Prioritizing LGBTQ Clients’ Mental Health: How Christian Therapists Resolve Internal Conflicts to Remain Ethical

Abstract

This study investigated how Christian therapists are able to resolve any internal conflicts that arise when working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) clients. The study focused on the participants’ internal processes when working with LGBTQ clients, highlighting individual experiences and themes. The study revealed that the more open-minded and self-aware participants were, the more likely they were to have intentional practices to resolve internal conflicts. It also revealed that education, particularly at seminaries, is not adequately preparing therapists to resolve internal conflicts or work with gender and sexual minorities. Ultimately, this research study underscored the importance of therapists being aware of their own beliefs and the impact they may have, as well as being educated on LGBTQ issues, microaggressions, and how to work with gender and sexual minority clients without discrimination and judgment.