Douglas C. Haldeman

In the following viewpoint Douglas C. Haldeman argues that reparative therapies or conversion programs, designed to change sexual orientation, are ineffective. Moreover, conversion therapies may cause psychological harm to participants, he argues. He maintains that therapists should help homosexuals learn to be comfortable with their sexuality, and society should deconstruct the myth that homosexuality is wrong. Haldeman is the author of Working with gay Men and Lesbians in Private Psychotherapy Practice.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the author, what does the term “reparative therapy” inaccurately imply?
2. What actions has the American Psychological Association taken to discredit the conversion therapy movement, as noted by the author?
3. In Haldeman’s opinion, how does conversion therapy harm homosexuals?

Organized mental health declassified homosexuality as a mental illness more...