Other Therapies for SSA

Professional organizations largely represent supportive and affirmative lifestyles in accordance with perceived sexual orientation, but some patients and providers may be interested in learning about alternative approaches. Coercion is never acceptable, but the below resources describe non-coercive options. For background on same sex attraction (SSA), see the Same Sex Attraction page. For information specific to pediatric patients, see the Pediatrics Page.

Key Texts

  1. APA. Commission on Psychotherapy by Psychiatrists.. Position statement on therapies focused on attempts to change sexual orientation (reparative or conversion therapies). Am J Psychiatry. 2000 Oct;157(10):1719-21. PMID: 11183192. Abstract here.

Key Abstracts

  1. Sutton PM. Professional care for unwanted same-sex attraction: What does the research say? Linacre Q. 2015 Nov;82(4):351-63. Full text here.
  2. Mahler L, Mundle G. A need for orientation: The WMA statement on natural variations of human sexuality. Int Rev Psychiatry. 2015;27(5):460-2. Abstract here.
  3. Bradshaw K, Dehlin JP, Crowell KA, Galliher RV, Bradshaw WS. Sexual orientation change efforts through psychotherapy for LGBQ individuals affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. J Sex Marital Ther. 2015;41(4):391-412. Abstract here.
  4. Flentje A, Heck NC, Cochran BN. Experiences of ex-ex-gay individuals in sexual reorientation therapy: reasons for seeking treatment, perceived helpfulness and harmfulness of treatment, and post-treatment identification. J Homosex. 2014;61(9):1242-68. Abstract here.
  5. Serovich JM, Craft SM, Toviessi P, Gangamma R, McDowell T, Grafsky EL. A systematic review of the research base on sexual reorientation therapies. J Marital Fam Ther. 2008 Apr;34(2):227-38. Abstract here.
  6. Ahmed MB. Homosexuality: An Islamic Perspective. J Islamic Med Assn N Amer. 2006 38(1):27-33. Full text here. Partial retraction here.
  7. Yarhouse M. Homosexuality, ethics and identity synthesis. Christ Bioeth. 2004;10(2-3):239-57. Abstract here.
  8. Spitzer RL. Can some gay men and lesbians change their sexual orientation? 200 participants reporting a change from homosexual to heterosexual orientation. Arch Sex Behav. 2003 Oct;32(5):403-17; discussion 419-72. Abstract here.