Reference no: EM133192515

Please respond to the 2 classmates below. 400 words each post with 2 references.

Original Discussion Post

Discussion Thread: Sexual Orientation

After reading and reviewing the Learn material, reflect upon what you have learned and include pertinent aspects of the material in your response to the following:

The ideas of addressing matters related to gender and/or sexual orientation within a counseling relationship can be an area of challenge, struggle, and anxiety for someone who experiences same-sex attraction. As you consider this week's material, what are three notable elements from the material that helps deepen your understanding of working with these individuals? Share how this information is significant for you in your understanding.

Classmate # 1

Jessica Tillman

Sexual Orientation

This week's reading was so informative, and there are so many things in the chapter that will be helpful when counseling individuals who experience same-sex attraction. The section about LGB affirmative counseling discusses countering the negative societal messages that LGB clients may internalize, affirming the client's LGB identity, and most of all trying to understand the things that are affecting the client that LGB and all of these things are very important as a counselor to practice (Hays & Erford, 2018). The section also discusses ways to advocate for the client and also the community as a whole, but most of making sure that LGB individuals have safe spaces to gather and have a sense of belonging (Hays & Erford, 2018). The section on LGBTQI youths is also very informative, it is important to understand the things that youth go through in exploring their gender and sexual identity, such as rejection from family and friends, being bullied by their peers, and being physically and sexually abused (Hays & Erford, 2018). Also learning how to help clients navigate and cope with these issues will be helpful as a counselor. The section about cultural intersections of sexual orientation was very informative on the different cultures, how they view individuals who identify as LGB,  and what the LGB individuals in the cultures endure due to trying to establish healthy racial and sexual identities. The Morales model will be very helpful in counseling LGB clients of color. As a person, I just love people and try to accept them for who they are, but the reality is that I have more work to do because it is not that simple as a counselor. I need to have more knowledge, I need to take a look at my own assumptions, values, and biases so that I can be self-aware, and not impose them on clients unintentionally or intentionally. Being a Christian, I may not agree with someone else's life choices, but I can still love them and help them. 1 Peter 4:8 tells us that one of the most important things we can do is show each other deep love because love covers a multitude of sins (Bibles, 2013). If I am loving others, then I will want to educate myself as much as possible so that I can be of help to them.

Classmate #2

Rebecca Inman (Becca)

Manage Discussion Entry

When working with LGBTQI individuals, it is necessary to avoid bringing stereotypes into the counseling session. Gender stereotypes, when assumed or imposed, can often be painful for individuals grappling with gender identity. Heteronormative stereotypes, similar to microaggressions, can reinforce feelings of shame and guilt in LGB individuals (Hays & Erford, 2017).

Depending on the client, adopting either a gay-integrative or sexual identity management approach could be ideal for the wellbeing of the client. The gay-integrative model involves assisting a client in his or her journey of integrating attractions and behaviors into his or her sexual identity. The gay-integrative model is sometimes requested by clients. A counselor should be careful when using this model, making sure that the client has processed any feelings of depression or anger. Some clients might feel pressured by the community to adopt a gay-integrative approach. It is important for a counselor to work with the individual client to discover what is best for that specific client's treatment. The sexual identity management model, my preferred approach of the options provided by Yarhouse and Burkett (2002), involves an emphasis on client autonomy. The counselor works with the client to increase the client's assertiveness of his or her own desires and control of his or her own behaviors. In this approach, the client gets to decide how to identify and how to behave. This emphasis on client autonomy is aligned with the ethical values listed in the preamble to the ACA Code of Ethics (2014). For some clients from religious backgrounds, a chastity/celibacy approach may be preferred. These models Yarhouse and Burkett (2002) describe are potentially useful when working with certain LGB clients, but counselors should avoid generalizing their approaches when working with LGB individuals.

An understanding LGBTQI history can be beneficial to both the counselor and client in a therapeutic relationship. Understanding the history of the marginalized group a client identifies with enhances the counselor's ability to empathize with the client. According to Hays and Erford (2017), communicating knowledge of LGBTQI history with a client can help normalize the sense of shame a client feels in relation to his or her sexual identity. The client will not have to feel like he or she is the only one dealing with this shame or guilt. As counselors, we have a duty to serve our LGBTQI clients with excellence, and understanding LGBTQI history is one step toward doing so (Hays & Erford, 2017).