DB 3

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Liberty University *

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502

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Communications

Date

Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by jrjohnson9

Today, it has become apparent that the LGBTQ community is as relevant as ever. It has been over-presented on social media, television, schools, and many other methods of communication. The influence it has on society is incredibly powerful. However, many individuals are genuinely perplexed with their identity. After reading and watching materials this week concerning gender and sexual orientation within the counseling world, I became aware of the challenge, struggle, and anxiety of someone who experiences same-sex attraction. As a counselor with a Christian worldview, we may come across a client who is dealing with this issue. To deepen my understanding of working with these individuals, it is vital to have the ability to understand the relevant terms and constructs associated with sexual and affectional orientations and evaluate the mental, physical, and social impact it has on the LGBTQ community while understanding how it intersects with demographics. This element helps distinguish the various types of sexual identities and how to define sexual orientation. This element also acknowledges suicidality and depression they endure, noting important statistics of how they are “7 times more likely to attempt suicide and are overrepresented in the number of completed suicides (Erford & Hays, 2023).” Lastly, this element can help explore the impact of these individuals' relationship status and family issues and how they affect them mentally. Another element that will deepen my understanding of working with these individuals would involve engaging in conversations with members of the LGBTQ community. Although it is important to research them, it is just as essential to hear them speak about their journey and influences personally. Common trends and developments can be found when observing and listening to them. For instance, noting a correlation between child abuse and gender dysmorphia has been a key competency in the lives of someone challenged with same-sex attraction (Thoma et al., 2021). A final element that would deepen my understanding of working with these individuals is treating them respectfully and compassionately. As counselors, we are intended to be a source of light in the lives of people who need help finding it. Therefore, we must take Jesus' advice, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself " (Matthew 22:39).” In closing, the three elements introduced in this discussion are an ideal method to help me understand the individuals' conflict regarding same- sex attraction. These elements help me recognize that although I do not necessarily support the LGBTQ ideology, many individuals in this community mean well, and I have a duty as a Christian counselor to help guide them and have their needs met to promote and prolong their mental well-being. I also understand that much of their upbringing was negatively influenced and that there is more to the story than portrayed. Ultimately, I can be a seed that sparks growth in their path to Christ.

References: Erford, B. T. & Hays, D. G. (2023). Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach. Pearson Education Inc . Matthew 22:39 . English Standard Version Bible . (2022). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/ Links to an external site. Thoma, B. C., Rezeppa, T. L., Choukas-Bradley, S., Salk, R. H., & Marshal, M. P. (2021). Disparities in Childhood Abuse Between Transgender and Cisgender Adolescents. Pediatrics , 148 (2), e2020016907. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-016907 Links to an external site.

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DB 3

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