I remember being taught in YW and Sunday school as a youth that it would be better to die than live as a rape victim or have sex outside of marriage. That I should defend my virtue “even unto death”. That is so messed up. I’m glad to see the change in the Young Women’s literature and wondered what you thought of it. I am so glad and heartened to hear that the scripture Moroni 9:9, which says, “For behold, many... Read more
At the time of my divorce I was really struggling with depression and anxiety. I was so overwhelmed and wanted the whole thing over as quickly as possible. Looking back I think I conceded too much in regards to the custody arrangements with my children. My ex-husband said things like “I’m the priesthood holder in this family and I know best in regards to the kids” on a pretty regular basis. At the time I believed him. Do you know... Read more
In 2012 Gary Wilson gave a Ted Talk called The Great Porn Experiment where many claims were made that do not have scientific backing. These types of efforts to educate the public backfire by giving people misinformation that then affects such things as relationships, parenting strategies, sexual education, and even mental health treatment. Fight the New Drug is another such venture that has found its way into many Utah public schools and LDS meetinghouses for trainings it offers, sharing similar information. Not... Read more
So after yesterday’s post I thought I’d offer the following suggestions parents can talk to their adolescents about as strategies they can use when they notice they are experiencing sexual arousal. Notice. Huh…I’m noticing I’m having an arousal response… (this might happen in either an intellectual, emotional or physical way — from a fantasy thought in your mind, to a feeling of interest for the person you are attracted to, to a penile erection for males or vaginal lubrication for females,... Read more
Whether LDS young women wear something "arousing" or not, LDS young men still need to figure out how to live in a world where they will see a certain amount of female (and male) flesh on a regular basis. Read more
A friend shared this talk, Healing the Tragic Scars of Abuse by Elder Richard G. Scott, in a FB group I’m a part of and was confused by it. I wondered what you thought. This is a group that supports survivors of childhood abuse. I believe there are many who have experienced abuse who find this talk and several of its points hurtful and confusing. Many of their stories revolve around reaching out to church leaders as children and youth and receiving... Read more
I am often asked if I would be willing to present in areas outside of Salt Lake City. Well, here are two such opportunities!! HOUSTON I’ve been asked to speak at Houston Oasis on October 2, 2016. The title of my presentation will be How do we and Who Gets to Define Healthy Sexuality? and this event is free to the public. Program begins at 10:30 a.m. Since I’ll be in Houston I will be offering the following workshop focused on having healthy... Read more
Today’s guest post is written by Maya Dehlin. Opinions shared on guest posts may not completely reflect the positions of the blog’s author. Maya is an 18 year old, recent graduate of high school. She received the prestigious Utah’s Sterling Scholar in English, runs her own photography business (Tear Off the Mask) and is currently taking a year off of college to nanny in New Jersey. In second grade, I sat down with my mom and declared that if she “REALLY... Read more
Today’s guest post is written by Dr. Jim Pfaus. Opinions shared on guest posts may not completely reflect the positions of the blog’s author. Dr. Jim Pfaus is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Concordia University. He states on his faculty page, “My research is generally concerned with the neurochemical and molecular events that subserve sexual behavior and neuroendocrine functions. I am interested in the role of brain monoamine and neuropeptide systems in sexual arousal, desire, reward, and inhibition in laboratory... Read more
The recent article regarding gender and sexual orientation posted in The New Atlantis has started a flurry of discussion in religiously conservative circles. When talking with some colleagues within the sexual field about how we can respond to this, one stated, “It’s crap. That’s the only response it deserves.” And I agree. Yet I know full well, that within Mormon culture, many have a propensity to pay attention to these types of articles that will confirm religious biases. And they... Read more
The Mormon Therapist
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In