Sunflower Movement

This is the explicit sex episode.Ashley responds to listener submissions about sexual shame and explores what happens to desire, pleasure and intimacy after growing up in purity culture.In one of her most vulnerable conversations yet, Ashley discusses masturbation, sexual fantasies, same-sex attraction, bisexuality and intimacy within marriage. She also explores the fear or panic that can arise during sex, sexual double standards, consent, nervous-system responses and learning to experience desire without automatically treating it as sinful.This episode contains explicit sexual discussion and conversations about childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault. Please listen with care.SUBMIT A QUESTION OR STORYhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dXCjsH8gf8O4NvmcTvNnFeKQm7NgE5uwm1vqqKdjHSs/viewformFINDING MEANINGExplore Ashley’s live 10-week course on regulating your nervous system after religion:https://ashleyb.circle.so/finding-meaningThis podcast is offered for education and reflection. It is not therapy or a substitute for professional mental-health care.

In this month’s listener Q&A, Ashley responds to questions about mixed-faith marriage, relationship betrayal, confusing mental health diagnoses, career uncertainty, and the hidden pressures many people carry after growing up in high-demand religious environments.Topics discussed include:• Navigating a mixed-faith marriage while raising children• Processing betrayal and rebuilding trust after discovering secret online behavior• Why trauma can sometimes be mistaken for multiple different diagnoses• The pressure to endlessly serve, sacrifice, and “endure” in Mormon culture• Learning to tolerate uncertainty when the future feels overwhelming• Finding compassion for yourself when life isn’t unfolding according to planAs always, this podcast is intended for education and reflection and is not a substitute for therapy. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and remember that healing rarely requires having all the answers.

In this episode of In Session, Ashley Buckner, LCSW, dives deep into the neurophysiological impact of LDS missions and the long-term effects of religious conditioning. Ashley explores the developmental vulnerability of eighteen-year-olds entering high-pressure missionary environments, highlighting how strict power dynamics and rigid rules can foster lasting trauma. Beyond systemic critiques, the conversation offers a supportive space for those navigating the "post-Mormon" landscape, including reflections on the psychological weight of General Conference and the curious fascination apologists hold for ex-member narratives.The heart of the episode centers on real-life listener submissions, ranging from the anxiety of a sibling’s mission call to the lingering regret over career paths sacrificed for religious service. Ashley introduces vital therapeutic concepts like flashback states and body-based healing, explaining that because trauma lives in the nervous system, talking about it isn’t always the best path to recovery. Listeners will walk away with practical grounding techniques—such as color walks and the five-senses exercise—and a reinforced sense of permission to set firm boundaries with religious figures as they reclaim their intuition from years of conditioning.Follow me on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ashleyb_therapy⁠Link for submissions: ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dXCjsH8gf8O4NvmcTvNnFeKQm7NgE5uwm1vqqKdjHSs/edit

Welcome to the relaunch of my podcast, formerly known as Sunflower Movement. In this first episode of In Session with Ashley B, I introduce the new format for the show and what I’m creating moving forward a listener-driven space for honest conversations about trauma, healing, faith, and the nervous system. This episode is part personal update, part reflection, and part response to anonymous listener submissions that dive into some deeply vulnerable and important topics.I share why I decided to rebrand the podcast, what the new monthly rhythm will look like, and a few personal updates, including my recent reconciliation with my father after a period of estrangement and the impact brain spotting therapy has had on healing generational trauma. From there, I respond to listener questions and stories that explore female rage and bodily autonomy after purity culture, navigating mixed-faith marriages, and having hard conversations about belief without conflict. I also reflect on unlearning the idea that obedience equals love, processing different views of eternal families outside of LDS temple doctrine, learning self-differentiation after religious conditioning, and gently reconnecting with sexuality and sensuality after years of suppression.My hope with this episode and this new season of the podcast is to offer a space where complexity is welcome, curiosity is encouraged, and healing feels possible.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyb_therapyLink for submissions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dXCjsH8gf8O4NvmcTvNnFeKQm7NgE5uwm1vqqKdjHSs/edit

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Anderson—a psychotherapist and author of When Religion Hurts You. Dr. Anderson specializes in religious trauma and purity culture and brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation.We dive into the complexities of faith deconstruction, how it impacts identity and relationships, and what it means to heal after leaving high-control religious environments. Dr. Anderson also offers thoughtful responses to submissions from the audience, making this a rich and validating episode for anyone navigating their own journey.Connect with Dr. Laura Anderson:drlauraeanderson.com

In this episode, I respond to a DM that highlights the deep-seated fears many of us carry around our bodies, desire, and relationships—especially when shaped by religious trauma. I share my personal journey in reclaiming my sexuality, how I navigate my partner’s sexuality without fear, and the ways unlearning purity culture has allowed me to feel whole. If you’ve ever felt conflicted about your own sexuality, compared yourself to others, or feared that attraction could jeopardize love, this episode is for you. Website: [email protected] Sex therapist & colleague I recommend: Aimee Mortensen - Worth It Counseling Lehi, UT https://worth-it.com/about/ Here is the Tim Ferriss podcast I reference: https://open.spotify.com/episode/32ORSZyPmICqaP8suVerF9?si=J9kUat4bSrS3BRWE_6ISpAPranamat: https://pranamat.com/af/lnkbeapx?coupon=ashleyb 10% off code ashleyb Armra colostrum: https://tryarmra.com/ASHLEYBUCKNER 15% off code ASHLEYBUCKNER Cozy Confidence: 10% off ashleyb https://www.cozyconfidence.com?aff=395&staycozy

Brainspotting continues to deeply impact my personal and professional journey. In this episode I talk about why, and the lasting effects of this powerful modality. Tune in to hear how it’s shaping my work and life in ways I never expected! Pranamat:https://pranamat.com/af/lnkbeapx?coup...10% off code ashleybArmra colostrum:https://tryarmra.com/ASHLEYBUCKNER15% off code ASHLEYBUCKNERCozy Confidence:10% off ashleyb https://www.cozyconfidence.com?aff=395&staycozy

Disclaimer: This podcast is for education & entertainment purposes only & is not a form of psychotherapy, counseling, or healthcare of any kind.Getting really vulnerable and open on the pod today. Doing a boudoir shoot was so much more than a Valentine’s Day gift for my husband—it was a reclaiming of my body in a way I had never seen before. More than just taking photos, it was an opportunity to witness myself with love, power, and softness all at once.Kacee (https://www.keekboudoir.com) creates an incredibly safe space to embrace your sensuality, capturing women in a way that is both powerful and deeply affirming. This experience was healing in ways I never expected, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.Pranamat:https://pranamat.com/af/lnkbeapx?coupon=ashleyb10% off code ashleybArmra colostrum:https://tryarmra.com/ASHLEYBUCKNER15% off code ASHLEYBUCKNERCozy Confidence:10% off ashleyb https://www.cozyconfidence.com?aff=395&staycozy

Disclaimer: This podcast is for education & entertainment purposes only & is not a form of psychotherapy, counseling, or healthcare of any kind.Pranamat:https://pranamat.com/af/lnkbeapx?coupon=ashleyb10% off code ashleybArmra colostrum:https://tryarmra.com/ASHLEYBUCKNER15% off code ASHLEYBUCKNERIf you listen to just one episode of Sunflower Movement Podcast, let it be this one. I had the honor of speaking with Alice, whose experience growing up Mormon in Brazil is one the world needs to hear. From the colonization of her people to the racism she endured and the feelings of never being good enough, to finding profound healing through motherhood and embracing the culture she once lost, Alice’s story moved me to tears more than once.Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of reclaiming your voice. I hope it inspires you as much as it inspired me.

In this episode, I'm joined by Gavin, aka G Money, one of my high school boyfriends from my Mormon upbringing. Gavin was the person my younger self felt safest with during a time when my worth felt tied to marriage and external expectations. This conversation was one our 16- and 17-year-old selves desperately needed. It’s raw, reflective, and deeply healing, a rare opportunity to revisit the past with compassion and understanding. Join us as we explore themes of safety, connection, and growth, and take a nostalgic look at some hilarious throwback moments, including Gavin’s missionary dictionary. Disclaimer: This podcast is for education & entertainment purposes only & is not a form of psychotherapy, counseling, or healthcare of any kind. Sunflowers bloom in the most unexpected places & they adjust to remain connected to the sun. Metaphorically, sunflower movements as experiences with people, places, and moments where we feel seen, heard, & believed. This is Sunflower Movement - a community for your authentic stories. Additionally, this podcast is an opportunity to anonymously ask, tell, & share anything with a licensed therapist & trauma specialist: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyhCIkaICxOy3RG-WuBgfgDzIRwhK0_UjKljIboYjAPkRe1w/viewform

Happy New Year! In this special episode of Sunflower Movement Podcast, I welcome 2025 with you. I share some life updates, reflect on the past year, and finally dive into submissions from the community that I’ve been eager to address. Plus, I open up about why I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions, spoiler alert: I’m all about setting intentions instead. Tune in to kick off the year with me. Disclaimer: This podcast is for education & entertainment purposes only & is not a form of psychotherapy, counseling, or healthcare of any kind. Sunflowers bloom in the most unexpected places & they adjust to remain connected to the sun. Metaphorically, sunflower movements as experiences with people, places, and moments where we feel seen, heard, & believed. This is Sunflower Movement - a community for your authentic stories. Additionally, this podcast is an opportunity to anonymously ask, tell, & share anything with a licensed therapist & trauma specialist: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyhCIkaICxOy3RG-WuBgfgDzIRwhK0_UjKljIboYjAPkRe1w/viewform

Welcome to Sunflower Movement! This is a podcast for your authentic stories. Together we will explore a variety of personal experiences about mental health, trauma, religious trauma, faith deconstruction, nervous system regulation, & all that the healing process encompasses. Hosted by Ashley Buckner, Licensed Therapist & Brainspotting Practitioner in Utah and California. In this episode I sit down with Rashell Stubbs, CMHC, to dive into thought-provoking community submissions. Together, we explore real-life stories, questions, and insights shared by our listeners, offering compassionate perspectives and actionable advice. Join us as we unpack the themes that matter most to our community, reminding us all of the strength we find in shared experiences. Disclaimer: This podcast is for education & entertainment purposes only & is not a form of psychotherapy, counseling, or healthcare of any kind. Sunflowers bloom in the most unexpected places & they adjust to remain connected to the sun. Metaphorically, sunflower movements as experiences with people, places, and moments where we feel seen, heard, & believed. This is Sunflower Movement - a community for your authentic stories. Additionally, this podcast is an opportunity to anonymously ask, tell, & share anything with a licensed therapist & trauma specialist: (LINK) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyhCIkaICxOy3RG-WuBgfgDzIRwhK0_UjKljIboYjAPkRe1w/viewform

In this episode of the Sunflower Movement podcast, I sit down with Aimee Mortensen, a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Certified Sex Therapist, to explore the powerful intersections of grief, closure, and sexuality. We discuss navigating sexuality within the context of high-control religion, sharing how oppression and trauma impact how we approach the topic of sexuality. We discuss how grief impacts emotional and physical intimacy, the path toward closure, and the ways sexual empowerment can be a profound act of healing and reclamation. This real and personal conversation challenges cultural norms, unpacks religious control, and explores how embracing vulnerability can lead to freedom and self-discovery. 🌻 Join me for an eye-opening discussion on reclaiming the most authentic version of yourself Aimee Mortensen: Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified Sex Therapist Learn more about Aimee's work: https://worth-it.com Connect with Aimee on social media: Instagram: @therapyaimee @worthitcounselingcoaching Resources she talked about: Books: It’s not the stork: https://a.co/d/e9yXY06 For goodness sex - https://a.co/d/7t68YUA Girls and sex - https://a.co/d/0CZPhJt Boys and sex - https://a.co/d/18IHvaN Disclaimer: This podcast is for education & entertainment purposes only. I am a licensed therapist, but unless you have a signed consent form with me, I am not your therapist. This platform is not a form of psychotherapy, counseling, or healthcare of any kind. Sunflowers bloom in the most unexpected places & they adjust to remain connected to the sun. Metaphorically, I define these sunflower movements as experiences with people, places, and moments where we feel seen, heard, & believed. This is Sunflower Movement - a community where people are able to show up authentically. Additionally, this podcast is an opportunity to ask, tell, & share anything with me, a licensed therapist & trauma specialist. Together I, along with my guests, will explore a variety of personal stories about mental health, trauma, religious trauma, relationships, nervous system regulation, spirituality, & all that the healing process encompasses. https://pranamat.com/eshop?coup. Use code: ashleyb The link to submit an ask/tell/share anything anonymously: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyhCIkaICxOy3RG-WuBgfgDzIRwhK0_UjKljIboYjAPkRe1w/viewform