The Case Against Conversion "Therapy" - Evidence, Ethics, and Alternatives

Many LGBTQ youth are still forced into harmful “treatments” with devastating mental health consequences. This volume explores the history, effects, and danger of so-called conversion therapy.

Because conversion “therapy” is not actually therapeutic, it is now more accurately referred to as sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) or gender identity change efforts (GICE). What does the record show about the efficacy and effects of SOCE and GICE? What motivates individuals to seek these harmful treatments, either for themselves or for their children? This book synthesizes findings from a vast literature base to answer these and other important questions, in hopes of fully discrediting SOCE and GICE once and for all.

Over the last four decades, considerable research has showed SOCE to be not only ineffective, but harmful. As a result of these findings, professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) ha