“Worthiness” and Mental Health are Not Good Correlates

Last updated on: September 14, 2017 at 12:38 pm By Natasha Helfer

I came across an old post I had written on my Facebook page while at a KSAMFT mental health conference back in the fall of 2015. I like writing and sharing insights with my followers that I receive while attending so many informationally wealthy events that I’m lucky to attend: “The development of mental disorders are 40-60% attributed to genetics. Trauma, infection/injury, prenatal damage, substance use, neglect and stressors all play significant roles as well. (this is the part the... Read more

A Little Cup of Mercy

Last updated on: September 7, 2017 at 11:19 am By Natasha Helfer

Today during testimony meeting… I heard a gentleman say… “I find it so useful to come to church and drink from the little cup of mercy every week…” when referring to his relationship with the sacrament ritual. I found this so incredibly touching. I so enjoy when somebody uses language in just a slightly different way than I’m used to hearing… and in that new language comes new meaning… new possibilities… new insights. When I think of the definition of... Read more

Quote of the Day

Last updated on: August 31, 2017 at 1:13 am By Natasha Helfer

I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship. Brene Brown Read more

Brene’s Do: Rest

Last updated on: August 30, 2017 at 3:54 pm By Natasha Helfer

Wrote about “rest” on the night I helped my daughter move into her college dorm: Not sure it’s the best night to be writing about “rest” since my plantar fasciitis issues are acting up and it’s been a long day of nothing resembling rest. The word “rest” is itself restful for me. It brings up thoughts of peace, coziness, pillows, sanctity — although, at the same time, it also has this little corner of annoying guilt. We talk about appropriate... Read more

This Week’s Recommendation: Ensign Article on Part-Member Families

Last updated on: August 24, 2017 at 12:33 am By Natasha Helfer

This is one of the better articles I’ve seen addressing part-member families from the Ensign. Super helpful that they spoke with a colleague and friend that I trust and have presented at national organizations with – Dr. Adam Fisher of the Family Institute at Northwestern University. He has done some great research in the area of mixed-faith relationships. One of my favorite quotes: “When ward members show part-member families love, hearts can soften and strong relationships can form, regardless of whether... Read more

My Father Died this Week… Dealing with Grief

Last updated on: August 24, 2017 at 7:06 pm By Natasha Helfer

It’s always a struggle to know how much to share about one’s own personal life as a mental health provider. On the one hand, we don’t want our own stories getting in the way of our client’s. On the other, we want to role model things like vulnerability, honesty and openness (the very things our clients bravely do every day in our offices). So I’m writing today about the death of my father this week. This was the announcement I... Read more

AASECT Position on Racism/Misogyny/Anti-Semitism

Last updated on: August 24, 2017 at 7:05 pm By Natasha Helfer

I am very proud to be a member of a professional organization, AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists), that would take the stance to draft and publish a position statement in regards to the horrific happenings we are seeing in the United States with people gathering to spout beliefs centered in hatred and ignorance. Something I never thought I would see in my country during my lifetime. I’m glad that professionals within the mental health fields see... Read more

Quote of the Day

Last updated on: August 24, 2017 at 7:05 pm By Natasha Helfer

“When we practice generating compassion, we can expect to experience the fear of our pain. Compassion practice is daring. It involves learning to relax and allow ourselves to move gently toward what scares us… “Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others.” Pema Chodron Natasha Helfer Parker, LCMFT, CST can be reached at natashaparker.org and runs an online... Read more

God is No Respecter of Persons…

Last updated on: August 24, 2017 at 10:47 am By Natasha Helfer

As I was going through some of my Facebook groups that support Mormons in different spiritual paths/journeys, I came across a very touching entry by a father in regards to his son passing the sacrament last week. I have asked for permission to share those thoughts and a picture from all involved (i.e. father, son, and family of other young boy in picture). “Gotta give props to my bishop today. My son was wearing jeans, boat shoes, a gray... Read more

Brene’s DON’T: Perfectionism

Last updated on: August 24, 2017 at 7:04 pm By Natasha Helfer

As part of my weekly challenge/recommendation I tackled “perfection” in my journal and this is what I came up with: This word, perfection, just kind of sucks. It’s a word with which one can only have a relationship of perpetual failure. Not one aspect of our creation and being is wired for it. Perfection implies a finite measurement… a finished work of art… an end goal… a completion of sorts. Eternal progression requires no such thing. And so, it’s a... Read more