Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality: Difference between revisions

Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality: A New Clinical Approach
	File:Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality.jpg Cover of the first edition
Author	Joseph Nicolosi
Cover artist	Bill Aron (photographer)
Country	United States
Language	English
Subject	Conversion therapy
Publisher	Jason Aronson
Publication date	1991
Media type	Print (Hardcover and Paperback)
Pages	355
ISBN	0-87668-545-9

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Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality: A New Clinical Approach is a 1991 book about conversion therapy by the psychologist Joseph Nicolosi. Nicolosi, who draws on work by previous authors, maintains that the form of conversion therapy he promotes, "reparative therapy", does not remove all of a person's homosexual feelings, but can help men who do not wish to be homosexual to either become celibate or prepare for heterosexual marriage. He views male homosexuality as a developmental problem that often results from problems between father and son. The book was first published in the United States by Jason Aronson in 1991. The work, which advocates a therapeutic approach that departs from traditional psychoanalytic techniques, influenced the practice of conversion therapy. Critics faulted Nicolosi's scholarship, and argued that he provided an inadequate discussion of biological influences on sexual orientation and incorrectly viewed homosexuality as pathological. The American Psychiatric Association opposes reparative therapy and similar treatments aimed at changing a patient's sexual orientation because homosexuality is not a mental disorder and there is no scientific evidence that reparative therapy achieves its stated goals.

Conversion therapy is a pseudoscience, and is banned in numerous jurisdictions. In 2019, following complaints, Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality was withdrawn from sale by Amazon.

Background

Nicolosi's theory has not received empirical support; that is, there is no scientific evidence that "reparative therapy" (conversion therapy) achieves its stated goals.^[1]^[2]^[3] In addition, there is some evidence that conversion therapy harms some men who have undergone the counseling.^[4]^[5] The scientific consensus is that conversion therapy is pseudoscientific. Medical, psychological, counseling, social work, and government organizations oppose conversion therapy, reparative therapy, and sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) generally on the grounds that the practice is ineffective, potentially harmful, and unethical.^[6]^[7]^[8]

Due to both evidence of harm and civil rights concerns, conversion therapy is illegal or restricted in an increasing number of jurisdictions.^[9]

Summary

Nicolosi discusses conversion therapy. He sees his contribution to its development as combining clinical research on the development of male gender identity, histories of family dynamics, and "the techniques of psychodynamic psychotherapy of male homosexuality". According to Nicolosi, the form of conversion therapy he advocates, "reparative therapy", does not remove all of a person's homosexual feelings, but can "strengthen masculine identification" and help men who do not wish to be homosexual to either become celibate or prepare for heterosexual marriage. He states that reparative therapy is partly based on object relations theory, and that its therapeutic goals include clarifying "the family dynamics that may have led to a man's homosexual condition" and making "peace with father".^[10]

Male homosexuality is seen by Nicolosi as "a developmental problem" that "often results from early problems between father and son". Nicolosi argues that the development of heterosexuality requires "the support and cooperation of both parents as the boy disidentifies from mother and identifies with father." In his view, problems in the relationship between father and son can result in the latter's "failure to internalize male gender-identity". He writes that a boy's failure to fully gender-identify leads to alienation from both the father and from male peers in childhood, resulting in an "eroticization of maleness", often associated with "alienation from the body" and "a deficit in sense of personal power", and that the homosexuality that results represents "the drive to repair the original gender-identity injury." According to Nicolosi, the relevant literature shows that genetic and hormonal factors do not "seem to play a predetermining role in homosexual development", but may be predisposing factors for some boys, making them more vulnerable to "gender-identity injury".^[10] Problems Nicolosi sees as associated with male homosexuality include "defensive detachment from other males" and sexual promiscuity; he argues that without the influence of women, male couples find it difficult to maintain monogamy, and that gay relationships are "inherently troubled by the limitations of sexual sameness", and thus are not equivalent to heterosexual relationships.^[11]

Nicolosi also discusses the work of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, stating that Freud, like the psychiatrist Carl Jung and the psychotherapist Alfred Adler, viewed homosexuality as pathological. He maintains that the declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder was the result of politics and the actions of gay rights campaigners rather than new research, and that it has discouraged "treatment and research". However, he also sees the change as being partly the result of the psychological profession's failure to identify with certainty the psychodynamic causes of homosexuality and its resulting failure to devise a treatment with an acceptable success rate. He suggests that psychoanalytic efforts at treating homosexuality may have failed because they mistakenly focused on homosexual men's assumed fear of females rather than their problems in relating to men; he credits the psychologist Elizabeth Moberly with correctly recognizing the importance of such "defensive detachment", which he sees as the major obstacle to therapeutic success. In agreement with Moberly, he criticizes the emotionally distant therapeutic approach characteristic of psychoanalysis, advocating personal involvement on the part of the therapist to meet the need of male patients for "intimate male connectedness".^[12]

Publication history

Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality: A New Clinical Approach was first published by Jason Aronson in 1991.^[13] The book was republished in 1997.^[14]

Reception

Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality influenced the practice of conversion therapy.^[15] The legal scholar Marie-Amélie George called the book "a standard text for reparative therapists", noting that it re-popularized ideas that had begun to be discarded following the declassification of homosexuality.^[16] Commentators have noted that the therapeutic approach it advocates departs from traditional psychoanalytic techniques.^[17] The psychiatrist Jeffrey Satinover, who credited Nicolosi with synthesizing and advancing prior research on conversion therapy, argued that these departures are consistent with what Freud predicted would be necessary, and were supported by the experience of many other therapists.^[18]

The work has been criticized on numerous grounds.^[19] The neuroscientist Simon LeVay criticized Nicolosi for viewing homosexuality as pathological.^[20] The psychiatrist Jack Drescher wrote that Nicolosi valued "social conformity above the needs of the individual", a view he criticized as "authoritarian". He maintained that Nicolosi favored "formulaic" interpretations of his clients.^[21] The clinical social worker Chuck Bright compared Nicolosi's views to those of the psychoanalyst Charles Socarides, criticizing both.^[22] The psychiatrist Richard C. Friedman criticized Nicolosi for making generalizations about gay people based on clinical samples.^[23] In 2000, the American Psychiatric Association (APA), in a statement published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, reaffirmed its opposition to treatments, including reparative therapy, which assume that a patient should change his or her homosexual orientation, noting that they are based on theories that conflict with its position that homosexuality is not a mental disorder. It referred to Nicolosi as a practitioner of reparative therapy who had "openly integrated older psychoanalytic theories that pathologize homosexuality with traditional religious beliefs condemning homosexuality".^[24]

Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality received a positive review from the psychologist I. Reed Payne in Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy,^[25] a mixed review from the sex researcher James D. Weinrich in the Journal of Sex Research,^[26] and a negative review from Friedman in the Archives of Sexual Behavior.^[27]

Payne endorsed Nicolosi's view that the idea that homosexuality is innate and unchangeable is mistaken. He believed that the book benefited from Nicolosi's clinical experience and credited him with clearly presenting his views on the diagnosis and treatment of homosexuality, as well as helping to explain its development. However, he noted that critics of Nicolosi's work would object to the limited attention given to biological influences on homosexuality, and that Nicolosi could not answer all the questions his work raised.^[25]

Weinrich credited Nicolosi with being the first author of a book offering therapy to homosexual men who wish to change their sexual orientation to admit that such change is not possible. He also credited him with acknowledging that his theory about the cause of male homosexuality is not applicable to all homosexual patients. However, while he considered the idea that "defensive detachment" is a cause of homosexuality applicable to some gay men, he criticized Nicolosi for concluding that homosexuality must be pathological if it develops in the way he proposed. He also criticized Nicolosi for failing to discuss how his religious beliefs might have affected his views on homosexuality, providing an inadequate discussion of biological influences on sexual orientation that ignored relevant evidence, and for stereotyping gay men and describing gay relationships only in negative terms. He concluded that Nicolosi's views on homosexuals were based on a biased sample, and questioned the quality of Nicolosi's scholarship as well as his proposals for therapy.^[26]

Friedman wrote that the book had scholarly limitations. He considered Nicolosi incorrect to claim that the declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder had discouraged research. He also faulted his discussion of "the psychobiology of sexual orientation" and maintained that his understanding of gay people was "severely compromised by his personal negative belief system about homosexuality." Though he agreed that some mental health professionals had adopted a political stance on homosexuality, he regarded Nicolosi as being equally as biased as the gay rights activists he criticized. He argued that the book's quality was undermined by the fact that Nicolosi was not trained as a psychoanalyst.^[27]

Gwen Aviles of NBC News reported in July 2019 that Amazon had withdrawn Nicolosi's books, which she described as "some of the most well-known works about conversion therapy", from sale following a campaign by gay rights activists.^[28] Amazon's decision received criticism from some commentators.^[29] In The American Conservative, the journalist Rod Dreher decried it as a step toward censorship. He noted that Amazon continued to sell other books that were controversial or could be considered dangerous or unscientific.^[30] In The Daily Signal, Joseph Nicolosi Jr. defended his father's books, and said that one man credited Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality with saving his marriage.^[31] On Townhall, Robert Knight described Amazon's decision to stop selling Nicolosi's books as a form of censorship.^[32] Daniel Newhauser of Vice News reported that a group of Republican members of the United States House of Representatives was campaigning to reverse Amazon's decision, which they considered a form of censorship.^[33]

However, other commentators supported Amazon's decision.^[34]^[35] Brad Polumbo of the Washington Examiner observed that Nicolosi's books, as well as books by authors who considered themselves ex-gay, were controversial. While he considered the criticism that Amazon's decision to stop selling them had received understandable, he nevertheless believed the decision correct, describing Nicolosi's work as "harmful pseudoscience". He noted that Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality was still available from its publisher.^[34] In a Newsweek article, journalist Kashmira Gander interviewed physician Natasha Bhuyan, who voiced her support for Amazon's decision to stop selling Nicolosi's books, noting that the books involve approaches rejected by every mainstream medical organization, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Psychological Association.^[35]^[a] Daniel Reynolds reported in The Advocate in February 2019 that the gay writer Damian Barr had criticized Amazon for selling the books, arguing that they were discredited and harmful.^[36] Aviles dismissed conversion therapy as "pseudoscientific".^[28]

Kelly Burke of Australia's Seven News reported that despite the withdrawal from sale of the books by Amazon in the United States, they "remained available on Amazon's Australian site until 7NEWS.com.au approached the company for comment, after which they were hastily removed." Burke added that Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality continued to be available from Dymocks.^[37] Jordan Hirst of QNews reported that, following Amazon's decision to stop selling Nicolosi's books, gay rights organization Equality Australia was "petitioning Australian retailers to follow suit." Hirst noted that Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality was still available for sale from booksellers such as Dymocks.^[38]

Notes

^ For a more comprehensive list of medical and mental health organizations that have issued formal policy or position statements indicating their opposition to reparative therapy because of a lack of research demonstrating its efficacy and due to the harm it causes some patients, see Policy and Position Statements on Conversion Therapy on the Human Rights Campaign website.

References

Footnotes

^ American Psychological Association, 2010, p. 30
^ Spitzer, 2012, p. 757.
^ Dehlin, 2015, p. 103.
^ Bradshaw, et al., 2015, p. 408
^ Daniel & Butkus, 2015, p. 136 and Appendix (unpaginated)
^
The following medical, psychological, counseling, social work, and government organizations oppose so-called "conversion therapy", "reparative therapy", and sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) generally on the grounds that the practice is ineffective, potentially harmful, and unethical:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (1993). "Homosexuality and Adolescence" (PDF). Pediatrics. 92: 631–634. Therapy directed specifically at changing sexual orientation is contraindicated, since it can provoke guilt and anxiety while having little or no potential for achieving changes in orientation.
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (September 2019). "Fact Sheet – Conversion Therapy" (PDF). Conversion Therapy Issue Brief - American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Retrieved 17 May 2020. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry finds no evidence to support the application of any "therapeutic intervention" operating under the premise that a specific sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression is pathological. Furthermore, based on the scientific evidence, AACAP asserts that such 'conversion therapies' (or other interventions imposed with the intent of promoting a particular sexual orientation and/or gender as a preferred outcome) lack scientific credibility and clinical utility. Additionally, there is evidence that such interventions are harmful.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
- American Counseling Association (19 Dec 2017). "Resolution on Reparative Therapy/Conversion Therapy/Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) as a Significant and Serious Violation of the ACA Code of Ethics" (PDF). American Counseling Association (counseling.org). Retrieved 17 May 2020. ... Whereas reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE has been shown to be ineffectual; Whereas reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE has been shown to cause harm; Whereas reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE has been found to violate consumer fraud-protection law; Be it resolved that promoting, conducting, engaging in, or referring for reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE is a significant and serious violation of the ACA Code of Ethics ...{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^
More organizations that oppose conversion therapy:
- American Medical Association (n.d.). "Advocating for the LGBTQ community". Population Care, American Medical Association. Retrieved 17 May 2020. So-called 'conversion therapy' ... [assumes] that homosexuality and gender nonconformity are mental disorders and that sexual orientation and gender identity can be changed. This assumption is not based on medical or scientific evidence. ... The AMA opposes the use of 'conversion therapy' for sexual orientation or gender identity.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
- American Psychiatric Association (December 2018). "Position Statement on Conversion Therapy and LGBTQ Patients" (PDF). American Psychiatric Association (psychiatry.org). Retrieved 17 May 2020. APA reaffirms its recommendation that ethical practitioners refrain from attempts to change individuals' sexual orientation. ... APA encourages legislation which would prohibit the practice of "reparative" or conversion therapies that are based on the a priori assumption that diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are mentally ill.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
- American Psychoanalytic Association (2012). "Position Statement on Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, or Gender Expression". apsa.org. Retrieved 17 May 2020. Psychoanalytic technique does not encompass purposeful attempts to "convert," "repair," change or shift an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Such directed efforts are against fundamental principles of psychoanalytic treatment and often result in substantial psychological pain by reinforcing damaging internalized attitudes.
- Canadian Paediatric Society (2008). "Adolescent sexual orientation". Paediatrics & Child Health. 13 (7): 620, 622. doi:10.1093/pch/13.7.619. ISSN 1205-7088. PMC 2603519. PMID 19436504. Conversion or reparative therapy, where attempts are made to turn gay males or lesbians into heterosexuals, are clearly unethical and should not be provided b, physicians, nor should physicians refer patients for such therapy ... Conversion and reparative therapies should not be provided because they do not work, and have the potential to heighten guilt and anxiety.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
- National Association of Social Workers (May 2015). "Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) and Conversion Therapy with Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals, and Transgender Persons". Social Workers in Congress 110th. Retrieved 17 May 2020. The practice of SOCE [sexual orientation change efforts] violates the very tenets of the social work profession as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^
List of organizations that oppose conversion therapy (final group of organizations on this list):
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2015). Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 15-4928. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma15-4928.pdf: Division of Systems Development, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. p. 1. ... conversion therapy—efforts to change an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression—is a practice that is not supported by credible evidence and has been disavowed by behavioral health experts and associations. Conversion therapy perpetuates outdated views of gender roles and identities as well as the negative stereotype that being a sexual or gender minority or identifying as LGBTQ is an abnormal aspect of human development. Most importantly, it may put young people at risk of serious harm. {{cite book}}: External link in |location= (help)CS1 maint: location (link)
- UK Council for Psychotherapy, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, British Psychoanalytic Council, GLADD (The Association of LGBT Doctors and Dentists), National Counselling Society, Association of Christian Counsellors, College of Sex and Relationship Therapists, British Psychological Society, British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, Royal College of General Practitioners, NHS England, NHS Scotland (October 2017). "Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy in the UK" (PDF). UK Council for Psychotherapy. Retrieved 17 May 2020. Signatory organisations agree that the practice of conversion therapy, whether in relation to sexual orientation or gender identity, is unethical and potentially harmful.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^ Drescher, Jack; Schwartz, Alan; Casoy, Flávio; McIntosh, Christopher A.; Hurley, Brian; Ashley, Kenneth; Barber, Mary; Goldenberg, David; Herbert, Sarah E.; Lothwell, Lorraine E.; Mattson, Marlin R. (2016). "The Growing Regulation of Conversion Therapy". Journal of medical regulation. 102 (2): 7–12. PMC 5040471. PMID 27754500.
^ ^a ^b Nicolosi 1991, pp. xiii–xviii.
^ Nicolosi 1991, pp. xvi–xvii.
^ Nicolosi 1991, pp. 7–11, 18–20.
^ Nicolosi 1991, p. iv.
^ Robinson & Spivey 2007, p. 661.
^ Potok 2016; George 2017, pp. 793–853.
^ George 2017, pp. 793–853.
^ Satinover 1996, pp. 183–184; Drescher 1999, pp. 61–80.
^ Satinover 1996, pp. 183–184.
^ LeVay 1996, p. 78; Drescher 1999, pp. 61–80; Bright 2004, pp. 471–481; Friedman 2006, pp. 115, 118; The American Journal of Psychiatry 2000, pp. 1719–1721.
^ LeVay 1996, p. 78.
^ Drescher 1999, pp. 61–80.
^ Bright 2004, pp. 471–481.
^ Friedman 2006, pp. 115, 118.
^ The American Journal of Psychiatry 2000, pp. 1719–1721.
^ ^a ^b Payne 1993, pp. 113–116.
^ ^a ^b Weinrich 1993, pp. 291–295.
^ ^a ^b Friedman 1997, pp. 225–227.
^ ^a ^b Aviles 2019.
^ Dreher 2019; Nicolosi Jr. 2019; Knight 2019.
^ Dreher 2019.
^ Nicolosi Jr. 2019.
^ Knight 2019.
^ Newhauser 2019.
^ ^a ^b Polumbo 2019.
^ ^a ^b Gander 2019.
^ Reynolds 2019.
^ Burke 2019.
^ Hirst 2019.

Bibliography

Books

Friedman, Richard C. (2006). "Sexual Orientation Change: A Study of Atypical Cases". In Drescher, Jack; Zucker, Kenneth (eds.). Ex-Gay Research: Analyzing the Spitzer Study and Its Relation to Science, Religion, Politics, and Culture. New York: Harrington Park Press. ISBN 978-1-56023-557-6. OCLC 8170519.
LeVay, Simon (1996). Queer Science: The Use and Abuse of Research into Homosexuality. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press. ISBN 0-262-12199-9.
Nicolosi, Joseph (1991). Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality: A New Clinical Approach. Northvale, New Jersey: Jason Aronson. ISBN 0-87668-545-9.
Satinover, Jeffrey (1996). Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books. ISBN 978-0-8010-5625-3.

Journals

Bradshaw, Kate; Dehlin, John P.; Crowell, Katherine A.; Galliher, Renee V.; Bradshaw, William S. (2014). "Sexual Orientation Change Efforts Through Psychotherapy for LGBQ Individuals Affiliated With the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints". Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. doi:10.1080/0092623x.2014.915907. ... even the most optimistic expressions of 'change' did not claim that same-sex attractions and opposite-sex aversions had been eliminated and replaced by strictly positive heterosexual romantic feelings. Rather, because 'the feelings don't go away,' some sort of accommodation had been achieved. This included redefining one's sexual self to reduce the effect of minority stress and internalized homonegativity. In contrast, 42% reported that their change oriented therapy was 'not at all effective' and an additional 37% described it as moderately or severely harmful.
Bright, Chuck (2004). "Deconstructing Reparative Therapy: An Examination of the Processes Involved When Attempting to Change Sexual Orientation". Clinical Social Work Journal. 32 (4).
Daniel, Hilary; Butkus, Renee (2015). "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Disparities: Executive Summary of a Policy Position Paper From the American College of Physicians". Annals of Internal Medicine. 163 (2): 135. doi:10.7326/M14-2482. ISSN 0003-4819. The College opposes the use of 'conversion,' 'reorientation,' or 'reparative' therapy for the treatment of LGBT persons. ... Available research does not support the use of reparative therapy as an effective method in the treatment of LGBT persons. Evidence shows that the practice may actually cause emotional or physical harm to LGBT individuals, particularly adolescents or young persons.
Dehlin, John P.; Galliher, Renee V.; Bradshaw, William S.; Hyde, Daniel C.; Crowell, Katherine A. (2015). "Sexual orientation change efforts among current or former LDS church members". Journal of Counseling Psychology. 62 (2): 95–105. doi:10.1037/cou0000011. ISSN 1939-2168. PMID 24635593. Our findings suggest that the majority of participants engaged in SOCE [sexual orientation change efforts] via multiple avenues for over a decade (on average). Almost no evidence of SSA [same-sex attraction] being eliminated via SOCE could be found in this sample, and minimal evidence supported successful change in sexual orientation.
Drescher, Jack (1999). "The Therapist's Authority and the Patient's Sexuality". Journal of Gay & Lesbian Psychotherapy. 3 (2): 61–80. doi:10.1300/J236v03n02_03.
Friedman, Richard C. (1997). "Book reviews". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 26 (2).
George, Marie-Amélie (2017). "Expressive Ends: Understanding Conversion Therapy Bans". Alabama Law Review. 68 (3).
Payne, I. Reed (1993). "Review of Reparative therapy of male homosexuality: A new clinical approach by Joseph Nicolosi". Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy. 19 (1).
Robinson, Christine M.; Spivey, Sue E. (2007). "The Politics of Masculinity and the Ex-Gay Movement". Gender and Society. 21 (5).
Weinrich, James D. (1993). "Therapy Terminable and Interminable: "Non-gay Homosexuals" Come Out of the Closet". Journal of Sex Research. 30 (3). – via EBSCO's Academic Search Complete (subscription required)
Spitzer, Robert L. (2012). "Spitzer reassesses his 2003 study of reparative therapy of homosexuality" (PDF). Archives of Sexual Behavior. 41 (4): 757. doi:10.1007/s10508-012-9966-y. PMID 22622659. I believe I owe the gay community an apology for my study making unproven claims of the efficacy of reparative therapy. I also apologize to any gay person who wasted time and energy undergoing some form of reparative therapy because they believed that I had proven that reparative therapy works with some 'highly motivated' individuals.
"Position statement on therapies focused on attempts to change sexual orientation (reparative or conversion therapies)". The American Journal of Psychiatry. 157 (10). 2000.

Online articles

American Psychological Association (2010). "Appropriate Affirmative Responses to Sexual Orientation Distress and Change Efforts" (PDF). apa.org. pp. 30–31. Retrieved 24 April 2020. ... APA affirms that same-sex sexual and romantic attractions, feelings, and behaviors are normal and positive variations of human sexuality regardless of sexual orientation identity; ... there is insufficient evidence to support the use of psychological interventions to change sexual orientation; ... [APA] concludes that the benefits reported by participants in sexual orientation change efforts can be gained through approaches that do not attempt to change sexual orientation ....{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
Aviles, Gwen (July 4, 2019). "Amazon removes controversial books by 'father of conversion therapy'". NBC News. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
Burke, Kelly (July 31, 2019). "Amazon heeds LGBTQ call and removes gay conversion therapy books from shelves". Seven News. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
Council on Minority Mental Health and Health Disparities, American Psychiatry Association (December 2018). "Position Statement on Conversion Therapy and LGBTQ Patients" (PDF). Retrieved 24 April 2020.
Dreher, Rod (July 3, 2019). "Amazon.com Surrenders To The Homintern". The American Conservative. Retrieved 5 July 2019.
Gander, Kashmira (July 24, 2019). "'Outright abuse of children': Doctor warns Amazon not to sell 'extremely dangerous' books on gay conversion therapy". Newsweek. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
Hirst, Jordan (August 1, 2019). "Australian booksellers petitioned to pull 'conversion therapy' titles". QNews. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
Human Rights Campaign. "Policy and Position Statements on Conversion Therapy". Retrieved 24 April 2020.
Knight, Robert (July 16, 2019). "How Democracy Dies in Darkness". Townhall. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
Newhauser, Daniel (July 20, 2019). "Exclusive: House Republicans are pressuring Amazon to sell books on gay conversion therapy". Vice News. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
Nicolosi Jr., Joseph (July 10, 2019). "Amazon Just Banned My Dad's Therapy Books, Caving to LGBT Activists". The Daily Signal. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
Polumbo, Brad (July 10, 2019). "The complicated case of Amazon banning books promoting gay conversion therapy". Washington Examiner. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
Potok, Mark (May 25, 2016). "QUACKS: 'Conversion Therapists,' the Anti-LGBT Right, and the Demonization of Homosexuality". Website of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
Reynolds, Daniel (February 14, 2019). "Gay Author Slams Amazon for Selling Conversion Therapy Books". The Advocate. Retrieved 4 August 2019.

[36] For a more comprehensive list of medical and mental health organizations that have issued formal policy or position statements indicating their opposition to reparative therapy because of a lack of research demonstrating its efficacy and due to the harm it causes some patients, see Policy and Position Statements on Conversion Therapy on the Human Rights Campaign website.

[1] American Psychological Association, 2010, p. 30

[2] Spitzer, 2012, p. 757.

[3] Dehlin, 2015, p. 103.

[4] Bradshaw, et al., 2015, p. 408

[5] Daniel & Butkus, 2015, p. 136 and Appendix (unpaginated)

[Organizations1-6] The following medical, psychological, counseling, social work, and government organizations oppose so-called "conversion therapy", "reparative therapy", and sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) generally on the grounds that the practice is ineffective, potentially harmful, and unethical:
American Academy of Pediatrics (1993). "Homosexuality and Adolescence" (PDF). Pediatrics. 92: 631–634. Therapy directed specifically at changing sexual orientation is contraindicated, since it can provoke guilt and anxiety while having little or no potential for achieving changes in orientation.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (September 2019). "Fact Sheet – Conversion Therapy" (PDF). Conversion Therapy Issue Brief - American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Retrieved 17 May 2020. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry finds no evidence to support the application of any "therapeutic intervention" operating under the premise that a specific sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression is pathological. Furthermore, based on the scientific evidence, AACAP asserts that such 'conversion therapies' (or other interventions imposed with the intent of promoting a particular sexual orientation and/or gender as a preferred outcome) lack scientific credibility and clinical utility. Additionally, there is evidence that such interventions are harmful.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

American Counseling Association (19 Dec 2017). "Resolution on Reparative Therapy/Conversion Therapy/Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) as a Significant and Serious Violation of the ACA Code of Ethics" (PDF). American Counseling Association (counseling.org). Retrieved 17 May 2020. ... Whereas reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE has been shown to be ineffectual; Whereas reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE has been shown to cause harm; Whereas reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE has been found to violate consumer fraud-protection law; Be it resolved that promoting, conducting, engaging in, or referring for reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE is a significant and serious violation of the ACA Code of Ethics ...{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[8] American Academy of Pediatrics (1993). "Homosexuality and Adolescence" (PDF). Pediatrics. 92: 631–634. Therapy directed specifically at changing sexual orientation is contraindicated, since it can provoke guilt and anxiety while having little or no potential for achieving changes in orientation.

[9] American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (September 2019). "Fact Sheet – Conversion Therapy" (PDF). Conversion Therapy Issue Brief - American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Retrieved 17 May 2020. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry finds no evidence to support the application of any "therapeutic intervention" operating under the premise that a specific sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression is pathological. Furthermore, based on the scientific evidence, AACAP asserts that such 'conversion therapies' (or other interventions imposed with the intent of promoting a particular sexual orientation and/or gender as a preferred outcome) lack scientific credibility and clinical utility. Additionally, there is evidence that such interventions are harmful.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[10] American Counseling Association (19 Dec 2017). "Resolution on Reparative Therapy/Conversion Therapy/Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) as a Significant and Serious Violation of the ACA Code of Ethics" (PDF). American Counseling Association (counseling.org). Retrieved 17 May 2020. ... Whereas reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE has been shown to be ineffectual; Whereas reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE has been shown to cause harm; Whereas reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE has been found to violate consumer fraud-protection law; Be it resolved that promoting, conducting, engaging in, or referring for reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE is a significant and serious violation of the ACA Code of Ethics ...{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[Organizations2-7] More organizations that oppose conversion therapy:
American Medical Association (n.d.). "Advocating for the LGBTQ community". Population Care, American Medical Association. Retrieved 17 May 2020. So-called 'conversion therapy' ... [assumes] that homosexuality and gender nonconformity are mental disorders and that sexual orientation and gender identity can be changed. This assumption is not based on medical or scientific evidence. ... The AMA opposes the use of 'conversion therapy' for sexual orientation or gender identity.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

American Psychiatric Association (December 2018). "Position Statement on Conversion Therapy and LGBTQ Patients" (PDF). American Psychiatric Association (psychiatry.org). Retrieved 17 May 2020. APA reaffirms its recommendation that ethical practitioners refrain from attempts to change individuals' sexual orientation. ... APA encourages legislation which would prohibit the practice of "reparative" or conversion therapies that are based on the a priori assumption that diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are mentally ill.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

American Psychoanalytic Association (2012). "Position Statement on Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, or Gender Expression". apsa.org. Retrieved 17 May 2020. Psychoanalytic technique does not encompass purposeful attempts to "convert," "repair," change or shift an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Such directed efforts are against fundamental principles of psychoanalytic treatment and often result in substantial psychological pain by reinforcing damaging internalized attitudes.

Canadian Paediatric Society (2008). "Adolescent sexual orientation". Paediatrics & Child Health. 13 (7): 620, 622. doi:10.1093/pch/13.7.619. ISSN 1205-7088. PMC 2603519. PMID 19436504. Conversion or reparative therapy, where attempts are made to turn gay males or lesbians into heterosexuals, are clearly unethical and should not be provided b, physicians, nor should physicians refer patients for such therapy ... Conversion and reparative therapies should not be provided because they do not work, and have the potential to heighten guilt and anxiety.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: PMC format (link)

National Association of Social Workers (May 2015). "Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) and Conversion Therapy with Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals, and Transgender Persons". Social Workers in Congress 110th. Retrieved 17 May 2020. The practice of SOCE [sexual orientation change efforts] violates the very tenets of the social work profession as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[12] American Medical Association (n.d.). "Advocating for the LGBTQ community". Population Care, American Medical Association. Retrieved 17 May 2020. So-called 'conversion therapy' ... [assumes] that homosexuality and gender nonconformity are mental disorders and that sexual orientation and gender identity can be changed. This assumption is not based on medical or scientific evidence. ... The AMA opposes the use of 'conversion therapy' for sexual orientation or gender identity.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[13] American Psychiatric Association (December 2018). "Position Statement on Conversion Therapy and LGBTQ Patients" (PDF). American Psychiatric Association (psychiatry.org). Retrieved 17 May 2020. APA reaffirms its recommendation that ethical practitioners refrain from attempts to change individuals' sexual orientation. ... APA encourages legislation which would prohibit the practice of "reparative" or conversion therapies that are based on the a priori assumption that diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are mentally ill.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[14] American Psychoanalytic Association (2012). "Position Statement on Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, or Gender Expression". apsa.org. Retrieved 17 May 2020. Psychoanalytic technique does not encompass purposeful attempts to "convert," "repair," change or shift an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Such directed efforts are against fundamental principles of psychoanalytic treatment and often result in substantial psychological pain by reinforcing damaging internalized attitudes.

[15] Canadian Paediatric Society (2008). "Adolescent sexual orientation". Paediatrics & Child Health. 13 (7): 620, 622. doi:10.1093/pch/13.7.619. ISSN 1205-7088. PMC 2603519. PMID 19436504. Conversion or reparative therapy, where attempts are made to turn gay males or lesbians into heterosexuals, are clearly unethical and should not be provided b, physicians, nor should physicians refer patients for such therapy ... Conversion and reparative therapies should not be provided because they do not work, and have the potential to heighten guilt and anxiety.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: PMC format (link)

[16] National Association of Social Workers (May 2015). "Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) and Conversion Therapy with Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals, and Transgender Persons". Social Workers in Congress 110th. Retrieved 17 May 2020. The practice of SOCE [sexual orientation change efforts] violates the very tenets of the social work profession as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[Organizations3-8] List of organizations that oppose conversion therapy (final group of organizations on this list):
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2015). Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 15-4928. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma15-4928.pdf: Division of Systems Development, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. p. 1. ... conversion therapy—efforts to change an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression—is a practice that is not supported by credible evidence and has been disavowed by behavioral health experts and associations. Conversion therapy perpetuates outdated views of gender roles and identities as well as the negative stereotype that being a sexual or gender minority or identifying as LGBTQ is an abnormal aspect of human development. Most importantly, it may put young people at risk of serious harm. {{cite book}}: External link in |location= (help)CS1 maint: location (link)

UK Council for Psychotherapy, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, British Psychoanalytic Council, GLADD (The Association of LGBT Doctors and Dentists), National Counselling Society, Association of Christian Counsellors, College of Sex and Relationship Therapists, British Psychological Society, British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, Royal College of General Practitioners, NHS England, NHS Scotland (October 2017). "Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy in the UK" (PDF). UK Council for Psychotherapy. Retrieved 17 May 2020. Signatory organisations agree that the practice of conversion therapy, whether in relation to sexual orientation or gender identity, is unethical and potentially harmful.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[18] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2015). Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 15-4928. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma15-4928.pdf: Division of Systems Development, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. p. 1. ... conversion therapy—efforts to change an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression—is a practice that is not supported by credible evidence and has been disavowed by behavioral health experts and associations. Conversion therapy perpetuates outdated views of gender roles and identities as well as the negative stereotype that being a sexual or gender minority or identifying as LGBTQ is an abnormal aspect of human development. Most importantly, it may put young people at risk of serious harm. {{cite book}}: External link in |location= (help)CS1 maint: location (link)

[19] UK Council for Psychotherapy, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, British Psychoanalytic Council, GLADD (The Association of LGBT Doctors and Dentists), National Counselling Society, Association of Christian Counsellors, College of Sex and Relationship Therapists, British Psychological Society, British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, Royal College of General Practitioners, NHS England, NHS Scotland (October 2017). "Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy in the UK" (PDF). UK Council for Psychotherapy. Retrieved 17 May 2020. Signatory organisations agree that the practice of conversion therapy, whether in relation to sexual orientation or gender identity, is unethical and potentially harmful.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[9] Drescher, Jack; Schwartz, Alan; Casoy, Flávio; McIntosh, Christopher A.; Hurley, Brian; Ashley, Kenneth; Barber, Mary; Goldenberg, David; Herbert, Sarah E.; Lothwell, Lorraine E.; Mattson, Marlin R. (2016). "The Growing Regulation of Conversion Therapy". Journal of medical regulation. 102 (2): 7–12. PMC 5040471. PMID 27754500.

[FOOTNOTENicolosi1991xiii–xviii-10] Nicolosi 1991, pp. xiii–xviii.

[FOOTNOTENicolosi1991xvi–xvii-11] Nicolosi 1991, pp. xvi–xvii.

[FOOTNOTENicolosi19917–11,_18–20-12] Nicolosi 1991, pp. 7–11, 18–20.

[FOOTNOTENicolosi1991iv-13] Nicolosi 1991, p. iv.

[FOOTNOTERobinsonSpivey2007661-14] Robinson & Spivey 2007, p. 661.

[FOOTNOTEPotok2016George2017793–853-15] Potok 2016; George 2017, pp. 793–853.

[FOOTNOTEGeorge2017793–853-16] George 2017, pp. 793–853.

[FOOTNOTESatinover1996183–184Drescher199961–80-17] Satinover 1996, pp. 183–184; Drescher 1999, pp. 61–80.

[FOOTNOTESatinover1996183–184-18] Satinover 1996, pp. 183–184.

[FOOTNOTELeVay199678Drescher199961–80Bright2004471–481Friedman2006115,_118''The_American_Journal_of_Psychiatry''20001719–1721-19] LeVay 1996, p. 78; Drescher 1999, pp. 61–80; Bright 2004, pp. 471–481; Friedman 2006, pp. 115, 118; The American Journal of Psychiatry 2000, pp. 1719–1721.

[FOOTNOTELeVay199678-20] LeVay 1996, p. 78.

[FOOTNOTEDrescher199961–80-21] Drescher 1999, pp. 61–80.

[FOOTNOTEBright2004471–481-22] Bright 2004, pp. 471–481.

[FOOTNOTEFriedman2006115,_118-23] Friedman 2006, pp. 115, 118.

[FOOTNOTE''The_American_Journal_of_Psychiatry''20001719–1721-24] The American Journal of Psychiatry 2000, pp. 1719–1721.

[FOOTNOTEPayne1993113–116-25] Payne 1993, pp. 113–116.

[FOOTNOTEWeinrich1993291–295-26] Weinrich 1993, pp. 291–295.

[FOOTNOTEFriedman1997225–227-27] Friedman 1997, pp. 225–227.

[FOOTNOTEAviles2019-28] Aviles 2019.

[FOOTNOTEDreher2019Nicolosi_Jr.2019Knight2019-29] Dreher 2019; Nicolosi Jr. 2019; Knight 2019.

[FOOTNOTEDreher2019-30] Dreher 2019.

[FOOTNOTENicolosi_Jr.2019-31] Nicolosi Jr. 2019.

[FOOTNOTEKnight2019-32] Knight 2019.

[FOOTNOTENewhauser2019-33] Newhauser 2019.

[FOOTNOTEPolumbo2019-34] Polumbo 2019.

[FOOTNOTEGander2019-35] Gander 2019.

[FOOTNOTEReynolds2019-37] Reynolds 2019.

[FOOTNOTEBurke2019-38] Burke 2019.

[FOOTNOTEHirst2019-39] Hirst 2019.

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 Conversion therapy is a pseudoscience, and is banned in numerous jurisdictions. In 2019, following complaints, ''Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality'' was withdrawn from sale by [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]].
 ==Background==
-Nicolosi's theory has not received empirical support; that is, there is no scientific evidence that "reparative therapy" (conversion therapy) achieves its stated goals.<ref>American Psychological Association, 2010, p. 30</ref><ref>Spitzer, 2012, p. 757.</ref><ref>Dehlin, 2015, p. 103.</ref> In addition, there is some evidence that conversion therapy harms some men who have undergone the counseling.<ref>Bradshaw, et al., 2015, p. 408</ref><ref>Daniel & Butkus, 2015, p. 136 and Appendix (unpaginated)</ref> The [[scientific consensus]] is that conversion therapy is [[pseudoscience|pseudoscientific]]. There is no reliable evidence that sexual orientation can be changed and medical and psychological associations and institutions warn that conversion therapy practices are ineffective and potentially harmful.<ref name="Medical-bundle">
+Nicolosi's theory has not received empirical support; that is, there is no scientific evidence that "reparative therapy" (conversion therapy) achieves its stated goals.<ref>American Psychological Association, 2010, p. 30</ref><ref>Spitzer, 2012, p. 757.</ref><ref>Dehlin, 2015, p. 103.</ref> In addition, there is some evidence that conversion therapy harms some men who have undergone the counseling.<ref>Bradshaw, et al., 2015, p. 408</ref><ref>Daniel & Butkus, 2015, p. 136 and Appendix (unpaginated)</ref> The [[scientific consensus]] is that conversion therapy is [[pseudoscience|pseudoscientific]]. Medical, psychological, counseling, social work, and government organizations oppose conversion therapy, reparative therapy, and sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) generally on the grounds that the practice is ineffective, potentially harmful, and unethical.<ref name="Organizations1">
+The following medical, psychological, counseling, social work, and government organizations oppose so-called "conversion therapy", "reparative therapy", and sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) generally on the grounds that the practice is ineffective, potentially harmful, and unethical:
+* {{Cite journal|last=American Academy of Pediatrics|first=|date=1993|title=Homosexuality and Adolescence|url=http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/92/4/631.full.pdf|journal=Pediatrics|volume=92|pages=631–634|quote=Therapy directed specifically at changing sexual orientation is contraindicated, since it can provoke guilt and anxiety while having little or no potential for achieving changes in orientation.|via=}}
+* {{Cite web|title=Fact Sheet – Conversion Therapy|url=https://www.aacap.org/App_Themes/AACAP/docs/Advocacy/policy_resources/AACAP-conversion-therapy-issue-brief.pdf|last=American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry|first=|date=September 2019|website=Conversion Therapy Issue Brief - American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=17 May 2020|quote=The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry finds no evidence to support the application of any “therapeutic intervention” operating under the premise that a specific sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression is pathological. Furthermore, based on the scientific evidence, AACAP asserts that such 'conversion therapies' (or other interventions imposed with the intent of promoting a particular sexual orientation and/or gender as a preferred outcome) lack scientific credibility and clinical utility. Additionally, there is evidence that such interventions are harmful.}}
+* {{Cite web|title=Resolution on Reparative Therapy/Conversion Therapy/Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) as a Significant and Serious Violation of the ACA Code of Ethics|url=https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/resolutions/reparative-therapy-resoltution-letter--final.pdf|last=American Counseling Association|first=|date=19 Dec 2017|website=American Counseling Association (counseling.org)|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=17 May 2020|quote=... Whereas reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE has been shown to be ineffectual; Whereas reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE has been shown to cause harm; Whereas reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE has been found to violate consumer fraud-protection law; Be it resolved that promoting, conducting, engaging in, or referring for reparative therapy/conversion therapy/SOCE is a significant and serious violation of the ACA Code of Ethics ...}}</ref><ref name="Organizations2">More organizations that oppose conversion therapy:
+* {{Cite web|title=Advocating for the LGBTQ community|url=https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/population-care/advocating-lgbtq-community|last=American Medical Association|first=|date=n.d.|website=Population Care, American Medical Association|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=17 May 2020|quote=So-called 'conversion therapy' ... [assumes] that homosexuality and gender nonconformity are mental disorders and that sexual orientation and gender identity can be changed. This assumption is not based on medical or scientific evidence. ... The AMA opposes the use of 'conversion therapy' for sexual orientation or gender identity.}}
+* {{Cite web|title=Position Statement on Conversion Therapy and LGBTQ Patients|url=https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/About-APA/Organization-Documents-Policies/Policies/Position-Conversion-Therapy.pdf|last=American Psychiatric Association|first=|date=December 2018|website=American Psychiatric Association (psychiatry.org)|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=17 May 2020|quote=APA reaffirms its recommendation that ethical practitioners refrain from attempts to change individuals’ sexual orientation. ... APA encourages legislation which would prohibit the practice of “reparative” or conversion therapies that are based on the a priori assumption that diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are mentally ill.}}
+* {{Cite web|author=American Psychoanalytic Association|date=2012|title=Position Statement on Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, or Gender Expression|url=https://apsa.org/content/2012-position-statement-attempts-change-sexual-orientation-gender-identity-or-gender|website=apsa.org|access-date=17 May 2020|quote=Psychoanalytic technique does not encompass purposeful attempts to “convert,” “repair,” change or shift an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.  Such directed efforts are against fundamental principles of psychoanalytic treatment and often result in substantial psychological pain by reinforcing damaging internalized attitudes.}}
+* {{Cite journal|author=Canadian Paediatric Society|date=2008|title=Adolescent sexual orientation|url=https://academic.oup.com/pch/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/pch/13.7.619|journal=Paediatrics & Child Health|language=en|volume=13|issue=7|pages=620, 622|doi=10.1093/pch/13.7.619|issn=1205-7088|pmc=PMC2603519|pmid=19436504|quote=Conversion or reparative therapy, where attempts are made to turn gay males or lesbians into heterosexuals, are clearly unethical and should not be provided b, physicians, nor should physicians refer patients for such therapy ... Conversion and reparative therapies should not be provided because they do not work, and have the potential to heighten guilt and anxiety.}}
+* {{Cite web|title=Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) and Conversion Therapy with Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals, and Transgender Persons|url=https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=IQYALknHU6s%3D&portalid=0|last=National Association of Social Workers|first=|date=May 2015|website=Social Workers in Congress 110th|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=17 May 2020|quote=The practice of SOCE [sexual orientation change efforts] violates the very tenets of the social work profession as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics.}}
+</ref><ref name="Organizations3">List of organizations that oppose conversion therapy (final group of organizations on this list):
+* {{Cite book|last=Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services|first=|title=Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 15-4928|publisher=Division of Systems Development, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services|year=2015|isbn=|location=https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma15-4928.pdf|pages=1|quote=... conversion therapy—efforts to change an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression—is a practice that is not supported by credible evidence and has been disavowed by behavioral health experts and associations. Conversion therapy perpetuates outdated views of gender roles and identities as well as the negative stereotype that being a sexual or gender minority or identifying as LGBTQ is an abnormal aspect of human development. Most importantly, it may put young people at risk of serious harm.}}
+* {{Cite web|title=Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy in the UK|url=https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/UKCP-Memorandum-of-Understanding-on-Conversion-Therapy-in-the-UK.pdf|last=UK Council for Psychotherapy, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, British Psychoanalytic Council, GLADD (The Association of LGBT Doctors and Dentists), National Counselling Society, Association of Christian Counsellors, College of Sex and Relationship Therapists, British Psychological Society, British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, Royal College of General Practitioners, NHS England, NHS Scotland|first=|date=October 2017|website=UK Council for Psychotherapy|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=17 May 2020|quote=Signatory organisations agree that the practice of conversion therapy, whether in relation to sexual orientation or gender identity, is unethical and potentially harmful.}}
-The following medical associations have expressed concern:
+</ref>
-* {{Harvnb|Drescher|Zucker|2006|pp=126, 175}}
-* {{harvnb|Ford|2001}}
-* {{cite journal|last1=Cruz|first1=David B.|title=Controlling Desires: Sexual Orientation Conversion and the Limits of Knowledge and Law|journal=Southern California Law Review|date=1999|volume=72|page=1297|url=http://www-bcf.usc.edu/~usclrev/pdf/072502.pdf|accessdate=25 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919071205/http://www-bcf.usc.edu/~usclrev/pdf/072502.pdf|archive-date=19 September 2017|url-status=dead}}
-* {{citation |last=Yoshino |first=Kenji |title=Covering |year=2002 |journal=Yale Law Journal |volume=111 |issue=4 |pages=769–939 |url=http://www.yalelawjournal.org/article/covering|doi=10.2307/797566 |jstor=797566 }}
-* {{Harvnb|Haldeman|1991|p=149}}
-* {{Cite web |last1=Cianciotto |first1=Jason |last2=Cahill |first2=Sean |title=Youth in the Crosshairs: the Third Wave of Ex-gay Activism |date=2006|url=http://www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/reports/reports/YouthInTheCrosshairs.pdf |website=[[National LGBTQ Task Force]] |publisher=National LGBTQ Task Force Policy Institute |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070605183318/http://www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/reports/reports/YouthInTheCrosshairs.pdf |archive-date=June 5, 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 14, 2019 |quote=There is a growing body of evidence that conversion therapy not only does not work, but also can be extremely harmful, resulting in depression, social isolation from family and friends, low self-esteem, internalized homophobia, and even attempted suicide.}}
-* {{cite journal|url = http://drdoughaldeman.com/doc/Pseudo-Science.pdf|title = The Pseudo-science of Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy|volume = 4|issue = 1|journal = Angles: The Policy Journal of the Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies|date = December 1999|accessdate = March 16, 2018|last = Haldeman|first = Douglas C.|pages = 1–4 |quote=Conversion therapy can be harmful.}}
-* {{harvnb|Glassgold|2009|p=91}}: "As noted previously, early research indicates that aversive techniques have been found to have very limited benefits as well as potentially harmful effects."
-</ref> Medical, scientific, and government organizations in the United States and United Kingdom have expressed concern over the validity, efficacy and ethics of conversion therapy.<ref name="Organizations">
-The following organizations have expressed concern
-* {{cite web|title=Position Statement on Therapies Focused on Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation (Reparative or Conversion Therapies)|url=http://www.psych.org/Departments/EDU/Library/APAOfficialDocumentsandRelated/PositionStatements/200001.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110120228/http://www.psych.org/Departments/EDU/Library/APAOfficialDocumentsandRelated/PositionStatements/200001.aspx |archive-date=January 10, 2011|accessdate=August 28, 2007|date=May 2000|author=American Psychiatric Association|publisher=[[American Psychiatric Association]]|quote=In December of 1998, the Board of Trustees issued a position statement that the American Psychiatric Association opposes any psychiatric treatment, such as "reparative" or conversion therapy, which is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that a patient should change his/her sexual homosexual orientation. ... The validity, efficacy and ethics of clinical attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation have been challenged. To date, there are no scientifically rigorous outcome studies to determine either the actual efficacy or harm of "reparative" treatments. (references omitted)|author-link=American Psychiatric Association}}
-*{{citation |url=http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/just-the-facts.pdf |title=Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel |accessdate=2010-05-14 |year=1999 |publisher=Just the Facts Coalition}}
-*{{harvnb|Glassgold|2009}}
-*{{citation|url=http://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/UKCP_Documents/policy/MoU-conversiontherapy.pdf|title=Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy in the UK|accessdate=2015-01-19|date=January 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123004221/http://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/UKCP_Documents/policy/MoU-conversiontherapy.pdf|archivedate=2015-01-23}}
-*{{citation|url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/26043.asp|title=General Medical Council supports Memorandum on conversion therapy in the UK|accessdate=2015-01-19|date=January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923011704/http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/26043.asp|archive-date=2017-09-23|url-status=dead}}
-*{{citation|url=http://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/footer-pages/news-and-media/latest-news/news-article?id=db1f5a9e-2ce2-6f4b-9ceb-ff0000b2236b |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20150505175118/http://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/footer-pages/news-and-media/latest-news/news-article?id=db1f5a9e-2ce2-6f4b-9ceb-ff0000b2236b |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-05-05 |title=Professional Standards Authority supports action by Accredited Registers on Conversion Therapy |accessdate=2015-01-19 |date=January 2015 }}</ref>
 Due to both evidence of harm and civil rights concerns, conversion therapy is illegal or restricted in an  increasing number of jurisdictions.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Drescher |first=Jack |last2=Schwartz |first2=Alan |last3=Casoy |first3=Flávio |last4=McIntosh |first4=Christopher A. |last5=Hurley |first5=Brian |last6=Ashley |first6=Kenneth |last7=Barber |first7=Mary |last8=Goldenberg |first8=David |last9=Herbert |first9=Sarah E. |last10=Lothwell |first10=Lorraine E. |last11=Mattson |first11=Marlin R. |date=2016 |title=The Growing Regulation of Conversion Therapy |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5040471/ |journal=Journal of medical regulation |volume=102 |issue=2 |pages=7–12 |pmc=5040471 |pmid=27754500}}</ref>