· a client-centered approach, sometimes called “Narrative Therapy,” which helps clients understand the intersections of their conflicting identities

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Tutor: Amanda Smith

You must reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 200–300 words. Also, note that “I like what you said,” “That’s a good point,” and “I disagree with your point” do not count as a complete reply. Rather, stating why you liked or disliked the comment, adding additional thoughts or ideas to the original point, and/or providing alternative ideas or thoughts when you disagree will count as a reply. You are required to be courteous in any disagreement with a classmate.

One of the goals of the Discussion Board Forums is to encourage student community learning; therefore, the instructor will respond to only a few posts. Instructor comments may add to the conversation, ask a pertinent question, or summarize some of the key points made.

Calton 

LGBT discussion board

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The focus of study for this week is LGBT issues in counseling.

I was not surprised to hear that there are mixed results about corrective therapy, because I remember reading about that in 2014 (McDowell). Some people enter into conservative Christian therapy programs and leave as happy Christians who still identify as homosexual. Stories like this seem common, and they were echoed in the interview between Dr. Garzon and Dr. Yarhouse (2020). During this interview, three approaches for counseling LGBT clients were outlined:

· a conservative approach, sometimes called “Conversion Therapy,” which tries to change a client to heterosexuality

· a progressive approach, called “Positive Affirmation,” which affirms any and every sexual orientation as valid if it is presented by the client

· a client-centered approach, sometimes called “Narrative Therapy,” which helps clients understand the intersections of their conflicting identities

I think that Narrative approach is very helpful. I have also heard the different “narratives” of a persons life called “scripts.” For example, let us consider a homosexual girl who is an evangelical Christian is guaranteed to experience conflict about her identities. Cognitive dissonance is guaranteed once she develops in those identities, and learns that her homosexual orientation seems to be a sin according to her evangelical identity (see Romans 1:26). Trying to convert the client to a specific understanding of verses like Romans 1:26 is a violation of the ACA Code of Ethics; and simply affirming both her faith and her homosexuality might only exacerbate her cognitive dissonance, which will only increase negative health factors (Erford & Hays, 2018). It is more helpful to the client to help her understand the intersection of her conflicting identities. Explaining this in a narrative format can help give meaning, and it can help her to decide which identity she values more.

I would like to ask Dr. Yarhouse if he recommends LGBT clients attend church-based therapy, and, if so, what things they should caution to ensure a quality, helpful therapy experience.

References:

Erford, B. T., & Hays, D.G. (2018). Developing multicultural counseling competence: a systems approach, 3rd edition. New York, NY: Pearson.

Garzon, F. (2020). Presentation: Sexual Identity in Professional Counseling Practice.

McDowell, S. (2014). Same-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God’s Design for Marriage. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing.

Haley 

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Something that surprised me while watching the lectures had to do with the conversation surrounding “conversion theory”. I have never heard conversations about Christians trying to change a person from being gay to being straight without it followed by a horror story of abuse and psychological manipulation or complete condemnation for being gay. It was surprisingly positive to hear that there were organizations taking time to discuss sexuality with Christians who have confusing thoughts in a way that is respectful of the clients wants and faith which may result in a possible choice away from being gay (Yarhouse, n.d.).

One theme I will take away from these readings is the belief the everyone falls on a continuum of sexuality. Almost everyone will experience a sexual thought towards the same sex at some point in their lives and they may be challenged with that feeling but they will not be alone in it (Yarhouse & Burkett, 2002). This means that people will not fall under the two categories of being straight or being gay but may identify as many different aspects of the continuum (Yarhouse & Burkett 2002). Since sexual orientation consists of seven variables (sexual behavior, fantasies, emotions, living life as an orientation, self-identification, social preference), a person may experience each on different levels and directed towards different sexes (Hays & Erford, 2018).

A second theme I will carry into future counseling will be the knowledge that heterosexism can be extremely scarring. Heterosexism can lead to the denial of basic rights and when those basic rights are violated, the LGBTQ+ community is much more likely to experience depression, anxiety, high suicide rates and attempts, low self-esteem, harassment, hate crimes, internalized shame and physical ailments. It is not always clear that the institutional oppression of the LGBTQ+ community is causing as much damage as it is to the clients. This will also manifest itself in higher level of poverty and reduced social relationships (Hays & Erford, 2018).

A third theme I found when specifically discussing Christians who are interacting with the LGBTQ+ community, especially in regards to evangelicals, is the stance that many churches take. Dr. Yarhouse describes these three stages as:

1. behave how the church desires you to behave

2. believe what we believe

3. belong to our group

This turns many in the LGBTQ+ community away knowing that they do not want to conform to the behavior of the church (Yarhouse, n.d.).

Dr.Yarhous goes on to say that the three stages should be:

1. belong to our group

2. believe what we believe

3. become more like Christ in everything you do (Yarhouse, n.d.)

20% of Americas are antagonistic towards conservative Christians and there is a strong belief that these Christians hate anyone who identifies as gay (Yarhouse & Burkett, 2002). In reality I do not believe that is true but the church needs a reminder that we are called to love with “gentleness and respect” and 1 Peter 3:15 states (Crossway Bibles, 2016). As a counselor I will need to fully understand the perspective my client may be coming from with their past relations with the Christian community.

I wrestle with a lot of emotions when it comes to working with the LGBTQ+ community. I have a deep understanding that after that after the fall of man in the garden everything changed. The natural man and woman relationship that had existed before the fall will change and I know that God understands this and I could never imagine being told who I can and can’t love or that I need to be alone. At the same time, the Bible seems to speak quite clearly on homosexuality being a sin as seen in 1 Timothy 1;9-10, “The law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.”(Crossway Bibles, 2016)I’m concerned my biases may cause a lack of proper counseling although it is something I am continuing to educate myself on.

References

Crossway Bibles. (2016). Esv: study Bible: English standard version. ESV: study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, IL.

Garzon, F. (n.d.). The Lesbian & Gay Population.

Hays, D. G., & Erford, B. T. (2018). Developing multicultural counseling competence: a systems approach. NY, NY: Pearson.

Yarhouse, M. A. (n.d.). Sexual Identity in Professional Counseling Practice.

Yarhouse, M. A., & Burkett, L. A. (2002). An inclusive response to LGB and conservative religious persons: The case of same-sex attraction and behavior. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 33(3), 235–241. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1037/0735-7028.33.3.235

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Participated in the discussion   by replying to  a minimum of 2 classmates, asking a question, providing   a statement of clarification, providing a point of view with rationale,   challenging a point of discussion, or making a relationship between one or   more points of the discussion.  Each reply post is unique and original   in nature and meets the required minimum word count of 150 words

 

Reply #1  

 

Reply #2

FIRST POST TO RESPOND TO

Britney Rodriguez’s Week 7 Forum

britney rodriguez(May 17, 2018 11:23 PM)– Read by: 1

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Good evening

I hope all is well! The most important things a parent should be looking for when deciding placement in a preschool, are that play, specifically make-believe play, is incorporated, that there is an adequate amount of activities aimed towards boosting language development, that artistic activities are encouraged, and that the child’s environment will be safe, and caring. Make-believe play is beneficial to children, as it represents a child’s thought processes, and bolsters those processes, and social skills (CHFD308 Lesson 7, n.d.). Boosting a child’s language development is crucial during their early ages, as it is necessary for a child to understand language prior to communicating it (CHFD308 Lesson 7, n.d.). It is a large part of the arts preschoolers should be learning, aiding in their overall development (Branka, Matjaz, & Tomaz, 2015). The encouragement of art enables imagination, and creativity, which help develop a child’s cognition (Branka, Matjaz, & Tomaz, 2015). Additionally, an environment that is caring and safe equates to a healthy learning environment, free of stress, and full of support.

Parents evaluate skill development with regards to problem solving, make-believe and artistic activities within a preschool, by observing their children’s actions in certain situations, or when playing by themselves, or with others. Parents understand the abilities their children have prior to them attending preschool, as they recall what they have taught them. If children are seemingly able to work through problems better than they did prior to preschool, or if they are tapping into their imaginations and playing make-believe, or utilizing their artistic abilities more-so, or better, than it would be safe to say that their skills are increasing, from attending preschool. However, if there is no change, then the preschool curriculum should be reevaluated by the parents.

Looking at this development is very important for evaluation, as it is a way parents can be aware of the benefit of said preschool curriculum. Looking at these things can help parents decide if their child is benefitting in said preschool, or not. Thank you for reading, have a great night!

Sincerely,

Britney Rodriguez

References

Branka, C., Matjaz, M., Tomaz, Z. (2015). Preschool teaching Staff’s Opinion on the Importance of Preschool Curricular Fields of Activities, Art Genres and Visual Arts Fields ProQuest.  Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/docview/1769716152?pq-origsite=summon&accountid=8289

CHFD 308 Lesson 7. (n.d.). Cognitive Development in Early Childhood. American Military University.

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omer adan(May 16, 2018 11:58 PM)– Read by: 1

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Finding a preschool for your child may seem to be a simple task, until it is your turn to find the “right” place of early learning for your child to attend. Parents have their own preferences and expectations when it comes to what they may want for themselves and their preschool aged child. While it is true that academics is an important aspect that parents would want in being taught to their child when it comes to selecting a preschool, there are also other elements that parents should consider as well. Academics is one factor parents should look for, the social aspect of being in an environment with toddler children their age and of course licensed teacher(s) that fulfill the number of children in a class. If the preschool environment happens to be tidy and the teachers and staff are welcoming. A source mentions the importance of communication between teachers a parents, “Teachers need to be able to talk with you as easily as they do your child. Aside from being easily approachable, find out if the teachers are available for quick side chats at drop off and pick up” (Friedman 2017). Without communication how would a teacher understand a child’s behavior fully if any conversations arise. Also, parents feel more comfortable being able to chat with a teacher that they leave in their care for several hours a day for months at a time, so communication is a must. Another source mentions that preschool having recess breaks are good for building on cognitive development. “Apart from the obvious physical benefits of aerobic exercise, studies have shown recess also increases cognitive functioning” (Webley 2011). It makes sense that for children to have breaks just as adults do in their workplaces for balance and just letting lose and enjoying the new surroundings they will have to get used to. Parents can evaluate skill development regarding to problem solving, make believe and artistic activities within a preschool by simply doing their research on the preschool’s curriculum and goals for children. Parents can also stop by for a mini tour and/or give the preschool of choice a phone call to learn more on what the they do.

Reference

Friedman, A. (2017, July 19). 8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Preschool. Retrieved from https://www.care.com/c/stories/3271/8-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-preschoo/

Webley, K. (2011, August 24). 7 Things You Need to Know About a School (Before You Enroll Your Kid). Retrieved from http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2089618,00.html

Provide a concluding paragraph that  synthesizes the cognitive learning principles and theories found within  the articles as they relate to your chosen construct.

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 Week 3 – Assignment: Choosing Your Focus

Prior to beginning this assignment, please review all the required  readings from the first three weeks as well as the articles you used in  your Week 2 Discipline-Based Literature Review. During this course, you  have been developing your knowledge in the area of learning and  cognition. In the Week 2 assignment, there was special focus on six  topics that influence a wide variety of disciplines in psychology and  other fields. In the final week of this course, you will develop a  Learning and Cognition Handbook based on these topics.

This week, you will write an extensive review and annotated bibliography on one of the six main course topics below:

  • Traditional learning theories: Operant and classical conditioning
  • Traditional learning theories: Behaviorism and social learning theory
  • Attention and memory
  • Decision-Making
  • Language acquisition
  • Organizational and lifelong learning

The topic you choose should be based on the area in which you would  most like to develop your knowledge. Your choice should also consider  your current interests in psychology and support your future career  goals.

As you prepare this assignment, keep in mind that it is designed to  assist you with beginning the process of drafting your Learning and  Cognition Handbook, which is due in Week 6. It is recommended that your  paper be checked in Grammarly (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and through Turnitin (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. prior to submission.

Include the following components in your review:

Introduction: Explain your motivation focusing on your chosen topic and describe how this topic aligns with your future career goals.

Research: Research five Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. in the Ashford University Library focusing on your chosen topic, and provide an annotated bibliography (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..  These articles must provide sufficient information so that they will  support your work in the Learning and Cognition Handbook. (See the  instructions in Week 6 for further clarification.) Provide a complete  reference for each of the five articles. Beneath each reference, provide  an annotation that explains the theoretical perspectives, historical  trends, and/or empirical research within the article that describe and  define your chosen construct.

Conclusion: Provide a concluding paragraph that  synthesizes the cognitive learning principles and theories found within  the articles as they relate to your chosen construct.

The Choosing Your Focus paper

Carefully review the Grading Rubric (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

Describe the population you selected in Week 3 as the intended audience for a stress management workshop. Synthesize research related to stress management techniques.

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As a health psychology professional, it is likely that you may participate in the analysis and modification of behaviors and thought-processes to improve responses to stress. The components of the Final Project for this course prepare you to identify the stress management needs of a specific population and provide the most appropriate stress management techniques based on the stressors involved. Another component of the Final Project provides practice in the development of stress management handouts and a stress management workshop presentation. Then in the last component of the Final Project you develop a workshop evaluation to analyze the effectiveness of stress management techniques presented in an engaging learning environment, such as a group workshop. Finally, these components of the Final Project taken together prepare you to assist clients in the adoption of effective stress management techniques to reduce the impact of stress.

Final Project (10–15 total pages)

Your Final Project, which is due in Week 11, must include the following elements:

  • Descriptive Narrative (5–7 pages):
    • Describe the population you selected in Week 3 as the intended audience for a stress management workshop.
    • Synthesize research related to stress management techniques.
    • Include the stressors common to that population.
    • Explain the stress management research techniques you selected for your population.
    • Describe the three original handouts you created on stress management techniques in Week 5.
    • Justify the strategy used for selecting these techniques for the specific population you selected.
    • Describe how your stress management presentation from Week 7 is applicable for future use within health psychology.
    • Explain how the stress management techniques you selected and the stress management workshop you created contribute to social change.

Information on scholarly writing may be found in the APA Publication Manual (6th ed.), and at the Walden Writing Center website. Also see “Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity,” in the Guidelines and Policies area on the left navigation bar.