019: Story of Betrayal, Porn Reframe, and Flourishing Marriage

Podcast Description:

Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Ben and Jen Johnson about their experience dealing with a porn disclosure in their marriage.  They discuss the messages they heard growing up Mormon that framed their sexual understanding, their histories in regards to being introduced to pornography, the betrayal and hurt they had to face when Ben would disclose his pornography viewing behavior to his wife, meanings that were attributed to the behavior (including that their marriage might be over), and how they figured out how to reframe the entire problem into a less threatening one. In fact, their relationship actually improved.  They address how they were able to shift meanings and begin a dialogue that actually enhanced self-worth for both, explored their sexual relationship, increased intimacy, and has set them on a different trajectory as far as how they want to educate their children. Ben and Jen courageously share a very personal story in the hopes that other couples like them can find productive and healing ways to resolve disclosures around pornography viewing.

Resources mentioned during podcast:

Podcast the Johnson’s mentioned can be found either at

Mormon Stories:    Pornography, Masturbation, Sex and Marriage in Mormonism

or

Mormon Mental Health Podcast:   Pornography, Masturbation, Sex and Marriage in Mormonism

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Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.

Natasha Helfer Parker, LCMFT, CST, CSTS can be reached at natashaparker.org and runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions, which focuses on helping families and individuals with faith concerns, sexuality and mental health. She hosts the Mormon Mental Health and Mormon Sex Info Podcasts, is the current past president of the Mormon Mental Health Association and runs a sex education program, Sex Talk with Natasha. She has over 20 years of experience working with primarily an LDS/Mormon clientele