Latter Day Struggles

Send us a Positive Review!Join Dr. Julie Hanks & Valerie in a heartfelt audience Q&A addressing their shared passion as therapists working with thousands of people in and around The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Listen in and find hope and comfort as these two women answer questions about their eventful year promoting, leading, and trying to embody (although imperfectly!) lives of psychological and spiritual health. Stay tuned for the end of the episode where they announce a 4 week online Q&A session for those interested in exploring how they can stay connected to the LDS church in psychologically healthy ways & on their own terms.  Link to enroll below!Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Introductions03:15 Discussing Faith Journeys and Challenges03:46 Addressing Audience Questions on Faith and Spirituality06:12 Experiences with Church Leadership12:16 Rebuilding Identity and Addressing Scrupulosity20:29 Taking Feedback and Sacrifice21:46 Honoring Family While Acknowledging Harm25:16 Staying in the Church: Personal Reflections28:31 Marriage and Dating After Stepping Away31:22 Biggest Shifts in Faith Journeys36:36 Upcoming Events and Announcementshttps://drjuliehanks.as.me/schedule/d028d361/appointment/82717607/calendar/30967?appointment=Support the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Subscription $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Subscription $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this eye-opening episode Valerie is a guest on the Inside Out Podcast with Ian Wilkes and Jim Bennett, where they dive deep into the complexities of women's roles within the LDS Church, locking in on the recent garment policy shifts. You might be surprised to learn Valerie’s take on this topic. A hint: adding women leaders to these policy-making gatherings is NOT the answer to this conundrum where it seems that thousands of LDS women across the belief & practice spectrum are frustrated.  Tune in to explore a thought-provoking discussion on equality, institutional overreach, and the beauty (and simplicity) that unfolds when humans are given the dignity to manage their own underwear drawers. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:31 Jim's Experience in Argentina01:47 Special Guest: Valerie Hamaker02:16 Valerie's Background and Podcast04:50 Challenges of Patriarchy in the Church06:18 Authority and Decision Making in the Church16:35 Impact of Patriarchy on Men and Women22:17 Garment Controversy and Gender Equality30:21 Church Surveys and Member Feedback35:38 The Problems with Fundamentalism36:38 Controlling Dress and UnderwearSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Subscription $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Subscription $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this heartwarming episode, Val is the guest on the Therapy Brothers podcast hosted by brothers & fellow relationship therapists Brannon and Tyler Patrick.   The topic is navigating the choppy waters of a marriage in distress due to the faith journey of one of the partners--a demographic of couples that is multiplying rapidly.  The bottom line? A faith transition can (and has) weakened or destroyed many a marriage.  But guess what?  A faith transition can actually strengthen a marriage in ways that virtually nothing else can--if both partners have the framework and the tools.  Listen in as Valerie shares her experiences and strategies helping countless distressed couples rediscover love by: redefining what healthy marriage isfocusing on values over beliefsembracing discomfort for growth fostering deep connections through compassion, curiosity, and healthy differentiation of self.   Whether you're in a faith-expanding journey or just want to deepen your relationship, this episode is packed with wisdom to guide you through the intricate dance of intimate relationship & spiritual evolution.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Going Live00:33 Weekend Stories and Parenting02:33 Introducing Valerie Hamer04:00 Valerie's Professional Journey06:08 Navigating Faith and Relationships11:49 The Role of Compassion and Understanding32:39 Process Over Content in Relationships42:14 Valerie's Resources and ConclusionSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Subscription $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Subscription $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie is the guest on the podcast Black & White & Gold hosted by Carly and Rob Allred where they engage in a compelling conversation on gender and faith. Valerie is becoming the prominent voice for the LDS Church advocating for educating men around the harms of patriarchal indoctrination on male development. This work is yielding good results as more and more LDS men are becoming feminists in their own right and are declining traditional attitudes and roles of male privilege while speaking up for the equality needed to create a truly healthy community.Tune in to hear a narrative that merges deep love for tradition with a call for transformative change.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Self-Trust and Patriarchal Systems00:42 Exploring Patriarchy in Season Three01:29 Defining Patriarchy and Its Impact03:08 Introducing Valerie Hamaker03:35 Valerie Hamaker's Background and Work06:34 Challenges and Resignation from the LDS Church09:06 The Aftermath and Community Support12:21 Understanding Patriarchal and Dominator Models23:37 The Harmful Effects of Patriarchy on Men24:13 Personal Experiences with Patriarchy25:33 The Impact of Patriarchy on Men28:52 Exploring Masculine and Feminine Energies32:04 Patriarchy and Gender Norms34:57 The Fragility of Patriarchal Structures40:55 Hope for Egalitarianism in Church Structures46:05 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Subscription $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Subscription $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie is guest on the Parrish the Thought podcast where Brian Parrish interviews Val on the resistance she experienced from local priesthood leaders as a mental health worker tending to the complex issues of faith crisis in an institution that has yet to understand either the faith journey itself or widespread mental/relational/spiritual health issues that come from pathologizing the faith journey. As we all know—fear of church leaders did not deter Val & Nathan and their love of YOU [their listeners!] is only stronger these many months following their crucible experience.  Moral of the story? Integrity breeds empowerment. Listen in and feel empowered to own your own soul too!00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:25 Valerie's Background and Podcast Journey01:49 Starting the Private Practice03:57 Intersection of Faith and Mental Health05:12 Challenges and Growth in the Church07:06 Launching the Podcast09:58 Therapeutic Insights and Faith Dynamics21:41 Confronting Church Leadership33:22 Complexities of Faith and Leadership39:31 The Challenge of Updating Church Doctrine42:25 Personal Journey and Podcast Impact46:29 Facing Church Leadership57:19 Decision to Withdraw Membership01:05:17 Reflections on Church and Personal Integrity01:16:25 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Subscription $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Subscription $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this episode, Valerie shares an inspiring journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth with The Wholeness Network.  The theme was Brene Brown's exploration of the concept of "Braving the Wilderness" and on the heels of three years of learning to live & love one's truth at a potentially high social cost, Val felt that she had a couple of things to say about this.   This episode is a sharing of history, emotion on both ends of the spectrum and ultimately,  a tale of courage, compassion, and finding one's true place in the world.  00:00 Finding My Path: Early Struggles and Discoveries00:40 A Surprising Call to Ministry01:06 Discovering a Passion for Therapy02:38 The Journey to Graduate School03:18 Embracing Complexity in Faith and Life04:40 Launching a Podcast: Unexpected Success07:40 Understanding the Faith Journey08:11 Stages of Faith and Personal Growth10:25 Challenges and Courage in Faith Transitions15:40 The Role of Compassion and Empathy23:45 Trusting Oneself and Embracing the Divine Within27:49 The Price and Reward of Spiritual Journeys28:05 Experiences of Resonance and Support33:28 Navigating Faith and Personal Growth42:36 Understanding Patriarchy in Faith Communities50:58 The Impact of Enmeshed Family Systems58:22 Embracing Wholeness and Self-Integration Afterward:  After their forced resignation from the LDS church in March of 2025, Val & Nathan were invited to share their stories on about a dozen podcasts.  Due to Nathan's currently heavy travel schedule, most of these guest appearances are (unfortunately!) just Valerie.  Thanks for sharing this journey with the Hamakers! Support the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Subscription $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Subscription $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this exciting solo episode, Valerie reflects on the profound personal growth she has experienced over the past few months and shares her plans for what she is informally dubbing the "Latter Day Struggles 2.0" era.  In some ways, you will continue to get what you have come to expect--a respectful & honest conversation about all things Mormon through the lens of healthy psychology.  Where 2.0 is going to shine is in several upcoming  "Transcending & Including Mormonism" special series that will run every Friday for listeners looking to deepen their faith journey, finally get 'unstuck', or are hungry for their next wave of deepening growth. Join Val in embarking on this new chapter, offering deeper, more holistic explorations of faith and consciousness.  Support the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Subscription $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Subscription $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this episode Val is a guest on the Join Latter Day Digest podcast & what unfolds is the very unlikely story that led to Val's and Nathan's eventual 'outlaw' status within the LDS church.  Why is this so odd?  Because this couple could not have been more traditionally believing for the majority of their lives--including spending most of their marriage following all of the traditional scripts of Mormonism...which in some ways worked and in other ways didn't work that well at all.  Then something happened within Val & Nathan (different life-shifting changes/crises) and their paradigms changed...radically.  From living traditional roles prescribed by outside 'experts' on their lives to becoming passionate advocates of finding courage, truth, and God-connection within, Val shares a journey that might offer hope to anyone out there who thinks transformation isn't possible.  00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:22 Valerie's Early Life and Background02:04 Young Women's Experience in the Church04:33 Struggles with Traditional Gender Roles10:06 Mission and College Years16:25 Meeting Her Future Husband18:53 Professional Aspirations and Challenges22:01 Empathy and Helping Others24:50 The Cost of Doing the Right Thing25:22 Balancing Family and Career25:48 Struggles of a Stay-at-Home Mom27:44 Finding Joy and Autonomy29:46 Guilt and Cognitive Dissonance33:15 Pursuing a Career in Mental Health36:43 Starting a Private Practice41:10 The Birth of Latter Day Struggles Podcast43:58 Helping Others Through Faith Expansion47:05 Commitment to a Higher Calling50:43 Conclusion and Future PlansSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Subscription $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Subscription $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!Missed the LIVE Q&A where Val recently answered the flood of questions that have come in on the heels of her & Nathan's brave series venturing into the realm of politics, polarization & human/cultural evolution of consciousness? In this Q&A Val takes some very challenging questions and walks you through ways in which politics & religion are reflections how people make sense of some of their ultimate concerns about themselves & others.  Don't miss this episode if you have been inhaling their current Friday series or if you are thinking about inhaling it very soon!  00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Live Session03:32 The Impact of Current Events on Mental Health04:02 Human Growth and Development in Political Context05:32 Introducing Latter Day Struggles 2.006:00 Transcend and Include: A New Approach to Faith07:35 Understanding Human and Societal Development09:47 Integral Theory and Its Relevance Today11:22 Stages of Consciousness and Societal Growth14:18 The Role of Politics in Human Development19:43 Addressing Listener Questions20:41 The Importance of Dialogue and Understanding27:07 Personal Reflections and Political Evolution47:46 Red Flags in Spiritual and Political Leaders55:00 Talking to Children About Current Events01:01:58 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Subscription $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Subscription $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

Send us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie is the guest on the thought-provoking Inside Out Podcast, one of the first podcasts to interview her following the dramatic events that led up to the Hamakers' decision to resign from the LDS church rather than collude in an excommunication process that they did not endorse as ethical, legitimate, or appropriate.  This episode takes you through Val's early life and path leading to her current work and delves into the challenges she faced with church leadership due to her public mental health work on behalf of thousands of Latter-day Saints through her Latter Day Struggles Platform.Among other things, Valerie discusses the critical tensions between church policies, doctrines, and personal mental health, while providing insights on how the LDS Church can evolve to better support its members.  **In the next several Monday episodes documenting Valerie's and Nathan's experiences connected to their resignation from the LDS church in March of 2025, Valerie represents the couple as Nathan is currently working out of town and unavailable during traditional recording hours.  They apologize as so many of you so deeply benefit from his unique insights and perspectives!  Support the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Subscription $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Subscription $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website