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ForwardAt the Intersection of LGBTQIA+ Identity and Religiosity: Dissociation and Treatment
Abstract
The intersection between religious identity, or religious upbringing, and LGBTQIA+ identity is complex. Organized religion may provide a sense of spiritual meaning and structure to its practitioners (Pargament, Koenig & Perez, 2000.) However, for individuals who identify along the LGBTQ spectrum, religious constructs may become sources of stress. Trauma has been defined as feeling fear and immobilization at the same time (Levine, 1997). This can occur when a child sits in the pews of her church, knowing they (which is intended as a singular, gender neutral pronoun) feel gender or sexuality conflicts, while hearing that those feelings are cause for intense punishment. Trauma can cause real, neurobiological changes to the brain (van der Kolk, 2015). In the treatment room, this may present as apparent resistance to engaging in talk therapy, as switching between self-states, or as inability to verbalize internal lived experiences. The Queer/Religiosity conflict may also present in the form of relationship struggles, derealization, alexithymia, depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
When considering treatment modalities, it is imperative to avoid retraumatization. This can occur, at times unintentionally, when clinicians are not mindful of deconstructing the inherent power dynamic within the psychotherapy relationship. In addition, as per American Psychological Association and many related current guidelines, clinicians are required to maintain a bias free, prejudice free therapeutic environment within which clients are given the space to explore all aspects of their inner conflict, and are never coerced or encouraged toward any single resolution.
The conflict between religion and identity may be explored in the context of expressive arts therapy, within which participants are offered a non-judgmental space for self-exploration (Malchiodi, 2005.) This workshop will include practical treatment interventions along the expressive therapies continuum, including art therapy, play therapy, and expressive writing. Participants will learn how to implement these for LGBTQ clients struggling with religious conflict and/or trauma.
Potential to Distress: Yes
This presentation was originally presented as part of a live hybrid conference in March 2024.
Target Audience
Beginning/Introductory
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this presentation participants will be able to:
- Identify both the supportive and non-affirming aspects of several major religions in terms of beliefs around LGBTQ identities, including: Judaism, Christianity, Mormonism, and Muslim faiths
- Recognize the etiological factors for traumatization within individuals who hold dual queer and religious idenitites, including but not limited to: lived experiences in religious institutions , scripture, the impact of community biases
- Define and recognize some of the neurobioligical factors related to identity trauma, including but not limited to: the application of polvagal theory, overview of the limbic system, description of stress hormones and neuroplasticity
- Plan and implement a basic narrative therapy intervention
- Conceptualize and implement three Expressive Arts Therapies interventions
Sara Glass, PhD, LCSW
Dr. Sara Glass, PhD LCSW is a writer, speaker, and psychotherapist in NYC. She holds a PhD in Psychology from Capella University (2016) and a Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University (2007). Glass is the Founding Partner of Soul Wellness NYC, a private practice in Midtown Manhattan, where clinicians collaborate to provide psychotherapy services for children and families, as well as pro bono individual and group therapy. She also serves as a Clinical Supervisor for Jewish Queer Youth, a non-profit organization that supports and empowers LGBTQIA+ youth. Glass has specific expertise in treating Complex PTSD and Dissociation, using a range of modalities such as EMDR and Expressive Arts Therapies. She often facilitates psychoeducational lectures for mental health professionals, supervises clinicians, and writes a blog for Psychology Today. Glass has authored a book chapter titled "There is no Black or White in the Rainbow," addressing the conflict between queer and religious identities in the context of trauma and creative therapies. Her resarch has focused on the sexualization and objectification of women in popular media. Her forthcoming memoir, "Kissing Girls on Shabbat" is scheduled for publication with Simon & Schuster in the spring of 2024, and addressed the nuanced lived experience of conflicting queer and religious identities. Glass faciliates narrative therapy writing groups, where participants are given a space for processing trauma memories through writing personal essays, memoir segments, fiction, and poetry. Glass is passionate about helping individuals find language with which to express that which has felt unspeakable, through teaching, writing, and making mental health information accessible to the general public. See drsaraglass.com for more information.
Available Credit
- 1.50 APAThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
- 1.50 ASWB ACEThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
- 1.50 ISSTD Certificate ProgramThis program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.