Here is the first discussion
Values can oftentimes be seen as an interwoven variable within the issue of sexuality and gender ( Tshomo, 2024). Values can oftentimes set the stage for the position an individual chooses to take on something. If someone holds firm religious values, for example, they are more likely to reflect on what their religious texts say before forming a stance on something. This is incredibly true in regards to sexuality and gender.
For me, the interview with Dr. Timothy Stauffer was incredibly impactful. I enjoyed how the statistics regarding sexual trauma were reviewed in addition to them taking specific note of the impact that sexual trauma has on individuals. The most impactful portion to me was when Dr. Stauffer discussed how it is not necessarily important what your views on sexuality might be, but how you hold them. To me, this was a brilliant perspective on truly being a Christian. The way Dr. Stauffer discussed how he had experienced clients that had previously been spoken to about the topic in cruel and abusive ways was very impactful. I personally believe that more damage can be done than good when someone uses their beliefs in hurtful ways against another person. In the field of healing and mental health, this is such an important viewpoint to take home!
In describing gender and sexuality in both a biblical and non-biblical perspective, I would be sure to keep section A.4.b. Personal Values, of the ACA Code of Ethics, in mind. I think that this section is especially important because it ensures that mental health professionals are not promoting a certain set of beliefs as a cure and are holding their beliefs correctly, similarly to how Dr. Stauffer exemplified. From a biblical perspective, I would stay as close to a biblical definition as possible, using examples of how God created man and woman and their purpose. Additionally, I would ensure to include scripture that exemplifies how God supports equality. For example, Galations 3:28 states, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” From a non-biblical perspective, I would explain the biological makeup of men and women and then move into describing how society has a variety of roles, some of which are played by women more often and some of which are played by men more often. This could lead into a greater discussion of the specific societal norms than the individual finds issues with and could lead into deconstructing them in order to find a specific issue to focus on.
Citations
American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. American Counseling Association.
The Holy Bible. (n.d.). American Bible Society.
Tshomo, U. (2024). Culture, Values, Sexuality, and Development: An Interwoven Narrative Author. Culture and Development: Challenges and Prospects, 2(1).
Here is the second discussion
Values are the beliefs or standards that an individual uses to guide them in their life. When dealing with the values in issues of sexuality and gender you must realize that often times in counseling it can be one-sided because of religion and other things. Sexuality is one of the fundamental drives behind everyones feelings, thoughts, and behaviors (Lucas & Fox, n.d.) Because of this counselor should be ready for the clients to come in with issues and other problems that may be outside of the normal sessions. Therefore, in order to best care for clients, Christian counselors must be equipped to face these concerns and choose to not engage in religious, cultural, or political battles with their clients regardless of the differences between the clients and counselors values. (King, 2024, p.328)
When listening to Dr. Timothy Stauffer he spoke a lot about dealing with people who are not only broken in spirit but they are fighting to be understood because of their sexuality. This can be a very hard place to be and even try to find a counselor who can not only understand where you are without judgement. The most significant takeaway from the interview is that counselors will have to create a plan or treatment that allows the patient to be able to express themselves without having to take on the counselors ideas or way of thinking. When you deal with Christian counseling you can often receive very religious based treatment. This can cause more damage to the patient than help. When the counselor allows the treatment to fit the patient and the issue that they are battling it produces a better outcome. Counselors can benefit from and enrich their clients lives by understanding that sexual wellness is wellness and that pleasure is an act of self-care (Brewer & Tolbert, 2023).
A biblical perspective of gender states that man and woman were created in the image of God. With this stated men and women are made to procreate to continue to have children who can carry on the legacy. Because we know that God is relational in nature we are meant to also be in relations with each other. The non biblical perspective states that love is love and you can love anyone no matter their sex. You are able to express your love in any manner with whomever or whatever you please. This perspective also states that you can chose whichever gender you want. This can be your choice because as humans we have freewill. We take what is meant for intimacy and safety and use it to meet our own ends at best and cause intentional harm at worst (King, 2024, p.330).
Reference:
Brewer, J. D., & Tolbert, J. (2023, October 20). The importance of human sexuality in counseling. Counseling Today.
King, J. A. & Ford, K. M. (Eds.). (2024). Christian integration in counselor education. Kendall Hunt
Lucas, D., & Fox, J. (n.d.). The psychology of human sexuality. Noba Project.