Podcast appearances and mentions of lisa butterworth

Join Natasha, Allan Alexander and Lisa Butterworth for a discussion on upping emotional intelligence in one way or another!   To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2022, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.  

Lisa Butterworth hosts this episode of Mormon Sex Info. She interviews LaToya Cheatham as they discuss sex and the Black Church. Lisa and LaToya discuss similarities and differences between common Mormon and Black Christian messages and outcomes around sexuality. For more on Lisa, please visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworth Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022

141: Topic: The Complexities for Queer Member: Why it's not helpful to say "you should just leave"   Lisa Butterworth hosts this episode of Mormon Sex Info. She is joined by Colette Dalton to discuss "The Complexities for Queer Member: Why it's not helpful to say 'you should just leave'." In the podcast, they mention the following Symmetry Live video:    https://www.facebook.com/symmetrysols/videos/391164999197251   For more on Lisa, please visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworth   For more about Colette Dalton, please visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/colette-dalton   Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2022. You can donate at mormonsex.info.

Lisa Butterworth hosts this episode of Mormon Sex Info. She is joined by Colette Dalton to discuss sexual values, part of a series they are doing.   They discuss the “Sexual Values Inventory” which you can find here: https://www.natashaparker.org/forms   Check out the series Natasha Helfer did with Doug Braun Harvey on 6 principles of Sexual Health: Consent: https://mormonsex.info/2017/10/22/057-sexual-principle-1-consent/ Non-Exploitative: https://mormonsex.info/2017/11/21/058-sexual-principle-2-non-exploitative/ Honesty: https://mormonsex.info/2018/01/15/062-sexual-principle-4-honesty/ Shared Values: https://mormonsex.info/2018/02/05/066-sexual-principle-5-shared-values/ Part 1: https://mormonsex.info/2017/11/29/059-sexual-principle-3-unwanted-pregnancy/ Part 2: https://mormonsex.info/2017/12/19/060-sexual-principle-3-avoiding-stis/ Protection from STIs, HIV and unwanted Pregnancies Mutual Pleasure: https://mormonsex.info/2018/03/12/071-sexual-principle-6-mutual-pleasure/ Complicating the 6 principles of sexual health: https://mormonsex.info/2018/04/09/075-complicating-the-6-sexual-health-principles/ For more on Lisa, please visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworth   For more about Colette Dalton, please visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/colette-dalton   Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021. You can donate at mormonsex.info.

Natasha Helfer, Tami Harris and Lisa Butterworth talk about healthy strategies and framings to get us through the Holiday season in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.   To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.

Lena Elkhatib, LMFT, CST, joins Lisa Butterworth on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Lena shares her experience as a therapist with her Muslim community and, in particular, addressing sexual health. For more about Lena, you can visit: https://essentiatherapy.com/ Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: “Sex, God, and the Conservative Church” by Tina Sellers  Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021 please donate by clicking on the DonorBox button at the top of this page.

Lisa Butterworth and Colette Dalton chat on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Netflix recently came out with a documentary, “Pray Away,” about Conversion Therapy. Lisa and Colette discuss the documentary and specifically how hurtful Conversion Therapy has been within the Mormon community. Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021 please donate at mormonsex.info.

Colette Dalton joins Lisa Butterworth on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Colette realized she is a lesbian later in life. She and Lisa talk about her journey of self discovery and coming out. To find out more about Colette, visit: https://www.symmetrysols.com/colette-dalton Please consider donating to keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021 please donate at mormonsex.info.

Alice Roberts, LCSW, joins host Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC, on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Alice is a mental health provider at Wasatch Family Therapy in Utah where she specializes in Couples Therapy, Sex and Intimacy, Anxiety and Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Spirituality and Women's Issues. In this episode, Lisa and Alice discuss Sexual Shame and what some of the reasons may be that individuals go through it. Resources mentioned during the podcast: Definition of Sexual Health: https://www.symmetrysols.com/single-post/2019/09/27/moving-from-sexual-shame-to-sexual-health Al Vernacchio: https://alvernacchio.com/for-goodness-sex/

In Part 1 of this interview, Lisa Butterworth, LCPC, NCC talks with Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CST-S about her response to the Washington Post Piece from April 16, 2021. The pair also discuss the Letter that was drafted by a group of about 30 LDS therapists sharing their concerns about ethics and the dangers of church overreach or discipline for practicing in line with one's professional and clinical standards. Over 600 health professionals showed their support by signing this letter. *Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music. *Please help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2021 by making a  donation at the top of this page

Host Lisa Butterworth welcomes Tami Harris to the podcast in this episode of Mormon Sex Info. After going through a divorce, Tami shares her experiences with leading a healthy sexual life post-marriage. Tami Harris, CLC, LMT specializes in coaching those who have gone or are currently going through major life transitions or are looking to add purpose and meaning to their life. She provides support and tools to assist them in the process. She is holding the 6-week post divorce online workshop “whatever…i'll just date myself” starting October 1st. BY THE END OF THE 6 WEEKS : -You will discover that enduring happiness comes from within, not from other people. -You will learn to listen to and better trust your innate wisdom. -You will learn techniques that will help you to re-wire your brain for a more positive mindset. -You will learn the importance of having a strong sense of self and how it will benefit other relationships. -You will learn how to feel confident and complete being single. -You will learn that you can create whatever life you desire, not what others think you should have. Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music. Please help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2020 by making a  donation at the top of this page Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. Lisa specializes in women's issues, faith transitions, sexual concerns, LGBT+ journeys, trauma, anxiety disorders, body image concerns, and depression. She offers both coaching/consultation and therapy services to individuals, couples and families. Lisa is also the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website and support group. 

Cami Hurst joins host Lisa Butterworth on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Cami Hurst is a sex therapist and joined the field after poor advice when she was first married. She's been on a crusade since to educate newlyweds on what to expect, what is healthy and what is “normal”. Cami Hurst is passionate about helping married couples build life-long love stories. She specializes in Female Sexual Development, Mutual Sexual Satisfaction for couples, Sexual Education for Premarital/Newlywed couples, Sexual Orientation and Identity congruence for individuals and their families , Affair recovery, Post-addiction relationship recovery. Cami also specializes in spiritual issues such as faith crisis, faith reconstruction or transition, and mixed-faith marriages. To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2020, please donate by clicking on the DonorBox button on this page. Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music. Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. Lisa specializes in women's issues, faith transitions, sexual concerns, LGBT+ journeys, trauma, anxiety disorders, body image concerns, and depression. She offers both coaching/consultation and therapy services to individuals, couples and families. Lisa is also the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website and support group. 

Caron Cordes, MSPSY, EDIT joins host Lisa Butterworth in this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Caron, a certified eating disorder recovery coach, at Symmetry Solutions shares how eating disorders could intersect with sexuality.  Caron Cordes, MSPsy, EDIT is a trained life coach with a Master's Degree in Psychology. Having utilized therapists and life coaches in her own healing, Caron offers an empathetic, client-directed approach to healing with experience in faith transitions, depression and anxiety, trauma and is a certified eating disorder recovery coach. Resources Mentioned During this Podcast: Eating Disorders and Sexuality–https://mirror-mirror.org/ Reclaim Your True Self: Letting go of who you should be and loving who you are–6 Week Online Group starting 10/1/2020.   Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy EDIT™ Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music. Please help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2020 by making a  donation at the top of this page Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. Lisa specializes in women's issues, faith transitions, sexual concerns, LGBT+ journeys, trauma, anxiety disorders, body image concerns, and depression. She offers both coaching/consultation and therapy services to individuals, couples and families. Lisa is also the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website and support group. 

Caron Cordes, MSPSY, EDIT  joins host Lisa Butterworth in this episode of Mormon Sex Info. Caron, a certified eating disorder recovery coach, at Symmetry Solutions shares how eating disorders could intersect with sexuality.  Caron Cordes, MSPsy, EDIT is a trained life coach with a Master's Degree in Psychology. Having utilized therapists and life coaches in her own healing, Caron offers an empathetic, client-directed approach to healing with experience in faith transitions, depression and anxiety, trauma and is a certified eating disorder recovery coach. Resources Mentioned During this Podcast: Eating Disorders and Sexuality–https://mirror-mirror.org/ Reclaim Your True Self: Letting go of who you should be and loving who you are–6 Week Online Group starting 10/1/2020.     Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy EDIT™ Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music. Please help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2020 by making a  donation at the top of this page Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. Lisa specializes in women's issues, faith transitions, sexual concerns, LGBT+ journeys, trauma, anxiety disorders, body image concerns, and depression. She offers both coaching/consultation and therapy services to individuals, couples and families. Lisa is also the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website and support group. 

Amy Elisa Hedrick joins host Lisa Butterworth on this episode of Mormon Sex Info. They discuss ways in which couples who are interested in opening their marriage can do so in healthy ways. They also share insights into how common open marriages are and things couples didn't expect once they do so. Amy Elisa Hedrick is a licensed clinical professional counselor practicing in Idaho for the past 17 years, maintaining her own private practice for the past 10 years. In 2010, she began the journey to become a certified sex therapist completing her curriculum through Florida Sex Therapy Training Institute. She is deeply passionate about sexual health and through that passion, she has committed her career to helping couples and individuals accept their sexual truth, optimize their sexual function, embody their authentic pleasure, and benefit from accurate, up-to-date knowledge of human sexuality.  To help keep Mormon Sex Info going past 2020, please donate by clicking on the DonorBox button on this page. Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music. Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. Lisa specializes in women's issues, faith transitions, sexual concerns, LGBT+ journeys, trauma, anxiety disorders, body image concerns, and depression. She offers both coaching/consultation and therapy services to individuals, couples and families. Lisa is also the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website and support group. 

Doughy is going vegan for 28 days. Bridget will try it for at least a week. (Book referenced: 28 days Vegan by Lisa Butterworth & Amelia Wasiliev) Also: thermogenic fat burners, breast enhancement cream, mindful eating and exercise, eating disorder recovery, and more reviews on face oil. Sorry about the audio. We're still working it out. Please rate & review if you like us! 

This episode was previously recorded for "Mormon Sex Info" and is being refurbished here on "Mormon Mental Health Podcast." Lisa Butterworth, LCPC, NCC interviews Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CST-S about her response to the Washington Post Piece - Part 1 https://www.washingtonpost.com/.../mormon-sex.../... https://www.aasect.org Letter that was drafted by a group of about 30 LDS therapists sharing their concerns about ethics and the dangers of church overreach or discipline for practicing in line with one's professional and clinical standards: https://docs.google.com/.../1jNYb0i2ksVQ_Zb.../edit To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2021, please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org.

Please join us now as we interview Marriage and Sex therapist Natasha Helfer as she discusses her pending Mormon disciplinary council for apostasy. Natasha Helfer's membership council is taking place on April 18th at 7:30 pm central time zone.   How you can support Natasha: Write letters of support to President Stephen Daley, Attend the council itself as an "approved" participant or in a more general way (details below), Sign a mental health professional letter that is currently being drafted (if this is your profession) - please contact Lisa Butterworth to sign this, and Spread the word on social media. Contact information: Derby, Kansas Stake President: Stephen Daley: stevemdaley@gmail.com Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST, CST-S: natashahelfermft@gmail.com Lisa Butterworth, LCPC, NCC: lisabutterworth@gmail.com Event taking place at the Derby, Kansas Stake.

Thank you for listening to Mormon Sex Info. This episode is an archived episode and is only now becoming publicly available. Mormon Sex Info relies on contributions. To contribute, please visit: mormonsex.info Natasha interviews Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC on this episode of Mormon Sex Info.  They discuss the conversations Lisa wishes we were having around sexuality in Mormonland. Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University and received two undergraduate degrees in Special Education and History from Utah State University. Lisa has been passionate in working towards women’s issues for over a decade and is dedicated to her career in helping individuals, couples and families in their goals towards mental health, healthy relationships and self-actualization as a provider at Symmetry Solutions. She is the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website and support group. 

Aging out of sex is a myth! Lisa Butterworth of Symmetry Solutions and our host, Cami Hurst, have an in-depth conversation about many of the cultural factors that inform sexuality. Cami and Lisa acknowledge the reasons why many people believe that they can not have a healthy, enjoyable sex life well into their 60s, 70s, 80s, and also provide concrete solutions for redefining mature sexuality for individuals and their partners. Lisa Butterworth can be found online at https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworthCami's AffiliatesLelo:Code: CAMI20 to get 20% off full priced itemsAffiliate link: http://lip.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=2&aff_id=3973Coconu:Code: SEXTHERAPY101 to get 15% off Affiliate link: https://coconu.com/?rfsn=4618104.d855be&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=4618104.d855be

But maybe I'm just a lost cause?! This episode is for the listeners who may feel like the sexual dilemma or challenge they're facing just cannot be solved. Cami Hurst has a conversation with Lisa Butterworth from Symmetry Solutions about strategies for some of the most difficult situations they have encountered at their practices. They realistically go through problem-solving strategies and offer hope to people who may feel like giving up. Lisa Butterworth can be found online at https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworthCami's AffiliatesLelo:Code: CAMI20 to get 20% off full priced itemsAffiliate link: http://lip.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=2&aff_id=3973Coconu:Code: SEXTHERAPY101 to get 15% off Affiliate link: https://coconu.com/?rfsn=4618104.d855be&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=4618104.d855be

Does the idea of sex therapy scare you!? Listen in as Cami Hurst has a conversation with Lisa Butterworth of Symmetry Solutions about what you should expect out of sex therapy. Lisa and Cami let us in on some of the many strategies that they use with clients to help them meet their goals, learn more about their bodies and minds, and become comfortable with their own authentic sexuality. You can find Lisa Butterworth online at https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworthCami's AffiliatesLelo:Code: CAMI20 to get 20% off full priced itemsAffiliate link: http://lip.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=2&aff_id=3973Coconu:Code: SEXTHERAPY101 to get 15% off Affiliate link: https://coconu.com/?rfsn=4618104.d855be&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=4618104.d855be

Natasha Helfer Parker, Lisa Butterworth, Jenny Elledge and Tami Harris talk about alternate approaches to depression. This episode is offered by Symmetry Solutions and shared with Mormon Mental Health Podcast. Please donate at mormonmentalhealth.org to keep the podcast going past 2020.

Natasha Helfer Parker is joined by Lisa Butterworth as they talk about racism and white supremacy and, in particular, how these pervasive systems affect the mental health and well-being of our communities. This episode is offered by Symmetry Solutions and shared with Mormon Mental Health Podcast. In lieu of donating to Mormon Mental Health Podcast, we encourage you to donate to various Black Lives Matter organizations including: To donate to the NAACP, visit: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/naacp-1 To donate to Black Lives Matter, visit: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019

In this episode of Mormon Mental Health, Natasha is joined by Sara Hughes-Zabawa, Jennifer White and Lisa Butterworth as they discuss the recent reversal of the 2015 exclusion policy surrounding children with LGBTQ+ parents not being baptized and participating in other aspects of the church.  The 4 approach the policy from a clinical perspective and how LGBTQ+ folks were affected in 2015 and now. They also address: 1)    Holding space for those serving the community, 2)    The complex feelings happening because of the reversal, and 3)    Strategies to approaching general conference in healthy ways.  Sara recommends Greg Prince’s new book, Gay Rights and the Mormon Church: https://www.amazon.com/Gay-Rights-Mormon-Church-Consequences/dp/1607816636/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=greg+prince&qid=1555947771&s=gateway&sr=8-1 You can see him speak in his work here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcnVagLY-lM&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1Q6or1NvFrRVDMPMUjf2Nhm8viQP4H7ANaIsFY9tC6coVI31aXPSqYfcI&app=desktop You can find out more about the Family. Project by going here: https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/?fbclid=IwAR2PVWFUF3tCe703UlIfmou4zi6plVxzfZP1QsRfUv0w6VZw77b8zCqsVZk Sara Hughes-Zabawa, LSCW, lives in Montana specializing in trauma and specific women’s issues. She is a wellness coach and therapist with Symmetry Solutions. https://www.symmetrysols.com/sara-hughes-zabawa Jennifer White, LCSW, specializes in helping people with depression, anxiety, sexuality concerns, trauma, and faith transitions/journeys.  She offers coaching/consultation and therapy services to individuals, couples and families. https://www.symmetrysols.com/jennifer-white Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC, is a wellness coach and therapist with Symmetry Solutions as well as the founder of the Feminist Mormon Housewives. https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworth http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org

In this episode of Mormon Mental Health, Natasha discusses the changes with the temple wording and why the changes might have mental health implications for the members of the church. She is joined by:   Sarah Hughes-Zabawa, LSCW, living in Montana specializing in trauma and specific women’s issues and a wellness coach with Symmetry Solutions. https://www.symmetrysols.com/sara-hughes-zabawa   Jimmy Bridges, PhD student at Kansas State University studying queer Mormon populations while clinical work mainly focuses on couples working and engaging men in the therapy process. He is also a clinician for Symmetry Solutions. https://www.symmetrysols.com/jimmybridges   Lisa Butterworth, LPC, NCC, is a wellness coach with Symmetry Solutions and a therapist as well as the founder of the Feminist Mormon Housewives. https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworth http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org   Jimmy mentions Michael Kimmel’s approach that making men aware of gender leads to equality. http://lcw.lehman.cuny.edu/academics/inter/women-studies/documents/why-men.pdf   To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org.

Lisa Butterworth joins Natasha to discuss her personal journey with depression. Having never had any major issues, recently Lisa finds herself battling with it. She discusses how she deals with it on a personal level but also as a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Lisa has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a provider at Symmetry Solutions. You can find out more about her here: https://www.symmetrysols.com/lisa-butterworth She is also the founder of the popular Feminist Mormon Housewives website which you can find here: http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org. To help keep Mormon Mental Health going past 2019, please consider donating at mormonmentalhealth.org. 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.

Lisa Butterworth wrote a post titled the F-Word: Feminism.  Is feminism dangerous?  Many faithful Latter-day Saints may be concerned that Mormon feminism is a road to apostasy.  Is that true? https://youtu.be/7S6g_8UqCoA Mormon Feminism GT:  Do you have any ways to assuage that fear for people who are active LDS that are thinking, "I don't know if I should listen to these two people. One is out of the church in one is barely hanging on." Sara: Yeah, right. Nancy:  So one thing I've done is I've surveyed Mormon feminists and when I surveyed Mormon feminists, when we were experiencing that great big bubble of hope during 2012-2014. Yeah. That great big level of hope. I surveyed Mormon feminists in 2013, about 1800 Mormon feminists, and I think it was 70 something percent of that group was active. And most Mormon feminists at that time were active and it was a very exciting time to be active, you know? And, they were active and, overwhelmingly, not only were they active, but they had some kind of calling. And many of them had temple recommends. At that time, most people were saying that their participation in Mormon feminism was helping them to stay in the church because it was helping them to negotiate and navigate those difficult points and to give them resources and community and support where maybe they would've just left if they hadn't had community and resources and support to stay in the church. And then at other times, Mormon feminists, in the example of people leaving has helped people leave. Mormon feminism both helps people to stay in the church if that is what their goal is and it helps people to leave if that is what their goal is. And I think that the community... GT: Let me stop you for a second. Was that your goal? Sara: To leave? No, but... GT: Because the reason I'm asking that is because there are going to be people who will say, "Well, if I support it, then I've got one foot out the door." Sara: Right. It's tricky. I'm trying to gather my thoughts and figure out the right starting point here. The whole idea of Mormon feminism, helping people to stay or to leave, I relate to that and I resonate with that. I think it didn't so much--well from personal experience I'll say this. My faith crisis or my big turning point was when I went to the temple when I was 21. I was about to get married and I went and received my endowment the week before my wedding. I had no idea but walking into the temple I felt completely clear and completely hundred percent all in with the church. And leaving the temple I felt like everything had changed and I didn't know who God was anymore. And that was very uncomfortable and what I needed at that point, what I wanted more than anything was to see examples of people who had a difficult time with the church for whatever reason, and still stayed because I wanted to stay more than anything. But I didn't know, you know, looking at my family and my ward. It seemed like everybody was just really comfortable. And so, I thought, "Well, how do I stay if I'm not comfortable and if I have questions? Right? And so Mormon feminism, the people I met, the stories I read, really did help me to stay for 10 years. And because of all these external events: excommunication, exclusion policy, Mormon #MeToo, and sexual abuse, and stuff. I think I have also seen examples that convinced me that there was also a way to leave in a healthy way. Not that that was what I wanted to do, but when I felt that spiritual prompting, that that's what my next step was, I felt okay. I have seen from these people's examples that I can do that, and I can still be a spiritual person. Would the church split like the Community of Christ did over women's ordination?  Check out our conversation, and don't forget to check out Part 1 and Part 2! Feminism is about equality between men and women. But is is a road out of the LDS Church?

This episode begins with a description of occasions in which one of our guests expresses feelings of anger over something only to be told one of two things (or both): (1) Be careful, as Satan is behind contention and will use your anger to lead you astray; and (2) We should only focus on positive thoughts and emotions, so count your blessings and these negative feelings will disappear. Many of you can relate to this, as these two responses are quite typical. Mormons generally do not like to talk about things like anger or sadness or loneliness or feelings of betrayal--and certainly not at church! We are thrilled to have three great guests on this show discussing ways we can improve our understanding and discussions about anger: Cynthia Winward, Jordan Harmon, and Lisa Butterworth. In a lively and insightful conversation, the panelists speak about ways Latter-day Saint discussions often confuse the basic emotion of anger with ways that sometimes people will act out their anger--rage, intimidation, destructiveness, etc. They speak of the impossibility of fully suppressing anger and the negative consequences that follow from imagining one can and then trying to do so. They cover cultural views of anger with regards to men versus women feeling and expressing this emotion. They speak directly about way that ideas about Satan and his influence colors much Mormon discourse about anger. Are there alternative (read: better) ways to understanding the reasons we feel angry? They offer fundamental insights into not only anger but all basic emotions and the ways they can serve us positively (even the ones that are no fun to experience). The panel then shares possible ways to improve our discussions of anger at church. Following the end of the panel's conversation, Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon shares a few thoughts about the role of anger as a featured emotion in the early aspect of many people's faith journey.

Join Karin as she interviews Lisa Butterworth, Amy Cartwright, Nancy Ross, and Brittany Mangelson about the unique challenges being a woman in the LDS church brings.

Join Karin as she interviews Lisa Butterworth, Amy Cartwright, Nancy Ross, and Brittany Mangelson about the unique challenges being a woman in the LDS church brings.

Natasha Helfer Parker leads a panel discussion with Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Lisa Butterworth in regards to the recent news of Rob Porter's ex-wives speaking up about the physical and emotional abuse they experienced in their marriages. The intersection of domestic violence and Mormonism is not often spoken about. Mormon leaders speak strongly against abusive relationships... and yet the lived experience of many Mormon women is that they are not readily believed, are dismissed or are encouraged to stay with abusive partners; with "eternal marriage" being prioritized over current safety and quality of life.   

Natasha Helfer Parker continues the series on “boundaries” that is being hosted by a panel of providers from Symmetry Solutions, who specialize in mental health and relational issues within Mormonism. This is the third segment which focuses on Young Men and Young Women (12-17 years of age).  We notice in our mental health work with primarily LDS clientele, that there are difficulties understanding what healthy boundaries are and look like… as well as how to implement them in a patriarchal and authoritative structure, where often people feel like boundaries have already been set for them by the system. Unfortunately, not having the ability to create healthy boundaries for oneself, one’s children, and one’s family… can contribute to issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, negative relational dynamics and even abuse. From simple things, like whether or not one feels personal permission to reject a calling, to more serious issues such as whether or not we should support children’s interviews behind closed doors where they are asked sensitive questions including about their sexuality…. this is a relevant topic to today’s Latter-day Saints. We hope you will join in the discussion through the comments section to share either things you want us to address, things you are concerned about, ways you disagree/agree with us, things that have helped you balance healthy boundaries, etc. Those who join Natasha in this episode are Lisa Butterworth and Sara Hughes-Zabawa. 

Join Karin Peter for a new series: No Filter-Issues of Sex and Faith. In this episode Karin interviews Lisa Butterworth from Feminist Mormon Housewives about the wave of sexual abuse charges in the news and the current climate of women coming forward to share their stories. Warning: this interview contains some adult content.

Natasha Helfer Parker continues the series on "boundaries" that is being hosted by a panel of providers from Symmetry Solutions, who specialize on mental health and relational issues within Mormonism. This is the second segment which focuses on Primary and Nursery age children (11 and under).  Those who join us in this episode are Lisa Butterworth, founder of Feminist Mormon Housewives; Kimberly Anderson, founder of the Mama Dragons Project; and Jen White who serves clients also from the Sandy Counseling Center.    

Most listeners to Mormon Matters, like all seekers, are undergoing a faith transition--hopefully leading to continuous deepening into greater richness of experience and peace. Often, however, faith transitions feel more like "crises" for persons in the midst of the reorientation as well as for family members and others close to them who aren’t sharing the same experience and therefore fear that something dangerous is going on. These fears often arise out of concern for the person, but they can also arise out of a sense of that person’s own interior world and equilibrium being jeopardized, leading to a fear of contamination through continued close association. The person undergoing the transition is also often fearful. Are these questions and feelings wrong? Will I be ever be able to stabilize within a new orientation to God, the universe, and those I love? These and many other factors at play when relationships are strained as someone undergoes a big change make for treacherous ground. What are some key ways to understand these dynamics and thus be better prepared for all that might come in these interactions? In this episode, Katie Langston, Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen, and Lisa Butterworth join Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon for a discussion of faith transitions, primarily focusing on things the persons undergoing them might consider as they interact with those closest to them: Should they speak up, and how much should they share? How will they know if it is the right thing to do in their particular situation? What are some considerations to keep in mind that might help them understand the often less than ideal reactions that come from those they are in primary relationships with? The conversation offers positive framings about the ultimate importance for healthy growth of these transitions as well as best practices and ways to prepare spiritually before engaging others with whom someone is no longer on the same wavelength. What ideas and framings have most helped the panelists in their own journeys?

Stephanie Lauritzen, Lisa Butterworth, Hannah Wheelwright, Lindsay Park, Emily Curtis, Derek Staffanson, Melissa Mayhew, Alice Roberts and Nikki Matthews talk about Pants Day on August 2, 2013. [powerpress]

Stephanie Lauritzen, Lisa Butterworth, Hannah Wheelwright, Lindsay Park, Emily Curtis, Derek Staffanson, Melissa Mayhew, Alice Roberts and Nikki Matthews talk about Pants Day on August 2, 2013. [powerpress]

Lisa Butterworth presents her topic “Redefining Chastity” on August 1st, 2013. [powerpress]

Lisa Butterworth presents her topic “Redefining Chastity” on August 1st, 2013. [powerpress]

So often in Mormonism, the term "virtue" is treated almost exclusively as relating to sexual purity, chastity, and virginity, completely missing its much broader and wonderfully expansive meanings. Similarly, most talk about "morality," "passion," "modesty," and "sensuality" are spoken about almost solely in terms of sexuality. We receive, without careful parsing, statements about how molestation and rape victims are deprived of "that which was most dear and precious above all things, which is chastity and virtue." Messaging and publications for youth still put forth the idea that sexual sins are "next to murder" in seriousness, never mind that this idea is based upon highly questionable scriptural exegesis and a failure to recognize horrendous evils that can't even come close to approaching soul dangers associated with sexual experimentation and slip up. And rarely do we encounter public teaching that considers all those within the listening audience for whom extreme rhetoric about sexual sin will be harmful and discouraging, and who will more likely be driven away from feeling deserving of God’s love and gospel fellowship because of such messaging. Why is it so difficult for us to talk forthrightly and in healthy ways about sexuality, especially in teaching our youth? Why do we imagine willful ignorance about our bodies and sexual response and pleasures as admirable? How can we bring into LDS families and communal teaching the best thinking and practices about teaching healthy sexuality to our youth and young adults, and also aid those who are married and sexually active yet may still hold negative views about themselves as sexual beings? (And none of this research and best thinking requires the encouragement of sex outside of marriage.) Mormonism has great theological teachings about the body and about sex. Why are we failing to communicate the big picture when it comes to the messaging we give? How might we do better? With Natasha Helfer Parker, Margaret Blair Young, Micah Nickolaisen, Lisa Butterworth, and Dan Wotherspoon

So often in Mormonism, the term "virtue" is treated almost exclusively as relating to sexual purity, chastity, and virginity, completely missing its much broader and wonderfully expansive meanings. Similarly, most talk about "morality," "passion," "modesty," and "sensuality" are spoken about almost solely in terms of sexuality. We receive, without careful parsing, statements about how molestation and rape victims are deprived of "that which was most dear and precious above all things, which is chastity and virtue." Messaging and publications for youth still put forth the idea that sexual sins are "next to murder" in seriousness, never mind that this idea is based upon highly questionable scriptural exegesis and a failure to recognize horrendous evils that can't even come close to approaching soul dangers associated with sexual experimentation and slip up. And rarely do we encounter public teaching that considers all those within the listening audience for whom extreme rhetoric about sexual sin will be harmful and discouraging, and who will more likely be driven away from feeling deserving of God’s love and gospel fellowship because of such messaging. Why is it so difficult for us to talk forthrightly and in healthy ways about sexuality, especially in teaching our youth? Why do we imagine willful ignorance about our bodies and sexual response and pleasures as admirable? How can we bring into LDS families and communal teaching the best thinking and practices about teaching healthy sexuality to our youth and young adults, and also aid those who are married and sexually active yet may still hold negative views about themselves as sexual beings? (And none of this research and best thinking requires the encouragement of sex outside of marriage.) Mormonism has great theological teachings about the body and about sex. Why are we failing to communicate the big picture when it comes to the messaging we give? How might we do better? With Natasha Helfer Parker, Margaret Blair Young, Micah Nickolaisen, Lisa Butterworth, and Dan Wotherspoon

In Part 2, Lisa discusses the importance of open, thoughtful and candid discussions about women’s issues within the church, and on the Internet

In Part 1, Lisa discusses her early life, how she became a feminist, and what led to her creation of FeministMormonHousewives.com

In Part 3, Lisa discusses the costs and benefits of blogging, provides some final insight and advice to LDS women, along w/ her testimony of the LDS gospel