African American Counselors-in-Training, the Black Church, and Lesbian-, Gay-, and Bisexual-Affirmative Counseling: Considerations for Counselor Education Programs

Abstract

This article examines the challenges that may be particular to African American counseling students who identify as Christian in learning to provide competent and affirming counseling to lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) clients. The role and importance of the Black Church, race survival consciousness, and cultural constructions of sexuality and mental health may present unique barriers for these students in affirming LGB clients. Recommendations for counselor education programs are discussed.