The intersection of sexual wellness, religious beliefs, and spiritual practices is incredibly vast. Religion and spirituality can influence values towards sex in many ways, including viewing sex as a deeply spiritual practice, as well as religious doctrine that places limits on sexual behavior in the pursuit of maintaining purity as defined by each tradition. The impact of religious and spiritual values regarding sexual desire and behavior can likewise range from sexual health and value integration to sexual dysfunction, interpersonal distress, and internalized shame. Practicing clinicians and students in training may be unprepared to integrate religion and spirituality within counseling practice, particularly within the value-laden intersection of beliefs and sex/sexuality.
In this presentation, attendees will receive a brief overview of the varied beliefs and values relating to sex within major religious traditions and the nature of sex as a spiritual practice more broadly. We will explore how value conflicts might be experienced by clients and how sexual and religious issues might present in a clinical context. We will also discuss how to navigate the counselor’s own value conflict if their view of sex and sexuality differs from the client’s beliefs and values. Attendees will learn strategies for assessing beliefs and implementing interventions to help clients work toward sexual wellness within the context of their values and religious or spiritual practices.