When clients seek treatment for same-sex attraction: Ethical issues in the "right to choose" debate.

Abstract

The American Psychological Association's (APA, 1992) Ethical Principle D: Respect for Rights and Dignity is an important ethical principle for psychologists who work with clients who experience same-sex attraction and seek change. Psychologists have an ethical responsibility to allow individuals to pursue treatment aimed at curbing experiences of same-sex attraction or modifying same-sex behaviors, not only because it affirms the clients' rights to dignity, autonomy, and agency, as persons presumed capable of freely choosing among treatment modalities and behavior, but also because it demonstrates regard for diversity. Psychologists who work with clients distressed by their experience of samesex attraction should only do so with advanced informed consent.

Can We Change Sexual Orientation?

“…Homosexual sex is conceptualized as a ''drug high'' and therefore intimacy with an other-sex partner is believed to be appropriately less intense (Nicolosi, 2003). Yarhouse (1998) similarly emphasized that some same-sex attractions should be expected after SOCE, similar to recovering drug abusers who have''cravings. ''''Freedom from homosexuality'' (Yarhouse et al, 2002) therefore does not necessarily mean an increase in heterosexual attractions, although spouses may assume and hope for such an outcome.…”

Psychological Assessment of Homosexual Tendencies in Potential Candidates for the Roman Catholic Priesthood

“…First, it is helpful for the evaluator to be specific in drawing up the release of information, discussing ahead of time what kinds of information would be included in the evaluation report. In discussing the difficulty of providing adequate information to homosexual men seeking therapeutic treatment, Yarhouse (1998) suggests that it would be important for therapists to offer "advanced informed consent" before beginning a process of therapy. In other words, the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing particular courses of action about a variety of methods of therapy are adequately presented to a client.…”

“…Which is primary in the case of a conflict? It is important that the client determine this, assuming he is competent, well informed, and free to make the decision (Yarhouse 1998;Yarhouse and Burkett 2002).…”

Narrative Sexual Identity Therapy

“…This has been the topic of a number of scholarly articles (e.g., Haldeman, 1994;Yarhouse, 1998), professional symposia (e.g., Throckmorton, 2000), and textbooks on controversial topics in psychology (e.g., Halgin, 2004). The debates include discussions of empirical evidence for and against claims of change of orientation, but they also delve into ethical and professional practice issues such as respect for autonomy and self-determination, as well as political concerns and ideological assumptions behind the question of change even being asked in the 21st century.…”