November 1, 2019

November 1, 2019 By

Through the process of working with the thousands of individuals and couples who have come to me for help with their sexuality, it has become clear to me that many of the people that reach out have a background from conservative religious backgrounds that affected their sexual development in rigid, misinformed and shaming ways. These people are dealing with: intense, immense and internalized sexual shame sex-negative educational foundations inappropriate meaning ruts inappropriate self or partner blame and developmental stunting in their ability to enjoy... Read more

October 25, 2019

October 25, 2019 By

I have spoken on these issues for over a decade now because I see how the misinformation harms members of communities such as mine within Mormonism. Accurate knowledge is the strongest tool we have to help us on any given topic. Fear and misinformation continue pain and suffering. “Silencing sexual science that refutes established notions of sexual disease and disorders has a long and sordid history. I find solace in reminding myself that the current story of sex and porn... Read more

October 23, 2019

October 23, 2019 By

Free Agency is one of the concepts that I love within Mormon theology and that correlates with good mental health. When people feel informed and empowered to make their own decisions, they tend to feel and do better. At the same time, we all influence each other so, how “free” can agency really be? I found Lindsay’s post provocative for thought as we tend to celebrate decisions and “agency” within Mormon culture that corroborate the group’s ideas and demonize decisions... Read more

October 21, 2019

October 21, 2019 By

President Oak’s statements about biological sex and gender earlier this month were medically inaccurate. When the general membership is offered falsehoods over the pulpit, it sets us back on many levels. It hurts families trying to navigate complicated terrain within their relationships. It hurts families as far as the types of interventions and treatments they may be willing to seek that are available. It limits doctors and mental health providers as far as being able to provide best standards of care... Read more

October 18, 2019

October 18, 2019 By

Mormon doctrine is expansive enough to make room for clinical knowledge we are continually acquiring. That is why I am so glad we have the principle of ongoing revelation as a doctrinal foundation. Today’s guest post is written by Lisa Scott.   Opinions shared on guest posts may not completely reflect the positions of the blog’s author.  Lisa Scott is a Ph.D. student at BYU studying Counseling Psychology. She teaches an undergraduate course titled “Women’s Issues in Career Exploration”, and... Read more

October 5, 2019

October 5, 2019 By

I had a very similar critique of words shared “prophetically” that I shared in the Salt Lake Tribune. It is extremely painful to watch people who are in the role of speaking for God do so in ways that are irresponsible, non-clinically based, and that actually cause clinical and spiritual harm. I liken it to me running into President Nelson’s cardiac operation room, claiming my authority as a mental health professional and digging a scalpel into the middle of the... Read more

August 29, 2019

August 29, 2019 By

Powerful self advocacy. LDS leaders are perpetrating hate speech towards LGBTQ+ members and for the hundred thousandth time… I have to call it out… Speeches like Elder Hathaway’s are what continue to keep suicide risk high. It’s inexcusable… it’s mean spirited… it’s uneducated… and at this point it’s flat out embarrassing. I’ll keep saying it until it changes and our LGBTQ+ members are safe within our own ranks. Today’s guest post is written by Blaire Ostler. Opinions shared on guest posts... Read more

August 27, 2019

August 27, 2019 By

This is one of the most powerful sex-positive pieces I’ve recently read. Blaire Ostler has become one of my favorite authors and I’m so glad she continues to allow me to feature her work. She addresses so many sexual issues in this poignant piece that I’ve been passionately addressing for years: importance of self-autonomy and authority; importance of not buying into “ownership” dynamics; and importance of prioritizing pleasure as a legitimate need and self-care tool. We need lots more of... Read more

August 26, 2019

August 26, 2019 By

Join Natasha In Oklahoma City on September 13 & 14, 2019 for the  Mormon Faith Crisis Workshop: Navigating Life During and After a Faith Crisis Natasha Helfer Parker, LCMFT, CST can be reached at natashaparker.org and runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions, which focuses on helping families and individuals with faith concerns, sexuality and mental health. She hosts the Mormon Mental Health and Mormon Sex Info Podcasts, is the current past president of the Mormon Mental Health Association and runs a sex education program, Sex Talk with Natasha. She... Read more

August 21, 2019

August 21, 2019 By

Registration Closes tonight. Reserve your spot now! Listen for 3 communication strategies I will share with you right now… that will help you more effectively… with less defensiveness… talk to your spouse about sensitive issues (like signing up for a course that will help your sex life). Then sign up for my interactive, online 6 week course to help you Flourish Intimately in your marriage. Go to http://flourishintimately.com/join to save your spot today! This course will be completely dedicated to... Read more

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