In this episode, Natasha is joined by Rachel Goff, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Symmetry Counseling, to bust some of the most common myths about couples therapy. Many people wait until a relationship is in crisis to seek help, or hold beliefs about what couples therapy is and who it's for that keep them from ever walking in the door.

Rachel provides individual and couples therapy for clients who feel stuck in patterns of conflict, disconnection, self-doubt, or relationship uncertainty. Her approach is relational, attachment-based, emotionally focused, trauma-informed, feminist, and somatic, and she is sex-positive...

In this episode, Natasha is joined by Bill Hambleton, author of The Sacred and Profane: A Memoir of Faith and Reckoning. Bill grew up in Utah and spent nearly a decade as a seminarian for the Diocese of Salt Lake City, studying at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Ohio and later at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. After discerning a different vocation, he went on to earn a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of San Francisco, where his dissertation explored the formation of Catholic identity.

Over a thirty-year career in Catholic education, Bill...

In this episode, Natasha is joined by two of her Symmetry Counseling providers, Jenny Elledge and Rachel Larsen, to talk about the most recent General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together they walk through a few of the talks, looking at the messages members heard and how those messages can land for people at different places in their faith journeys.

They explore what stood out, what may have felt supportive or harmful, and how to approach this kind of content with care, whether you are still active, questioning, or have already stepped...

In this episode, Natasha is joined by Dr. Alex Tatum, a psychologist and professor at Illinois State University, to talk about what the research says about polyamory. He studies consensual non-monogamy and the experiences of people in polyamorous relationships.

Alex and his colleagues surveyed 63 American adults who have been or currently are in polyamorous relationships. Their first paper looked at what first led people to pursue polyamory and found four common themes: values alignment, relationship factors, external stimuli, and sexuality. Natasha and Alex discuss the difference between choosing polyamory because it fits who you are and trying...

Natasha sits down with Natasha Ruby, an artist and memoirist from Fort Collins, Colorado, whose work grows out of her lived experience with religion, recovery, and rebuilding. Natasha Ruby is the author of "Latter-day Psychosis," a raw and honest look at leaving religion and rebuilding identity, addiction and sobriety, mental health and psychosis, and the messy, nonlinear process of healing.

Together they talk about what it means to break, heal, and become again, and how to begin authoring your own life after questioning everything you were raised to believe.

You can find Natasha Ruby and...

Dr. Julie de Azevedo joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast to discuss some of the clinical red flags and ethical failures of the Jodi Hildebrandt case. Both Julie and Natasha have been featured in documentaries about the case, and they bring their perspectives as licensed therapists to a story that has shaken so many families and faith communities.

You can find out more about Dr. de Azevedo on her website: https://www.drjuliehanks.com/about

Follow Julie on social media:
Instagram: @drjuliehanks
Facebook: @DrJulieHanks
X/Twitter: @drjuliehanks
...

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Ingrid Chapman joins to discuss her book, "Coming Back Whole: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Self-Reclamation."

At fifty, after thirty-two years of marriage, Ingrid Chapman served her husband divorce papers at the airport—directly in front of the woman he was having an affair with. It was the moment she stopped disappearing.

COMING BACK WHOLE is the story of how she got there. Married at eighteen, she raised three children, helped build a family nonprofit, and spent decades inside a church that taught her endurance was ho...

Natasha sits down with Melissa Duge Spiers, author of "Holy Disobedience: Sex, Sin, and Secrets in the Biggest Church No One Knows," for a wide-ranging conversation before diving into her story. They talk about growing up inside a strict, fundamentalist Seventh-day Adventist Church, and how Melissa's life changed when she learned her father, a respected pastor, was a serial child predator shielded for years by the church.

Melissa shares how she rebuilt her sense of self after escaping high control religion, including an unexpected friendship with her father's first victim that helped her reclaim her voice. Her...

Natasha sits down with Mikey Foley of "Mikey & The Mrs" (@mikeyandthemrs on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads), the husband and wife comedic morning show duo heard weekdays from 6 to 10 AM on Planet 105.1 in St. George, Utah. Together they dig into the intersection of Mormonism and comedy, exploring how humor becomes a tool for processing and healing within Mormon culture and where laughter and faith meet in everyday life.

To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha's cha...

Madison Daniels joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. They discuss transitioning out of Mormonism as Madison's soon-to-be published book (releasing June 23, 2026), "Letters to a Young Ex-Mormon" is set to release. You can now pre-order it on Amazon here:

https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Young-Ex-Mormon-Field-Moving/dp/B0GVGS28KP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1J9UJR2YFZAO6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XUKpgyNy_D67b8AZMA9TPaSKCV6qhb7vtNmVK3VKY5MOSoXRpqFiBDNBQUnAMdDSxKcfNQrK443Xo173orvVfnBT8ggsF7AdPvjMnlTZaBk.RXT1uvFRMC0KpOHxAVSXIYj2bvr2j5E1aqoL8uaPIuQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Letters+to+a+Young+Ex-Mormon&qid=1781723661&sprefix=letters+to+a+young+ex-mormon%2...

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Natasha is joined by Nancy Ross and Larissa Kanno Kindred to discuss the impact that LDS garments have on sexuality.

Nancy Ross is an associate professor and the department chair of the Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Department at Utah Tech University, where she has taught for 20 years. She researches LDS and Community of Christ women, women's ordination movements, and issues related to Mormon feminism. Her book, co-authored with Jessica Finnigan and Larissa Kanno Kindred, is titled  "Mormon Garments: Sacred and Secret" and was published by the University of Illinois P...

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Mike Christensen joines to share his experience at BYU and as a single adult in "Mormon-dom."

Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography from Brigham Young University, a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science from Northwest Missouri State University, an Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Sustainability from the University of Utah, and a Master of City and Metropolitan Planning from the University of Utah. He is a member of the American Planning Association, the Congress for the New Urbanism, Strong Towns, the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, and...

Natasha is joined by Lauren Hell on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. They discuss all things sex toys!

Laurel Hell is a former Mormon from the Bay Area in California who now resides in New England and New York City. She designs software full-time and owns a publishing business and small design shop on the side. Laurel enjoys trail runs, concerts, languages, and empowering people out of their sexual shame. 

To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this...

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Stan Mitchell joins to discuss LGBTQ inclusivity at church.

Stan Mitchell currently serves as a Teaching Pastor at The Village in (Atlanta, GA), Austin New Church (TX), The Well (Phoenix, AZ), Harvest Sarasota (FL), The Grove (Bryson City, NC), and Pine Street Church (Boulder, CO).  He is the Pastor Emeritus of GracePointe Church in Nashville, TN, having served as its Lead Pastor from its inception in 2003 through 2019. In 2015, GP made the move to the full affirmation and celebration of LGBTQ+ people. He now spends his vocational time as a sp...

Becky Bowles joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast to discuss narcissism and divorce.

Becky Bowles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Millcreek Utah. She is the owner of Through the Woods Counseling, where she works with individuals navigating recovery from narcissistic abuse, and many other traumatic experiences. Including a focus on faith, religious or spiritual betrayal and trauma, from high-control religious and spiritual systems. She also provides coaching for recovery from narcissistic abuse for those outside the state of Utah. She offers a warm and inviting space for healing, and helps...

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Michelle Mower joins to discuss how the Mormon purity culture affects men.

Michelle Mower, LPC, LMFT, CST,  is a therapist, coach, educator, and certified sex therapist who helps adults understand what's actually going on in their sexuality and relationships. Her work focuses on the erotic mind; how thoughts, desire, and personal history shape the way people experience intimacy.

She works with individuals and couples who feel confused, disconnected, or at odds with their own desire, helping them move out of self-questioning and into clarity. Her approach is d...

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Lauren Hayes joins to discuss the recent Non-Monogamy Lifestyle Cruise both she and Natasha joined a few months ago. Lauren also shares a bit about her book, "For Better or Even Better."

Lauren Hayes is a relationship coach and author who helps couples explore ethical non-monogamy with clarity, communication, and connection. Through her coaching, retreats, and her book For Better or Even Better, she guides people to create relationships rooted in honesty, choice, and deeper intimacy. Lauren also travels and teaches nationwide, and hosts the podcast The Examined Lives (E...

Nathan Gallenson, co-founder of DBT with Friends, a peer-led mental health community, joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. They discuss how they are creating an innovaite, peer-led mental health community dedicated to making evidence-based skills like DBT, IFS, and ACT accessible outside of traditional clinical settings.

Based in Salt Lake City, his work focuses on reimagining how emotional skills are taught, shifting from isolated learning to community-based practice.

You can checkout their website for more: https://www.dbtwithfriends.com

After completing their own DBT programs, the co-founders realized what...

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Natasha is joined by Mellissa Perry Hill, MS, LPC. They discuss how high-demand religions affect the "self".

Mellissa Perry Hill, MS, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and approved clinical supervisor based in Arizona, where she owns and operates Inner Compass Counseling & Consultation, LLC, a small group practice serving clients in Arizona and Utah through virtual and in-person care. Her work centers on supporting individuals and couples healing from religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and faith transitions, with particular experience working with those impacted by high-control religious systems, including Mormonism.<...

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Brittney Hartley joins to discuss different global initiatives various governments have done to protect children from religious abuse. Natasha and Brittney discuss the events and then share their thoughts on how and where things can improve.

Brittney Hartley is an Atheist Spiritual Director at No Nonsense Spirituality. She has a Masters Degree in Applied Theology with a focus on the Future of American Religion. Her emphasis is in nihilism recovery, faith deconstruction, spiritual reconstruction, and feminist spirituality. You can find her on social media under the handle No Nonsense...

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Natasha is joined by Danielle Calder, LCSW, and Bekah Barton, to discuss reconstructing female sexuality.

Danielle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist who specializes in helping people navigate major life transitions such as religious and faith transitions, relationship challenges, life style shifts, confidence, dating, career, and identity work. Danielle lives in Carlsbad, California and is licensed in multiple states, offering remote therapy sessions throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Idaho. Danielle works with individuals and couples. She loves hanging out with her friends, being a fun, warm...

Natasha is joined by Jennifer Aull on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. They discuss the male experience with purity culture.

Jennifer is passionate about empowering people to live their fullest lives. This dedication has been lived out through some of her personal and professional experiences. Jennifer brings with her a wealth of life experience. Along with her marriage and family therapy practice, Jennifer serves as a pastor at the Greenpoint Reformed Church. She has also worked as a chaplain in both hospital and hospice settings. These experiences have taught her that life can be a...

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Christine Forner joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast to discuss patriarchy and misogyny. 

Welcome to Part 6 of the Lucy in the Sky with Dinahs series where Natasha discusses psychedelic-assisted therapy within high-demand religious context of Sexual and Religious Trauma. Natasha is joined by Amy Rossi and Aimee Heffernan.

In this episode, the team discusses ketamine.

Note that neither Natasha or the Amie's are doctors. They do not condone illegal behavior. Please make sure you know your local and state laws before using psychedelics.

For more on Amy Rossi, you can go to her instagram at @messages.from.the.medicine

For more on Amy Heff...

Natasha is joined by Katherine Spearing, MA, CTRC, to discuss her latest book, "A Thousand Tiny Paper Cuts," which addresses the spiritual abuse survivor's recovery journey, on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast.

Katherine Spearing MA, CTRC is the founder of Tears of Eden (https://www.tearsofeden.org/), a nonprofit supporting survivors of spiritual abuse, and the former executive producer and host of the groundbreaking podcast "Uncertain", a podcast that pioneered pivotal conversations around Spiritual Abuse. She's also a Certified Trauma Recovery Practitioner (https://www.katherinespearing.com/coaching) working primarily with women who have been impacted...

Tara Olson joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. They discuss the intersection of eating disorders, religion and sex.

Tara Olson is an Associate Certified Social Worker (CSW) who approaches therapy from a feminist-multicultural, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive framework. She views healing as a collaborative process, where clients bring their lived wisdom and cultural expertise, and together, client and therapist co-create a space for growth and change.

For more on Tara, go here: https://symcounseling.com/tara-olson/

Natasha is doing an Ethical Nonmonogamy group starring February 24th. For more, go...

Dr. Quintin Hunt joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast.

They discuss a difficult topic: preventing suicide.

More on Dr. Hunt:

My journey towards being a therapist began when I was 8 years old: my oldest brother died by suicide, my youngest brother developed schizophrenia, and I was sexually abused. It was then, at 8, my own suicidal thoughts began. Throughout my adolescence and early adulthood I struggled with deep feelings of depression, that no one could ever love me, and that even my feelings and emotions did not matter. I even...

Natasha is joined by two of her colleagues on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. Amy Roy and Lindsay Ferguson, both interns at Symmetry Counseling, join to discuss supporting faith transitions.

Resources referenced in this episode:

"When Mormons Doubt" by Jon Ogden: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1535350377/?bestFormat=true&k=when%20mormons%20doubt&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_16_de&crid=WMLVXOBVUVX2&sprefix=when%20mormons%20dou

"Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids without Religion" by Dale McGowan:

https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Beyond-Belief-Raising-Religion/dp/0814437419/ref=sr_1_2?crid=352KN87...

Mike Fuller joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer podcast to share his "Compass" framework for healthy Sexuality.

You can find out more about Mike by visiting his website: fullercounselinggroup.com

You can check out his previous episode on the podcast, "From LDS CES Instructor to LGBTQ+ Affirming, Life Transition Therapist" here:

https://www.natashahelfer.com/the-natasha-helfer-podcast/episode85

For Therapists and Counselors, visit: learnreligiontherapy.com

The upcoming, "'Sinner' and 'Saint' as Trauma Responses: Understanding Religious Coping Through a Trauma-Informed Lens" will be January 16, 2026. Go here to sign...

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Natasha is joined by the Mother/Daughter duo: Dee-Dee Darby Duffin and Darby Mest. Both have unique approaches when it comes to their clients: one with therapy and the other with coaching.

Both have client openings and work at Symmetry Counseling with Natasha.

For more on Dee-Dee, go here: https://symcounseling.com/dee-dee-darby-duffin/

For more on Darby, go here: https://symcounseling.com/darby-mest/

To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To wa...

Natasha is joined by Dane Campbell, author of "Growing Up with Satan" on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. He and Natasha discuss the book and the environment that he was raised in that inspired it:

"Growing Up with Satan - Told By a Brother that Knew Him Well" is an account of a boy growing up in an insular community as part of a high demand religion that espoused Satan or Lucifer to be a real and empowered entity that could bear sway on individuals and circumstances. This memoir describes someone facing major life events...

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Kate, the ExMo, and Erika, the NeverMo, join to talk about GroupThink. Kate and Erika host a podcast called, "An ExMo and a NeverMo Walk Into a Bar… Podcast".

Kate

The ExMo

Kate was born and raised a card-carrying Mormon and stayed committed until the summer she turned 45. Now known as Midlife Exmo on TikTok, she shares her faith deconstruction journey with her "yes, and" philosophy to support others leaving high-demand religions. A former teacher, Kate now embraces life as a curious student—learning, growing, and...

Welcome to Part 6 of "Uncoupling the Myth" where Natasha and guests challenge the narrative that non-monogamy destroys relationships. After a recent podcast episode on this very topic, Natasha was flooded with messages—hundreds of people thanking her for validating their relationship choices and lived experiences. That response made it clear: these voices deserve more airtime. So in this series, we're amplifying real stories and offering a more hopeful, grounded, and nuanced view than what you typically hear about. To be clear; as both a relationship and sexuality expert, Natasha is not here to advocate for non-monogamy or monogamy—she's here...

Natasha is joined by Dr. Lisa Diamond and Dr. Scout on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. This is a powerful episode as, in Lisa's words:

"Scout and I have witnessed the entire birth and now destruction of the field of queer and trans mental and physical health (Scout is 60, I'm 54), so we have lived through this whole weird arc of seeing lgbtq health become a legitimate profession, and now it's being threatened—it's both personally and professionally devastating for both of us to witness this happening.

"It is astounding that at a time wh...

Welcome to Part 5 of "Uncoupling the Myth" where Natasha and guests challenge the narrative that non-monogamy destroys relationships. After a recent podcast episode on this very topic, Natasha was flooded with messages—hundreds of people thanking her for validating their relationship choices and lived experiences. That response made it clear: these voices deserve more airtime. So in this series, we're amplifying real stories and offering a more hopeful, grounded, and nuanced view than what you typically hear about. To be clear; as both a relationship and sexuality expert, Natasha is not here to advocate for non-monogamy or monogamy—she's here...

Welcome to Part 5 of the Lucy in the Sky with Dinahs series where Natasha discusses psychedelic-assisted therapy within high-demand religious context of Sexual and Religious Trauma. Natasha is joined by Amy Rossi and Aimee Heffernan.

Note that neither Natasha or the Amie's are doctors. They do not condone illegal behavior. Please make sure you know your local and state laws before using psychedelics.

Information on the next CE:

Sacred Disruption: An In-Depth Look into Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy within High-Demand Religious Contexts of Sexual and Religious Trauma – 3 CEs

h...

Natasha is joined by Jennie Latham Johnson on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast as they talk about grief.

Jennie Latham Johnson is a writer, speaker, and passionate advocate for pediatric families. A former high school English teacher, Jennie brings her love of language and storytelling into every aspect of her work. A Texas native, she lives in Georgetown, Texas, where she is raising her three children and finding joy in the beauty of her home state.

Deeply connected to nature, books, and meaningful time with her family, Jennie is fueled by a desire...

Welcome to Part 4 of "Uncoupling the Myth" where Natasha and guests challenge the narrative that non-monogamy destroys relationships. After a recent podcast episode on this very topic, Natasha was flooded with messages—hundreds of people thanking her for validating their relationship choices and lived experiences. That response made it clear: these voices deserve more airtime. So in this series, we're amplifying real stories and offering a more hopeful, grounded, and nuanced view than what you typically hear about. To be clear; as both a relationship and sexuality expert, Natasha is not here to advocate for non-monogamy or monogamy—she's here...

Welcome to Part 4 of the Lucy in the Sky with Dinahs series where Natasha discusses psychedelic-assisted therapy within high-demand religious context of Sexual and Religious Trauma. Natasha is joined by Amy Rossi and Aimee Heffernan.

Note that neither Natasha or the Amie's are doctors. They do not condone illegal behavior. Please make sure you know your local and state laws before using psychedelics.

For upcoming CEs, go to: learnreligiontherapy.com

Or

​​https://learnreligiontherapy.com/course/3ce-psychedelic-assisted-therapy

The next CE will be Friday, November 7th, 2025 from 9am-12pm MST. Note that...

Welcome to Part 3 of "Uncoupling the Myth" where Natasha and guests challenge the narrative that non-monogamy destroys relationships. After a recent podcast episode on this very topic, Natasha was flooded with messages—hundreds of people thanking her for validating their relationship choices and lived experiences. That response made it clear: these voices deserve more airtime. So in this series, we're amplifying real stories and offering a more hopeful, grounded, and nuanced view than what you typically hear about. To be clear; as both a relationship and sexuality expert, Natasha is not here to advocate for non-monogamy or monogamy—she's here...