Report on ‘Harms Associated with Conversion Therapy’ Now Available

ABCT is a lead sponsor of a report on the harms associated with so-called conversion therapies aimed at sexual and gender minority individuals that was recently published in the American Psychologist. This report, developed in conjunction with American Psychological Association (APA) and the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology (SSCP) of the APA Society of Clinical Psychology (Division 12), is a systematic review of the literature on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts (SOGIECEs) that spanned several countries and decades. The review found evidence in most included studies that SOGIECEs are associated with harm. ABCT reaffirms its commitment to scientifically sound interventions and the ethical imperative to do no harm and continues to strongly discourage these practices.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all ABCT members who contributed their time, expertise, and thoughtful engagement to this important project. Your willingness to navigate a complex project while adhering to scientific rigor and collaboration helped make the publication of this article possible. Thank you for your dedication to advancing the field and supporting ABCT’s mission.

Article Link: Harms Associated With “Conversion Therapy” (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Change Efforts): A Systematic Search and Review

On behalf of ABCT Board of Directors

Statements from ABCT’s Board of Directors

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What Is Cognitive Behavior Therapy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of treatment that is based firmly on research findings. It places emphasis on changing your cognitions (thoughts) or behaviors (actions) in order to effect change in how you feel. These approaches help people in achieving specific changes or goals.

Changes or goals might involve:

A way of acting: like smoking less or being more outgoing;
A way of feeling: like helping a person to be less scared, less depressed, or less anxious;
A way of thinking: like learning to problem-solve or get rid of self-defeating thoughts;
A way of dealing with physical or medical problems: like reducing back pain or helping a person stick to a doctor’s suggestions.

Cognitive behavioral therapists usually focus more on the current situation and its solution, rather than the past. They concentrate on a person’s views and beliefs about their life. CBT is an effective treatment for individuals, parents, children, couples, and families. The goal of CBT is to help people improve and gain more control over their lives by changing behaviors that don’t work well to ones that do.

How to Get Help

If you are looking for help, either for yourself or someone else, you may be tempted to call someone who advertises in a local publication or who comes up from a search of the Internet. You may, or may not, find a competent therapist in this manner. It is wise to check on the credentials of a psychotherapist. It is expected that competent therapists hold advanced academic degrees. They should be listed as members of professional organizations, such as the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies or the American Psychological Association. Of course, they should be licensed to practice in your state. You can find competent specialists who are affiliated with local universities or mental health facilities or who are listed on the websites of professional organizations. You may, of course, visit our website (www.abct.org) and click on “Find a CBT Therapist”

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) is an interdisciplinary organization committed to the advancement of a scientific approach to the understanding and amelioration of problems of the human condition. These aims are achieved through the investigation and application of behavioral, cognitive, and other evidence-based principles to assessment, prevention, and treatment.