Pioneers” Conference at the Washington, D.C. Temple on Saturday, 2/17, 8:30 – 4:30 p.m., featuring workshops featuring Marvin Perkins, Janan Graham-Russell, Bryndis Roberts, and many others. Complete information and registration here. Share on social media BYU student Melodie Jackson’s award-winning BYU MLK Day essay, “Black Cain in White Garments“ Read the Shoulder to the Wheel resource guide on... Read more
This is another piece “Sandy” writes -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. Here she writes about leaning into pain… which is actually a very effective way to alleviate suffering. A month ago, I was sick for two weeks straight with the dreaded flu... Read more
The following is shared with permission. Tim Birt, MS, LPC, LMFT is an LDS member, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Alabama and Georgia. He has run centers for sexually abused children for 14 years and has fundamental concerns about bishop interviews from a moral, legal, and ethical perspective. These are some suggestions he has drafted to help us look at a variety of options that are open to leaders and parents as we... Read more
My comments at the recent press conference in Houston, TX in regards to protectldschildren.org. These are similar to the ones I shared in Salt Lake City last month, but tailored to the TX audience. Hello… My name is Natasha Helfer Parker As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and one of the few AASECT Certified Sex Therapists working within the Mormon community, I have been making public statements about my concerns regarding “worthiness” interviews taking place between adult men and... Read more
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