Counseling LGBT Military Clients Using the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies Framework

Abstract

When working with LGBT service member clients, counselors should use the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies as a framework to guide their practice as they navigate the intersection between the military culture and LGBT culture. This framework addresses four domains that are foundational for multicultural and social justice competency: (a) counselor self-awareness, (b) the client worldview, (c) the counseling relationship, and (d) counseling and advocacy interventions. Included in the framework are the following aspirational competencies within each domain: attitudes and beliefs, knowledge, skills, and action. Best practices for culturally competent, social-justice-focused work with LGBT service members within each of these domains are discussed.

The Positive Relational Couples Therapy Model: A Group Therapeutic Approach for LGBTQIA+ Military Couples

“…Specifically, counselors can apply the competency of counselor self-awareness to gain a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ service members, fostering an affirming environment in the face of heterosexism and non-affirmative care within the military communities. By employing the MSJCC framework alongside the integrative model, as advocated by Cole (2021), counselors may enhance cultural competence, encompassing attitudes, beliefs, skills, and knowledge. This approach not only facilitates a better understanding of LGBTQIA+ service members' worldviews but also enables counselors to advocate for this marginalized and often oppressed population, underscoring the significance of selecting theories that encompass a relational approach with both social justice and multicultural competency.…”

“…Evolving from a synthesis of psychodynamic and feminist theories, RCT encompasses four core characteristics that contribute to the nurturing of growth-fostering relationships, including mutual engagement and empathy, or authenticity, empowerment, and the capacity to navigate cultural differences or conflicts within relationships (Frey, 2013;Jordan, 2010;Lasinsky, 2020).The concept of mutual engagement and empathy emphasizes shared involvement and sensitivity within therapeutic relationships, particularly crucial when working with culturally diverse groups (Frey, 2013). Authenticity, essential for LGBTQIA+ couples within military culture due to authenticity challenges (Cole, 2021), allows individuals to openly express their emotions and thoughts within relationships. Empowerment is associated with the ability to act and the development of personal resilience within the environment of these relationships (Jordan, 2010).…”

“…Military service members identifying with the LGBTQIA+ population represent an often-marginalized group of individuals facing increased risks of rejection and stigmatization (Cole, 2021). Additionally military service members within this community face difficulty navigating complex intersections of military service and their identities (Cole, 2021; Ratts et al, 2015). Social injustices include internalized stigma, hate crime victimization, lack of career advancement, and marital or relationship issues (Chan, 2019; Lowe et al, 2012).…”

“…The concept of mutual engagement and empathy emphasizes shared involvement and sensitivity within therapeutic relationships, particularly crucial when working with culturally diverse groups (Frey, 2013). Authenticity, essential for LGBTQIA+ couples within military culture due to authenticity challenges (Cole, 2021), allows individuals to openly express their emotions and thoughts within relationships. Empowerment is associated with the ability to act and the development of personal resilience within the environment of these relationships (Jordan, 2010).…”

“…Although legislative changes have impacted the rights and well-being of LGBTQIA+ military members in recent years, a lingering culture of apprehension persists regarding the disclosure of their identities. This population faces unique challenges, such as multiple deployments, relationship strains, and uncertainty about future relocations, which have not received adequate attention in counseling literature (Cole, 2021). Furthermore, the U.S. military's influence has contributed to the perpetuation of heterosexist view, resulting in increased mental health risks, including substance abuse, sexual harassment, stigma, and victimization among LGBTQIA+ members (Grant et al, 2011; Johnson et al, 2015).…”