Reconciling Counselors’ Christian Beliefs and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Affirmation: A Grounded Theory

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative grounded theory study was to learn how 15 Christian heterosexual counselors successfully reconciled a perceived conflict between lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) affirmation and their religious beliefs. Obstacles to reconciliation, helpful factors, states, and participant characteristics were integrated into a grounded theory (the Relational Equilibrium Model) of religious‐based value conflict reconciliation to guide counselor educators and supervisors working with nonaffirming or conflicted Christian trainees to develop LGBT‐affirming dispositions and practices.

Christian Counselors and Affirmative Counseling of Lesbian and Gay Clients

“…It is important to note that not all religious doctrines or denominations espouse negative value judgments regarding sexual orientation, and there are indeed affirming communities and doctrines within all major faiths (Bayne, 2016; Moon, 2014). However, belief systems that posit LG identities as sinful or unnatural can create value‐based conflicts that arise both inter‐ and intrapersonally (Bayne, 2016; Minnix, 2018; Robertson & Avent, 2016; Whitman & Bidell, 2014). Because negative value judgments can cause significant distress for clients and conflict for counselors (Fallon et al, 2013; Paprocki, 2014; Robertson & Avent, 2016), these potentially harmful impacts serve as our focus for this article.…”

“…Value systems influence how an individual views and interacts with the world, establishing norms and expectations that provide structure and meaning (Fallon et al, 2013). Religious identities and values can be particularly difficult to resolve because of the deeply personal and cultural meanings attached to these value systems (Hodge, 2005; Minnix, 2018; Paprocki, 2014; Robertson & Avent, 2016). Researchers have found, through both quantitative and qualitative methods, that counselors who have strong cultural communities of faith and beliefs about evangelism (i.e., spreading one's faith) may feel forced to choose between a professional and a spiritual calling (Fallon et al, 2013; Minnix, 2018; Robertson & Avent, 2016).…”

“…Religious identities and values can be particularly difficult to resolve because of the deeply personal and cultural meanings attached to these value systems (Hodge, 2005; Minnix, 2018; Paprocki, 2014; Robertson & Avent, 2016). Researchers have found, through both quantitative and qualitative methods, that counselors who have strong cultural communities of faith and beliefs about evangelism (i.e., spreading one's faith) may feel forced to choose between a professional and a spiritual calling (Fallon et al, 2013; Minnix, 2018; Robertson & Avent, 2016). Sensing that their own religious integrity is at stake can make counselors feel trapped, aware that they cannot systematically refer clients whose identities conflict with their values and yet also feeling incapable of providing competent care (Fallon et al, 2013; Minnix, 2018; Paprocki, 2014; Robertson & Avent, 2016).…”

“…Additionally, Moon (2014) described religious orientations as existing along a continuum of homonegative (e.g., rejection or “love the sinner, hate the sin” perspective) to moderate (e.g., sexuality is not discussed) to homopositive (e.g., LG individuals are fully accepted and integrated within the faith). Therefore, it is important to first understand the specific nature of a counselor's or client's religious learning and not assume that religious faith presents a conflict of values (Minnix, 2018).…”

“…Although faith development models are not complete or all‐encompassing for all individuals, they typically progress through stages of existential questioning, critical engagement with religious texts, and clarification and ownership of personal beliefs and values (Frame, 2003). Stages of faith can therefore influence the counselor's level of anxiety when encountering concepts that seem opposed to the counselor's own value system (Minnix, 2018; Parker, 2009). Higher levels of faith development do not, however, ensure positive views of LG clients; a counselor could engage in critical reflection and value clarification and still arrive at a nonaffirming perspective.…”