Episode 221: Supporting Spiritual, Psychological, & Relational Wellness if Stepping Away from the Church with Julie Hanks

In this episode Valerie is joined by friend and colleague Dr. Julie Hanks, where they discuss the emotional and psychological complexities of stepping away from the LDS faith for those who feel called to do so.

They emphasize the importance of making this transition in a psychologically healthy manner, and how challenging this is to do in a climate where not a lot of resources are available and this decision is fraught with so much distress and loneliness.

The discussion covers potential challenges such as navigating changes in relationships with family and the larger community, managing internalized beliefs and fears, and the grief that accompanies leaving one's spiritual community.

If this episode resonates with you, please join Valerie and Julie in their upcoming interactive Q&A; series happening virtually every Thursday evening in June 2024. Link to enroll is in the show notes. Space is limited and these sessions fill up quickly.

Note: Valerie and Julie are not prescribing leaving (or not leaving) the LDS church. They wish to support their LDS and surrounding community in psychologically-thriving independent of church membership or attendance status.

For those interested in exploring how to stay involved in the LDS faith in psychologically healthy ways, please listen to episode 193 of Latter Day Struggles.

SUPPORT: Like what you’re hearing at Latter Day Struggles Podcast? Support Valerie with a 1-time donation through her business Venmo account or by becoming a recurring donor on Patreon.⁠

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SUBSCRIBE: All Friday episodes of Latter Day Struggles can be accessed through ⁠⁠⁠a paid subscription ($9.99/month), available here⁠. Thank you for supporting Valerie’s professional commitment to your LDS Faith expansion journey!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For a step-by-step guide on how to subscribe and support the podcast, click here.

———————————————————————WEBINAR: “The Growth Oriented Marriage” Valerie will host a webinar class for individuals and couples seeking guidance on how to stay united during a faith expansion experience. Special question/answer session directly after the webinar. Wednesday May 8th 8:30 CST. Come ask Val your burning questions and be part of the conversation! Register for a spot here.

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STEPPING BACK IN A PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHY WAY: Valerie and Julie Hanks recently finished a similar Q&A; event working with their communities wanting to stay engaged in the LDS Church in a healthy way. Valerie and Julie hope the upcoming event will serve the same purpose for those with concerns about stepping back. Their last event sold out very quickly, and this one will also sell fast. To register click here.

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SUPPORT GROUPS: As a trauma therapist, Valerie continues to help our LDS faith expansion community become more psychologically and spiritually healthy. Groups are currently full, however, a new evening group starts September 2024. To learn more click here.

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CONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie? Time-limited packages with Valerie are available ⁠here.