1 CE: APA, NBCC, CA, AND BRN APPROVED!

Mormon? Or Latter-day Saint?


Instructor: Natasha Helfer, LMFT, CSTS & Aimee Heffernan, MFT

This course  was created to help counselors and therapists understand the current cultural climate around nomenclature within Mormonism

Embark on a journey through the challenges and competencies essential for therapists working with clients from Mormon backgrounds. Explore recent shifts within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as it distances itself from the term "Mormon," sparking controversy within the diverse community.

Gain insight into the complexities stemming from the Restoration Movement of Joseph Smith, ensuring sensitivity and alignment with clients, educators, and researchers in this evolving landscape. Stay informed to foster respectful interactions and avoid unintentional offense.

# of CEs: 1 hour

Level of Instruction: Intermediate, Post-Graduate

Objectives

  1. Be able  to identify the changes the mainstream church from the Restoration Movement of Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is making in regards to its branding.
  2. Be able to identify the doctrinal, historical and cultural factors that are affecting these changes and how they may present in a therapeutic space.
  3. Be able to identify ways people from these communities may want to be addressed as they are meeting with providers either as clients, attendees of educational platforms, or research participants.

Why Should You Take This Course?

  • We are expected to practice mental health in ways that are Religiously and Spiritually Competent.

  • Within the context of Mormonism, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has recently made a concerted effort to move away from the terms/nicknames of Mormon and Mormonism.
  • Not everyone within the umbrella of Mormonism agrees with or is impacted by this change.
  • As a culturally competent clinician, you want to be aware of how the nomenclature changes may affect your clients and keep you from avoiding any microaggressions.
Learn What's Important
Religion and spirituality are powerful aspects of the human experience and should not be ignored during mental health treatment. Within the context of Mormonism, there are several sects you may encounter when working with clients. It is important to be aware of some recent nomenclature shifts when working within this population. Being competent with understanding language shifts will help with more effective joining, treatment planning, and more successful treatment results.
Learn by Example
Research consistently shows that religion and spirituality are considered important factors in many people's lives. LDS clients prefer clinicians who either belong to their faith community, or those who have made a concerted effort to become culturally competent and respect their values.
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

Natasha Helfer, LCMFT, CST-S

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

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.