Subscriber-only episodeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Exploring Family Challenges when LDS Young Adults Disaffiliate [Part II of IV]In this episode, Valerie and fellow therapist Liz Macdonald continue in their profound exploration of the turbulent journey families face when young adult children disaffiliate from the LDS Church. This episode delves into the heart-wrenching conflicts that arise in some LDS homes when young adults begin the normative process of spiritual self definition. Liz's research brings to light some young adults' perceptions that their parents' certainty of LDS worldview shuts down any meaningful connection and dialogue and leads the young adult child feeling unseen, unsupported in their normative growth wrestles, and conditionally loved and accepted. The emotional toll on both parents and their emerging adult children navigating faith is extreme. Liz and Valerie discuss possible systemic that drive the phenomenon found in this research study, hoping to help families learn how to navigate these rough relational waters more competently. This series is intended to offer love and empathy for all both the more traditionally believing LDS parents and their disaffiliated young adult children, shining a light on the extreme complexity of this situation and hoping to offer insights that will help families in our community heal. Please share this series with those who might benefit from this enlightening and healing discussion!**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

A therapist and guest discuss the challenges faced by LDS parents with disaffiliated youth, exploring research findings and the complexities of the parent-child relationship. They offer insights and empathy for all parties involved, aiming to shed light on this difficult dynamic and promote healing within families.

Subscriber-only episodeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Father Richard Rohr’s Influence on LDS Faith Crisis Healing [Part IV of IV]In the compelling final episode of their four-part focus on the prophetic work of Father Richard Rohr, Valerie and Nathan go macro and tackle systemic issues plaguing western religious institutions. They shine a light on the underlying power struggles that prioritize control over spiritual service, dissecting the impact of a patriarchal worldview on all major relational systems and the dehumanization it fosters. They break down five pervasive myths that undergird all Western relational systems, challenging listeners to question the male-centric, judgmental perspectives that claim rational superiority. They stress the importance of spiritual growth that embraces diversity, self-reflection, and a willingness to evolve past outdated traditions that cause harm. This series invites each listener to be a part of the ongoing conversation about meaningful change in religious systems in general and the LDS system in particular.**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

Valerie and Nathan delve into the sin of exclusion within religious systems, emphasizing the importance of including outcasts like single, queer, and female individuals for the church's wholeness. They discuss the role of 'edge workers' in raising awareness of marginalized groups and advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate approach in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Subscriber-only episodeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title: Father Richard Rohr’s Influence on LDS Faith Crisis Healing [Part II of IV]In this episode Valerie and Nathan delve into the profound topic of distinguishing one's 'true self' from their 'false self' identities as a foundation to healing from LDS faith crisis. Nathan focuses on the significance of embracing both our divinity and humanity, drawing from Jesus Christ's teachings and example, while Valerie focuses on the complex relationship between personal growth and church doctrine. Together, they reflect on Richard Rohr's insights about religion's role in leading to regular experiences with the true self, and how the LDS faith intersects with this journey. Throughout this insightful conversation, they encourage listeners to pursue authenticity in faith, relationships, and self-discovery, hoping to foster an LDS (and surrounding) community that supports diverse paths towards spiritual enlightenment.**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

In this episode, the hosts discuss redefining the concept of God in a faith crisis, moving towards a compassionate and universalist view. They draw wisdom from various theologians and scholars, challenging traditional perceptions of a conditionally-loving God. The conversation sets the stage for upcoming discussions on the harmful effects of patriarchy, discovering the True Self, and honoring dissenting voices.

Subscriber-only episodeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title:  Conversations with Mormon Mystics & Graduates of Fr. Richard Rohr’s ‘Living School’ [Part IV of IV] In this profound episode Valerie Hamaker is interviewed by friend and colleague Dan Wotherspoon where they delve into the complex terrain of her own faith development journey: from her early days in orthodox practice to her expansive understanding of spirituality encompassing Jungian psychoanalysis and a blend of Eastern and Western philosophy. Dan and Valerie explore themes of orthodoxy, patriarchy, authentic worship, and healthy psychology and theology, drawing on her professional background in marriage and family counseling and trauma healing. If you want a peek behind the curtains of Valerie's unfolding faith journey, this episode is for you. **More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

Beloved voice in our Latter-day Saint progressive community, Dan Wotherspoon, shares his personal journey from rebellion to spiritual awakening. They discuss the importance of individual discernment, transitioning to active engagement in faith development, and insights from Wotherspoon's experience at Richard Rohr's 'Living School'. Also explores essence of worship, expanding perspectives on God's love, and gratitude in faith expansion.

Subscriber-only episodeSend us a Positive Review!Series Title:  Conversations with Mormon Mystics & Graduates of Fr. Richard Rohr’s ‘Living School’ [Part II of IV] In this depth-packed second half of their conversation, Jana walks us all through her learnings at the feet of Father Richard Rohr and other contemporary spiritual giants while attending The Living School sponsored by the Center for Action and Contemplation. Among other topics, Jana expands on the following: **Honoring the sacred in the profane**Non-duality **Reclaiming the shadow **How Christianity leads to social justice concerns **Transformational faith over transactional faith Don't miss this episode if you're hungry for an expansive way to experience spirituality from some of our times' greatest thinkers! **More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**LEARN HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO FRIDAY EPISODES(Watch a 2-minute how-to video)THEN subscribe to Fridays here. TROUBLE WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? Email: support@buzzsprout.comCONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠⁠here!⁠ SUPPORT GROUPS: Next support & processing group coming March 2025. To register/learn more, visit here.OFFICE HOURS FOR FRIDAY SUBSCRIBERS: Register here.CLASSES: Visit our library.SUPPORT: Make a one-time donation to ⁠her business Venmo...

Jana Spangler, a student of Father Richard Rohr and participant in the Living School's program, discusses her spiritual growth and teachings from the Living School. They explore the shift toward more meaningful, mystical connection and the importance of finding the sacred in the profane. Jana shares wisdom about becoming non-dualistic, advocating for social justice, and embracing an embodied Christianity. They also discuss the teachings and unique perspectives of Richard Rohr and other teachers at the Living School.