Sexual Reorientation Therapy

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Interesting topic!

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1. There is a type of therapy offered called Sexual Reorientation Therapy. Its purpose is to change homosexuals sexual attractions and desires and to convert them to heterosexuals. Proponents of this therapy argue that it works very well and that people who are unhappy with themselves as homosexuals and may be suffering depression and other mental distress can go through this process and change their behaviors. Opponents of this process argue primarily from a biological standpoint and say that sexual orientation is not something that can be changed through therapy and that professionals who offer this service are simply offering false hope to these individuals and are making money for a process that hasn't been proven to work. What do you think? Should Sexual Reorientation Therapy be allowed to be offered and do you think it would work?

Because there are both opponents and proponents of the Sexual Reorientation Therapy, I think it should be allowed, as the opponents can use this type of therapy for clients who want to change their behavior, their sexual orientation, while the proponents can choose not to use this type of therapy. As all types of therapy, though, it should only be used when the client wants to change this behavior. For example, Rosik (2003) outlines four motivations often reported by clients seeking change-oriented treatments:

1. Religious/moral conflict;
2. Opportunity for heterosexual marriage and family;
3. Maintenance of existing marriage and family;
4. Desire to avoid the non-monogamy and risky sexual behaviors that create serious risk for HIV infection.

Therefore, if a client is seeking change-oriented treatment, it should be offered to meet the client's needs. Rosik (2003) outlines the literature that supports the possibility of increasing heterosexual potential, concluding with a call for research efforts to identify the key criteria that determine success or failure of ...