“Conversion Therapy” never was therapy

There has recently been more awareness and discussion on the dangers of “Conversion therapy”. This was a practice that took some hold in the nineteen nineties among some councillors who had the belief that somehow a persons sexuality could be altered or converted through a process of talking “therapy” and at times, medication.  

Very sadly it was inflicted on many young people and therefore becoming more like abuse than therapy. The psychological damage this caused has taken a deadly toll on many people who underwent this process. 

Sexuality plays a fundamental part in each of our personalities and the right to our sexuality is correctly enshrined in law.  It cannot be given or taken away by anyone. 

The  fundamental flaw with this concept of “conversion therapy” is that any form of psychotherapy cannot start with the outcome already decided. That is to “convert” the client and attempt to change their sexuality. 

Psychotherapy at its core is a tool to enable and strengthen the individual’s autonomy to develop their identity and for them to decide how they grow as a person. This necessity for openness to outcomes and the sovereignty of the client defines the difference between psychotherapy and indoctrination. 

“Conversion therapy” attempted to take away the clients fundamental rights and to impose the opinion of the “therapist”.  The psychotherapist’s job is to help clear the path before their client not decide which path they take.    

Sexuality is varied and complex, our personal duty is to honour our own sexual orientation and to honour others equally. Any form of imposition from the therapist to be what they think, ends the therapy and disqualifies the therapist.