What would you say to Sharon that would be affirmative of her sexual orientation and validate her concerns?

Response to below discussion post with below discussion topic.
Course Text
Capuzzi, D. & Stauffer, M.D. (2020). Foundations of Addictions Counseling, 4th edition. Boston: Pearson.
(If the write can’t find the textbook for this order, he or she can use
https://b-ok.cc/book/17595540/be0f1d)
Discussion topic: Before participating in this discussion:
Watch: Taking Pride in Recovery: Substance Abuse in LGBT People
Taking Pride in Recovery: Substance Abuse in LGBT People (Links to an external site.)
Read The Case of Sharon case study, page 419. Respond to the 2 questions:
1.What would you say to Sharon that would be affirmative of her sexual orientation and validate her concerns?
2.How will you explore challenges that Sharon may face if she does decide to disclose her sexual orientation to the group?

Discussion post:To validate Sharons concerns regarding coming out to her AA group and sponsor I would ensure her that she has every right to feel uncomfortable sharing her sexual identification to this group. I would talk about the elephant in the room and the fact that stereotypes and judgements around the LGBQT population unfortunately do still exist. If Sharon was open to discussing the Christian orientation of the AA group, I would discuss this as well. Again, I would validate her concerns regarding coming out to a Christian leaning group who historically view homosexuality as a sin.
As discussed in the video, warmth and empathy from the counselor is paramount in the counselor client relationship so I would focus on these traits in all that we discuss. I would like to discuss the real rejection she may face from some of the AA participants as well as her sponsor. If we can work through some of the feelings of rejection and abandonment feelings she may experience prior to the actual potential insult, I think Sharon would be better equipped to handle it. I would also like to talk about shame and how shame breeds in isolation. Sharon may be experiencing shame by not coming out in AA and she could feel relief once that part of herself is known. I would also like to assure her that if she is rejected by her AA group (maybe even by just a couple people) then together we will find her a more inclusive and accepting recovery group. There are groups out there that are secular in nature and may be more accepting of the LGBQT community.

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