The Natasha Helfer Podcast

Latest Episodes:

105: A.R.T. and Trauma Therapy Aug 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Sara Rands, ACMHC, and Dee-Dee Darby Duffin join to discuss A.R.T. and Trauma Therapy.

Both Sara and Dee-Dee are providers at Symmetry Solutions and you can find out more here:

For more on Sara, go here: https://symcounseling.com/sara-rands/

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

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 channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.

The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy.

This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.

The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.

And remember:

Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.

There are also several upcoming workshops. Visit natashahelfer.com or symcounseling.com to find out more.

103: Uncoupling the Myth - Part 1 Aug 10, 2025

Show notes

Natasha is joined by AJ, an ex-Mormon hippie, on this episode of the podcast. This is the first in a series called, "Uncoupling the Myth":

A message from Natasha: Welcome to our series: "Uncoupling the Myth," where we challenge the narrative that non-monogamy destroys relationships. After a recent podcast episode on this very topic, I was flooded with messages—hundreds of people thanking me 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, I'm not here to advocate for non-monogamy or monogamy—I'm here to advocate for healthy, ethical relationships, no matter what form they take.

More on AJ: AJ is an ex-Mormon hippie who has moved from living a life of obligations and expectations of others, to living from her own heart and desires. After realizing the conventional and religious life she was conditioned to wasn't serving her, she started following her own path. First it was a career change, then she walked away from 15 years of infertility and pregnancy loss, choosing to be childfree, and within that time she discovered religion was not for her either. As she started to explore herself and the life she wanted, she created @authenticallyrelating_aj to chronicle her experience through deconstructing monogamy, exploring polyamory and eventually landing on her own authentic heart led path she travels today.

You can find her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/authenticallyrelating_aj/?hl=en

The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy.

The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.

And remember:

Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.

There are also several upcoming workshops. Visit natashahelfer.com or symcounseling.com to find out more.

104: Lucy in the Sky with Dinahs - Part 1 Aug 10, 2025

Show notes

Natasha is joined by Amy Rossi and Amiee Heffernan to discuss the intersection of psychedelics, religion and sexuality.

Aimee Heffernan is a retired sex therapist turned sex witch.

Amy Rossi left the LDS faith and found that plant medicine helped heal her along the way. She is currently going to school and getting ready to start her dissertation in psychedelic plant medicines.

The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy.

The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.

And remember:

Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.

There are also several upcoming workshops. Visit natashahelfer.com or symcounseling.com to find out more.

102: Legislative Updates Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

Sarah Stroup, LMFT, RPT-S, joins Natasha on this episode of The Natasha Helfer Podcast as they discuss legislative updates relating to the world of mental health in Utah.

Sarah Stroup is a Utah-based licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist, and supervisor who feels privileged to support individuals and families through her group practice, where she specializes in attachment across the lifespan. Her understanding of the local mental health landscape informs her work as the legislative chair for the Utah Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, where she advocates at the state capitol. Like many, Sarah values time with her family and dogs and enjoys watching soccer in her downtime.

Sarah Stroup, LMFT, RPT-S

Clinical Director

Monarch Family Counseling

O: (801) 349-9606 x300

F: (801) 336-4106

The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy.

The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.

And remember:

Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.

There are also several upcoming workshops. Visit natashahelfer.com or symcounseling.com to find out more.

101: Architecture of Abuse Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

Natasha is joined by Jenny Elledge as they discuss a new podcast, "Architecture of Abuse":

'Architecture of Abuse' explores the widespread issue of child sexual abuse in Utah, with a focus on how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has historically responded to reports of abuse within its community. Hosted by Alyssa Grenfell, alongside veteran attorney Tim Kosnoff, the series features conversations with survivors, clinical therapists, sociologists, historians, journalists, and researchers—some of whom are active LDS members.

Rooted in compassion and a call for accountability, 'Architecture of Abuse' examines the cultural and institutional forces that protect abusers and silence victims. We aim to equip listeners with a deeper understanding of this issue, offer resources for survivors, and invite meaningful change within the LDS community and beyond.

You can go here to listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/architecture-of-abuse/id1816319575

Or here on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NdR9oh1Vmbhfyey4bXCuz?si=6aa8a46115594da3

The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy.

The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.

And remember:

Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.

There are also several upcoming workshops. Visit natashahelfer.com or symcounseling.com to find out more.

100: Exploring Sexual Health and Intimacy During Cancer Care Jun 29, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Pebble Kranz, MD, FECSM, IF, joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast to discuss sexual health and intimacy during cancer care.

Dr. Kranz is a family physician and sexual medicine specialist, graduated from Brown University's Medical School in 2007 and completed residency with the University of Rochester Family Medicine Residency Program in 2011 with a focus on psychosocial aspects of primary care. After serving as residency faculty and a primary care doctor for the University of Rochester, Dr. Kranz pursued additional training in sexual medicine and gender medicine, earning fellowships from the European Committee on Sexual Medicine and the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. She is founder and medical director for The Rochester Center for Sexual Wellness, providing comprehensive care for sexual, relational, and gender concerns in Western New York. She serves on the board of the Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health and Cancer. Dr. Kranz is committed to educating healthcare professionals at all levels and the community on medical care for sexual concerns.

Some resources she recommends are:

The Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health and Cancer

Society of Medicine, North America

The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy.

The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.

And remember:

Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.

There are also several upcoming workshops. Visit natashahelfer.com or symcounseling.com to find out more.

99: Breast Cancer and Intimacy Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

Please note: This episode has been updated to reflect a minor edit made after the initial relase.

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, one of Natasha's providers, Sara Rands, ACMHC, joins to discuss her journey with a chronic illness and how that affects intimacy.

She's Master Certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a brain-based therapy that clears stuck emotional patterns without the need to relive painful stories. Her approach blends structure and soul: existential therapy, mindfulness, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), and current training in the NARM model for complex trauma.

Sara works especially well with gifted, neurodiverse, and highly sensitive clients—analytical minds, deep thinkers, and those who've always moved through life a little differently. She brings lived wisdom from cancer survivorship, spiritual transitions, and parenting spectrum kids. With a background in both computer science and English, she offers a calm, curious, and focused presence and a rare ability to hold emotional complexity without simplifying it.

Go here for more on Sara: https://symcounseling.com/sara-rands/

The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy.

The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.

And remember:

Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.

There are also several upcoming workshops. Visit natashahelfer.com or symcounseling.com to find out more.

98: Sexual Shame in Mormon Land May 23, 2025

Show notes

Colleen Johnston joins Natasha on this episode of The Natasha Helfer Podcast.

Colleen Johnston is a mother of nine whose life journey spans the extremes of Mormon orthodoxy and radical self-liberation. Raised in both conservative Utah and rural Maine, Colleen was shaped by the rigid expectations of purity culture and the deep shame often instilled by religious teachings around sexuality. After surviving public shaming, sexual trauma, addiction, homelessness, and incarceration, she returned to the Church and immersed herself in its teachings—only to later confront disturbing truths about its history and leave it behind for good. For nearly two decades, she facilitated addiction recovery meetings and lived with unrelenting devotion to Church doctrine. Today, Colleen has left the Mormon church and is an advocate for body autonomy, open sexual education, and parenting without shame. Her story is one of painful transformation, reclamation of self, and fierce love for her queer, gender-fluid, and unapologetically authentic children.

The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy.

The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.

And remember:

Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.

There are also several upcoming workshops. Visit natashahelfer.com or symcounseling.com to find out more.

97: A Journey Away from Shame - Healing is Possible May 16, 2025

Show notes

Carolee and Britton Beckham join Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. Both Carolee and Britton are 6th generation Mormons. Married in this high demand relgion, infidelity became a challenge for them to navigate. As they used the process of the church, they found that it miserably failed to help them heal. This was the necessary catalyst that propelled them to leave the church and find their own healing and spiritual connection.

For more on the Beckhams, visit their website: https://themagicalstoryofus.com

The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy.

The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.

And remember:

Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.

96: Sprinkles on Top with Dr. Stefani Goerlich Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Stefani Goerlich joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast to discuss her new book, "With Sprinkles on Top: Everything Vanilla People and Their Kinky Partners Need to Know to Communicate, Explore, and Connect."

Stefani is a Forensic Sexologist and Clinical Social Worker who has been recognized as one of the world's leading experts in working with Gender, Relationship, and Sexuality Diversities. In the past, Stefani has worked with high-risk young people, adolescents with problematic sexual behaviors, pediatric and adult survivors of sexual trauma, commercial sex workers, and survivors of human trafficking. She is currently in private practice in Metro Detroit, Michigan, where she offers Sex, Relationship and Mental Health therapy to members of the GSRD community, their partners, and their families.

Go here for more on Stefani and to find her books: https://www.stefanigoerlich.com

The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy.

The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening.

And remember:

Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.

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