179: Masturbation, Values, and Kids with Natasha Heifer-Parker, MFT, CST

Natasha was recently a guest on Braxton Dutson's "Birds and Bees Podcast." Braxton is a LCSW and Certified Sex Therapist in Salt Lake City, Utah. He works at The Healing Group and can be found here: https://www.thehealinggroup.com/therapists/2018/4/20/braxton-dutson-lcsw-cst   About the episode:  Masturbation, There are a lot of euphemisms for the word that makes many people uncomfortable to talk about. Let's face it, many parents are worried about what it means if their child masturbates.  If you are a parent who wants to be able to support your child in building values around masturbation while also avoiding shaming them then this episode is for you. Braxton and Natasha Heifer-Parker, MFT, CST are here to help dispel myths, talk about values, talk about masturbation, and to support parents in creating a value-centric view on masturbation. This is especially supportive for those who live in religious communities and practice themselves.  Many of us have grown up in a religious setting that explicitly or overtly teaches values about masturbation. It is difficult to be able to follow these values while also addressing the reality that the majority of children are participating in self-soothing/masturbation practices.  In this Episode we explore:  The question "when does masturbation usually start?" Speaking to values when addressing masturbation  Different approaches to conversations about masturbation with your child.  Avoiding shame when having these (multiple) conversations.  Creating "I Do's" in what you value, VS following a "to Do" list. Historical views of Masturbation and how they affect us now.  Identifying what we want for our children as a sexual being later in life.  Offering a value-centric view on Masturbation in religious communities while addressing the ways we can best support our children.  Natasha Helfer-Parker, MFT, CST speaks with Braxton about being able to explore these topics, address uncomfortable situations, and improve your understanding about "The M word."  Listen on Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcXBM6GS-Pfk9CB6ctmvLLg Leave Birds and Bees an iTunes review https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birds-and-bees-podcast/id1201131540?mt=2 Leave a Stitcher Review https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/braxton-dutson/birds-and-bees-podcast Birds and Bees Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/birdsandbeespodcast  Listen from our webpage Birdsandbeespodcast.com Read more at https://birdsandbeespodcast.libsyn.com/#8HRf8D8XJYV090ou.99   Check out the "Birds and the Bees Podcast" Page here: https://birdsandbeespodcast.libsyn.com   Please consider donating to Mormon Mental Health by going to mormonmentalhealth.org.