Synopsis
Providing Accurate Information and Sexual Education for Mormons and their Families
Episodes
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54: Challenges Lesbian & Queer Folks Face in the LDS Church
22/03/2024 Duration: 01h07minThe latest episode of The Natasha Helfer Podcast featured an insightful conversation with Sally Osborne on the challenges that lesbians and queer folks face within the LDS church. Listen as Natasha and Sal dive deep into these topics and explore ways to create a more inclusive and understanding community. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
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53: Cannabis and Sexuality: Getting in the Weed
13/03/2024 Duration: 01h21minNatasha and Aimee are getting into the "weed" in this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast! They dived into the intriguing world of cannabis and sexuality. Curious about the impact of cannabis on intimacy, pleasure and connection? Check out the episode! This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
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52: Addiction, Compulsions & Impulsivity, OH MY!
29/02/2024 Duration: 01h28minI was so excited to have had the Siegel brothers back on the show to talk about all the language that gets thrown around - consistently in clinically inaccurate ways. Especially in conservative and high-demand religious communities, the term “addiction” gets used not only by lay people, but other mental health professionals, in ways that pathologize people’s sexuality. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outr
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51: Taking Back Our Sexuality
21/02/2024 Duration: 01h11minCarah Burrell joins Natasha on this episode to discuss her journey. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. Thank you for listening. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
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50: Legislative Updates in Utah
18/02/2024 Duration: 27minTara Olson and Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST-S discuss recent legislative updates in the state of Utah which affects all kinds of minority populations. It is appalling to see the backwards steps that are being taken in conservative, religiously motivated states throughout the country that are not abiding by evidence-based research and everything we know about social justice, relational health and mental health. The ramifications of these legislations harm people, have immediate effects, and even criminalize folks in ways that can have lifelong impacts. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of the Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that d
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49: Sexual Shame in "Sex Addiction" Programs
15/02/2024 Duration: 01h38minI interviewed Preston Hobbs, ACMHC - who currently works for me at Symmetry Solutions, on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. I am so grateful he was willing to get so personal about his experience growing up Latter-day Saint/Mormon and the history he had with sexual shame from a very young age, being considered a "sex/porn addict" and the treatment approaches he faced in the LifeStar program. He shares how this affected his marriage, his relational health, his mental health and his physical health. This is far too common a story within our (and many other) religious communities. It's spiritually/emotionally abusive on the side of the church and it's malpractice on the side of the mental health. Preston is currently taking clients at our group practice (Symmetry Counseling), and can help others who have had similar experiences. He is also very good at working with other mental health concerns, couples counseling and adolescents. You can schedule time with him here: https://symcounseling.com/preston-h
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48: Non-Monogamy...Jealousy...Compersion
08/02/2024 Duration: 01h15minDr. Joli Hamilton joins Natasha on this episode of The Natasha Helfer Podcast. Dr. Joli Hamilton is the relationship coach for couples who color outside the lines. She is a research psychologist, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and AASECT (pronounced ay-sect) certified sex educator. Joli also co-hosts the Playing with Fire podcast with her anchor partner, Ken. Joli’s been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, and NPR. She’s spent the past two decades studying and reimagining what love can be if we open our imaginations to possibility. Joli helps people create non-monogamous partnerships that are custom-built for their authentic selves, no more shrinking, pretending, or hiding required. For more on Joli: https://www.jolihamilton.com To take her quiz, go here: https://www.jolihamilton.com/quiz This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts an
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47: Aging, Disabilities & Sexuality
31/01/2024 Duration: 01h04minOn this episode, Natasha interviewed Ellen Barnard, MSW, CSE. Ellen is a matriarch in the field and brings immense wisdom and resources. She is a Sexuality Educator and the owner of A Woman's Touch Sexuality Resource Center, a shop offering sexual health education and products in a comfortable boutique setting. It's also a website and has been sharing valuable information for decades. For more than 35 years Ellen has been working with older folks and people with disabilities to support their desires for intimacy, love and sexual wellness. She believes that each person is unique and that sexual health and pleasure looks different for each of us. She looks at all challenges through a lens of creativity and curiosity, and invites you to do the same. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own a
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46: Considering Ethical Non-monogamy
24/01/2024 Duration: 01h11minNatasha is joined by Kelly Trust again on this episode! They continue their conversation, this time on ethical non monogamy. You can find Kelly on Instagram at: @kellymariefitmom This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
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45: Naked & Coming Back Strong on Top of the BYU Cougar
22/01/2024 Duration: 01h56minIn this episode, Natasha interviewed Kelly Trust. In her words, "Once upon a time I went to Brigham Young University largely in part to growing up born-in-the-covenant Mormon (meaning it was a birthright and lifestyle handed to me with a whole garbage pile of labels and expectations along with it) "My freshman year they suspended me out for a violation of their honor code - a list of rules that align with the church on how to behave and what will get you removed from campus. It was a premarital sexual relations violation with a BYU football player. Lucky for him and the school he got to stay and play football for them that year while I went to a nearby school for my first year of college. That story is one of many that hurt me as an individual who was taught my only place in the world was to be a support to the men around me. "A year later, in order to heal from the trauma of being shamed by my school, church, and family - I started bodybuilding. It’s changed my whole world. I read a lot a lot of books along
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44: Symmetry Solutions Providers Discuss Current Events
22/12/2023 Duration: 27minNatasha and her team of providers discuss current events. For more on Natasha, you can go here: https://symmetrypath.com/natasha-helfer For more on Jenny Elledge: https://symmetrypath.com/jenny-elledge This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so care for yourself accordingly. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
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43: Let the Woman Sing! How the LDS Church controls Participation
20/12/2023 Duration: 56minNatasha interviewed Evelyn Hornbarger who was just declined from being able to sing in a Latter-day Saint (aka Mormon) Christmas Eve event at her local congregation. We discussed how difficult it is to face these kinds of community rejections due to shifts in belief, especially in light of the Church often preaching unity while so often ostracizing so many of us who still want to be involved. Make sure to give us a listen. I also invite you to subscribe to the podcast on YouTube and all the other spaces you find your listening pleasures (ie Spotify, iTunes, etc). Evelyn Hornbarger has a bachelor’s degree in English literature (Brigham Young University), and a Master’s degree in public health (New Mexico State University). Mothering five awesome children, Evelyn has had a wide range of experiences to navigate - including her own religious deconstruction in order to effectively understand and support her transgender son. Through her personal education in caring for her children, Evelyn is a voice of loving
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42: Loving Someone who has Sexual Trauma
15/12/2023 Duration: 01h04minNatasha is joined by Megan Negendank, LMFT, CST, to discuss her book, “Loving Someone who has Sexual Trauma.” Megan is the Founder of her practice, Love Heal Grow. You can find out more about Megan at: https://www.lovehealgrow.com/about-megan/ She's on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/megan.lovehealgrow/ Go to Love Heal Grow website at: lovehealgrow.com You can find her book, “Loving Someone who has Sexual Trauma" anywhere that books are sold. On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Loving-Someone-Sexual-Trauma-Compassionate/dp/1648481574/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1702608616&sr=8-1 Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
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41: Symmetry Solutions Providers Discuss Current Events
06/12/2023 Duration: 34minNatasha and her team of providers discuss current events. For more on Natasha, you can go here: https://symmetrypath.com/natasha-helfer For more on Jenny Elledge: https://symmetrypath.com/jenny-elledge For more on Michelle Peets: https://symmetrypath.com/michelle-peets Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
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40: Ask Natasha Anything: Questions about Sexually Educating our Kids
29/11/2023 Duration: 01h29minNatasha is joined by Kenlee Anderson to ask questions about sexually educating children. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
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39: Couples Retreat - Importance of Taking Time with Each Other
15/11/2023 Duration: 46minNatasha and team talk about their couple retreat from a fewweeks ago and the Importance of taking time with each other. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
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38: Symmetry Solutions Providers Discuss Current Events
01/11/2023 Duration: 01h18minNatasha and Allan Alexander discuss current events including General LDS Conference and what's been happening with some LDS therapists. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
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37: Movember & Men's Health
28/10/2023 Duration: 01h02minMeet Kurt! I am so excited to have had him join me on The Natasha Helfer podcast! In his daily life, Kurt Reinhardt leads a successful career as a consultant, cherishes his role as a devoted partner and loving father, occasionally embarks on adventures, and is an enthusiastic amateur gastronaut. However, over the past decade, Kurt has also been a passionate advocate for men's health and suicide prevention. He annually spearheads a campaign known as "Dyeing to Stop Men Dying" to raise funds for the Movember Foundation, a prominent charitable organization dedicated to addressing global concerns related to men's mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer. Recognized by his signature beard, Kurt has decided to use this distinctive feature for a meaningful purpose. Every dollar contributed during his October campaign serves as a vote to determine the colors he will dye his beard with throughout the entire month of November, often referred to as "Movember." This creative initia
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36: Is Using the Term "Mormon" Micro-Aggressive?
19/10/2023 Duration: 39minWhat are your thoughts about the use of the word “Mormon”? Is it microaggressive? Natasha shares her thoughts on the term and her experience as a key note speaker a few months back. Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro by Otter Creek Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
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35: The Ethical Issues with "Sons of Helaman:" When Therapists Pathologize "Sin"
11/10/2023 Duration: 01h11minThere is a long standing history of therapists making the mistake of pathologizing human behavior through the lens of their own religious bias. Maurice Harker, founder of Sons of Helaman: Eternal Warriors, is such an example. He has created programs and written books mostly focused on “sexual self-mastery” which align with his beliefs as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka the Mormon Church). Braxton and Natasha discuss the ethical and problematic issues for the public to be aware of in this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. Research shows repeatedly that folks from conservative and high demand religions are more vulnerable to these types of unethical services, and are more apt to internalize the shame of identifying as “diseased” for sexual practices or orientations that are considered normal and even healthy in the clinical sexological field. It does not escape us that therapists like this are also often in the public eye for much more egregious behavior, which is the curre