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Philosophy

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Feb 20, 2024

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This week we were asked to look at Sexual orientation, note three elements that help to deepen our understanding of working with these individuals, and how this is significant for our understanding as counselors in training. For me, this has been one of those topics that I have given a lot of thought towards, on how to properly address situations that can be brought to me as a counselor. As a Christian I look at everyone equally, but I know there is a lot more to it than just that. There were many interesting themes that one can take away from the material covered in this week's lesson in regards to Counselors working with Christians struggling with unwanted same-sex attractions. Understanding that people who are coming to you as a counselor are not always there to discuss their sexual orientation is important. Just because someone is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, does not mean they just want to focus on that or hear how they can change it. As a counselor you need to be a safe space for any and every client that comes to you. We should build trust with our clients and want to understand them. For my first element, the text by Hays and Erford, states that individuals who are LGB seek counseling more frequently than the general population but they report greater dissatisfaction with their services. It is important to work to develop that counselor-client relationship. A Counselor should ask the client how they prefer to be addressed and use the client's language. As a counselor you should also aim to make your client feel comfortable in the setting. Culturally competent counselors will work to reduce heterosexism in the counseling practice. It is also important to not assume the individual is seeking counseling for the sole purpose of their sexual orientation. They have other issues in their life like heterosexual individuals such as marriage or family issues (2018). Secondly, I particularly found the video interview Sexual Identity in Professional Counseling Practice Dr. Fernando Garzon did, with Dr. Mark Yarhouse is very helpful. I like how he speaks of the three lenses: integrity, disability, and diversity that people generally see this issue through. He states that when we look at it through these lenses, we tend to pass judgment. It made me think, we need to learn to look at every issue through God's lens of love. John 3:16 , For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (NIV, 2011). This really goes to show that all of the judgment humans can place on others is unwarranted. God made us all equal and we are all loved equally by the Lord. My third element is the fact that this community experiences hate crimes sometimes by the church or the person calling themselves a Christian. As a Christian, this is one of the ways we can turn people away from God. I believe we are not supposed to bend God's word to suit our needs, circumstances, culture, or environment. A Christian can keep all of their values, convictions, and honor God, and still want what is best for the client, and treat them with the same respect as anyone else. References American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics. 2014 ACA Code of Ethics (counseling.org). Garzon, F. & Yarhouse, M. (n.d.) Sexual Identity in Professional Counseling Practice. [Video] Liberty University. Watch: Sexual Identity in Professional Counseling Practice: COUC504: Multicultural Counseling (B68) (liberty.edu).

Hays, D. G., & Erford, B. T. (2018). Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (3Ed.) Pearson. New International Version (2011). BibleGateway. John 3:16 NIV - For God so loved the world that he gave - Bible Gateway. ( 1973).

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