Do you think counseling will help the homosexual client?
I surmise that spiritual counseling will help the homosexual client in a vast amount of ways. Spiritual counseling help the client cope with and resolve emotional concerns. The counselor can provide a place of tranquility, where the client can converse about all the problems that has imprisoned the client's mental stability.
My suggestion would be to help the homosexual client cope with being homosexual and build upon their mental fortitude and mental foundation. Furthermore, I would build upon the idea of the client practicing safe sex and ask the client are they in a healthy home environment. It is imperative that the client is utilizing the proper protection, to protect themselves
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In addition, I would let the client know, that there is help out tailored to their needs. Example: If a client is musing (thinking) about suicide or distress, I would submit to the client the number to the help hotline. The hotline is a crisis text and phone 24/7 hotline for confidential text messages and phone conversation to service those individuals who are/were engaged in a crisis. The (800) 273-8255 Hotline helps to prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and gives out crisis resources for the people and their friends and families. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), "members of the LGBTQ community are more likely than members of the general population to attempt and complete suicide and experience difficulty with mental health issues."[3] As a Christian, personally I do not find myself struggling with how to address a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community, because I literally look at all human beings as equals. As a spiritual counselor, it is essential to understand each homosexual client's terms of sexuality. The "LGBTQ" is a title or label, and does not define their character, purpose, or …show more content…
I will continue to treat all my brothers and sisters with the utmost respect, grace, and dignity. I have three cousins that are gay and that of which, one of them met his early demise at the age of 20. No one is perfect and we all fall short of the Glory of God, the Almighty hence, we were born in sin and will continue to sin (Romans 3:23). It is my devoir to emulate Jesus' behaviors and accept everyone as they are. Bednar’s declares that, “Pastoral counseling tends to help people adjust to the stresses of daily living and to deal effectively with inner conflict through the application of biblical wisdom” stresses the personal approach from the wisdom of God.[4] The Holy Spirit will continue to influence my mental capacity and strength, thus I guide the the client to a place pure
Incorporating religion and spirituality into counseling from a counselor’s perspective can be intimidating. According to the authors Gladding and Newsome (2014) counselors avoid incorporating religion and spirituality into counseling due to the fear of “violating ethical guidelines by imposing personal values on clients” (Gladding & Newsome, 2014 p. 174). To address the issues related to incorporating religion and spirituality in counseling, the Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC) developed a list of six competencies to assist professionals. These six competencies are Culture and Worldview, Counselor self-awareness, Human and Spiritual
As well as, remembering that mental health may or may not play a role in these conflicts. The counselor must first assess his or her own views regarding sexuality. Working with clients apart of the LGBT culture, the counselor should not consider homosexuality unnatural or immoral. A counselor has the skills necessary to create a positive and nonjudgmental environment, and will not feel uncomfortable discussing issues related to homosexuality. It’s important for counselors to support clients in the coming out process at a pace that is healthy for them. Also, to help the LBGT individual identify who they are, and assist in developing their coping skills. With the help of support groups and the counselor, many conflicts can be resolved (Sue & Sue,
The number of gays and lesbians in the U.S. is estimated to be approximately 8.8 million (randomhistory.com) About thirty-three percent of Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender commit suicide each year. At least fifty-two percent self-harm (dosomethinng.com). Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender are mistreated and misunderstood. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender are treated inhumanely which causes them to go into a deep depression, self-harm, or even commit suicide. LGBT are humans, not just some creature from another world (personal).
There are many issues that interfere with the health and happiness of those within the Gay and Lesbian community. The National Association Position Statement on Gays and Lesbians is as attempt to abolish such issues within the social work practice. One place that individuals of any sexual orientation practice should feel safe is with those who have chosen the field of social work as a means to helping the oppressed. Social workers must be aware of their own personal beliefs and values when it comes to the fear of and the misrepresentation of working with this divers group. The consequences of not dealing with such issues and may have a latent manifest in dealing with the Gay and Lesbian population, and if not addressed prior to working in this field, maybe devastating to a client.
As I reflect on spiritual disciplines it is easy for me to look at them and weed out the ones that I do not think apply to me and the ones that I am drawn towards. But as I press into God and ask him what he sees fit and what I need more of, the picture begins to looks different than what I thought I saw before. Since I am so obviously human, I would rather see my life through a different more accurate lens than one that is tainted and imperfect like those of my human eyes. When I look at my life spiritually it is easy for me to see the spiritual disciplines that just come naturally to me such as worship and service. Since I know that those are areas of my faith that I thrive in, I tend to gravitate towards those to try and satisfy my spiritual life but I leave other parts to suffer. I want to gain better understanding of my faith and ultimately cultivate a deeper relationship with the Father.
There is a great need for knowledgeable and skilled counsellors to effectively work with our queer community. According to the American Psychological Association (2012), studies have shown that graduate students and early career therapists report inadequate education and training in queer issues. Research is needed in how to integrate current information about queer issues throughout graduate training and professional practice including what resources are most effective. Coulter and France (2013) echo that it is imperative graduate programmes be infused with education around queer issues.
finding the problems and circumstances must always lead to the scriptures and allow the client to see the work of God being uplifted in the situation
The mental health of individuals in the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) community is something that is a serious problem. For most of the history of the United States and many different parts of the world LGBT people faced much persecution and in some cases even death. This constant fear of discovery and the pressure that one feels on oneself when “in the closet” can lead to major mental distress. Research has shown that people who identify as LGBT are twice as likely to develop lifetime mood and anxiety disorders (Bostwick 468). This is extremely noticeable the past couple years in the suicides of bullied teens on the basis of sexual identity and expression. The stigma on simply being perceived as LGBT is strong enough to cause a person enough mental stress that they would take their own life. This is always unfortunate, but in the case of young individuals it borders on unthinkable. Older LGBT individuals do not tend to fair much better either seeing as they were raised in generations who were stricter on what was considered proper and morally right. All this being said, even as the culture of the world shifts to more accepting LGBT individuals their mental health is something that is only now being looked at thoroughly.
Today, many technologies have been invented to make treatments for patient illnesses easier and much more efficient. Nurses required to perform the skills they learn throughout their life to provide care for their patient. Although the primary focus of nursing is to provide treatment for patient illnesses, spiritual care in the intensive care unit has proven to show better health outcomes. Patient in intensive care often experiences spiritual distress, which potentially affects then help or worsen their conditions. It is crucial for the nurse to understand patient needs to provide a proper care plan for the patient.
On the down side there are a limited number of educational programs that adequately deal with the issue of incorporating religion and spirituality in therapeutic/counseling settings. This can be attributed to the fact that counseling is based in psychology, a scientific field, which has traditionally neglected issues of a spiritual nature (Nelson, Kirk, Ane, & Serres, 2011) as well as the practice used within the United States to separate education and religion (Cashwell and Young, 2011). This then results in a significant portion of therapist and counselors who are not prepared to address the issue of spirituality and religion with their clients. One would think that with the value many Americans place on the topic of religion and spirituality that there would come a time when a client would want to address this topic during his or her session.
The shepherd and sheep relationship is the best illustration for the relationship between pastor and parishioners. When Jesus asked Simon Peter does he love him three times and said to him “Feed my sheep”, the shepherd and flock relationship has been set. Since Jesus is our good shepherd (Jn. 10:11a), he laid out a good example for us to follow - to lay down his life for the sheep. (Jn. 10:11b) Thus, the wellness of both in and out of the parishioners should always be the concern in the pastors’ hearts. Soul care for the people is essential. Christian friendship is the foundation of Christian soul care. Pastoral ministry including preaching, teaching, and worship forms the broad context of pastoral counseling. Pastoral care is within pastoral ministry but broader than pastoral counseling. God’s love is the source and motivation. Within the pastoral care, there are spiritual direction and pastoral
Spiritual health is the capacity and ability to seek, experience, and express meaning and purpose in our lives often through love, hope, gratitude, forgiveness, peace, and community in order to enjoy a sense of the Sacred (as you understand it). Spiritual health provides the sense that life is meaningful and has a purpose and is defined by the ethics, morals and values that guide you and give meaning and direction to your life.
Spiritual formation is one subject that I like to discuss in that it really helps one reflect on their own spiritual journey and where they are in that journey. The devil wants to steal, kill, and destroy any step forward towards God. He is not after anything tangible that we possess, rather, he is only after our faith in God and belief in Jesus. Knowing this is part of our spiritual journey as fighting against the enemy requires spiritual warfare in which the only one that can help is Jesus. A transformation in our character to be like Jesus is essential to our spiritual growth. This cannot be done without being intentional with our time, finances, and disciplines.
I would not force my client into talking if they aren't ready but discuss when their comfortable whenever they are ready in disclosing. Since I am aware of my background of suicidal and know what could be done to help those with suicidal tendencies I would do everything I can to help my client feel protected and safe. I would ask my client more about them and find out if their situation because I would not want them at risk of harm. Therefore, my awareness and reflection will not influence my work with a client that is suicidal. I will strive to assist helping the client to make sure they are not harming themselves, when did the suicidal thoughts begin, do they have a safety plan created, who they have in their support system, and what they can describe to me they like to do as their interests. All of this would be beneficial to me when assisting the client when finding out that they are suicidal since they are the one at risk of harm. I would try not put my influences of my past assist working with the client. Since I truly believe that each one person that comes in that seeks help deserves a chance turn their life around. Also, I wouldn't want them to feel that their personal experiences of religion and culture will intervene with our relationship when they disclose to me that they feel this
According to Hutchison (2015), “religion is symbolic patterns that consists of values, beliefs, behaviors and experiences” (p. 184). I personal conceptualize spirituality as a vital role in my life that helps me during a time of sickness, forgiveness, and needed guidance. Spirituality helps guide me throughout life during the difficult times I have encountered. Spirituality impacts my life in positive ways that influence and regulate my behavior and health. Health is very important to me; I believe the spirit can heal a person from their sickness. It seems that the spirit heals me every time I pray to be healed from sickness. The spirit gives me strength at a time of weakness. When I feel at my lowest point in life I call on the spirit to pick