Natasha Helfer Parker and Tim Birt, both mental health professionals and members of the Mormon Mental Health Association, have a discussion and response in regards to the guidelines that were updated and released yesterday by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in regards to preventing and responding to abuse.
Natasha wanted to release this tonight... but will be offering more of the links mentioned within the interview in the following days.
Mormon leaders unveil new rules allowing another adult in room for interviews
First Presidency Directs Leaders to Prevent and Respond to Abuse
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews a prior bishop... who is choosing to remain anonymous due to a variety of concerns he has about talking about these topics to begin with (i.e. confidentiality of those he has served as a bishop, confidentiality of his own family situation and legal protection for sharing what he is talking about today). He will go by "Dave" in this interview and his voice has been altered to protect his identity.
Dave reached out to me due to my involvement with the protectldschildren.org movement where we are asking the church to consider stopping one-on-one bishop interviews where minors are asked about sexual behavior.
He is sharing his own experiences that he had as a father where one of his children had been molested in their ward building. He shares the experience he had with his wife as they tried to deal with this concern within the church system and how that ended up being futile. He also shares his experience with the church "hotline" that is supposed to help in these situations... and is very clear about the expectations members should have (or not have) when it comes to the system that is currently in place.
Dave also speaks about his own experience serving as a bishop and the types of training that were available, the guidance given when he himself was in a situation where people were reporting abuse, etc.
His main message to listeners throughout the podcast is to gain a clear understanding of the legalities involved and how the church is in of itself a legal entity and will act as such (whether one considers this ethical/moral or not). And therefore, to make sure that as a victim or as a parent of a victim you are contacting appropriate authorities and resources... and not rely on the church to be a player in solving these issues.
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Jenn Adams in regards to her experience being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Jen comes from a Mormon background and she tells her story not only from a clinical perspective… but also how her religious framing affected how she perceived aspects of her mental health and treatment options. They discuss lots of common issues people face: how does one separate their own identity from a mental health diagnosis, role of family history & mental health, how manic episodes can influence impulsive behaviors that then get caught up in ecclesiastic disciplinary processes, and how spirituality and emotions can get conflated within clinical symptoms. They also talk about some of the things that ecclesiastical and auxiliary leaders can be aware of when ward members might present with these medical issues.
Mentioned during podcast:
Living with Bipolar Disorder as a Spouse Part 1
Living with Bipolar Disorder as a Spouse Part 2
Living with Bipolar Disorder as a Spouse Part 3
12 Ways to Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder
Natasha Helfer Parker runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions and writes at The Mormon Therapist for Patheos: Hosting the Conversation of Faith. She also hosts the popular podcasts, Mormon Mental Health & Mormon Sex Info and creates the sex educational resource, Sex Talk with Natasha.
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Bryce Cook, founding member of ALL (Arizona LDS LGBT Friends and Family) and the "All are alike unto God Conference," member of the church and father of two gay sons, in regards to his writing the following piece for Dialogue:
He addresses the history of positions in regards to LGBT+ members in our church, our current stances, and why there is room within our doctrine and church policy for questioning of our current stances so that we can move into healthier, more inclusive spaces for all members.
Natasha Helfer Parker runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions and writes at The Mormon Therapist for Patheos: Hosting the Conversation of Faith. She also hosts the popular podcasts, Mormon Mental Health & Mormon Sex Info and creates the sex educational resource, Sex Talk with Natasha.