Destigmatizing Therapy

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Linked
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Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by Linked » Tue Apr 26, 2022 2:59 pm

I was chatting with my TBM brother who is a counselor in his ward's bishopric, and he mentioned that they are devoting their next 5th Sunday lesson to destigmatizing therapy. They are having a therapist speak for it and be there to answer questions which they are collecting in advance. I was a little surprised, that's a really helpful message.
"I would write about life. Every person would be exactly as important as any other. All facts would also be given equal weightiness. Nothing would be left out. Let others bring order to chaos. I would bring chaos to order" - Kurt Vonnegut

stuck
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by stuck » Tue Apr 26, 2022 3:56 pm

My wife started counseling recently due to some issues unrelated to my faith transition. She started it because her friend started it. Now her mom sees it's maybe somewhat helpful and is encouraging her brother to do it. It's interesting how the ball can began to roll right?

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moksha
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by moksha » Wed Apr 27, 2022 12:42 am

Linked wrote:
Tue Apr 26, 2022 2:59 pm
I was chatting with my TBM brother who is a counselor in his ward's bishopric, and he mentioned that they are devoting their next 5th Sunday lesson to destigmatizing therapy. They are having a therapist speak for it and be there to answer questions which they are collecting in advance. I was a little surprised, that's a really helpful message.
Can you tell us what was discussed?
Good faith does not require evidence, but it also does not turn a blind eye to that evidence. Otherwise, it becomes misplaced faith.
-- Moksha

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Just This Guy
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by Just This Guy » Wed Apr 27, 2022 5:16 am

What exactly are they taking about for "de-stigmatizing therapy"? Are they trying to get people more open to the idea of seeking professional help?

Of course, is the church going to do it on their part?If someone need help, will they get it for them or will it come with all sorts of strings attached like it normally does with LDS Social Services (councilor reporting private details to the bishop, therapy being contingent on tithe paying etc,)?
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stealthbishop
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by stealthbishop » Wed Apr 27, 2022 7:00 am

This is good overall with the caveat that LDS Family Services does have SOME unethical therapists and practices. Some of these therapists will blame mental health issues on pornography or masturbation or other "sins". Many of them of course, will, to one degree or another, strongly encourage fidelity to the church which may or may not be the right thing for a client. So, be careful with LDS Family Services.

If you want a therapist who is ethical but ALSO competent in Mormon culture and won't try to keep you in the church or push you to leave but help you navigate what is best for you then the Mormon Mental Health Association 'Find A Provider' list is the way to go:

https://mormonmentalhealthassoc.org/find-a-provider/
Last edited by stealthbishop on Wed Apr 27, 2022 2:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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hallew
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by hallew » Wed Apr 27, 2022 9:38 am

Since it leaked in my family that I started seeing a therapist last year (most think it’s tied to my aunt and friend passing close together—they have no idea it’s because church doctrine broke me) I am the “it” person in the family to call/talk about therapy. My grandmother had a stroke last year and my dad asked me to look for a therapist for her to see to deal with the frustration of losing independence. My aunt’s kid is being bullied in school and she calls me to see if I know any therapists. My mom, who has severe mental health issues and needs meds, opened up to seeing a psychiatrist last year.

It took one of the more sane members of my family to see a therapist and suddenly the stigma is dropping and open conversations are occurring.

My husband made a joke last year that I should become a therapist since my family always calls me when they have problems and at least I should get paid for it. I am in the process of applying to a few MSW programs for the fall semester. I hope to keep that ball rolling for destigmatizing therapy.

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Linked
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by Linked » Wed Apr 27, 2022 4:13 pm

stuck wrote:
Tue Apr 26, 2022 3:56 pm
My wife started counseling recently due to some issues unrelated to my faith transition. She started it because her friend started it. Now her mom sees it's maybe somewhat helpful and is encouraging her brother to do it. It's interesting how the ball can began to roll right?
Yes, it seems like counseling is getting a lot more prevalent. My other brother leaned heavily on counseling when he and his wife struggled with a "wayward" son and I was surprised how much he accepted it, even when the advice was to stop putting so much pressure on him about church stuff.

moksha wrote:
Wed Apr 27, 2022 12:42 am
Can you tell us what was discussed?
I will when they have completed it and I have a chance to talk to my brother. I think it is scheduled for the 5th Sunday in May. He said they are getting lots of good questions. The one he mentioned was "What if I don't have money to pay for it?" because he is lucky enough to not need to worry about that.

Just This Guy wrote:
Wed Apr 27, 2022 5:16 am
What exactly are they taking about for "de-stigmatizing therapy"? Are they trying to get people more open to the idea of seeking professional help?

Of course, is the church going to do it on their part?If someone need help, will they get it for them or will it come with all sorts of strings attached like it normally does with LDS Social Services (councilor reporting private details to the bishop, therapy being contingent on tithe paying etc,)?
I have similar reservations, but this brother gets it with therapy so I expect it to be a step in the right direction. I believe the 5th Sunday lesson choice is still a local decision, so it will be local leadership roulette on how good the advice actually is.

stealthbishop wrote:
Wed Apr 27, 2022 7:00 am
This is good overall with the caveat that LDS Family Services does have SOME unethical therapists and practices. Some of these therapists will blame mental health issues on pornography or masturbation or other "sins". Many of them of course, will, to one degree or another, strongly encourage fidelity to the church which may or may not be the right thing for a client. So, be careful with LDS Family Services.

If you want a therapist who is ethical but ALSO competent in Mormon culture and won't try to keep you in the church or push you to leave but help you navigate what is best for you then the Mormon Mental Health Association 'Find A Provider' list is the way to go:

https://mormonmentalhealthassoc.org/find-a-provider/
These are good points, thanks for the resource!
hallew wrote:
Wed Apr 27, 2022 9:38 am
Since it leaked in my family that I started seeing a therapist last year (most think it’s tied to my aunt and friend passing close together—they have no idea it’s because church doctrine broke me) I am the “it” person in the family to call/talk about therapy. My grandmother had a stroke last year and my dad asked me to look for a therapist for her to see to deal with the frustration of losing independence. My aunt’s kid is being bullied in school and she calls me to see if I know any therapists. My mom, who has severe mental health issues and needs meds, opened up to seeing a psychiatrist last year.

It took one of the more sane members of my family to see a therapist and suddenly the stigma is dropping and open conversations are occurring.

My husband made a joke last year that I should become a therapist since my family always calls me when they have problems and at least I should get paid for it. I am in the process of applying to a few MSW programs for the fall semester. I hope to keep that ball rolling for destigmatizing therapy.
That is awesome that you have been able to unlock professional help for your whole family! I see a therapist and try to be as open as reasonable about it to hopefully show it's pretty normal. Good luck with the MSW!
"I would write about life. Every person would be exactly as important as any other. All facts would also be given equal weightiness. Nothing would be left out. Let others bring order to chaos. I would bring chaos to order" - Kurt Vonnegut

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moksha
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by moksha » Wed Apr 27, 2022 9:02 pm

I remember a public opinion poll conducted by the Utah State Division of Mental Health back in the late 80s that found over a third of Utah residents believed mental illnesses were caused by sins in the pre-existence. That was a very Mormon thing and was terribly stigmatizing for the mentally ill in Utah.

However, Mormons continue to provide unique stigmatization for other groups as well. This destigmatizing therapy could help them be less condemning and friendly to others, and that would be a very good thing.
Good faith does not require evidence, but it also does not turn a blind eye to that evidence. Otherwise, it becomes misplaced faith.
-- Moksha

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hallew
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by hallew » Thu May 05, 2022 10:38 am

I thought this post would be the perfect place to share some good news.

I’m so excited to share that yesterday I received an acceptance letter into the MSW program that was my first choice. I was really nervous that I wouldn’t get in since the acceptance rate is less than 30% and I know of two other qualified people who were not accepted to the university for other programs; hence, I had already mentally prepared that I probably wasn’t accepted and was applying to another program I could complete online. I definitely gave my co-workers a surprise when I screamed in joy.

Here’s to big life changes: submitting my letter of resignation, being a SAHM for summer, and being a full time grad student this fall (only took 12 years after I received my undergrad to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up). :D

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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by Linked » Thu May 05, 2022 10:58 am

hallew wrote:
Thu May 05, 2022 10:38 am
I thought this post would be the perfect place to share some good news.

I’m so excited to share that yesterday I received an acceptance letter into the MSW program that was my first choice. I was really nervous that I wouldn’t get in since the acceptance rate is less than 30% and I know of two other qualified people who were not accepted to the university for other programs; hence, I had already mentally prepared that I probably wasn’t accepted and was applying to another program I could complete online. I definitely gave my co-workers a surprise when I screamed in joy.

Here’s to big life changes: submitting my letter of resignation, being a SAHM for summer, and being a full time grad student this fall (only took 12 years after I received my undergrad to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up). :D
Congratulations Hallew!!!!!

That's awesome! The future is bright
"I would write about life. Every person would be exactly as important as any other. All facts would also be given equal weightiness. Nothing would be left out. Let others bring order to chaos. I would bring chaos to order" - Kurt Vonnegut

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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by Red Ryder » Thu May 05, 2022 11:02 am

Congrats Hallew!
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moksha
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by moksha » Thu May 05, 2022 8:42 pm

hallew wrote:
Thu May 05, 2022 10:38 am
I thought this post would be the perfect place to share some good news.

I’m so excited to share that yesterday I received an acceptance letter into the MSW program that was my first choice.
Congratulations! Out of curiosity, what prompted you to pursue an MSW program over a psychiatric nursing MS?
Good faith does not require evidence, but it also does not turn a blind eye to that evidence. Otherwise, it becomes misplaced faith.
-- Moksha

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hallew
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by hallew » Fri May 06, 2022 10:32 am

Thank you everyone for the support! :D
moksha wrote:
Thu May 05, 2022 8:42 pm
hallew wrote:
Thu May 05, 2022 10:38 am
I thought this post would be the perfect place to share some good news.

I’m so excited to share that yesterday I received an acceptance letter into the MSW program that was my first choice.
Congratulations! Out of curiosity, what prompted you to pursue an MSW program over a psychiatric nursing MS?
Psychiatric Nurses treat ailments such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse, etc. It requires completing a nursing degree at the undergrad level and earning an RN licensure. I wouldn’t be able to do any schooling or work in the medical field (blood and bodily fluids makes me squeamish).

I want to specialize in marriage and family therapy (MFT).

A therapist I know who has a MSW and is a LCSW who specializes in marriage and family counseling informed me that insurance companies do not accept a MFT or someone with a psychology degree (there are a lot of different educational routes to take to become a therapist/counselor). This information led to me wanting to pursue an MSW and then licensure. I believe that if I can accept insurance, then more people will be able to afford it and will get help.

So, the main reason I am going the MSW route is because I was want to focus on healing relationships and making therapy more affordable by being accepted by insurance companies. The reason I am not pursuing Psychiatric Nursing is because I will not be specializing in disorders that may need medications and I have no desire to undergo a nursing program.

stuck
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by stuck » Fri May 06, 2022 12:11 pm

hallew wrote:
Thu May 05, 2022 10:38 am
I thought this post would be the perfect place to share some good news.

I’m so excited to share that yesterday I received an acceptance letter into the MSW program that was my first choice. I was really nervous that I wouldn’t get in since the acceptance rate is less than 30% and I know of two other qualified people who were not accepted to the university for other programs; hence, I had already mentally prepared that I probably wasn’t accepted and was applying to another program I could complete online. I definitely gave my co-workers a surprise when I screamed in joy.

Here’s to big life changes: submitting my letter of resignation, being a SAHM for summer, and being a full time grad student this fall (only took 12 years after I received my undergrad to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up). :D
Congrats! I remember when I was in high school that my mom went back to get her masters in speech therapy because my dad was out of work. We missed her and she came back after Pres. Benson said mother's place was in the home. She ended up starting a daycare center in her home so she could still work from home. We were glad to have her back, but I wonder if she ever had any regrets. Certainly she could have gotten paid more and done something more interesting/rewarding? Well it's nice that now that you've gone through a faith transition so that you don't have to worry about such things.

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moksha
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by moksha » Fri May 06, 2022 8:47 pm

hallew wrote:
Fri May 06, 2022 10:32 am
The reason I am not pursuing Psychiatric Nursing is because I will not be specializing in disorders that may need medications and I have no desire to undergo a nursing program.
My mistake. I was confusing you with another poster who was already an RN. Sorry.
Good faith does not require evidence, but it also does not turn a blind eye to that evidence. Otherwise, it becomes misplaced faith.
-- Moksha

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stealthbishop
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by stealthbishop » Mon May 09, 2022 6:50 am

hallew wrote:
Thu May 05, 2022 10:38 am
I thought this post would be the perfect place to share some good news.

I’m so excited to share that yesterday I received an acceptance letter into the MSW program that was my first choice. I was really nervous that I wouldn’t get in since the acceptance rate is less than 30% and I know of two other qualified people who were not accepted to the university for other programs; hence, I had already mentally prepared that I probably wasn’t accepted and was applying to another program I could complete online. I definitely gave my co-workers a surprise when I screamed in joy.

Here’s to big life changes: submitting my letter of resignation, being a SAHM for summer, and being a full time grad student this fall (only took 12 years after I received my undergrad to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up). :D
That's freakin' fantastic!!! Congratulations hallew!!!
"Take second best
Put me to the test
Things on your chest
You need to confess"

-Depeche Mode

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A New Name
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by A New Name » Tue May 10, 2022 4:36 pm

My dyslexia kicked in and I thought you were talking about de-magnetizing therapy. I thought it was some crazy magnet therapy with the magnet on a wristband!

Said in my best Saturday Night Live "Emily" voice: "Never mind!"

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alas
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by alas » Thu May 12, 2022 9:37 am

A New Name wrote:
Tue May 10, 2022 4:36 pm
My dyslexia kicked in and I thought you were talking about de-magnetizing therapy. I thought it was some crazy magnet therapy with the magnet on a wristband!

Said in my best Saturday Night Live "Emily" voice: "Never mind!"
It HAS been tried.

Cnsl1
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by Cnsl1 » Fri May 13, 2022 2:04 am

I recently heard that LDS social services in our area was seeking a counselor, and offering an hourly pay that would be just over minimum wage. Barely over minimum.. for a position that requires a graduate degree.

Do we wonder why therapeutic services might be less than stellar?

I just wish our church wasn't so poor, and that we had money to put into quality mental health services for our members in need.

Maybe one day.

Keep paying that tithing, folks. Maybe we'll get there eventually. Have faith.

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Not Buying It
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Re: Destigmatizing Therapy

Post by Not Buying It » Fri May 13, 2022 5:26 am

It is true that stigmatization of therapy is hardly a Mormon phenomenon, but I have to say, the Church certainly made that problem worse for its members. It has taught them that living the gospel leads to happiness - ergo anything that makes one unhappy isn't something handled by therapy, but by following the gospel more closely. It has given them a bishop to go to for problems who has no training in professional counseling and likely as not will make problems worse by telling someone they just need to follow the gospel more closely. It has at time discouraged people from seeking therapy from anyone other than an LDS therapist, who may or may not perpetuate the problems the Church causes by making you think better adherence to Church rules leads to more happiness. Some LDS therapists know that isn't necessarily true, but others are all in on Mormonism.

Whatever you do, stay the hell away from LDS Family Services. Sure, there are some good therapists there, but the whole point of the thing is to provide therapy in an LDS context, which in my opinion is counterproductive a lot of the time. Don't expect a lot of sympathy there if you don't believe in the Church.
"The truth is elegantly simple. The lie needs complex apologia. 4 simple words: Joe made it up. It answers everything with the perfect simplicity of Occam's Razor. Every convoluted excuse withers." - Some guy on Reddit called disposazelph

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