help me find a therapist

I think whether you should see an LDS Counselor depends on whether you see yourself trying to get into or stay into full activity, or if you want a perspective that is not necessarily biased toward that goal. I believe an LDS Counselor through LDS Social Services will likely want to steer you into full activity since they are on the payroll.

An independent counselor who is LDS may be more objective, but if they are active they too would want to steer you into full activity.

I non-LDS counselor may be more balanced provided they are not anti-Mormon or biased toward some other religion — this is something you might have to determine as you search for a counselor. Perhaps have one visit to assess their suitability or ask one of their admin people on the phone.

Plus, your issues go beyond the church, from what I understand, so you need someone who can counsel in those areas.

Also, consider your benefits through your work, if you have any. There will be certain counselors and type of counseling they will pay for and other kinds they will not, and probably, only certain counselors in their network, or out of their network at different reimbursement levels.

Sorry I can’t tell you someone to just call, but i see these as issues — you may already be aware of them.

Sd

If you can look up and find Judy Brady in the Salt Lake area, it would be worth it to drive a bit to see her. I recommend her highly, if she is still taking clients right now. While has family members who are in the church, she knows how to navigate the Utah culture with church with therapy support that is not related to mormonism.

I believe she is sometimes willing to do sessions over the phone also when travel is difficult, after the first sessions of meeting in person.

Many therapists are setup to do Skype sessions also. It helps to have at least some of the body language. That can make it quite convenient.

I am nowhere near Utah, so if Judy Brady can’t see you – push them for a recommendation of someone that is accepting patients and knows how to deal with your situation.

Have you checked the providers in the Mormon Mental Health Association? You may or may not want to have a Mormon therapist, but these therapists all understand and specialize in LDS issues, including faith transitions.

Not every therapist within that organization is LDS, FYI. Their membership requirements from my understanding is just a check paying for membership dues. Good luck. I wish I could help.