Therapeutic Dilemmas: Solving Sexual Difficulties in the Context of Religion

Working with religious issues in therapy is essential for those clients whose belief system is the basis for their difficulty. The foundation of sexual health is frequently hindered by the attitude of traditional religious understanding and teachings about sexuality. Religious beliefs often contribute to the formation of sexual difficulties, and can also interfere with the progress of therapy. Religious belief systems can broadly be categorized as fixed, or absolute, and process, or evolving. Each has a set of core values that influence conscience and behavior. Formation of conscience becomes difficult without guidelines for decision-making. The areas of scripture, tradition, reason, and experience are explored to gain a sense of where the authority for teaching and decision-making lies. Clinical examples illustrate the importance of understanding the role of religion-induced anxiety in interfering with the sexual response cycle and contributing to sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Homosexuality is explored with a special reference to biblical themes.