Spirituality
Therapy that is sensitive to religion and spirituality
A sensitive issue
I respect religion and spirituality because they can be central to people's identity, value system, and sources of strength and hope. Indeed, when faced with anxiety, depression, and trauma, religion and spirituality can play a powerful role in the healing process. Sadly, religion has also been the source of oppression for LGBTQ people based in misinterpreted interpretations of obscure scriptures. Many in the Queer community have experienced this oppression in painful and dangerous ways leading many to renounce their religious identities. However, for some this is not a good option; their religion and spirituality are too important for them to give up, even though there is so much toxicity in many faith communities. So they feel torn between their sexual identity and their spiritual identity
I grew up in small town churches across rural Kansas, and I have seen both the critical role that religious identity plays for people and how religious groups can persecute LGBTQ people. While I grew up seeing support for churches to be safe spaces for the Queer community, I also heard some of the most bigoted language come from within these communities. As a therapist, I believe firmly in continuing the work of building bridges between people's sexual identities and their spirituality. To be clear, I am not a pastoral counselor. However, I do believe that the therapy room should provide a space for clients to find peace and bring harmony to their spiritual lives and their sexual lives.
Why it matters
Providers for this service
Ben Snyder
