due tomorrow

Carl discussion:

HSCO Issue: How Should Christian Counselors Counsel Transgender Clients?

A Christian counselor (CC) should try to acquire knowledge of the client’s worldview, cultural

differences, and communication styles, (Hays and Erford, 2014). This may be accomplished by

research, attending seminars, and speaking with advocates of (LGBT) community. Hays and

Erford (2014) state a (CC) must try to understand “the differences and similarities between the

terms, sex and gender”.

My Response

However, I believe the greater challenge of the issue of how a counselor should counsel

transgender clients, truly lies with Christian counselors and not only with the techniques

employed. I say this because Christian counselors must not judge the transgender client, but

focus on the reasons they seek counseling, (Hays and Erford, 2014). To elaborate a little more.

Christian counselors usually seek to order their lives per the Bible. It is possible they may be

biased to transgendered clients due to their desire to follow the Bible and its views concerning the

lesbian, gay, transgendered, and transsexual lifestyle. Considering this possibility of biasness, the

first thing a Christian counselor must do is pray. Ask GOD for guidance. Ask GOD to reveal any

prejudice, animosity or negative feelings and ideas prior to the first counseling session,

(Hays and erford, 2014).  Self-examination is imperative in identifying possible hindrances in

effectively serving the client. Be mindful that the client/counselor match may take several sessions

to reveal itself, (Hays and Erford, 2014). However, understanding the various “race/ethnicity and

gender, same race and same gender dyads allow for the client and counselor to more quickly

establish rapport . . . “, (Hays and Erford, 2014). Champion the position of an advocate for

transgender clients, (Hays and Erford, 2014).

Biblical View

The Christian counselor must be mindful that they are first a servant and minister of Jesus

Christ. They have been charged by Christ to be HIS representative, (Matthew 28:19-20).

Counselors should strive to exhibit compassion and empathy as the client discloses the issues

that clients may have, (Matthew 18:33). A Christians counselor is not to pass judgement on the

lifestyle or actions of the client, (Matthew 7:1). Instead, a Christian counselor should attempt

to counsel their clients, dispensing the grace, mercy, and wisdom that comes from GOD,

(Ephesians 2:4). So, we are to put on the attitude and mind of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

For, we once were blind, but now we see.

                                                            References

Hays, D.G., & Erford, B.T. (2014). Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems

          Approach (2nd Edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ:Pearson.

Matthew discussion:

Chapter 5 addresses the issue of gender and sexuality. The issue of how to relate to transgender clients is a popular topic. Based on your readings and research, what recommendations can you offer for how counselors, especially Christian counselors, should counsel transgender clients?

This week I chose to comment on the option that we were given to offer Christian counselors recommendations in the event they are counseling a transgender individual.  I chose this topic because I honestly don't have much of experience with engaging transgender individuals. After reading that it is likely that counselors will see at least one transgender client during their careers (Hays & Erford, 2014), I felt like having a little pressure to think through this topic would be beneficial.

The first recommendation I would make is that counselors should proceed with caution whenever engaging any client over the topic of sexuality.   Not only is this a way to show care to the client, it is also a matter of professional wisdom on the part of the counselor.  As of 2005, The American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethnics included gender identity as a status that is protected from discrimination (Hays & Erford, 2014).  As a result of this, every counselor should be very cautious when engaging transgender clients. 

            My next recommendation would be to apply some foundational biblical wisdom found in the New Testament book of James. James says that we are to be “quick to listen and slow to speak” (James 1:19).   While this is valuable wisdom for every counseling session, I think it is especially relevant when counseling transgender clients.  The reality is that most transgender clients would enter the counseling environment already very hesitant because of the exposure to oppression and sexism.  It is possible that one wrong word such as wrongly addressing them as a “he” or “she” could completely shut a transgender client down (Hays & Erford, 2014).  As a result, I would recommend that counselors seek to build trust by asking questions to gain insight and being willing to listen before jumping to speaking. 

            Lastly, I would recommend that any counselor who is helping a transgender client should commit to learning more about the transgender community.  There are many ways to do this in person as well as online.  The ACA has endorsed specific competencies for counseling transgender people that can be very helpful in learning to care for these clients in a way that builds trust in the counseling relationship (Hays & Erford, 2014).

References

Hays, D. G., & Erford, B. T. (2014). Developing multicultural counseling competence: A systems approach (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Class text:

Hays & Erford: chs. 5–6

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