Elder Oaks recently gave an address at the second annual Sacramento Court/Clergy Conference at Congregation B’nai Israel in Sacramento, California. It was notable to me that this address had a different tone and emphasis than some of the messages I have heard in the last few years – especially since the LDS Church has been so involved in the fight against marriage equality here in the United States. I recognize and appreciate the shift. At the same time, I think it... Read more
Let’s Talk About Sex – How to talk about what we don’t know how to talk about! WHEN Thursday, Oct. 22nd, 7-10pm WHERE Utah Valley University Student Life & Wellness Center SL 101 Orem With Certified Sex Therapist, Natasha Helfer Parker MORE INFORMATION For more information and to register for the event, visit the event page on Eventbrite. This seminar is meant to be informative, light hearted and FUN!!! Some of the topics that will be discussed will include: 1.How to deal... Read more
Around each General Conference I try to share my thoughts about the messages we receive. I don’t usually get around to comment on all the talks – just from a time perspective. But I will do my best to cover a majority before our next conference. I have found that these General Conference messages go on to color our spiritual lens in a variety of ways for the foreseeable future – in family, church, internet and many other settings. As... Read more
And the day camewhen the risk to remain tight in a budbecame more painfulthan the risk it took to blossom.~ Anais Nin ~ Natasha Helfer Parker can be contacted at natashaparker.org. Read more
I think I’m going through what I hear is a ‘faith crisis.’ I’ve been struggling with some of the new essays the church came out with and the fact that what we are taught in Sunday School often doesn’t line up with historical records and even what apologetics seem to try to explain away. I haven’t talked to anyone about this – including my husband. I’m petrified. We are an active family and have children who are very involved in... Read more
SAMHSA took an historic position today by releasing the following publication: SAMHSA: Ending Conversion Therapy Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth It is important to note that Dr. Caitlin Ryan of the Family Acceptance Project (which has materials specifically geared towards LDS families: Supportive Families, Healthy Children) played a pivotal role in contributing to this report being released. Dr. Ryan was the keynote speaker at the last Mormon Mental Health Association’s annual conference on the impact the Family Acceptance Project has had... Read more
We are a week away from the registration deadline for my upcoming seminar hosted by Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. And it’s already half-full (there’s limited space) so register now. And can I take a minute to acknowledge that it takes a lot of courage to come to a workshop about sexuality? We can all use this kind of information. A healthy sexual journey is constantly progressing and recreating itself. So please don’t feel stigmatized if you want to... Read more
I just saw this article, Sick and Far From Home, posted on Slate and I’ve been noticing that the topic of missionary health is getting more attention these days. Dr. Kris Doty of Utah Valley University has been conducting research so that we can be better equipped as an LDS community to address the needs of missionaries who return earlier than they had expected. She recently presented at the 2nd Annual Conference of the Mormon Mental Health Association to share some... Read more
Around each General Conference I try to share my thoughts about the messages we receive. I don’t usually get around to comment on all the talks – just from a time perspective. But I will do my best to cover a majority before our next conference. I have found that these General Conference messages go on to color our spiritual lens in a variety of ways for the foreseeable future – in family, church, internet and many other settings. As... Read more
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe. John Muir Natasha Helfer Parker can be contacted at natashaparker.org. Read more
The Mormon Therapist
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In