Licensed mental health providers and ministry leaders are called to help individuals from diverse backgrounds. When working with sexual relationships, it is important to understanding how culture shapes sexual behavior, relationships, and values. In sex therapy, this diversity requires navigating deeply rooted cultural practices and expectations, especially regarding marriage and sexuality. In this workshop, licensed mental health professionals, ministry leaders, and coaches will explore the latest research in cross-cultural psychology, highlighting how these findings are reshaping sex therapy, and insights will be shared on addressing common objections, such as civil status, the purpose of sex, and the role of both partners, from a culturally informed perspective. Participants will recognize how cultural practices around child-rearing impact sexual development and relationships, ways to support educators and church leaders in multicultural settings, and how to navigate common objections in therapy. Additionally, participants will discuss the importance of biblical faith-based principles in guiding healthy compromise in relationships across different cultures will be emphasized, offering practical integration of this knowledge into practice while maintaining alignment with Christian faith for willing Christian clients.
623 | Bridging the Gap: Cultural Sensitivity in Christian Sex Therapy
PRESENTERS
Danisa Suarez, M.A.
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Intermediate
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Explore how cultural practices and values shape sexual development, marriage expectations, and relationship dynamics, particularly within diverse cultural contexts.
2 Integrate findings from cross-cultural psychology into therapeutic practice, addressing common objections related to civil status, the purpose of sex, and partner roles from a culturally informed perspective.
3 Discuss how biblical principles can guide healthy compromise in relationships across various cultural backgrounds, ensuring the integration of Christian faith for willing Christian clients while supporting individuals and couples in diverse cultural settings.