Blog
Opinion: Mother’s Day is painful for many of my clients. Here’s how we all can help—Op-ed for The Salt Lake Tribune
Why do so many women dread Mother’s Day? What are we doing inadvertently, as a community, to perpetuate this pain? And what can we do about it?
Based on my 30 years of clinical experience working with women in Utah, I have a few ideas.
5 Motherhood Myths Making You Miserable: Good Things Utah
Motherhood is a beautiful experience, but it can come with a lot of misconceptions. Here are 5 myths about motherhood that might be bringing you down.
Healing Aspirational Shame: One Mormon Woman's Journey
It wasn’t until my early teens that I recognized the dilemma that I was facing. I wanted a lot for my life, for my career, for my creative expression. I knew that I wanted to pursue a helping profession and that I wanted to express myself through songwriting and singing. But because I had internalized the message that a woman’s role was to sacrifice for her family, I started believing that my aspirations were not good, and not of God. I was hearing that God wanted me to be a wife and a mother, and I knew that that was true, but I wanted other things for my life, too. I began to wonder and eventually believe that something was wrong with me for having such strong creative desires and educational and professional aspirations. Did I have to choose between having a family and having a career?
Stepping Back from the Church? How to do so in a psychological healthy way with Dr Julie Hanks Consulting
This bonus episode of the podcast is for anyone who is considering a step back from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while also wanting to protect their mental health.
How do I heal from a patriarchal marriage and let go of resentment I’m carrying towards the LDS Church? Ask Dr. Julie Hanks
Alyssa feels angry when she thinks about the time she lost living in a patriarchal marriage and sad when she thinks about her past self who didn’t feel empowered.
Mormon Land Podcast: What LDS Women Want—in the wake of a controversial ‘priesthood power’ speech
A thought-filled discussion with Mormon Land podcast on J. Anette Dennis’ quote on March 17. We discuss the quote as well as the flood of responses from Latter-day Saint women on the Church’s social media post.
How do I pursue a high-powered career and still show up as the mom I want to be? Ask Dr. Julie Hanks
Mallory recently went back to work part-time and is feeling immense guilt about being torn between work and home life.
How can I better communicate to my husband that I’m not comfortable letting our child sleep at my in-laws’ house? Ask Dr. Julie Hanks
Diana is not okay with either herself or her child sleeping there because years ago, her father-in-law was arrested for child molestation. Her husband has struggled to respect this boundary
How should I approach my daughter’s upcoming baptism when I don’t believe 8-year-olds are capable of making this choice? Ask Dr. Julie Hanks
Christine and her husband have several valid hesitations about their daughter getting baptized when they aren't sure that she really understands what she would be committing to.
How can I stay engaged and active in the LDS Church as a working mom and a feminist? Ask Dr. Julie Hanks
Sylvia shares the story of a painful experience at Church that has left her wondering if she sustains her leaders.
How do I know if I want kids because I genuinely want them or because it’s always been expected of me? Ask Dr. Julie Hanks
After a recent break up caused by her partner not wanting to have children, Nicole is hoping to gain some clarity as to what she wants for her future and why.
Resources for Overcoming Mom Guilt: How do I stop feeling guilty?
A common struggle I see among moms is mom guilt. I’ve seen mothers worry that they aren’t spending enough time with their children, aren’t cooking enough, aren’t folding enough laundry, or aren’t worthy of self-care. If you’re a mom struggling with mom guilt, bookmark this post and refer to it often because it’s full of resources to help you stop feeling guilty as a mother.
How can I talk about boundaries with my narcissistic mother-in-law who turns everything into my fault? Ask Dr. Julie Hanks
In today’s episode I chat with Morgan and answer the question “How can I talk about boundaries with my narcissistic mother-in-law who turns everything into my fault?”
How do I learn to trust myself when I feel a disconnect between what I learn in therapy and what I hear at Church? Ask Dr. Julie Hanks
I answer the question “How do I learn to trust myself when I feel a disconnect between what I learn in therapy and what I hear at Church?” I know that a lot of listeners are going to relate to our discussion.
How can I be present when grief is always reminding me of what could have been? Ask Dr. Julie Hanks
Jennifer shares the story of her relationship, her husband’s cancer diagnosis, and her experience of being a new mom of twins while navigating the grief of losing her husband.