3 CES (APA, NBCC, CA, BRN, UAMFT )

Working with
Mixed-Faith Marriages

RECORDED COURSE NOW AVAILABLE
Date: Saturday September 28, 2024
Time: 9:00am -12:00pm MT

Instructor: Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST-S

This course will focus on the challenges therapists face when treating clients in mixed-faith marriages and those transitioning out of Religious Conservative Communities.

With the rise of disaffiliation from religious organizations, there is a need for therapists to provide a neutral space for couples to navigate conflicting beliefs and values. The course will address issues such as lifestyle changes, power dynamics, parenting hurdles, and pressure to divorce. Therapists will learn how to respect and understand both clients' beliefs, manage relational anxiety, and address personal biases.



INTENDED AUDIENCE:
Introductory, Post-Graduate
This course is appropriate for mental health professionals (i.e., Psychologists, LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCs/LMHCs)

CE Hour Summary: Credit for this course fulfills 3 CEs.


This course will cover...

Understanding the Dynamics:

Understanding the challenges mixed-faith couples face, such as differing beliefs, values, traditions, and ways of communication, is crucial for decision-making and conflict resolution.

Addressing Family and Community Influences:

Providing mixed-faith couples with strategies to navigate family, cultural, and community influences, manage external pressures, and establish boundaries in a multicultural and multi-faith context.

Enhancing Communication Skills:

Enhance communication and dialogue within mixed-faith couples with tools that include active listening techniques, empathy-building exercises, and conflict-resolution skills tailored to navigating sensitive topics related to faith and religion.

Supporting Conflict Resolution

Navigating conflicts in mixed-faith couples understanding belief differences, handling sensitive issues, and finding mutual respect and common ground while maintaining individual beliefs and autonomy.

Building Resilience and Connection

Building strong relationships for mixed-faith couples by cultivating resilience, fostering connection, trust, and shared values while honoring individual beliefs and identities.

Self-Reflection and Professional Growth

Reflecting on personal biases, assumptions, and beliefs about faith and religion can shape work with mixed-faith couples, offering opportunities for personal growth, self-awareness, and continuous learning in this complex area.
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR:

Natasha Helfer, LMFT, CSTS

Natasha Helfer LMFT, CST-S, received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Friends University.

She also received her certifications as a sex therapist and sex therapist supervisor from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT).

Helfer is a speaker, writer, and podcaster with 23 years of clinical experience primarily working with a Mormon clientele around issues of relational health, faith transitions and journeys, and sexuality. She writes a blog called "The Mormon Therapist," and hosts the podcasts "Mormon Mental Health," and "Mormon Sex Info."

Helfer has authored two books: “One Family, Two Views” (mixed-faith marriage) and “Check your Baggage” (challenging sex negative messages). Helfer has presented all over the country both in professional and public settings, has been invited as a guest speaker at several national and international events as well as been interviewed on a variety of podcasts, TV news programs and newspapers.

Helfer was recently excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka Mormon church) for issues surrounding her advocacy for sexual health.

Course Lessons

LearnReligionTherapy.com by
The Buehler Institute

The Buehler Institute was created to provide the highest quality training in human sexuality for mental health professionals and healthcare providers. Its founder, Dr. Stephanie Buehler, is a licensed psychologist and author of a bestselling sex therapy textbook, among others. Our educational programs are designed to help people seeking AASECT certification in an effective and engaging format.

We are located virtually but our mailing address is:
31677 Virginia Way, #9327
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The best way to reach us is by email:
info@learnsreligiontherapy.com
Here is our phone number.
800-769-0342

The Buehler Institute is approved as a provider of continuing education by the following agencies. Many states licensing boards will accept CEs from these agencies for license renewal. It is, however, the responsibility of the enrollee to inquire with their state licensing board.

The Buehler Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Buehler Institute maintains responsibility for all programs and their content.
The Buehler Institute has been approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider. The Buehler Institute is
solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
The Buehler Institute is an institutional provider for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Provider #12-138-Q.
The Buehler Institute is approved as a continuing education provider for the California Board of Registered Nursing. Provider #CEP 16394.