Sabbatical

So I was doing a little reading about what it means to take a sabbatical. Of course, I turned right away to Wikipedia (actually, that is the site that came up first in my search). Here are a couple of highlights:

• It comes from Latin sabbaticus and from the Hebrew shabbat (Sabbath/rest/ceasing)
• It can last from two months to a year
• Key biblical passage is Gen 2:2-3
• Contemporary meanings involve fulfilling a goal, such as a book project or research

Why do I write this? Well, I am on sabbatical this spring. So no year-long sabbatical, but it is longer than 2 months, so I’m happy for that.

I am hoping for some rest, yes, but I am focusing on a writing project – a Christian integration textbook on human sexuality – and a little traveling. The book is a collaborative project with Dr. Erica S. N. Tan. The traveling? Well, a couple of consultation trips to California and Vancouver, as well as overseas. More details to follow!

On “Crossing the Divide”

I had the opportunity to collaborate on two peer-reviewed journal articles both of which were published in this fall. One is on whether people can change their sexual orientation. It has received a lot of attention. It was published in Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. Information about that study can be found on the web site: www.exgaystudy.org.

The second journal article has not received nearly the same attention, and it probably won’t, which in my view is unfortunate. It was an experiment in “crossing the divide” between the evangelical Christian communityand the gay community. It was a collaborative effort with Lee Beckstead, a gay psychologist whose clinical practice is in Utah. The title of the article we coauthored is: “Using group therapy to navigate and resolve sexual orientation and religious conflicts.” It was published in Counseling and Values.

Here is the abstract:

This article considers the use of group therapy to explore sexual identity questions in light of religious beliefs and values. The authors describe the basis of their group therapy approaches for sexual, religious, and social conf…licts that differ from approaches that provide group members only the option of sexual reorientation to an ex-gay identity or adoption of a lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity. The authors come from different backgrounds and discuss how their perspectives and biases can potentially affect group process and outcome. They present guidelines, structure, content, and strategies for their group therapy approaches.

We begin the article by pointing out that the two polarized approaches to sexual orientation and religious conflicts are insufficient to meet the needs of all people seeking services in this area. The two approaches are, of course, reorientation therapy and gay affirmative (or gay integrative) therapy. We discuss emerging “third way” models, including the Sexual Identity Therapy Framework. We then discuss the overall benefits of group therapy in general and in the area of sexual identity issues. Then Lee Beckstead shares his experience running groups. He discusses his model, guidelines, and theoretical framework. Then I discuss my guidelines and theoretical framework. We then write about our combined understanding in terms of similarities in how we approach group therapy and strategies for resolving sexual identity conflicts. The basic idea here was to explore the question: “What can we agree on?”

We then close the article with a brief discussion of the lessons we learned from our dialogue:

“Crossing the divide” between supposedly opposing viewpoints by extending questions and honest feeback between us proved beneficial on many levels. Central to these dialogues involved offering respect for each other and being more curious rather than combative with each other’s views. This step toward healing the divide between our views seemed congruent with our desire to help clients change the way in which they relate to divides within themselves and their communities. (p. 113)

It was a rewarding experience for me. I know both Lee and I will be criticized for the collaboration. The criticisms will likely come from those who are invested in the polarization. Those who benefit from the “culture war” frame of reference and resulting polarization often react the strongest against those they feel are letting down their side.

But for me there are some potential benefits that come from trying to identity areas of agreement between people who otherwise may disagree. I know that I benefit from working with and having my work critiqued by people who do not have the same blind spots. I see things I did not see before. I also have a chance to review my beliefs and make a more explicit case for them – either in writing or in my own thinking. You can sharpen your thinking and argument by exposing it to those who represent different interest groups. Finally, I learn to identify superordinate goals that can be more readily met in collaboration. This has been helpful for me in many areas of my life, both professionally and personally.

I should also add this: One key to collaboration is identfying moderate voices on the “other side” and being a moderate voice on “your side.” That is harder than it sounds. The pressure to be on the extremes can be great. In this context and for those who are concerned, moderate does not mean a failure of nerve or conviction. Indeed, I appreciate Richard Mouw’s phrase, “Convicted civility”, a posture in which one is clear about one’s beliefs/values/convictions but articulates them with great civility or respect for the other person and his or her views/beliefs/convictions.

I am sure there are people who would not view either Lee or me as “moderate”; so I understand that concern. But compared to some of the voices out there, we would be viewed as moderate to many people. Perhaps it depends in part on your comparison group!

I hope that others will consider whether their work can benefit from similar collaborations.

The Long Journey Home

A new edited book is available on ministering to those who have experienced sexual abuse. The book is titled The Long Journey Home. It is edited by Andrew J. Schmutzer with contributions from Diane Langberg, Terri Watson, Phil Monroe, Gary Strauss, and many more. In fact, there are 23 chapters organized in three main sections: (1) Understanding Sexual Abuse Through the Social Sciences; (2) Engaging Sexual Abuse Through the Theological Disciplines; and (3) Addressing Sexual Abuse Through Pastoral Care.

Each chapter is quite accessible to the lay counselor or person who is looking for information to minister to others. The chapters also end with helpful discussion questions and suggestions for further reading.

I co-authored a chapter with my colleague and friend, Dr. Elisabeth Suarez. That chapter is titled, “The Impact of Sexual Abuse on Sexual Identity: Exploring the Relationship between Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adult Sexual Identity.” We address an area that is often a point of discussion (or at least assumption) in Christian circles by reviewing the relevant research and theories in this area.

I appreciate the editor’s commitment to bring together theologians, psychologists, and pastoral care providers to address a sensitive and important topic. I think many readers will find this resource to be a practical guide that will stretch their thinking. The book will fill definitely fill a void in the literature.

Personal Integration Resource: The Good and Beautiful God

Integration refers to ways in which Christians in the field of psychology sort out the relationship between psychology as a science and Christianity. Much of the integration discussion centers on worldview critiques (of, say, naturalism or humanism) or explorations of theories for doing integration (an integrates model might be contrasted with a psychology of religion or the view that psychology and Christianity are distinct approaches that are not to be brought into a meaningful dialogue). Another approach to integration is to look at the life of the person doing integration. This might be thought of as personal integration.

One of the activities the faculty and staff of the School of Psychology and Counseling do is meet weekly for prayer and to study Scripture. This year we are reading through the book, The Good and Beautiful God, by James Bryan Smith.

Here is what Dallas Willard had to say about it:

“The best practice I have seen in Christian spiritual formation.”

That got my attention. I read and loved Dallas Willard’s book, The Divine Conspiracy. Many consider Willard one of the leading writers on spiritual formation. His work has made a world of difference in my life. So when he gives this kind of endorsement to a book on spiritual formation, it is worth a look.

We are reading The Good and Beautiful God in small groups of about 5-6 faculty and staff. We then meet as a small group to discuss the book and then bring that discussion to our weekly Bible study. We aren’t that far into it yet. But I’ve enjoyed looking at rest in my life (or the lack thereof), as well as practicing the lectio divina (divine reading). I’ve known these concepts before, but I would say that the greatest difference has been reading this in a small community (5-6 people), meeting with them regularly, and discussing it with both them and the larger group. Like all resources, you will get out of it what you put in. But I would say that it is another truth of disciplines that they are more likely to be maintained if they are done within a small community that cares about you, asks you about it, and provides a venue for discussion and application. If you are looking for a resource that could significantly impact your spiritual life, this might be the one for you.

Again, keep in mind that the regular practice of spiritual disciplines in the life of the Christian in the field of psychology can be understood as a form of integration. It is personal integration, and it should not be looked at as less important than the other, more common ways we approach integration.

Interview on CBN News

The questions raised by the clinical practices at Bachman & Associates in Minnesota have led to some interesting questions about whether sexual orientation can change. I was interviewed today on CBN news on that topic, which you can see here. Before that interview, they show a segment on my prior research, published originally in book form, which started with 98 participants attempting to change their sexual orientation through involvement in Exodus International, a Christian ministry. What we reported at Time 3 is probably the more helpful information in the sense that we had a larger number of peope still in the study. We reported that 15% indicated in their transcipts change of orientation (though some still reported some same-sex attraction), while 23% reported a sufficient reduction in same-sex attraction such that chastity was more achievable. Another 29% were continuing in the process but were not reporting sufficient reductions in same-sex attraction to classify as successful in their change attempt thus far. Fifteen percent reported non-response, while 4% ‘failed’ and were confused but had discontinued change attempts, and 8% ‘failed’ and adopted a gay identity. (We used ‘failed’ from the perspective of the original goal to change sexual orientation.) The percentages around ’success’ and ‘failure’ increased at Time 6, which is what is reported on in the CBN news piece, but the numbers were also smaller at Time 6, so I just offer this as clarification. 

You will note from the CBN news interview that the question is raised whether reorientation therapy is mainstream. I indicated that it is not but that there is some question as to how many people provide such therapy, and there is little research being conducted today by those who provide reorientation therapy. I thought later that what people want are fewer soundbites and hyperbole and more by way of realistic expectations for their experience in therapy (or in a Christian ministry). These are real people who often experience great conflict between their religious and sexual identities. 

I also discussed what reparative therapy is. It is essentially a subtype of reorientation therapy that is based on the premise that faulty parent-child relationships cause homosexuality by creating an emotional need that later becomes sexualized. If you are familiar with my work, you know that I do not practice reorientation therapy; rather, I focus on sexual identity and how it develops and synthesizes over time. This is actually the primary area of research I am involved in through the Institute for the Study of Sexual Identity. I think a focus on sexual identity is ultimately more client-centered and holistic. So toward the end of the interview I shared that sexual identity can be explored and discussed in therapy without practicing reorientation therapy. One expression of this type of therapy is Sexual Identity Therapy(SIT), which has as its focus helping a person achieve congruence so that the person’s behavior and identity is congruent with his or her beliefs and values. SIT is cited favorably in the 2009 APA task force report on appropriate therapeutic responses to sexual orientation.

Integration Capstone

This summer students in the integration capstone course are reading and discussing two books. The first is Ev Worthington’s book, Coming to Peace with Psychology. Here is an endorsement from Malcolm Jeeves:

Past discussions of how psychology and theology are related have tended to be written either from the perspective of psychotherapists and counselors or from that of psychological scientists. In a remarkably well-informed, wide-ranging review of the literature, Everett Worthington argues taht ‘we are wise to look at all sources of information and wisdom we have at our disposal – and this includes both Scripture and psychological science.’ This outstanding book is an invaluable, up-to-date reference source on issues at the interface of psychology and Christian belief.”

The second book is edited by Glen Moriarty and is titled Integrating Faith and Psychology: Twelve Psychologists Tell Their Stories. The psychologists include Al Dueck, Cameron Lee, Mark McMinn, Rebecca Propst, Ev Worthington, and Siang-Yang Tan.

Out of a Far Country

There’s a new book out in May titled Out of a Far Country by Christopher and Angela Yuan. The book is a fascinating look at Christopher and Angela’s lives that spans from the time Christopher (or “Chris” at that time) “came out” as gay to his mother through his involvement in the drug scene in Atlanta and, eventually, his experience of redemption, a road that providentially took him through prison. It is a remarkable story, one that Christopher shares with humility and gratitude for what God has done in his life. It is the story of the Prodigal Son, which is what the title refers to, except this story is from the point of view of both the son and the mother. I suspect many readers will be encouraged by what Christopher and Angela share, particularly given where they are today, but the challenges they faced would test any mother’s faith.

The format of the book is that Christopher and Angela write separate chapters and take turns walking the reader through that time in their lives. The format works; reading how both of them experienced key events from their own point of view is fascinating. Their accounts provide unique insights but they do not cover the same time period too much, so it is not redundant in that sense.

When it comes to some of what I research around sexual identity, the importance of how a person forms their identity and whether they label themselves by their attractions or explores other identity resolutions, Yuan shares the following:

I had learned that I could live without sex, but what about my sexuality? Did I have an identity apart from my sexual orientation? I really struggled with this, especially my first year in prison. For the longest time, I knew that God had created me this way – gay. I had told myself over and over, I am gay. I was born this way. This is who I am . I never chose to have these feelings. But now, as I searched the Scriptures for the way I should live, I began to ask myself a different question: Who am I apart from my sexuality? I didn’t have an answer.

This is often a central issue for those who are sorting out sexual identity questions in light of their religious identity. There are no easy answers to this conflict, and the more the local church comes to understand that, the more hope exists for compassion and support.

Today Christopher working on his doctoral degree at Bethel Seminary, having completed degrees at Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College. He frequently speaks to others about his journey. His mother, Angela, is today a partner in his ministry and often joins him on his speaking engagements. You might find his web site helpful and informative.

CAPS National Conference 2011

Several students and faculty members from the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at Regent University are presenting at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) National Conference this weekend in Indianapolis. The theme of the CAPS National Conference is “Resilience and Renewal.”

• Donald Walker, Ph.D. will present a paper entitled: “Treating Trauma in Christian Counseling: An Agenda for Research and Training.”
• William Hathaway, Ph.D. will give a presentation entitled: “Executive Functioning, Self-Regulation, and Spirituality.”
• Glen Moriarty, Psy.D., along with colleagues from BIOLA university will give a presentation entitled: “Client God Images: Theory, Research, & Clinical Practice.”
• April Cunion, Psy.D., Jennifer Ripley, Ph.D., & Vickey Maclin, Psy.D. will present a paper entitled: “The Impact of Hope Focused Marital Therapy on Common Couples Violence.”
• Vickey Maclin, Psy.D., Ryan Adams, Tiffany Erspamer, and Chelsae Roby-Pistello will present a paper entitled: “Perspectives on Mental Health from Elderly Caucasians and African Americans.”
• Jennifer Ripley, Ph.D., Vickey Maclin, Psy.D. Audrey Atkinson, M.S., Brittany Rainwater, Tiffany Erspamer, Alicia White, Tabitha Sierra, Camden Morgante, Katherine Chisholm, Hilary Pethtel, & Brittany Montes will present a paper entitled: “Religious Accommodative Couples Therapy: Ethics and Clinical Considerations.”
• Trista Carr, Psy.D., & Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D. will give a presentation entitled: “Sexual-Minority Christians: Data Exposition and Clinical Considerations.”
• Camden Morgante, Jennifer Ripley, Ph.D., & James Sells, Ph. D. will present a poster entitled: “Grace and Trust in Couples Therapy.”
• Tabitha Sierra  & Jennifer Ripley, Ph.D. will present a poster entitled: “The Efficacy of Hope Focused Couple Therapy with Military Couples.”
• Justin Dewberry, M.A., along with a colleague from Palm Beach Atlantic University will give a presentation entitled: “Measuring Therapeutic Change and Spiritual Formation with the Means of Grace.”
• Donald Walker, Ph.D., along with various other colleagues will give a presentation entitled: “Faith and Trauma: Promoting Client, Family, Therapist and Church Resilience.”
• Glen Moriarty, Psy.D. Jennifer Ripley, Ph.D., & William Hathaway, Ph.D. with a colleague from Rosemead School of Psychology will give a presentation entitled: “Integrating Faith and Psychology: 3 Psychologists Tell Their Stories.”

The End is Near?

A new book out by Jenell Williams Paris is just hitting the bookshelves (or entering cyberspace for you to download on your iPad or Kindle). It is titled The End of Sexual Identity: Why Sex is Too Important to Define Who We Are (published by InterVarsity Press). Here’s how IVP describes the book:

Sexual identity has become an idol in both the culture at large and in the Christian subculture. And yet concepts like “gay” or “straight” are relatively recent developments in human history. We let ourselves be defined by socially constructed notions of sexual identity and sexual orientation–even though these may not be the only or best ways to think about sexuality.

I’ve already provided an endorsement:

It is exciting to me to read Christian scholars who take their faith and their discipline seriously. As a Christian and an anthropologist, Jenell Williams Paris does just that and applies her understanding to the challenging topic of sexual identity, drawing conclusions that, while controversial, warrant our attention and may lead the way to a more constructive conversation.

Paris offers up the thesis that sexual identity labels such as “gay” and “straight” (and “homosexuality” and “heterosexuality”) are relatively recent social constructions that have come to dominate so much of the discussion surrounding human sexuality. These social constructions have been used by the broader culture and by the Christian community in ways that keep all of us from a more meaningful discussion about what it means to be human beings (and sexual beings). Writing as a Christian, Paris brings that worldview into the discussion, so that sexuality is related to transcendent purposes but not through the labels with which we are most familiar.

Here are a few quotes I underlined:

Sexual identity is a Western, nineteenth-century formulation of what it means to be human. It’s grounded in a belief that the direction of one’s sexual desire is identity-constituting, earning each individual a label (gay, lesbian, straight, etc.) and social role. (p. 41)

Reproduction, family and religion have become optional components of sex … and sexuality has taken on new meaning as an essential force that exists not between persons but within each individual, one that is expected to provide personal identity and happiness. (p. 42)

Like heterosexuality, homosexuality is an idea that has a history. It may be quickly becoming history insfar as homosexual has been replaced by more specific terms such as lesbian, gay and bisexual. Newer categories, however, retain the premise that sexual feelings warrant a corresponding social identity. In this sense, all sexual identity categories have a common trouble: they tell us what a person wants, sexually, is an important measure of who a person is. (p. 57)

God created sexuality. People created sexual identity. (p. 75)

What will be most interesting to some readers is that Paris extends the discussion beyond deconstructing a gay identity into deconstructing a heterosexual identity as well. Most readers will not see that one coming, but I think many readers will conclude that she makes a good case for her position.

It is a quick read at only 144 pages. It has helpful discussion questions for a class or small group. Paris offers up a challenging thesis for all readers, and I hope that people will pick up a copy and begin to discuss it within the church and beyond.

Forthcoming Book on Counseling Couples

I have a new book co-authored with James Sells coming out in April of this year. It is titled Counseling Couples in Conflict: A Relational Restoration Model. This is how InterVarsity Press Academic describes it:

Most therapeutic approaches, especially those of a cognitive orientation, are not very effective in dealing with high conflict relationships–couples often heading toward divorce by the time they seek help.

Counseling Couples in Conflict is a resource for counselors and therapists who want to be ready for these uniquely difficult cases. Utilizing a relational conflict and restoration model Mark Yarhouse and James Sells point the way beyond the cycle of pain towards marital healing.

Here is the Table of Contents:

Part I
1 Marriage at a Crucial Stage of Existence
2 Three Fights in One
3 Marriage Is an Us
4 Pastoral and Counseling Boundaries: Invested but not Overinvolved

Part II
5 Pain and Defense
6 Offense and Injury
7 Grace and Justice
8 Empathy and Trust
9 Forgiveness

Part III
10 The Expressive Art of Sexuality
11 The Product of Art: Children and Parenting
12 Sexual Infidelity
13 Divorce and Blended Families
14 Substance Abuse and Behavioral Addictions
15 A Graceful Conclusion

And here are a couple of nice endorsements:

“Addressing the concerns of professional counselors and pastoral counselors alike, Sells and Yarhouse offer a biblically-based, theological-grounded and therapeutically-sound model for working specifically with couples in conflict. I recommend this book for beginning counselors and for seasoned colleagues in the field. It definitely has a home on my bookshelves.”

—Virginia T. Holeman, Ph.D., professor of counseling, Asbury Theological Seminary, and author of Reconcilable Differences

“The institution and even the definition of marriage continue to be in turmoil and the subject of debate and controversy within our culture today. Yet, the Scriptures portray marriage as a beautiful metaphor of the union between Christ and his bride, the church. As such, couples face not only the challenges and obstacles inherent in any human relationship but must also contend with the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to destroy this image. Discord, pain, misunderstanding and hurt are inevitable. Counseling Couples in Conflict offers a solid integration of biblical principles and counseling skills with clinical theory that helps foster relational wholeness. Practical case examples are utilized throughout to illustrate key points and provide a balanced model for restoration. Whether a pastoral counselor or a professional mental health clinician, this book is an essential resource for anyone doing marital work.”

—Eric T. Scalise, Ph.D., LPC, LMFT, Vice President for Professional Development, The American Association of Christian Counselors