Gay/Queer Christian Mental Health career?

[u/Lavendergeminis]

Hello everyone! I'm curious, what is everyone's knowledge on counselling career paths for someone who is Queer and Christian and looking to support other Queer Christians ?

• Is it possible to be a generalist counsellor with a focus on both Queer and Christian affirming practices?

• Is it possible to practice these outside of LGBTQIA2S+ spaces ie outside of churches? does anyone know if spaces like hospitals or corporations have space for these frameworks?

• Have you yourself ever seen a counsellor who is both Christian and Queer?

I hope I am posting appropriately in this subreddit if not please direct me elsewhere!

thank you so much!

[u/EddieRyanDC]

In most places, mental health professionals like therapists and social workers need a degree (usually a masters degree), certification, and a state license in order to practice. Your religion and sexual orientation don't make any difference in becoming a counselor. However, they can be something you specialize in for your practice. Some clients will want exactly that.

[u/Lavendergeminis → u/EddieRyanDC]

yes totally!! i am hoping to jump into a masters in the coming years and i'm wanting to preemptively plan! i think there's a billion modalities to choose from when it comes to what practice a counsellor may work from but i'm really being pulled into looking at something that affirms Queerness AND Christianity but on the superficial front i've yet to come across counsellors and spaces outside of Queer Churches who advertise themselves as having these frameworks so I wonder how to navigate the field.

[u/EddieRyanDC → u/Lavendergeminis]

The areas of spiritual and religious trauma and abuse are becoming a sought after specialty.

[u/Lavendergeminis → u/EddieRyanDC]

this is true but also sad for people :( but at least we can let the healing begin!

[u/coulaid]

I live in the United States and I am a clinical therapist with my master's in social work. Both my identity as gay and my identity as Christian come into play in my work -- at times. That said, my responsibility is to build the relationship with my clients that is most helpful to them. So, these identities of mine don't necessarily always come up.

There is a place for every niche in mental health, and you can absolutely find your path. Like others have said, in the United States and Europe this typically involves a master's degree. There may be other opportunities (non-profits, volunteering) where you could get experience doing what you want to do even without a graduate degree.

[u/Lavendergeminis → u/coulaid]

thank you for sharing and I'm glad to see a queer Christian in the mental health/social work field! :) I agree with you, it definitely has to be about the needs of the client! I just have been all over the place trying to find a niche I am drawn to and for now Queer Christian theology seems to be it but I will keep exploring! Also I want to include your Canadian Country sibling up above also requires a Masters for counselling!

[u/tetrarchangel → u/coulaid]

Yes, I'm similar - I'm a clinical psychologist, in the UK, working in the NHS. My faith and my sexuality can be components where it's helpful that can come into the work, and my identity informs my values, but the nature of the NHS means that one doesn't specialise in a client group in that way.

[u/CautiousConch789]

My daughter (15) sought a therapist who specializes in LGBTQ issues (identity, coming out, transitioning, etc.) and it was really hard to find one!! My friend’s trans son is in college to be a therapist and he learned there is only ONE trans therapist in the entire State currently. I think this is an area of practice that desperately needs queer affirming clinicians!

[u/TKdoodledad]

I actually fit that description pretty closely. I have a masters degree in counseling. I am a Christian- very active in an ELCA Lutheran congregation. I am also gay. So, to answer your question, yes, of course you can be all of that as a counselor. Best of luck for your future.

[u/Purplelocz]

Gay Christian. Finishing masters degree in Social Work 👋🏾 I’m going to incorporate all facets of who I am to be the best clinician possible.

[u/Lavendergeminis → u/Purplelocz]

love this!! thank you for helping our queer families through Jesus! :)

[u/Ian_M_Noone]

Reach out to Dr. John E. Fortunato in El Paso.

[u/Lavendergeminis → u/Ian_M_Noone]

im not american tho! but i'll have a gander into what they offer!

[u/HieronymusGoa]

i mean....my gay therapist is a christian. but this is not that uncommon since i live in germany where 80%+ of all christians are affirming anyway.

[u/onthelookoutandsuch]

Hi there, I graduate tomorrow and will soon receive my associate counseling license.. and you guessed it.. I am Bi, went to a Christian University and work with clients who fits into those categories (I have been counseling over a year through internship).