Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Miguel Barker-Valdez, one of the founders of Rational Faiths mainly about the concepts of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. They talk about his experience as a physician assistant in orthopedic surgery, as well as a specific circumstance where he was part of helping with a fatal roadside accident (for those who might find this type of discussion disturbing, Miguel does go into detail as to his efforts to save a young woman’s life). Many jobs lead to opportunities to be part of other people’s suffering, often called vicarious trauma (mental health practitioners, physicians, police officers, fire safety, paramedics, soldiers, teachers, etc.). Even how many callings in the church are ripe for members to experience compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.
Their discussion goes in many rich directions, specifically about issues regarding race and culture (Miguel’s “race awakeningâ€ÂÂ), complicated family dynamics and Miguel’s relationship with the LDS church.
Natasha Helfer Parker, LCMFT, CST runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions, which focuses on helping families and individuals with faith concerns, sexuality and mental health. She writes at The Mormon Therapist for Patheos: Hosting the Conversation of Faith, runs Mormon Sex Info and is the current president for the Mormon Mental Health Association.
Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Brittny Habibti and Ashley Judd Errington, two Mormon women who participated in the Black Lives Matter protest that took place in Baton Rouge, LA in July 2016. They were part of the protestors who took refuge on the lawn of a woman who gave them permission to be on her private property, and yet the police dressed in riot gear pushed past and arrested many of those present. Brittny and Ashley speak to their experiences, resulting in PTSD symptoms for months to come... as well as to why this movement exists... why this remains such an important dialogue to be having... and the implications for Mormons in particular when it comes to addressing racial issues within our faith community. This is a particularly timely podcast with February being Black History Month.