T08-O-10 Therapeutic techniques for treating religion based sexual shame in clients

Abstract

Objective The objective of this session is to provide a theoretical framework and practical guidelines for working with clients who experience difficulty reconciling their sexuality with their spiritual identity within the major Western faith traditions. Specific emphasis will be placed on addressing sexual shame originating from the fallacy of equating the avoidance of sexuality with purity, as well as exploring the psychogenesis of religious and shame-based sexual dysfunction. Design and Method The presentation content will be based on both empirical research as well as qualitative data collected from private psychotherapeutic practice specializing in dealing with sexual dysfunction and religious shame. Data presented will include both a conceptual foundation of the issue, as well as treatment applications for practitioners. Results The disavowal of natural human sexuality not only fails to augment spiritual expression, but actually contributes to sexual dysfunction and personality fragmentation through the psychological tendency to bond with the very things we most repress. Helping clients to discover and embrace their sexuality not only results in greater wholeness and self-awareness, but also assists in the recognition and eradication of their sexual shame by reclaiming the gift of their sexual identities. Conclusions Sexuality need not be separate and disjointed from a client's spiritual belief set. Indeed, it is both a vibrant and necessary expression of Creation itself, and one cannot truly possess a healthy spiritual and personal identity without first being able to embrace his or her sexuality.