GendersInX.org
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.


An Encouraging Support for People with Gender Variations
All points of view, if presented in a civil manner, are welcome.


 
To all PresentHomeLatest imagesRegisterLog in

 

 Reparitive therapy denounced by APA

Go down 
AuthorMessage
Gina

avatar



Reparitive therapy denounced by APA Empty
20090806
PostReparitive therapy denounced by APA

Changing gay ways branded harmful

THE American Psychological Association says mental health professionals
should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or
other treatments.

Instead, the APA urged therapists to consider multiple options -- that could
range from celibacy to switching churches -- for helping clients whose
sexual orientation and religious faith conflict.

In a resolution adopted on a 125-to-4 vote by the APA's governing council,
and in a comprehensive report based on two years of research, the
150,000-member association put itself firmly on record in opposition to
so-called "reparative therapy", which seeks to change sexual orientation.

No solid evidence exists that such change is likely, says the report, and
some research suggests that efforts to produce change could be harmful,
inducing depression and suicidal tendencies.

The APA had criticised reparative therapy in the past, but a six-member
taskforce added weight to this position by examining 83 studies on sexual
orientation change conducted since 1960. Its comprehensive report was
endorsed by the APA's governing council in Toronto, Canada, where the
association's annual meeting is being held this weekend.

The report breaks new ground in its detailed and nuanced assessment of how
therapists should deal with gay clients struggling to remain loyal to a
religious faith that disapproves of homosexuality.

Judith Glassgold, a New Jersey psychologist who chaired the taskforce, said
she hoped the document could help calm the polarised debate between
religious conservatives who believe in the possibility of changing sexual
orientation and the many mental health professionals who reject that option.

"Both sides have to educate themselves better," Ms Glassgold said.

"The religious psychotherapists have to open up their eyes to the potential
positive aspects of being gay or lesbian. Secular therapists have to
recognise that some people will choose their faith over their sexuality."

In dealing with gay clients from conservative faiths, says the report,
therapists should be "very cautious" about suggesting treatments aimed at
altering their same-sex attractions.

The APA taskforce took as a starting point the belief that homosexuality is
a normal variant of human sexuality, not a disorder, and that it nonetheless
remains stigmatised in ways that can have negative consequences.

The report said the subgroup of gays interested in changing their sexual
orientation had evolved over the decades and now comprised mostly
well-educated white men whose religion was an important part of their lives
and who participated in conservative faiths that frowned on homosexuality.
The report also addressed the issue of whether adolescents should be
subjected to therapy aimed at altering their sexual orientation. Any such
approach should "maximise self-determination" and be undertaken only with
the youth's consent, the report said.

Wayne Besen, a gay rights activist who has sought to discredit the so-called
"ex-gay" movement, welcomed the APA findings.

"Ex-gay therapy is a profound travesty that has led to pointless tragedies,
and we are pleased that the APA has addressed this psychological scourge,"
Mr Besen said.
Back to top Go down
Share this post on: reddit

Reparitive therapy denounced by APA :: Comments

DianneB
Re: Reparitive therapy denounced by APA
Post Thu 06 Aug 2009, 7:10 pm by DianneB
Well that puts Mr. Ken Zucker in an interesting position, being a prime proponent of "repairitve therapy", holding a position of power at the CMHA (former Cluck Institute) which holds such sway over the transgendered in Canada, and being on the board of the DSM.
avatar
Re: Reparitive therapy denounced by APA
Post Thu 06 Aug 2009, 9:05 pm by Gina
agree
Hmmmmmmmmm

and I wonder how the whole DSM thing will pan out with this on board. I have still not heard what action CMHA has taken after their review of late last year ( I suspect none) .

I would think this places forced sex and gender assignments in a difficult place given attempts to have children and adults live gender compliant lives against their will for both I.S and T.S. are wholly unsuccessful and lead the same outcomes described in the above news article.

Gina
avatar
Re: Reparitive therapy denounced by APA
Post Thu 06 Aug 2009, 10:27 pm by Laura
That is really good news. I am pleasantly surprised at the APA decision. I hope that this extends to reparative therapy for gender identity issues as well. I am sure that Kenneth Zucker is not pleased at all. Smile

Gina wrote:
I would think this places forced sex and gender assignments in a difficult place given attempts to have children and adults live gender compliant lives against their will for both I.S and T.S. are wholly unsuccessful and lead the same outcomes described in the above news article.

Oh, I really hope you are right about that. It would prevent so much suffering.

Laura
DianneB
Re: Reparitive therapy denounced by APA
Post Thu 06 Aug 2009, 10:37 pm by DianneB
Laura wrote:
I am sure that Kenneth Zucker is not pleased at all.

Any bets on who one of the 4 descenting votes may have been? ROFLMAO!
 

Reparitive therapy denounced by APA

Back to top 

Page 1 of 1

Permissions in this forum:You cannot reply to topics in this forum
GendersInX.org ::  GendersInX Broadcast ::  Special Mention-
Jump to: