My comments at the Protect LDS Children Press Conference

Last updated on: January 18, 2018 at 11:23 pm By Natasha Helfer

My comments at the Protect LDS Children Press Conference today with organizer Sam Young and Joelle Casteix, the Western regional leader for SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) : As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and one of the few 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 minor children and adolescents behind closed doors for years. When a religious... Read more

Statement from Affirmation about the First Presidency

Last updated on: January 18, 2018 at 12:11 pm By Natasha Helfer

As we welcome a Prophet and his Counselors to their new leadership roles, I feel it important to bring awareness to the reality that for many LGBT+ members in the Mormon community, this change in leadership may accelerate fear and negative sentiment. Although all in the Quorum of the 12 and First Presidency bear responsibility for the direction our church takes, we know that theirs is a process of seniority. Two of the three in the first presidency are senior... Read more

News Release: Protect the Children

Last updated on: January 18, 2018 at 12:12 pm By Natasha Helfer

I am honored to have been invited to this News Release. Please consider joining us. Public is welcome. News Release Protect LDS Children Sexually Explicit Bishops Interviews When: January 18, 2018 10am What: News conference Where: 50 West Club & Café located at 50 W. Broadway in Salt Lake City. Event: Protect LDS Children Current status of the Petition: Protect the Children—Stop Sexually Explicit Interviews of Mormon Youth. Large collection of survivor stories. Announcement of the March-for-the-Children to... Read more

Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel – Ending LDS Racism

Last updated on: January 13, 2018 at 10:27 pm By Natasha Helfer

I am so pleased to be able to share this letter I received from those spearing an amazing project directly addressing racial issues we still very much need to confront in our own LDS communities. I know very few Mormons would consider themselves “racist.” And yet we consistently hear from members of color ways that they experience microagressions and other issues that are not “micro” in the least. It is not their job to continually point these out to the... Read more

Be Still

Last updated on: January 13, 2018 at 12:48 am By Natasha Helfer

When I read this piece, it reminded me of much of the work we do with clients in regards to mindfulness practice…. and acceptance of what is. And how at times, this movement towards exactly what scares us most… what seems to threaten us most… is the movement that offers reprieve, peace, and even survival. Though the author shares her experience in the context of faith transition… the metaphor is applicable to many of life’s unexpected and difficult twists and... Read more

No Ram in the Thicket

Last updated on: January 11, 2018 at 10:06 am By Natasha Helfer

I heard of another transgender youth who died by suicide in a small community of Utah. Is the church not aware of the damage they are doing? How can we make a difference as members? Keeping the conversation of LGBT+ suicide rates within the LDS population front and center is something I am completely devoted to. Dr. Randy Moss does an excellent job of using this powerful scriptural story to draw a parallel to the human sacrifices we are very... Read more

Wise Women Also Came

Last updated on: January 7, 2018 at 11:36 pm By Natasha Helfer

I came across this beautiful blog post and poem at Sanctuary of Women by Jan Richardson. I found it profoundly beautiful. It reminded me of the times I’ve written of the damage we inadvertently do to all when so many of our spiritual stories are male-centric. We need spiritual stories of men AND women. We need examples and role models of all types… so that all types can identify in an integral way with the great examples that have preceded... Read more

What Makes Faith Transition so Painful?

Last updated on: January 11, 2018 at 10:06 am By Natasha Helfer

I’m currently going through a faith crisis. I am so scared to talk to anyone about my doubts or thoughts. I feel really alone and I don’t want to mess up my relationships with those I love most. Why is this so hard? Today’s guest post is written by Lisa Butterworth. Opinions shared on guest posts may not completely reflect the positions of the blog’s author. Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University,... Read more

Spiritual Thoughts for the Day

Last updated on: January 5, 2018 at 1:24 am By Natasha Helfer

Readings from “The Teachings of the Buddha: Dhammapada.” I enjoy the language of other faith traditions… which often amplify or bring new meaning to my own. Hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceased by love — this is an old rule. He who is earnest and meditative, obtains ample joy. Delight in reflection. As the bee collects nectar and departs without injuring the flower, or its color or scent, so let a sage dwell in his... Read more

Launching “Sex Talk with Natasha”

Last updated on: December 14, 2017 at 12:02 pm By Natasha Helfer

I am so excited to be launching this new project, Sex Talk with Natasha, TONIGHT (how to talk to teens about sex) where the goal is to have an interactive educational experience for subscribers who can take advantage of my expertise as a Certified Sex Therapist. There will be a variety of services offered including: A weekly live, one-hour “show” where Natasha will address an audience-voted-upon topic, with guests who need help addressing said topic, and also take questions from the viewers. Online... Read more