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

Abstract

All individuals possess multiple intersecting identities, both contextually determined and at various stages of development. Contradictory or incompatible societal expectations attached to differing identities may cause internal conflict. Simultaneous navigation of queer and religious/spiritual identities may result in experiencing lack of affirmation and negative messaging, affecting successful negotiation and integration of these two identities, potentially affecting mental health. Awareness of this potential intersectional conflict is important for counselors treating these individuals.Here we present counselors with a framework for understanding intersecting identities by applying self-categorization theory and exploring the continued influence effect.

LGBTQI+ responsive school counseling: Exemplary school counselor educators’ curricular integration

“…As such, counselor educators could consider review of the ACES best practices in the teaching document (Wood et al, 2016) and develop intentional assignments to link classroom learning to placement experience designed to specifically promote the transferability of LGBTQI+ KSA to practice. Killian et al (2021) noted that didactic and experiential pedagogies can work in tandem, but that experiential learning offered specific benefits to connect theory to practice while facilitating multicultural competency. Accordingly, counselor educators teaching practicum and internship classes could use case studies, small and large group discussions, and reflection papers to extend LGBTQI+-focused didactic material.…”

“…To accomplish this, counselor education programs can consider the adoption of signature assignments (CACREP, 2015) designed to increase and standardize the training to work with LGBTQI+ students by incorporating experiential frameworks to promote queer competency (Killian et al. (2021), develop allies and advocates (Beck et al., 2014), and bolster principle‐school counselor teams (Beck, 2016). Cross walking the curricular content and meaningful opportunities to apply KSA in practice within school counselors training to work with LGBTQI+ may be especially necessary with respect to continuity across curricular and clinical placements.…”

“…Killian et al. (2021) noted that didactic and experiential pedagogies can work in tandem, but that experiential learning offered specific benefits to connect theory to practice while facilitating multicultural competency. Accordingly, counselor educators teaching practicum and internship classes could use case studies, small and large group discussions, and reflection papers to extend LGBTQI+‐focused didactic material.…”