Attitudes and Beliefs Reflection 1
Benchmark Attitudes and Beliefs Reflection Paper
Kati Bland
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Attitudes and Beliefs Reflection 2
Abstract
Counselors play a pivotal role in facilitating the emotional well-being and personal growth of
clients. In this process, counselors should acknowledge their own personal beliefs, their origins,
and how these values may influence their professional practice, especially when working with
diverse populations and various mental health concerns. Understanding the origins of these
beliefs is crucial, as it sheds light on why counselors hold values and how these values are
integrated into their counseling practice. By recognizing the roots of their beliefs, counselors can
develop greater self-awareness, allowing them to separate personal values from professional
responsibilities. The following essay describes three items from the Attitudes and Beliefs
Inventory that I found to be the most difficult to answer, how my personal values influence the
answers to the inventory, and ways that I can improve professionally.
Keywords: Christian, counselor, etc.
Attitudes and Beliefs Reflection 3
Reaction
After completing the Attitudes and Beliefs Inventory, I have become aware of the
potential conflict that my personal beliefs and core values may have on my ability to provide
counseling services. The inventory provided various scenarios in which I may be required to
counsel clients with opposing beliefs or severe mental health concerns. The first item on the
inventory spoke of a gay or lesbian couple wanting to adopt a child. My reaction to this specific
item was an immediate level of comfortability. Counselors, like all individuals, have personal
beliefs and values, which may be shaped by their religious faith. I personally would not be able
to council a client with such a desire due to my Christian beliefs, which are in great opposition of
homosexual relationships. This item demanded such a strong response from me because the
scenario is no longer simply two adults in a same-sex relationship, rather, a child has now been
included. While it's important for counselors to acknowledge their personal beliefs, they are
ethically obligated to set them aside in favor of their clients' well-being and autonomy (Bayne, et
al., 2021). The difficulty in this case would be that I must choose to either stick to my
convictions and disregard my ethical responsibility to the client or deviate from my morals and
disobey God. The second item that evoked a strong reaction from me was a scenario in which a
man convicted of pedophilia is court-ordered to receive counseling. Counseling a pedophile is
challenging for any mental health professional, regardless of their religious beliefs. However, as
a Christian counselor there are additional emotional and ethical complexities due to my faith. As
I read the item, I felt conflicted about how to reconcile my religious beliefs with my professional
duty to provide non-judgmental and ethical care. In contrast, Biblical doctrine calls me to help all
who are lost no matter what the sin may entail. Hebrews 13:16 says, “And do not forget to do
good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased (The New Living
Attitudes and Beliefs Reflection 4
Translation, 2011).” Although a pedophile's actions are incompatible with Christian moral and
ethical principles which creates a significant moral dilemma on my part, I would miss the
opportunity to influence goodness and exemplify the same love and kindness that Christ showed
man. I would feel conflicted about how to reconcile my religious beliefs with my professional
duty to provide non-judgmental and ethical care; however, a different perspective might say that
my duty to God is equivalent to my professional duty to overlook differences and offer help
where help is needed. Even with an optimistic frame of mind, there are still challenges and
boundaries that I am inclined to obey according to the code of ethics. If the man is court-ordered
to receive counseling, then that does not mean for certain that the convicted pedophile is seeking
to change on his own accord. The third item on the inventory that I struggled to answer was a
scenario about a man who was recently released from prison after serving a sentence for charges
of rape. This hypothetical is a highly sensitive and emotionally charged area of therapy, as it
involves working with individuals who have committed a violent and harmful act. My first
insinuation is that counseling a rapist presents a significant moral and ethical dilemma regardless
of what religious beliefs are held by the counselor. Rape is a grave crime that causes profound
harm to the victim, and it goes against core ethical principles of promoting well-being and
preventing harm. My primary reason for lacking comfortability is due to physical safety. I will
not be able to provide my best services if I feel as though harm may be brought onto me by my
client. Another struggle I have with this scenario is acquiring the motivation to help the
individual. I would be aware of the long-term pain and trauma that the client’s former victims
have and continue to endure; furthermore, I would have great difficulty expressing sympathy
toward the client. Counseling a rapist can also have a profound emotional and psychological
impact. I would personally require that robust self-care strategies and support systems be in
Attitudes and Beliefs Reflection 5
place. Setting aside comfortability, my Christian beliefs would support the notion of helping
rehabilitate the man in this scenario. James 4:12 says, “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he
who can save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor (The New Living Translation,
2011)?” Regardless of the type of sin, the Lord is still able to show love and compassion toward
His children. If I were to provide counsel to a former rapist, I would need to focus on not what he
has done, but who he can become. Unfortunately, the scenario does not mention whether the man
is determined to change his behavior; however, this detail would make the difference to whether
I am willing to help. My ultimate struggle regarding each of these inventory items does not lie
with what the client has done, rather, my struggle is solely based on the client’s perception of
their actions. Counseling someone that does not acknowledge the behavior as being bad or
harmful would mean that they are not open to change; therefore, my ability to allocate services
would be limited or nonexistent.
Response
I grew up in a family deeply rooted in Christian beliefs. My parents were devout Christians, and
from an early age, they instilled in me the values of love, compassion, and faith.
As a child, my life was framed by church services, Sunday school, and family prayers. I learned
about the life of Jesus and His teachings, and these stories became a source of inspiration. My
parents encouraged me to be kind to others, to help those in need, and to always turn to God for
guidance. As I grew older, my Christian upbringing continued to shape my perspective on life. I
had a strong moral compass that guided all my decisions. I believed in forgiveness,
understanding, and treating everyone with respect, regardless of their background or beliefs. In
my teenage years, I faced the usual challenges of adolescence – peer pressure, academic stress,
and the search for identity. My faith provided me with a sense of purpose and stability during
Attitudes and Beliefs Reflection 6
these turbulent times. I often turned to prayer for strength and clarity. When I started to attend
college, my Christian values influenced my choice of major. I decided to study psychology, with
the hope of making a positive impact on the lives of others. I felt a deep calling to help those in
need, to be a beacon of hope for those who had lost their way. In college, my faith was tested as I
encountered diverse beliefs and lifestyles. I met people from various cultural backgrounds, some
with different faiths and others who identified as non-believers. Instead of shunning them, I
chose to engage in open and respectful dialogues. I found that my Christian beliefs served as a
bridge, allowing me to connect with people from different walks of life. After graduating, I
became a qualified mental health professional, working with troubled youth. My upbringing had
given me a unique perspective. I saw each person as a child of God, deserving of love and a
second chance. I often shared aspects of my faith with the young people he worked with, hoping
that this might provide them with a source of strength and motivation. As I journey into
adulthood, I will continue to live by the Christian principles instilled in me during my
upbringing. I find joy in helping others, and my unwavering faith guides me through the ups and
downs of life. I will remain an advocate for kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, leaving a
trail of positivity in my wake. In the end, my Christian beliefs shape me into a compassionate,
empathetic, and resilient individual. My faith is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life,
influencing my decisions, actions, and interactions with others. Through my faith, I have
discovered the power of love and the importance of making the world a better place for all.
Action
Christian counselors, like their secular counterparts, often find themselves working with
clients who hold opposing beliefs or worldviews. In this diverse and pluralistic world, the role of
a Christian counselor is to provide effective, ethical, and client-centered care while respecting the
Attitudes and Beliefs Reflection 7
individual beliefs of each client. To improve professionally in this context, I can embrace
strategies that help me navigate these complex waters with grace, empathy, and skill. One of the
fundamental steps towards professional growth as a Christian counselor is self-awareness. I
know that I must understand my own beliefs and biases and recognize how these may influence
my counseling approach. Self-awareness paves the way for cultural competence, enabling the
counselor to navigate differing belief systems with humility and respect. This approach involves
gaining knowledge about different belief systems, customs, and practices, allowing the counselor
to better connect with clients from diverse backgrounds (Bulmer et al., 2022). I can also enhance
my professional growth by honing my communication skills. Active listening is crucial when
working with clients of opposing beliefs. This type of listening means giving full attention to the
client's perspective without judgment or immediate response (Bayne, et al., 2021). Open, non-
confrontational communication fosters trust and understanding, allowing the counselor to
provide more effective care. Professional development for a Christian counselor often involves
seeking out multicultural training. This type of education includes courses, workshops, or self-
directed learning that focus on cultural sensitivity, religious diversity, and the practice of
counseling within a pluralistic context (Darmawani, et al., 2021). I could benefit from engaging
in more experiences that provide valuable insights into the beliefs and experiences of clients with
opposing views. Maintaining ethical boundaries and neutrality is of utmost importance. To avoid
imposing my beliefs on clients and refraining from making value judgments, I would like to
practice focusing on the well-being and autonomy of the client. Lastly, working with clients of
opposing beliefs can be emotionally challenging. I would like to learn how to prioritize self-care
and resilience-building strategies. Some offered suggestions for self-care include meditation,
prayer, supervision, and regular support from a faith community, to maintain my emotional well-
Attitudes and Beliefs Reflection 8
being (Frost & Gardner, 2022). All of these action-based approaches ensure that therapeutic
practice is guided by the principles of empathy, respect, and ethical integrity, which are essential
for both personal and professional development in the field of counseling.
Attitudes and Beliefs Reflection 9
References
Bayne, H. B., Harness, L., Kane, B., & Warfield, M. (2021). Christian counselors and affirmative
counseling of lesbian and gay clients. Journal of Counseling and Development, 99(1), 60-
71. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12354
Bulmer, L., Stanley, C., Loffredo, L., Mills, R., & Doyle, L. (2022). Building a foundation in
self‐awareness: Genetic counseling students’ experiences with self‐care, reflection, and
mindfulness. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 31(3), 722-
734. https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.1539
Darmawani, E., Suryahadikusumah, A. R., Nurlela, N., & Surtiyoni, E. (2021). Contribution of
religious moderation among multicultural counseling competence. Jurnal Konseling Dan
Pendidikan, 9(4), 338-342. https://doi.org/10.29210/167100
Frost, L., & Gardner, D. (2022). Maintaining balance for christian counsellors when work is a
calling. The Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling, 76(1), 48-
55. https://doi.org/10.1177/15423050211068446
The New Living Translation Version of the Bible. E-book edition, Tyndale House Foundation,
2011.
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