The Natasha Helfer Podcast

Latest Episodes:

95: A Guide to Flexible Sexuality Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Natasha is joined by Mark Cusack in this episode of The Natasha Helfer Podcast. They discuss all things "fluid".

Mark Cusack (he/they) is a Scottish author, lecturer, content creator and coach specialising in supporting people with complex, fluid or undefined sexuality or gender. He runs the online platform @notdefining which provides information about the less recognised parts of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Mark gives seminars for trainee psychotherapists and is an expert consultant for several LGBTQ+ organisations. He also runs an online mentoring group on Patreon. He was formerly LGBTQ+ representative for the UK Civil Service, representing over half a million employees.

Mark identifies as fluid in his sexuality and gender, and is a member of the autistic community. He now lives in Liverpool where he enjoys walks by the river and spending time with his community.

Mark's new book can be found at:

Fluid: A Guide for People with Flexible Sexuality by Mark Cusack: https://amzn.to/42D0h1h A book referenced in this episode includes: Sexual Fluidity: Understanding Women's Love and Desire by Lisa M Diamond: https://amzn.to/44qz0S5

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.

94: Overcoming Anxiety in Sex and Relationships with Paula Leech Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

Paula Leech joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast to discuss her book, "Overcoming Anxiety in Sex and Relationships."

"Learn how anxiety, stress, and pressure affect pleasure, connection, and sexual functioning. This book explores how anxiety shapes our physiology, understanding of ourselves, and our interactions with the world. Paula Leech guides readers to identify key sources of anxiety — from family and culture to relationship dynamics and sexual trauma.

"Offering practical tips and techniques, Leech encourages readers to rethink their definitions of sex, sexuality, and intimacy. Through mindfulness and embodiment exercises, she provides tools to release tension, work through sexual struggles, and reconnect with the body.

"Accessible and comprehensive, this guide is ideal for sex therapists and anyone facing anxiety-related challenges with themselves and/or their partners."

For more on Paula and to order her book, go here: https://www.paulaleech.com/book

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.

93: Marriage on a Tightrope - Handling Mixed Faith Marriages Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Allan and Kattie Mount join this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast to chat about handling mixed faith marriages. Allan and Kattie are behind the "Marriage on a Tightrope" podcast and have an upcoming workshop with Natasha. To join the workshop, go to: tightropemarriage.com Then select "Join our Workshop" in the top right. The 6-week workshop starts April 6th via Zoom and will run every Sunday from 7pm-9pm (except Mother's Day and Easter), with a 7th optional week on sexuality. The sessions will be recorded and you can watch after. For questions, feel free to email: marriageonatightrope@gmail.com In this episode, Natsha, Allan and Kattie dive deep into the complexities of mixed faith marriages. From their personal journey to actionable strategies, they offer support and insight for couples navigating differing beliefs within their relationships including:

1. Mixed Faith Marriage Challenges

Faith Transition: Allan shares his transition from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while Kattie remained a believing member. They open up about how this shift led to imbalances and tension in their relationship.
Lack of Resources: With limited support available early in their journey, they created Marriage on a Tightrope to fill the gap for other couples.
Sunday Struggles: They candidly discuss how Sundays became a flashpoint for conflict around church attendance and family activities.
Loss of Spiritual Intimacy: The absence of shared spiritual practices created distance, forcing them to find new ways to connect.

2. Strategies & Resources for Mixed Faith Marriages

Marriage on a Tightrope Workshop

A 7-week course (6 required sessions + 1 optional Q&A) designed for couples navigating mixed faith dynamics.
Topics include communication strategies, building trust, parenting approaches, and managing spiritual differences.
Next Workshop Starts: Sunday, April 6th | 7–9 PM MST
Format: Live Zoom sessions + recordings available for flexibility.
Register: tightropemarriage.org (Click "Join our workshop")

Communication Techniques

Soft Start: Initiate conversations gently to avoid defensiveness.
Own Your Role: Recognize and take responsibility in moments of conflict.
Express Emotions: Open up to foster empathy and deeper understanding.
Emotional Regulation: Tools to stay grounded and manage physiological reactions during tough discussions.

Parenting in a Mixed Faith Marriage

Encourage your children's autonomy in their spiritual journey.
Balance your expectations with respect for your child's beliefs.
Explore diverse rituals that honor both parents' perspectives.
Resource Highlight: Uplift Kids for value-based, non-religious lessons.

3. Personal Stories & Experiences

Allan & Kattie reflect on their own mixed faith journey, particularly around parenting and Sundays.
Natasha Helfer shares a heartfelt story about her teenage son's choice to attend church as a way to connect with his late father, underscoring the importance of safe, open family environments.

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.

92: Recovering from Purity Culture Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

Natsha is joined by Camden Morgante on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast to discuss her book, "Recovering from Purity Culture". Camden is a licensed psychologist, coach, speaker, and author and her mission is to help folks heal their faith, sexuality, and relationships from toxic beliefs.

To find out more about Camden, you can visit her webiste: drcamden.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.

91: The Diabolical Trinity with Dr. Mark Gregory Karris Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

Natasha is joined by Dr. Mark Gregory Karris to discuss his book, "Diabolical Trinity: Healing Religious Trauma from a Wrathful God, Tormenting Hell, and a Sinful Self".

Dr. Mark Gregory Karris is a licensed marriage and family therapist in full-time private practice in San Diego, California. He specializes in religious trauma, men's issues, and couples therapy. He is a frequent workshop presenter and the author of several books, including "The Diabolical Trinity: Healing Religious Trauma from a Wrathful God, Tormenting Hell, and a Sinful Self" and "Beyond Fairy Tales: A Couple's Guide to Finding Clarity, Doing the Work, and Building a Lasting Relationship."

For more on Dr. Karris, including purchasing his books, you can visit his website: https://markgregorykarris.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.

90: Symmetry Providers Discuss Current Events Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

Angie Millet joins Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. They discuss current events happening at BYU.

For more on Angie Millet, MSW Intern: https://symcounseling.com/angie-millet/

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.

89: Over Controlled with Dr. Tom Murray Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Natasha is joined by Dr. Tom Murray to discuss the idea of "Over Controlled."

Dr. Tom Murray, author, international trainer, educator, and couples and sex therapist-supervisor, is a widely sought-after expert in sexuality and intimate relationships. For more than two decades, Murray has worked with everyday folks to embrace their weirdness, shed labels and shame, lean into anxiety, and build better and stronger relationships. Murray has appeared in numerous venues, including the Huffington Post and The Daily Mail, as well as radio, television, and podcasts, including the Practice of Being Seen and Shrink Rap Radio. Murray directs A Path to Wellness. He authored Making Nice with Naughty: An intimacy guide for the rule-following, organized, perfectionist, practical, and color-within-the-line types.

To buy his book, or find out more about his work, visit: https://drtommurray.com/books/

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.

88: Symmetry Providers Discuss Current Events Dec 31, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Natasha is joined by other providers, Angela "Angie" Millet, MSW Intern, and Jana Spangler, IPC, to discuss current events.

You can find out more about them here:

Angela "Angie" Millet, MSW Intern: https://symcounseling.com/angie-millet/

Jana Spangler, IPC: https://symcounseling.com/jana-spangler/

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.

87: Shame and What To Do About It with Erika Nordfelt Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

Natasha is joined by Erika Nordfelt, LCPC, CMHC, on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. They discuss her book, "Don't Walk Alone: Understanding the Dive Gift of Connection While Navigating Shame".

Erika practices in Rexburg and Picatello. For more about her and her practice, go here:

https://www.greenstonecounseling.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.

86: "Desire" with Jennifer Vencill and Lauren Fogel Mersy Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

Jennifer Vencill and Lauren Fogel Mersy join Natasha on this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. They wrote a book, "Desire: An Inclusive Guide to Navigating Libido Differences in Relationships".

"A radically inclusive, sex-positive guide to managing the inevitable libido differences in our relationships, authored by two certified sex therapists who are passionate about good sex 2024 Distinguished Book Award Winner, selected by the American Psychological Association's Division 44"

You can find the book anywhere that books are sold including on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Desire-Inclusive-Navigating-Differences-Relationships-ebook/dp/B0BN5RZBRC?ref_=ast_author_mpb

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.