ETHICAL ISSUES IN PROVIDING SEX THERAPY TO CONVENTIONALLY RELIGIOUS MIXED ORIENTATION COUPLES

This paper engages the ethical issues that arise at the intersection of sex therapy, the experiences of mixed orientation couples, and conventional religiosity. Often people in mixed orientation marriages identify religious and religion can serve as a motivation to enter into a mixed orientation marriage for some couples. By highlighting provision of services to conventionally religious mixed orientation couples, this paper illustrates some of the ethical concerns for therapists working with conventionally religious client in general and in the area of sex therapy in particular. Key ethical considerations include respect for religious beliefs, values, and behaviors, use of therapist disclosure statement and informed consent, competence in sex therapy, cultural humility with respect to nontraditional social identities, and adapting clinical services to work with conventionally religious couples. Recommendations for clinical services will be offered.