Question

James is an African American heterosexual male who is also a counselor at a community mental-health center. Though James does not outwardly reject others with different sexual orientations, he is not empathetic toward people struggling with sexual identity issues. James feels that homosexuality is morally wrong and against his religious beliefs. However, James understands that as a counselor he must not discriminate against anyone – including sexual minorities. Clarence, a new client, has revealed that he is homosexual and is having difficulty admitting his sexual orientation to his family and others close to him. Clarence has also states he fears being rejected by his church congregation. He states that being abandoned by the church would further “shame his family” but admits that he cannot keep his life a secret anymore. He wants James’s help to embrace his homosexuality and live without shame.
Respond to the following:

For James to genuinely help Clarence, what issues does James need to address at a personal level to refrain from being judgmental of Clarence?

Is it possible for James to be objective enough to help Clarence work toward his goals? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Answer.

As a therapist, James’ own ideological position against homosexuality may raise a moral dilemma in working with Clarence as a patient who wishes to seek professional help about resolving the conflict in his own sexual identity. In beginning the work with Clarence, James would need to address his own discomfort, stereotypes and negative beliefs about homosexuality and individuals who seek same sex intimacy in relationships.

James would need to reflect on how his own strong religious position against homosexuality may make it challenging for counselling to progress effectively as he would repeatedly fail to communicate empathy and establish a non judgemental relationship with his homosexual client. He would therefore not be able to be truly objective in his professional life if he is emotionally influenced by a contradictory viewpoint.

It is therefore best that James considers making a referral to another professional who is more trained and emotionally equipped to genuinely help clients with sexual identity issues.