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.

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.

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.