UKCP statement: Conversion therapy

Published: 12 May 2021

For our latest position see our update on conversion therapy page.

The government recently published its proposals to ban conversion therapy, which are now subject to a period of consultation. UKCP will be working with its MOU Coalition partners to provide a full response to the government's consultation.

We welcome the government’s commitment to introduce measures to ban conversion therapy in the UK.

We look forward to supporting the Government Equalities Office in developing legislation that complements existing ethical guidance for therapists, within its broader remit to tackle conversion therapy wherever it occurs.

Conversion therapy is an umbrella term for any approach, model or individual viewpoint demonstrating an assumption that any sexual orientation or gender identity is inherently preferable to any other, and which attempts to bring about a change of sexual orientation or gender identity, or seeks to suppress an individual’s expression of sexual orientation or gender identity on that basis.

UKCP is a signatory of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Conversion Therapy in the UK along with 20 other organisations including NHS England, NHS Scotland and the Royal College of GPs, and is an active member of the MoU Coalition Against Conversion Therapy.

All UKCP registrants are expected to comply with the MoU, which states that ‘the practice of conversion therapy, whether in relation to sexual orientation or gender identity, is unethical and potentially harmful.’

This is entirely in keeping with the fundamental therapeutic principles already enshrined within the UKCP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, such as under the sub-headings ‘professional knowledge, skills and experience’ and ‘social responsibility’.

In light of the recent circulation of misinformation, it is important to emphasise the MoU does not deny, discourage or exclude those with uncertain feelings around sexuality or gender identity from seeking qualified and appropriate help. The document explicitly supports therapists to provide appropriately informed and ethical practice when working with a client who wishes to explore, experiences conflict with, or is in distress regarding their sexual orientation or gender identity.

It states:
For people who are unhappy about their sexual orientation or their gender identity, there may be grounds for exploring therapeutic options to help them live more comfortably with it, reduce their distress and reach a greater degree of self-acceptance. Some people may benefit from the support of psychotherapy and counselling to help them manage unhappiness and to clarify their sense of themselves. Clients make healthy choices when they understand themselves better.

UKCP, alongside other MoU signatory bodies, is committed to working with the government to ensure its legislation will complement the MoU in this respect. MoU signatory bodies are also committed to enabling their members, where appropriate, to provide support for survivors of conversion therapy – the statutory provision for which must be included in the government’s forthcoming legislation.

We look forward to continuing to work alongside our MoU Coalition partners to ensure practitioners from across our disciplines are aware of the ethical and practice issues relating to conversion therapy and are appropriately trained around these.

Conversion therapy – frequently asked questions

What is conversion therapy?

Conversion therapy is an umbrella term for therapy that is based on the assumption that any sexual orientation or gender identity is inherently preferable to any other, and attempts to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity on that basis.

Conversion therapy is sometimes referred to as reparative therapy, gay cure therapy or sexual orientation and gender change efforts.

Why do therapy professionals consider conversion therapy unethical?

The major therapy professional bodies in the UK have been united in speaking out against conversion therapy, considering it unethical and potentially harmful.

Conversion therapy begins from the pre-conceived view that the client’s sexual orientation or gender identity should be changed. Sexual orientations and gender identities are not mental health disorders. It is therefore unethical to offer a treatment a ‘cure’ for them.

What does the memorandum seek to achieve?

The primary purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is the protection of the public through a commitment to ending the practice of conversion therapy in the UK.

This MoU also intends to ensure that:

the public are well informed about the risks of conversion therapy.
healthcare professionals and psychological therapists are aware of the ethical issues relating to conversion therapy.
new and existing psychological therapists are appropriately trained.
evidence into conversion therapy is kept under regular review.

professionals from across the health, care and psychological professions work together to achieve the above goals.

Does the MoU mean that people who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity can’t seek support from a therapist?

No, it does not. Many people struggle with confused or conflicting feelings around their sexual attraction (of any orientation) or their gender identity. Going to see a therapist may be helpful.

Sometimes psychotherapy and counselling can help people clarify their sense of themselves. Clients make healthy choices when they understand themselves better.

Responsible therapists are equipped to assist people in gaining a greater understanding of the way they feel, and to help them work through difficult feelings that may arise in relation to the reactions of family, friends and other members of your community

The key thing is for professionals to have adequate knowledge and understanding of gender and sexual diversity and to be free from any agenda that favours any particular gender identity or sexual orientation over another.

Does the MoU mean doctors always have to say yes to requests for medical intervention to aid transition?

No. The MoU makes clear that it is not intended to stop psychological and medical professionals working with trans and gender questioning clients from performing a clinical assessment of suitability prior to medical intervention.

However the memorandum does set out that ethical practice requires the professional to have adequate knowledge and understanding of gender and sexual diversity and to be free from any agenda that favours any particular gender identity or sexual orientation over another.