Conversion is a term used to refer to the adjusting of something or someone from an original state. In order for conversion to occur in humans, there has to be a mental approach to facilitate the switch. Conversion therapy has been used by psychologists as a remedial advance to counseling on sexuality of their clients. However, this approach has received criticism from society. Personally I do not agree with conversion therapy as a proper way of addressing sexuality. I base my opinions on the morale and effectiveness of the methods in the therapy. The therapy is based on a preconception and can create bias when resolving the dispute. (Schreier, 1998)
Conversion therapy was developed as a result of the assumption that homosexuality occurred due to mental disorder. Many medical and scientific bodies have had issues with the practice and consider it dangerous. The professionals should not perform or refer clients to colleagues who follow conversion rehabilitation. Clients’ rights should be observed and resolving what is best ought to be his/her own prerogative.
Majority in the society agree that treatment that changes the sexual preference of a person can be damaging. However, no research evidence has been established to support this view. It can cause shame and apprehension hence denting the patients’ confidence which can result to hopelessness. The client may seek refuge in drugs and other harmful practices to find satisfaction as there is a feeling of rejection from the society. (Haldeman, 2002)
Conversion therapy uses a variety of techniques with no specific methodology. In early diagnosis, homosexuality was considered a mental problem. Practitioners prescribed unethical ways in the name of correcting the problem. It was later established that it was not a psychological issue and was removed from the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. However, this was not adhered to by all practitioners as a few continue to treat same sex preference as a psychological case.
This has happened at the expense of the self-worth of their patients. Same sex preference should not lead one to be embarrassed. There is no immorality, no humiliation and cannot be categorized as a disease. This people pose no danger to other society members that can warrant a change in behavior (Haldeman, 2002)
The homosexuals have their rights and need to be respected. An appropriate method is the use of religion as opposed to conjugality redirection. Seeking religious redirection has benefits and is ethically acceptable. Not all religions criticize same sex marriage and should be advocated. Religion is a way which society can be identified, and most psychotherapists are inclined to it. This bias has caused the practitioners to give suggestions that make the clients feel unsafe. A psychologist is confined to the standards set by his/her moral stands and may give a resolution with partiality.
Nevertheless, humans in a community have their rights and should be allowed to exercise them. These can be the gay privileges and patient privileges in the case of homosexuals. These rights help the members in the society in guarding them against oppression by others who are not of their caliber. Respecting these privileges can benefit the members of the overall society and create harmony. (Schreier, 1998)
The American Counseling Association has differed with convert treatment due to its ineptness and immorality. This has resulted by the need of shift by the treatment which the practitioner considers as transforming. The changing of a persons’ or a groups’ sexual orientation can be challenging. This is attributed to the lack of a clear definition of sexual orientation. Human conduct treatment approach has been used in the study of sexual stimulation. This is usually done using awareness creation, boldness coaching and sectional advancements. The outcome has been worthy and beneficial to the participants. (Haldeman, 2002)
Sexual orientation awareness has been achieved by a number of participants as there is the interaction and exchange of ideas. There are a variety of ways in which interaction can be encouraged. Formation of societies such as gay and lesbian communities have advocated for fair treatment of constituents. This has allowed the members to be more receptive and can result in self pride in individual sexual excitement. Assertion therapy of gay persons should be done to those who want to be contented, while change treatment should be for those who want to transform their arousal preferences. In cases where the client cannot decide, the therapist can suggest along the patient’s religious beliefs.
This calls for care and having background information on a patient’s faith. This will ensure that there is no conflict of interest in the delivery of recommendations. Value in the poise of the client should be noted and used when giving advice. Restraint to the options of transforming to the lesbian and gay people should not arise. A general choice of suggestions will give the patient a wide range to choose from resulting in to an informed choice (Throckmorton, 1998)
Therapy is a way of seeking treatment and is directed to a situation that is problematic. In the case of homosexuality, there is no problem as such. Therefore, no therapy is required, and if a change in behavior is desired, then it should be on a consultative basis. Sexual orientation is an emotional issue and requires a sentimental move when addressing it. The falsehood that sexual attraction was a medical problem has been documented and clarified to psychiatrists.
This, however, has been floated by some psychologists who still diagnose it as an illness. (Throckmorton, 1998) Humans have rights of association and the homosexuals enjoy the same rights. Indifference should not arise as a result of change therapy to satisfy a selected group of individuals. This can lead to idealism which erodes the purpose of democracy in the society.
The use of pre-conception on what is best for a person’s sexual preference causes friction. Socially it will be degrading if a person or a group is labeled as misfits due to their sexual choice. These perceptions can lead to rebellion which can cause harm to the individuals and society. Group therapy has worked well for people when handling other societal conducts such as alcoholism. An emotional issue requires that reasons as to why change is necessary are put out clearly.
This will result in conviction from self and will be beneficial to the individual and community. This analysis shows that conversion therapy is not effective and beneficial to the homosexual clients. Therefore the thesis has been refuted and should not hold that there is profit in change without consent.
Work Cited
Haldeman, D. Gay Rights, Patient Rights: The Implication of Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy. 2002. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice 33. 3: 260-64.
Schreier, B. Of Shoes, and Ships, and Sealing Wax: The Faulty and Specious Assumptions of Sexual Reorientation Therapies. 1998. Journal of Mental Health Counseling 20.4: 305. Web.
Throckmorton, W. Efforts to Modify Sexual Orientation: A Review of Outcome Literature and Ethical Issues. 1998. Journal of Mental Health Counseling 20.4: 283. Web.