The response of mental health professionals to clients seeking help to change or redirect same-sex sexual orientation

Bartlett, Annie; Smith, Glenn E.; King, Michael

doi:10.1186/1471-244x-9-11

Cited by 71 publications

(60 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Currently, a significant minority of mental health professionals continues to offer hope for sexual reorientation (Bartlett, Smith, & King, 2009). Those who promote such changes tend to believe homosexuality is a learned behavior.…”

Section: The History Of Trying To Change Homosexualsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Can We Change Sexual Orientation?

Beckstead

2012

Arch Sex Behav

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The self-reports of individuals who claim that they have changed their sexual orientation are either dismissed as false or relied upon to promote sexual orientation change efforts. However, these reactions do not capture the complexity of the sexual reorientation phenomenon. This article provides an overview regarding the promise and effort of sexual reorientation and how this knowledge may inform our current understanding of human sexuality. Specifically, a brief history is given of the interventions used to change attractions to same-sex adults and the assumptions underlying these efforts. Information will be given regarding which conclusions can be derived from sexual reorientation studies. The limitations of these studies will be explained to strengthen future research. Hypotheses will be presented regarding the motivations and needs of those distressed by a same-sex erotic orientation and the impact that the hope of sexual reorientation may have for family members, religious leaders, and policy makers. A multivariate model of sexuality and sexual orientation, including scales of attraction and aversion, will be proposed based upon current understanding of sexuality and the distinctions found in sexual reorientation research. In the end, a therapeutic framework will be highlighted that may be used (and researched) to help those distressed by their sexual orientation.

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Section: The History Of Trying To Change Homosexualsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Can We Change Sexual Orientation?

Beckstead

2012

Arch Sex Behav

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“…Nonetheless, the practice of and advocacy for SOCE continues (Drescher 2003, pp. 431-32;Bartlett et al 2009). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual Orientation Change Efforts, Conservative Christianity and Resistance to Sexual Justice

Clucas

2017

Social Sciences

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Abstract:In this article, I situate the practice of sexual orientation conversion efforts (SOCE), sometimes known as conversion or reparative therapy, within historical, cultural, religious and political attitudes to non-heterosexuality. Using documentary analysis, I investigate the contemporary resistance of two socially conservative organizations: National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) (US) and Core Issues Trust (UK), to legal and professional regulation of the sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) which they advocate. A number of themes emerged from the various documentation. The most convincing of these themes is a claim that to provide SOCE is to respect client's autonomy rights to diminish unwanted sexual attraction, and to live in accordance with the moral principles that they value. I demonstrate that neither NARTH nor Core Issues Trust are consistent in their regard for client autonomy. I suggest that the most plausible reason for these organizations' emphasis on autonomy and other secular tropes, such as scientific proof and progressive language, is that they provide a smokescreen for conservative Christian values. If we value a world of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans) rights and recognition, we must counter this backlash against sexual and social justice.

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“…However four participants said that sexual orientation was made part of the agenda by the counsellor rather than themselves and seven felt the counsellor over-focused on this. In relation to Bartlett et al, (2009) research, two participants reported that they were offered 'conversion therapy' by their counsellors. Burke (1989) states that it is important for counsellors to know when sexual orientation is the focus of counselling and when it is not, and it appears that a minority of counsellors, from the client's perspective, still showed lack of sensitivity in this area.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In 2003, King and McKeown found that a third of gay men, a quarter of bi men and over 40% of lesbian women had negative or mixed reactions from mental health professionals when being open about their sexuality (DOH, 2006). More recently, research found that 17% of therapists had, in the past, attempted to assist their clients to reduce their 'homosexual feelings' with 4% reporting that they would still attempt to change their client's sexual orientation (Bartlett et al, 2009). This study was taken up by the mass media in an unprecedented way, suggesting that concerns with LGB counselling have reached the point of public interest.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…

AbstractRecent large-scale survey research has raised serious concerns in both the counselling community and the mass media about the ways in which counsellors work with lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) clients (Bartlett et al, 2009;Meads et al, 2009; Metro, 2009). The current questionnaire-based research focused on client experiences of their own, and counsellor's, self-disclosures of sexuality.

Most clients did not require counsellor disclosure, however failure of the counsellor to disclose could result in problems and assumptions being made by the client.

…”

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confidence: 99%

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How do you see me? Coming out in counselling

Evans

Barker

2010

British Journal of Guidance & Counselling

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Recent large-scale survey research has raised serious concerns in both the counselling community and the mass media about the ways in which counsellors work with lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) clients (Bartlett et al., 2009;Meads et al., 2009; Metro, 2009). The current questionnaire-based research focused on client experiences of their own, and counsellor's, self-disclosures of sexuality.Most clients did not require counsellor disclosure, however failure of the counsellor to disclose could result in problems and assumptions being made by the client. We conclude that LGB awareness is improving, but there is still much need for training in this area to challenge limiting assumptions by some counsellors and to avoid the need for clients to educate them.

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The response of mental health professionals to clients seeking help to change or redirect same-sex sexual orientation

Cited by 71 publications

References 16 publications

Can We Change Sexual Orientation?

Can We Change Sexual Orientation?

Sexual Orientation Change Efforts, Conservative Christianity and Resistance to Sexual Justice

How do you see me? Coming out in counselling

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