James is an African American heterosexual male who is also acounselor at a community mental-health center. Though James doesnot outwardly reject others with different sexual orientations, heis not empathetic toward people struggling with sexual identityissues. James feels that homosexuality is morally wrong and againsthis religious beliefs. However, James understands that as acounselor he must not discriminate against anyone – includingsexual minorities. Clarence, a new client, has revealed that he ishomosexual and is having difficulty admitting his sexualorientation to his family and others close to him. Clarence hasalso states he fears being rejected by his church congregation. Hestates that being abandoned by the church would further “shame hisfamily” but admits that he cannot keep his life a secret anymore.He wants James’s help to embrace his homosexuality and live withoutshame.
Respond to the following:
For James to genuinely help Clarence, what issues does Jamesneed to address at a personal level to refrain from beingjudgmental of Clarence?
Is it possible for James to be objective enough to help Clarencework toward his goals? Why or why not?
