by Kristen Rae
Over the past decade, therapists have been confronted with some major issues regarding homosexual therapy. Attempting to change a homosexual patient to a heterosexual one was considered (and still is) taboo because there was little research to support successful changes. Additionally, many homosexuals who attempted change were shown to have higher rates of depression, suicide, and genderalized anxiety disorder post-therapy.
So why would we attempt to change homosexuals if the mental health risks are so high? Often, those who request therapy and assistance with their change from homosexuality to heterosexuality do so becuase of strong religious beliefs, the desire for marriage, and social pressures.
Spitzer (2003) interviewed 200 homo-to-heterosexual participants who reported successful changes (sustained heterosexuality for more than a year) with the use of support groups, church, therapy, and prayer. However, this study was limited because (a) those who chose to participate in the study had already undergone change and (b) those who chose to change from homosexuality to heterosexuality had strong motivation (e.g. religion, desire for marriage, and social pressure).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Julie Harren writes:
Genes + Brain Wiring + Prenatal Hormonal Environment = Temperament
Parents + Peers + Experiences = Environment
Temperament + Environment = Homosexual Orientation
Read more here: Homosexuality 101
…and NARTH’s (National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuals) position statement on homosexuality says:
There is no such thing as a “gay gene” and there is no evidence to support the idea that homosexuality is simply genetic. However, biological influences may indeed influence some people toward homosexuality; recent studies point to prenatal-hormonal influences, especially in men, that result in a low-masculinized brain; also, there may be genetic factors in some people — both of which would affect gender identity, and therefore sexual orientation. But none of these factors mean that homosexuality is normal and a part of human design, or that it is inevitable in such people, or that it is unchangeable.
Read more here.
My point here is that we need to begin rethinking how we perceive and treat homosexuals, as a community and as Mental Health Professionals.
More to come.
