You say she made a religious issue out of something that has nothing to do with religion. I have to ask how one, as a counselor, would counsel her on that? Would it be called that? Would she be told she was wrong? I am just curious, and others can help, as if she were not a counselor but one in need of a counselor.
Would she be judged to be wrong and counseled as such? This is important to me.
Ok - I'm not quite certain as to your meaning here JustMe - but this did occur to me:
I would counsel her from a representative of the school's view that if she wishes to become a social worker she will adhere to Ethical Standard 1.04 Competence:
a). Social workers should provide services and represent themselves as competent only within the boundaries of their education, training, license, certification, consultation received, supervised experience, or other relevant professional experience.
c) When generally recognized standards do not exist with respect to an emerging area of practice, social workers should exercise careful judgment and take responsible steps (
including appropriate education, research, consultation, and supervision) to ensure the competence of their work and to protect clients from harm.
These codes cover the United States and I've compared them with 3 other codes from elsewhere in the world and they are all very similar. So this is not a localized or new phenomenon as the US SW code dates back to 1920's with formal language voted in by the 60's.
The young student would not have received education nor training at the schools because there is no justification for teaching it - yet.
While the point of view of the young woman is to say gay/lesbian persons are mentally ill based upon religious teachings and need to be treated - there is no evidence from scientific research methods that points to their methods of intervention are successful - nor harmful.
And in the last part, 'harmful' is what bothers me. I have encountered many wounded people and one of the biggest wounds they have is related to the church and their religious teachings. If most of the funding for mental health service facilities goes to Faith Based Organizations, then there are not many choices for those people. I see that happening around me for at least 12 rural counties.
So we try to graduate social workers with broad views and who believe in God if they choose and to help all of their community - not just the Believers. We are supposed to have an all inclusive mind view. Following the Code of Ethics ensures that view.
IMO the student does not meet that criteria. That broad view I mean.
I'm sorry if I've come on too strong here. It's not my intention to do so - but I am recognizing some frustration on my part from a completely opposite point of view.
Ironically - a job position came available at a Faith Based Agency for battered women and children. I was so excited because that was one of two positions I really wanted to move into next. But - I found out the Director wanted a Christian SW to work there so she could lead the Bible studies required for receiving assistance there. In all good conscience I cannot apply for that job. I just can't do that.
So you see - it's not a personal attack on her beliefs per se - it's how she presents herself that defines her as being too narrow minded for a broad and all inclusive view. She'd be great as an advocate social worker though!
I hope this gives you food for thought. I know - I know it's way too much right? Hahahaha.
