Impact Of and Healing From Infidelity

Last updated on: April 15, 2013 at 11:06 pm By Natasha Helfer

Check out my latest podcast on Mormon Mental Health where I interview Adam Fisher, regarding infidelity and its implications for marital and family systems. We discuss different forms of betrayal/infidelity, how couples can navigate through the tremendous pain which follows, how some marriages will dissolve and other marriages survive and even thrive after such an event and the importance of taking time to heal, to rebuild trust and to develop boundaries. Adam Fisher is a doctoral student in counseling psychology, with... Read more

Mindfulness and Sexuality

Last updated on: March 6, 2013 at 10:15 am By Natasha Helfer

On this most recent podcast of Mormon Mental Health Natasha Helfer Parker gets a non-Mormon perspective and interviews sex educator, Jennifer “Dr. Jenn” Gunsaullus, Ph.D. on the process of mindfulness and how we can use it to edify our sexual relationships with self and spouse. Dr. Jenn is a sociologist who works as a sexuality and mindfulness speaker, and a relationship and intimacy counselor. She specializes in helping women, couples, and groups deepen intimacy, strengthen communication, and improve trust and... Read more

Cognitive Dissonance and Faith Transition

Last updated on: March 2, 2013 at 2:12 am By Natasha Helfer

The theory of Cognitive Dissonance is a well-established concept in the field of psychology that explains why we all experience discomfort and anxiety when we are exposed to new ideas and beliefs or engage in behavior that conflict with our pre-existing views, ideals, and beliefs. Micah Nickolaison conducts this interview and states, “I’ve been extremely interested in producing an episode of A Thoughtful Faith that could explore the concept of Cognitive Dissonance as it relates to an LDS faith crisis / faith... Read more

Erectile Dysfunction linked to Cardiovascular Disease

Last updated on: March 1, 2013 at 11:04 am By Natasha Helfer

This information is taken from AASECT Contemporary Sexuality updates. Really important if you are experiencing Erectile Dysfunction to make sure you are getting your cardio health checked because a link has been established between the two. Erectile Dysfunction Severity as a Risk Marker for Cardiovascular Disease, Hospitalisation and All-Cause Mortality: A Prospective Cohort Study Read more

Information on Addiction

Last updated on: February 28, 2013 at 10:46 pm By Natasha Helfer

I’m currently at a conference about addiction – so I’m going to share some information I’m coming across that might be useful to my readers. OVERVIEW OF ADDICTION Definition from the National Institute of Drug Abuse: Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. Causes of Addiction: 40-60% is accounted for by genetic factors. Involves multiple factors: biology/genes; environment; and brain mechanisms Impact of addiction... Read more

Be Anxiously Engaged

Last updated on: April 22, 2013 at 9:33 am By Natasha Helfer

My Relief Society Lesson for tomorrow. Taken from Elder M Russell Ballard’s talk: Be Anxiously Engaged. Verily I say, women should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; for the power is in them… Doctrine & Covenants 58: 27-28 My favorite quotes from the lesson: Though seemingly insignificant when compared to the total, each bee’s one-twelfth is vital to the life of the hive. The... Read more

Postpartum Depression Podcast

Last updated on: February 22, 2013 at 4:44 pm By Natasha Helfer

I interview “Sarah,” an LDS mother of four who has a history of depression starting in adolescence followed by a serious bout of postpartum depression after the birth of her second child. She also interviews Jamie Bodily, mother of five and certified doula through toLABOR regarding her experience and knowledge regarding postpartum depression. Jamie has a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters Degree in Human Services from Capella University and her undergraduate degree in Family Science from Brigham... Read more

“In Session” Interview

Last updated on: February 11, 2013 at 11:31 am By Natasha Helfer

I was interviewed by In Session two weeks ago in regards to the Jodi Arias case in Arizona. Here is the link: Therapist: Alexander likely felt guilty about sex. Looks like I will be interviewed again today. Read more

Miscarriage from an LDS Perspective

Last updated on: February 7, 2013 at 12:29 am By Natasha Helfer

Check out my newest podcast interview on Mormon Mental Health looking at miscarriage through a Mormon perspective. Thank you to Jenni Brighton for an excellent interview and her work helping to develop The Amethyst Network. Mormon Mental Health: Miscarriage from an LDS Perspective Part 1 Mormon Mental Health: Miscarriage from an LDS Perspective Part 2 Read more

My BYU son is smoking…

Last updated on: January 29, 2013 at 10:24 am By Natasha Helfer

I’m hoping you can help me with an issue I’m having with my 26-year-old son. He is a full time student at BYU and he is living at home right now because he is “off track.” He is a temple recommend holding return missionary, has always been very active in church, holds a responsible calling, supports himself financially, and is mostly very respectful and obedient. I suspect most everyone who knows him would be shocked to hear about my concern.... Read more