Conversion TherapyEdit

Conversion therapy refers to a range of practices, programs, or treatments that claim to alter a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These efforts have been deployed in settings from religious communities and private clinics to school-based programs and counseling practices. While proponents often frame the work as offering a path to alignment with deeply held beliefs, critics—especially within the medical and psychological communities—argue that such interventions are not supported by sound science and can cause lasting harm. The debate over conversion therapy touches on questions of medical ethics, parental rights, religious liberty, and the proper role of government and professional associations in protecting vulnerable individuals. sexual orientation gender identity medical ethics parental rights religious freedom

Historically, the movement around changing sexual orientation or gender identity grew out of a convergence of religious, cultural, and therapeutic ideas in the second half of the 20th century. In many communities, families sought guidance that could reconcile personal or religious beliefs with enduring questions about a loved one’s identity. The development of various programs often occurred outside mainstream medicine, drawing on a mix of counseling, religious instruction, and sometimes more controversial practices. Over time, the narrative around these efforts shifted as professional associations and many researchers questioned the scientific basis of the claims and highlighted potential harms. ex-gay movement psychotherapy clinical practice medical ethics

History and origins

Emergence in postwar contexts: As social norms around sexuality and gender began to shift, some groups argued that orientation or identity could be shaped through structured programs, often rooted in religious or moral frameworks. LGBT rights religious freedom
Rise of organized programs: A number of private clinics and faith-based organizations promoted curricula aimed at altering desires or expressions. Critics argued that these programs relied on anecdotal reports and lacked rigorous evidence. psychotherapy clinical practice
Public scrutiny and professional guidance: In recent decades, leading medical and mental health associations have issued statements discouraging or warning against attempting to change sexual orientation or gender identity, emphasizing evidence-based care and the potential for harm. This shift influenced regulatory and policy debates in many jurisdictions. American Psychological Association World Health Organization medical ethics

Methods and settings

Conversion therapy has encompassed a broad spectrum of approaches, including:

Talk-based counseling within family or faith-based contexts, framed as helping individuals live according to their values or beliefs. counseling psychotherapy parential rights
Religious guidance and pastoral counseling, where spiritual leaders offer programs intended to align behavior with doctrinal teachings. religious freedom spiritual care
Psychoeducational curricula and support groups that attempt to address emotional and social challenges associated with identity in certain communities. mental health support group
Aversive or coercive techniques used in the past, which have been widely discredited due to safety concerns and ethical issues. The risk profile of such methods has led many jurisdictions to restrict or ban them, particularly for minors. aversive therapy ethics law and policy

In many settings, what is marketed as a comprehensive program often blends counseling with religious or ideological messaging. Critics contend that even voluntary participation in such programs can carry subtle pressures—especially for minors or individuals from communities with strong social or familial expectations. Supporters typically emphasize parental authority, informed choice, and the right to pursue options consistent with personal or religious values. parental rights informed consent civil liberties

Controversies and debates

Efficacy versus harm: The central professional concern is the lack of credible evidence that orientation or gender identity can be reliably or safely changed, balanced against documented risks of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and increased suicidality in some individuals who undergo these interventions. medical evidence mental health suicide prevention
Autonomy and parental rights: Proponents argue that families should have the right to seek guidance and services that reflect their values, provided participation is voluntary and informed. Critics worry about coercion, especially when the line between support and pressure becomes blurry. parental rights civil liberties
Religious liberty: A common defense is that religious communities should be free to provide pastoral care and faith-based guidance without undue government interference, so long as treatment remains within ethical bounds. religious freedom
Public policy and regulation: Jurisdictions differ on whether to permit, restrict, or ban certain practices, particularly for minors. Supporters of restrictions emphasize protecting young people from harm and ensuring evidence-based care, while opponents warn against government overreach and the suppression of family choice. law policy public health
Woke criticisms and debates: Critics from this angle argue that broad characterizations of all supportive or counseling efforts as “harmful” can ignore legitimate concerns about child welfare, parental rights, and the possibility of compassionate, voluntary counseling that respects a family’s beliefs. They may contend that some criticisms overlook nuanced debates about how best to support individuals in diverse communities. Conversely, supporters of broader protections contend that robust safeguards are needed to prevent harm, coercion, and exploitation. The discussion often centers on how to balance safeguarding individuals with respecting family and religious freedoms. civil liberties ethics

Legal and policy landscape

Minors: A number of jurisdictions have enacted bans or strict restrictions on conversion therapy for minors, aiming to prevent coercive or harmful practices and protect young people. Policy approaches vary, but the trend in many places has aligned with a cautious stance toward intervention in a developing identity. law minors public policy
Adults and consent: In many countries and states, voluntary participation by adults remains legally permissible, provided the practice complies with general standards of medical and psychological care, informed consent, and noncoercive practices. The boundaries between therapy, religious counseling, and personal development remain a point of discussion. informed consent medical ethics
Professional guidance: Numerous professional associations discourage attempting to change sexual orientation or gender identity and encourage evidence-based, affirming care. This stance shapes licensure, accreditation, and continuing education requirements in the field of psychology and psychiatry. American Psychological Association American Psychiatric Association
Global context: Across regions, policies reflect a spectrum from formal bans to limited regulation, illustrating the ongoing tension between safeguarding public health and protecting cultural or religiously informed approaches to personal development. global policy public health

Efficacy and safety

Evidence base: The consensus among many medical and mental health authorities is that conversion therapies lack robust, generalizable evidence for success in changing core aspects of sexual orientation or gender identity and that they carry measurable risks. In particular, attempts to alter identity can correlate with negative mental health outcomes. evidence-based medicine mental health
Safety concerns: Reports and studies have documented harms ranging from increased anxiety and depression to distress around identity and relationships. Advocates of regulation and oversight emphasize the importance of patient safety, informed consent, and ethical standards in all forms of counseling and therapy. patient safety ethics
Alternative approaches: Rather than aiming to change identity, many families and practitioners prefer approaches that support well-being, resilience, and healthy coping strategies while respecting individual authenticity. This includes affirming counseling and resources that address family dynamics, stress, and social pressures. counseling well-being