Best Practices in Cross-Cultural Counseling: The Intersection of Spiritual/Religious Identity and Affectional/Sexual Identity

Understanding Conflict Between Religious/Spiritual and Queer Identities: A Framework for Counselors

“…Therefore, for the purposes of this article, religious/spiritual (R/S) represents an “and/or” relationship unless presented as distinct constructs. Counselors should assess R/S influence (Suprina et al, 2019) when occurring in the client's identities while avoiding preassessment bias or assumption of either as inherently negative. Although scholars have highlighted positive R/S coexistence and the value of spiritual practice (e.g., Ivtzan et al, 2013), both religion and spirituality can perpetuate nonaffirming and discriminatory traditions that disavow queer identities.…”

“…Although identity development of queer individuals in R/S contexts has traditionally been explored without examining identity intersections (Bozard & Sanders, 2011), scholars have begun to identify contextual influences on identity development (Dillon et al, 2011) and have begun noting the difficulty of simultaneously identifying as queer and R/S (Barton, 2010; Beagan & Hattie, 2015; Bozard & Sanders, 2011; Crockett et al, 2018; Dahl & Galliher, 2009; Dillon et al, 2011; McGlasson & Rubel, 2015; Rodriguez, 2009; Sherry et al, 2010; Super & Jacobson, 2011). Multiple scholars have provided valuable insight into conceptualization practices and counseling interventions for individuals who wish to embrace and integrate these disparate identities, including the following: influence of R/S abuse (e.g., Super & Jacobson, 2011; Wood & Conley, 2014), process of negotiation and integration (e.g., Ginicola & Smith, 2011; Heard Harvey & Ricard, 2018; Johns & Hanna, 2011; Rosik & Popper, 2014; Yarhouse & Beckstead, 2011), development of conceptual frameworks (e.g., Kocet et al, 2011; Shurts et al, 2020), treatment approaches (e.g., Bayne, 2016; Bozard & Sanders, 2011; Hagen et al, 2011; Suprina et al, 2019), and use of cognitive theories (e.g., Anderton et al, 2011; V. R. F. Johnson & Yarhouse, 2013; Rodriguez, 2009).…”

“…Second, exploring updated beliefs (e.g., biological basis for queer identity, inclusivity within R/S principles) allows filling of gaps caused by retraction of beliefs (Lewandowsky et al, 2012). Scholarship (see Ciani et al, 2009; Ganna et al, 2019; Hamer et al, 1993; Polderman et al, 2018; Roselli, 2018; Vasey & VanderLaan, 2010) has promoted queer identity's biological basis, and some religious texts contradict nonaffirming stances, actively promoting acceptance, love, compassion, and nonjudgment (Suprina et al, 2019). When retraction emerges, counselors can use this information to counter harmful backfire effects.…”

“…Counselors should have working knowledge of competencies in the areas of queer identity with regard to R/S (Suprina et al, 2019). Those endorsed by the American Counseling Association and supported through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs standards include the following: the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (Ratts et al, 2015), the Competencies for Counseling With LGBQQIA Individuals (Harper et al, 2013), the ALGBTIC Competencies for Counseling With Transgender Clients (ALGBTIC, 2010), and the ASERVIC Competencies for Addressing Spiritual and Religious Issues in Counseling (ASERVIC, 2009).…”