Conversion Therapy / “Reparative Therapy”

Pseudoscientific practices aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, often based on religious or ideological beliefs.

• You were told your same-sex attraction was a sin that needed to be "corrected."

• You underwent sessions that tried to "fix" your gender expression.

• You were pressured into prayer, counseling, or aversion tactics to become heterosexual.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

• Complex trauma from betrayal and identity invalidation.

• Difficulty forming secure relationships or trusting mental health providers.

How it Causes Psychological and Emotional Harm

• Increases risk of depression, anxiety, self-hatred, and suicidal thoughts or attempts.

• Leads to internalized shame and low self-esteem, especially in youth.

• Creates a false belief that being LGBTQ+ is a mental illness or moral failing.

International Medical Consensus Against It

• Rejected by major health organizations including:

  • American Psychological Association (APA)

  • American Medical Association (AMA)

  • World Health Organization (WHO)

• These groups emphasize that sexual orientation and gender identity are absolutely not disorders and should not be “treated” or “cured” in any shape or form.

Often Non-Consensual

• Minors are frequently forced into conversion therapy by parents or guardians.

• Involves coercion, shame, and even abuse, sometimes under religious or medical pretenses.

No Scientific Evidence It Works

• Studies show that conversion therapy is ineffective at changing orientation or identity.

• Any short-term changes are often due to fear, pressure, or repression—not genuine shifts.