Rudolf K. Sander's Christian Counseling Ethics: A Handbook for Psychologists, Therapists and Pastors

In Chapter 10 of Rudolph K. Sanders’ book, Christian Counseling Ethics: A Handbook for Psychologists, Therapists and Pastors, Mark Yarhouse, Jill Kays and Stanton Jones discuss the “sexual minority” as it pertains to the field of professional counseling. This group is defined as “individuals with same sex attractions or behavior, regardless of self-identification” (Sanders, et. al., 2013, p. 252). By looking at counseling the homosexual community through its etiology, standards by which a counselor should proceed with treatment, and the options a client has on deciding treatment options, we can be better prepared as Christian counselors to be better prepared in serving the needs of others.

Summarize

The idea of being competent is vital in being successful in any career. By being competent in the counseling profession, we can ensure the successfulness in our understanding of mental illnesses, as well as provide the client with the most beneficial treatment for the individual. An interesting statistic found that there is a significant disparity between the percentages of individuals that proclaim same-sex attraction versus individuals that also identify themselves as homosexuals (Sanders, et. al., 2013, p. 253). When pertaining to the origin of homosexuality, many research studies suggest that the etiology derives from a biological standpoint. While the direct cause of homosexuality is not fully determined, recent research would have us believe that there is potentially biological, as well as environmental factors, that can contribute to a person’s attraction to the same sex.

Many research studies have looked at correlations in mental health with homosexuality. Sanders reports that individuals that identify as homosexual or bi...

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...thors also go along to state that after a long period of time, health organizations, including the APA, does not consider homosexuality to be considered a mental illness (2013, p. 269).

While understanding that, again, it is the client’s decision as to what route they was to take [in treatment], I plan on providing each individual with as much scientific and background information as possible in order to allow them to decide what steps need to be taken to assure their mental health improves. Regardless of a person’s race, gender, or sexual orientation, I hope to be a follower of Christ, in helping others regardless of our differences.

Bibliography:

Sanders, R., Yarhouse, M., Kays, J., & Jones, S. (2013). The Sexual Minority Client.Christian Counseling Ethics: A Handbook for Psychologists, Therapists and Pastors (251-284). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.