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Essay: Cultures and Worldviews
Every single person is unique in and of themselves, but when from a completely different
cultural background, ethnicity, etc., barriers can appear, making it more difficult to understand,
empathize, and even work with those who are different. Within the counseling setting, it is of
upmost importance that professionals are culturally competent, having the ability to work with
others who are culturally different from themselves. However, it is important to note that
developing a sensitivity and understanding toward different cultures and those a part of them,
their concerns, feelings, and needs, begin the cultural competency journey (Sanders, 2013). Not
only is it important for professional counselors to implement multicultural counseling into their
practice, but it is also important that one furthers their education as the multicultural world
continues to grow, shift, and change.
Key Psychosocial Issues
Around this time of year, the world begins to really push for and celebrate the people who
are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging their perseverance and the pursuit of their
“true identity.” While these people have grown to be more and more accepted by the nation and
the world around them, there are groups still that continue to push back against this population’s
lifestyle, truths, and beliefs. Needless to say, these ideals, morals, and values create a lot of
conflict and division between this specific group of LGBTQ+ people and the groups around them
who have different beliefs, morals, and values. Of course, these issues should be addressed
within the counseling setting when working with a client a part of this community or even
directly involved, offering a healthy balance of guidance, support, and challenge (Nowaskie &
Sowinski, 2018). It has been made clear that those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community
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tend to have significant mental health issues, leading to high rates of suicide and suicide attempts
within this people group (Worrell et al., 2022).
Key Therapeutic Approaches
Along with the extreme issue of mental health crisis, members of this community
oftentimes have a difficult time finding adequate mental health care for themselves. This, of
course, is an issue in and of itself, especially considering the high rates of declining mental
health among these people. Unfortunately, it is expressed and emphasized that not many health
care providers, especially those in the counseling fields, are adequately and properly trained to
work with and counsel the members of this community (Nowaskie & Sowinski, 2018; Worrell et
al., 2022). Oftentimes, this leads to the attempt to find informal mental health support in the
company of their peers, partners, family members, roommates, etc., which in turn can cause
damage to these relationships, especially due to the fact that these people are not equipped with
the tools and methods to give serious, professional mental health counsel and support. There is a
dire need for more qualified professionals to help the members of this community in the midst of
this mental health crisis. Those who are qualified, skilled, and equipped to provide mental health
counseling need to broaden their horizons, continuing in their education and research in order to
help people from all communities.
Personal Reflection
As someone who is pursuing an education in Christian counseling, I do understand and
acknowledge what the Bible, God’s word, says about marriage, identity, and even Himself. I
understand that all people were created in the image of Almighty God, that He is perfect and
makes no mistakes, that we are all sinners and in the need of a Savior, and that we are here for a
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divine purpose and plan (Christian Standard Bible, 2017, Genesis 1:27, Numbers 23:19,
Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 18:30, Psalm 139: 14-15, Proverbs 16:4, Proverbs 19:21, Jeremiah
29:11, Matthew 5:48, Romans 3:23-24). For me, personally, it would be a challenge to work with
someone from this community because of our conflicting beliefs of what the truth is. I never
want to purposefully and insensitively hurt anyone, but I do understand that the truth oftentimes
is uncomfortable and offensive to hear, and I would not encourage anyone to continue down a
path that I know creates more pain and anguish, and eventually leading to destruction. This is not
just equated to the LGBTQ+ community, but working with anyone who is going through a
mental health crisis would be extremely difficult in the sense that it would be hard for me to
leave work at work and not bringing it home, not allowing these difficult topics and challenges to
affect me personally. Despite the differing worldviews, values, and beliefs, I do believe it is
important for all mental health and counseling professionals to be trained and educated on
treating and helping the members of the LGBTQ+ community, even those who are Christians.
After all, the people a part of this community are still people who are just as in need of a Savior.
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References
Christian Standard Bible. (2017). Holman Bible Publishers.
Nowaskie, D. Z., Sowinski, J. S. (2018). Primary Care Providers’ Attitudes, Practices, and
Knowledge in Treating LGBTQ Communities. Journal of Homosexuality, 66(13), 1927-
1947. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2018.1519304
Sanders, R.K. (2013).JChristian Counseling EthicsJ(2nd ed.). Independent Publishers Group
(Chicago Review Press). https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9780830895984
Worrell, S., Waling, A., Anderson, J., Lyons, A., Pepping, C. A., & Bourne, A. (2022). The
Nature and Impact of Informal Mental Health Support in an LGBTQ Context: Exploring
Peer Roles and Their Challenges. Sexuality Research & Social Policy, 19(4), 1586-1597.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00681-9
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