Using Relational‐Cultural Theory in LGBTQQ Counseling: Addressing Heterosexism and Enhancing Relational Competencies

Abstract

The authors describe the use of a relational‐cultural theory (RCT) lens (Miller, ) in counseling practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ) clients. A review of LGBTQQ counseling and RCT literature is discussed. A case vignette of a counselor applying RCT tenets to work with a LGBTQQ client is described. Implications for using RCT as a counseling theoretical framework with LGBTQQ clients are reviewed.

Relational‐Cultural Theory–Based Interventions With LGBTQ College Students

“…LGBTQ individuals can experience heterosexist oppression at various levels: societal, institutional, and interpersonal (Singh & Moss, ). Similarly, LGBTQ college students face oppression within the college setting in multiple environments, such as in the classroom and residence halls (Rankin, , ; Rankin et al, ), which can limit opportunities for daily, positive connections for LGBTQ students residing on campus.…”

“…LGBTQ college students who experience chronic disconnection from their authentic selves and others can also encounter stagnation, self‐doubt, shame, and lack of self‐esteem (Duffey & Somody, ). Societal messages of degradation toward LGBTQ individuals are active and invasive (Singh & Moss, ), which, for some, can lead to the experience of intense anxiety and shame about their sexual and gender identities. The RCT counseling approach identifies such reactions as anticipated, healthy, and self‐protective (Duffey & Somody, ; Jordan ).…”

“…C ollege counselors have an ethical duty to provide affirming, multiculturally competent counseling services (American Counseling Association [ACA], ). Marginalized groups, such as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community, face unique challenges in a heterosexist society (Meyer, ; Singh & Moss, ). According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI; n.d.), LGBTQ individuals are 3 times more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to experience adverse mental health outcomes, with suicide identified as one of the leading causes of death for LGBTQ youth.…”

“…Beyond the college setting, Singh and Moss () explored the use of RCT tenets with the LGBTQ community at large and featured a case vignette of an intake session with a 32‐year‐old Chicana lesbian client. Additionally, Crumb and Haskins () suggested the integration of RCT tenets with cognitive behavior therapy when counseling college students in general.…”

Relational Cultural Theory: A Guiding Framework for Study Abroad Experiences

“…As such, the theory serves as a guiding framework for several counseling and counselor education contexts, including teaching pedagogy, student advising, supervision, and clinical practice (Purgason, Avent, Cashwell, Jordan, & Reese, 2016). More specifically, scholars have applied RCT to their work with underrepresented and historically marginalized populations (e.g., Crumb & Haskins, 2017;Kress, Haiyasoso, Zoldan, Headley, & Trepal, 2018;Singh & Moss, 2016) as a means to understand and empower these groups.…”