A note on clinical competence and untraditional self disclosure.

As a therapist licensed in the State of Utah, I have learned it is important to untraditionally disclose my personal understanding of the LDS faith, culture, policies, and mental health repercussions. For some, it can be frustrating and time consuming in therapy to explain “seminary’ “disciplinary counsels”, “trek” “the chewed up gum lesson” and “When I was an AP”.

I was raised Mormon in the East but have lived in Utah on and off (but majority in Utah) since 2005. In 3+ years of predominantly faith transition focused clinical work, I’ve learned that disclosing this personal detail speaks to my clinical competence in helping my Clients navigate the healing process after their life in Mormonism. I’ve also learned that most post-LDS Clients prefer to know this detail for the purpose of ensuring emotional safety with specific regard to historically negative or unethical experiences in therapy. I acknowledge that many individuals in Utah have experienced unethical therapy due to religious-bias practiced by their clinician.

I went on a mission to Vladivostok, Russia, and the majority of my church callings were in teaching or leadership.

I am no longer Mormon, but as a Clinician, I have become very passionate about helping my clients navigate their healing after Mormonism.

You are completely safe to talk about any aspect of your upbringing and experiences in Mormonism; your mission, your disciplinary council, your sexual shame, your trauma, and anything else that is related to how a life in Mormonism has affected your mental health.

As a crucial disclaimer: All religions and spiritual beliefs are welcome in my office. My office is also a space focused on personal growth and identifying how social constructs have affected us all.

All people are safe in my office-but beliefs rooted in prejudice will always be confronted for the clinical rationale of a Client’s personal growth.

Therapy is about dissolving ego and facilitating personal growth and wellness.

If you are self-aware of personal struggles with indoctrinated racism, sexism, homophobia/queer phobia, I would absolutely love to work together in navigating your personal growth and improved empathy for humankind.

Topics that are common in sessions focused on LDS faith transitions

-existential crisis

-navigating sexuality

-LGBTQ+ related issues including suicidality while LDS

-sexual exploration

-mission trauma

-sexual trauma

-psychological and lifestyle impacts of sexual shame

-ethical non monogamy

-finding new friends

-parenting

-informing parents/LDS family members of church status

-navigating emotionally abusive relationships with parents

-navigating family relationships among orthodox LDS family members

-mixed faith marriages

-navigating bodily autonomy and body confidence

-deep regret regarding young adulthood

-grieving with ‘no longer Mormon’ beliefs

-identity development