Group Therapy and the SIT Framework
Dr. Mark Yarhouse coauthored an article with Dr. Lee Beckstead that appears in the journal, Counseling and Values, Vol. 56, no. 1-2, October 2011. The article is titled, “Using Group Therapy to Navigate and Resolve Sexual Orientation and Religious Conflicts.”
Here is the abstract:
This article considers the use of group therapy to explore sexual identity questions in light of religious beliefs and values. The authors describe the basis of their group therapy approaches for sexual, religious, and social conflicts that differ from approaches that provide group members only the option of sexual reorientation to an ex-gay identity or adoption of a lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity. The authors come from different backgrounds and discuss how their perspectives and biases can potentially affect group process and outcome. They present guidelines, structure, content, and strategies for their group therapy approaches.
The Sexual Identity Therapy (SIT) Framework is discussed in the journal article as one of several emerging approaches to resolving sexual identity conflicts. Dr. Yarhouse then goes on to write about how he conducts group therapy within the SIT Framework by drawing on cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, and narrative theoretical orientations by focusing on attributional search for sexual identity, navigating religious identity, and facilitating personal congruence. The articles closes with a discussing of the authors’ combined understanding in terms of how their approaches are similar and strategies they recommend for resolving sexual identity conflicts.
Key Concepts Discussion at AACC
Dr. Mark Yarhouse will be presenting at the American Association of Christian Counselors World Conference in Nashville, TN, September 29, 2011. His workshop is on key concepts drawn from his research and clinical experience and tied to how he approaches sexual identity in clinical practice. These concepts include a three-tier distinction (between attractions, orientation and identity), weigthed aspects of identity (e.g., gender identity, biological sex, attractions, behaviors, etc.), and congruence (so that beliefs/values are reflected in behavior/identity). Dr. Trista Carr and Richard Morton will reflect on how they have experienced these concepts in practical ways in their work and ministry, as well as in their own lives.
New York Times Magazine Article
The New York Times Magazine has an article that deals with how therapists and counselors work with people who experience a conflict between their same-sex sexuality and their religious beliefs and values. The article considers developments in the field in light of the American Psychological Association’s 2009 task force report on appropriate therapeutic responses to sexual orientation. Sexual Identity Therapy among other approaches is discussed, and both Warren Throckmorton and I are interviewed regarding our work with people navigating that terrain.
