Running head: REACTION PAPER 1
Reaction Paper
Wanda Y. Gonzalez
Liberty University
REACTION PAPER 2
Abstract
This reaction paper will not only summarize the chapter read but will also show the reflections
and actions I will take in the future as a professional counselor. This paper will express how I
reacted to the learnings of the sexual minority client. Multiculturalism within the LGTBQ
community will be discussed and evaluated from a Christian counselor stand point. Also,
discussed will be the “change of orientation” concerns I have regarding this type of practice. The
affirmation approach will also be further discussed. Implementations of certain techniques,
approaches, and theories will also be discussed as part of my future career as a professional
counselor towards the clients I will be receiving.
Keywords: Reactions, LGTBQ, sexual, minority
REACTION PAPER 3
Summarize
First, this chapter begins with sharing its focus which was “the treatment of persons who
are struggling with same-sex attractions or a homosexual orientation” (Sanders, 2013, pg. 251).
Sexual minorities, contrary to belief, do not go to counseling for “change” of sexual orientation,
but rather for other concerns such as: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, sexual dysfunctions,
interpersonal conflicts and so much more. Despite Christian beliefs and values, this chapter urges
Christian clinicians to apply ethical principles outside of their values and morals for the safety of
others welfare. The welfare and respect of client well-being is what is most crucial when dealing
with client autonomy. Along with that comes a competency level that all counselors should be
pursuing.
Changes of sexual orientation was discussed and brought out that there are two main
approaches to this: professional therapy and paraprofessional/religious ministry. Studies have
shown that change of orientation rates of positive outcomes have been 30%. Critics point out,
however, that what is needed are prospective, longitudinal studies and greater consistency as well
as whether there is a risk of harm.
Multiculturalism places emphasis on understanding and appreciating clients’ unique
differences, is an integral portion of the ethical practice and competence working with sexual
minority clients. Christian therapists, while sensitive and appreciative of others’ differences, still
have difficulties arise as far as competency in this area. Christians are urged to engage in
dialogue on multiculturalism and keep an open mind and not dismiss different perspectives.
The affirmative approach and gay affirmative approach were distinguished as two
separate approaches. Client-center, identity-focused approaches are encouraged by the APA when
working with sexual minority groups. Examples of client-centered therapies include sexual
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identity therapy. This form of therapy allows the client to live and identify themselves in a way
that is consistent with their beliefs and values regardless of their experiences that may shift in
attractions or orientation.
Disclosure and informed consent are a principle task according to the book. Through a
systematic process, clients that may have multiple influences factors contributing to their
distress, informed consent process can help the client sort through these pressures. It is also
disclosed that it is critical that the client has been informed of all possible options and
consequences. The book lays out a recommended process for this approach which requires five
steps. It is also recommended that the clinician communicate the limitations in current research
on outcomes in therapy. Therapists should also explain to their clients their specific approach and
orientation toward therapy and how it may differ from other treatment options. Therapists are
also encouraged to thoroughly seek for the clients’ motivations for wanting therapy by asking
open-ended questions; allowing them to explain themselves objectively.
Value conflicts and referral were also addressed. It was stated that it was more likely in
instances where differences in political, religious or value issues were central to the presenting
problem that a client would best be referred to someone else. The book brings up a good point by
stating that if the therapist feels that proceeding in therapy with a sexual minority will do more
harm than good, then a referral is likely a responsible course of action.
Recognizing a practice location is also important for a Christian counselor to consider.
Employment in an area where the values and belief system are congruent with the counselor is a
wise decision for everyone involved. Ultimately, the most important concern of a licensed mental
health professional is the client’s welfare.
REACTION PAPER 5
Reflect
This chapter raised many questions and realizations for me. But a few stuck out the most.
One of my realizations was, with all of the LGBTQ era surrounding so many people, of course
Christian counselors would be hit with this growing genre. My next thought was ‘How do
Christian counselors deal with it without being offensive or stay ethically correct’? Another
question I had concerned the “change of orientation” approach that some religious affiliations
own and operate. Are these organizations sanctioned by any counseling or mental health major
organization? If not, how are they allowed to be run without any appropriate supervision or
regulations assigned to them? Also, how are we to truly know that the statistics are correct or
accurate pertaining to the “positive outcomes” these studies are claiming?
I love multiculturalism and am excited to take that course soon! I think that we all have
an obligation as, not just counselors but as people, to get to know how other cultures and races
live and do things according to their beliefs. I feel that we must learn and respect these
differences. This will only encourage and expand one’s practice and clientele. I believe that
pigeonholing is a grave mistake on a counselor’s part. I feel it stops one’s growth, professionally
and spiritually. I think that this technique is vital to all counselors as it also expands our ethical
compass.
Another concept I took from this chapter was the emerging affirmation approach. I feel
this client-centered, identity focused way of therapy is exactly what clinicians need to do. As
Christians, I believe there is a stigmatism towards the same-sex or homosexual community
where people believe that Christians just do not like homosexuals and believe they are going
straight to hell because of their sexuality. But with this type of approach can put an end to all of
that negativity and focus on the client as a person and everything else they have going on instead
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of just their sexuality and feeling judged by that one thing in their life. We have all made
mistakes in our lives and all have sinned. But we have grace and forgiveness that extends further
than we can imagine. We should be able to at least not judge and condemn anyone for their
decisions when they may be at a confusing point in their life or believe a lie the enemy has told
them and turn their life around by showing love, support, empathy and encouragement.
Act
One of the techniques that I will be implementing from this chapter is the one I just spoke
about, the affirmation approach. Respecting all aspects of a sexual minority’s identity will only
increase the trust and openness between the clinician and client. I like the fact that this approach
allows for the client to explore more of their values, beliefs and possible outcomes with the
possibility of sexual orientation change. I agree with this client-centered, identity-focused
approach that will help establish a process of acceptance and affirmation of the client’s
experiences, allowing them to explore their sexual identity to achieve a positive self-concept.
Another concept I will be including into my practice will be client autonomy and self-
determination. It must be of high importance as the major mental health organizations promote
and protect this concept. The book explains how this is achieved through informed consent. It is
stated that this is a principle task as it promotes integrity in order to respect the rights and dignity
of the client. It is through this thorough and systematic process that provides the information the
clinician needs in order to help the client sufficiently. I agree with this model as it encourages the
clinician to inform the client of all of the possible options and consequences that can arise and
therefore, is recommended the clinician give the client a written informed consent as well as
verbally sharing this information with the client.
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One subject that was touched on slightly was the idea of integrity and being honest about
how much a clinician knows and does not know about homosexuality. I feel this is an integral
part of a clinician’s practice when dealing with sexual minorities. If a clinician is not
knowledgeable in the area of homosexuality than it would be in the best interest of the client and
the clinician to move the client along to someone else. I believe this promotes client well-being
and will definitely keep this information at the top of my list as a licensed professional counselor.
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References
Sanders, R. K. (2013). Christian Counseling Ethics A Handbook for Psychologists, Therapists
and Pastors. Westmont: InterVarsity Press.
