The Case Against Conversion "Therapy": Evidence, Ethics, and Alternatives

Many LGBTQ youth are still forced into harmful amp ldquo treatments amp rdquo with devastating mental health consequences. This volume explores the history, effects, and danger of so-called conversion therapy. Because conversion amp ldquo therapy amp rdquo is not actually therapeutic, it is now more accurately referred to as sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) or gender identity change efforts (GICE). What does the record show about the efficacy and effects of SOCE and GICE? What motivates individuals to seek these harmful treatments, either for themselves or for their children? This book synthesizes findings from a vast literature base to answer these and other important questions, in hopes of fully discrediting SOCE and GICE once and for all.   Over the last four decades, considerable research has showed SOCE to be not only ineffective, but harmful. As a result of these findings, professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) have denounced the practice and recommended affirmative, supportive treatment instead. Although SOCE have been widely discredited, they remain legal in most states and continue to be practiced with lesbian, gay, and bisexual children and adolescents. Furthermore, as the past 2 years have seen an increase in gender nonconforming and transgender individuals, there has been a similar rise in efforts to socially reprogram gender nonconforming children and adolescents.   This volume is grounded in the principle long embraced by the scientific and healthcare communities-that same-sex attraction and gender nonconformity are not signs of psychopathology. Rather, sexual and gender minority individuals should be supported in embracing their own identities. This affirmative approach to practice with sexual and gender minorities is consistent with decades of APA policy and ethics.

Table of Contents:
Contributors Foreword-Jack Drescher Introduction: A History of Conversion Therapy, From Accepted Practice to Condemnation Douglas C. Haldeman Why This Book Is Needed Organization of the Book I. Change Efforts: The Evidence Base Chapter . Research on Sexual Orientation Change Efforts: A Summary Judith M. Glassgold Background on Sexual Orientation and SOCE Prevalence Historical Issues Research Issues Research Review 9 amp ndash 2 8 Current SOCE Research 2 9 amp ndash 2 2 Post-2 9 Studies of SOCE in Children and Youth Synthesis of Research Findings Future Directions Conclusion Chapter 2. Gender Identity Change Efforts: A Summary David P. Rivera and Seth T. Pardo Sex amp ndash Gender Incongruence Is a Normal Human Variation Stigma in Health Care Settings Treatments for Gender Identity Stigma, Discrimination, Violence, and Psychological Harm Where Do We Go From Here? Developing the Case for Gender-Affirming Practices II. Minority Stress and Collateral Impact Chapter 3. Minority Stress and Change Efforts Michael L. Hendricks Fundamentals of Minority Stress Theory Stress Processes Coping and Resilience Psychological Sense of Community Concealment Revisited The Role of Intersectionality Implications for SOCE and GICE Chapter 4. The Role of Families in Efforts to Change, Support, and Affirm Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression in Children and Youth Judith M. Glassgold and Caitlin Ryan Effects and Prevalence of SOGIECE Among Youth Families and Conversion Efforts Critical Issues for Families of Traditional Faiths and Cultures Future Directions: From Preventing Harm to Promoting Well-Being Conclusion Chapter 5. The Role of Religion in Sexual Orientation Change Efforts and Gender Identity Change Efforts Thomas G. Plante Why the Tension Between Some Religious Traditions and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity? Religion-Based Efforts to Change LGBTQI+ Orientations and Behavior Why Do Some Religious Groups Encourage SOCE Without Evidence or Support From the Professional Health and Mental Health Community? How Can Mental Health Professionals Support Patients Who Have Conflicts About Their Sexual Orientation and Their Religious Beliefs and Identity? How Can Mental Health Professionals Work Collaboratively With Religious Groups That Engage in and Support SOCE for LGBTQI+ Persons? Conclusion III. Affirmative Approaches: Guidelines and Ethics Chapter . APA's Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients and Sexual Orientation Change Efforts: A Brief History Kristin A. Hancock and Douglas C. Haldeman Professional Practice Guidelines: Inclusions and Exclusions History of the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Guidelines Sexual Orientation Change Efforts in Professional Practice Guidelines Continuing the Work: A Status Report on Research and the Political Climate Moving Forward Chapter 7. Using the APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice to Develop Trans-Affirming Counseling for Trans and Gender Nonconforming Clients Anneliese A. Singh, Raven K. Cokley, and Frank B. Gorritz Definition of Trans-Affirming Counseling and Psychological Practice TGNC-Affirming Theoretical Frameworks Domains of Trans-Affirming Practice: Exploring Application of the TGNC Guidelines Other Uses of the TGNC Guidelines Limitations of the American Psychological Association TGNC Guidelines and Clinician Advocacy Conclusion Chapter 8. The Application of Ethical Principles, Standards, and Practices to Sexual Orientation Change Efforts and Gender Identity Change Efforts Linda F. Campbell Beneficence and Avoiding Harm Respect for the Rights and Dignity of Others Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments Competence Affirmative Treatment in the Context of Sexual Orientation Change Efforts Affirmative Treatment in the Context of Gender Identity Change Efforts Conclusion IV. Affirmative Approaches: Advocacy and International Issues Chapter 9. Review of U.S. Public Policy, Legislative, and Judicial Work on Conversion Efforts Melissa J. Grey, Sam Brinton, and Douglas C. Haldeman Nonlinear Progress Is the Historical Context of Conversion Protections From Conversion Efforts Are Part of LGBTQ Equality Movements, and Movements Are Messy Recent Trajectories of Conversion Effort Policies Advocacy Strategies to End Conversion Efforts Promising Trends in the Movement to End Conversion Efforts Chapter . Sexual Orientation Change Efforts and Gender Identity Change Efforts in International Contexts: Global Exports, Local Commodities Sharon G. Horne and Mallaigh McGinley The Global Movement to End SOCE/GICE Religion-Driven Efforts to Perpetuate SOCE/GICE Future of SOCE/GICE in International Contexts Epilogue Douglas C. Haldeman Index About the Editor

About the Author :
Douglas C. Haldeman, PhD, has nearly 4 years of experience working in the areas of sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) and gender identity change efforts (GICE) in a multiplicity of roles. As a practitioner working with individuals recovering from the adverse effects of SOCE for 3 years, he gained a national reputation through his writings and presentations as an expert in the area of SOCE. He has presented lectures and workshops all over the world on the topic and has developed a treatment protocol for practitioners working with individuals who have been harmed in SOCE/GICE.