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Volume 11 - 2020
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Working with Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Who Struggle with Unwanted Same-Sex Attractions and Behaviors, pages 4-14 DOI:
AUTHORS
Shirley E. Cox, D.S.W. & David Clarke Pruden, M.S.
ABSTRACT
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons or Latter-day Saints) believe in the tenants of most other Christian congregations, including the basic principles as expressed in the Bible along with other unique scriptures and prophetic revelations. They believe God exists, He is aware of them and their trials, and He will support them in their desire to live in concert with their life encompassing gospel plan of salvation. Members of the LDS Church believe they lived in a premortal existence, as gendered spirit children of heavenly parents. However, it is generally difficult for a member of the Church to share their personal feelings and/or deeply held values, their perceived sexual attractions, or gender identity issues. This article provides the clinically trained therapist with sufficient basic information regarding their LDS client’s believed eternal identity, cultural environment, and worldview, to enable them to initiate a therapeutic alliance and maintain a foundation of hope for the future.
Keywords: Unwanted same-sex attraction, Church of Jesus Christ, psychotherapy, premortal existence
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