American Counseling Association Recognizes a Client's Right to
Seek Counseling to Change Sexual Identity
News Advisory for Feb. 3, 2005 /Christian Wire Service/ -- Recently
controversy has erupted in Alexandria, Virginia and Houston, Texas over
billboard advertising concerning the right of people to seek change in
homosexuality. Despite research to the contrary, critics such as the National
Mental Health Association have suggested that such efforts are harmful, saying
in their brochure, What Does Gay Mean?, "…attempts to 'cure' lesbians and gay
men may help change sexual behavior temporarily but will also create emotional
trauma."
However, a major mental health association, the American Counseling Association
has gone on record as defending the right of people to determine whether or not
they should seek change. Based in Alexandria, VA, the ACA along with its
divisions represents the interests of counselors ranging from school to career
counselors.
In reply to a question from Rev. D. L. Foster of Atlanta GA, Larry T. Freeman,
MA, LPC, Manager, Ethics and Professional Standards for the ACA affirmed a
client's right to self-determination as it relates to seeking counseling to
change sexual identity. Pastor Foster asked the ACA in a letter: "I am
interested to know if the ACA's Code of Ethics A.2.B is applicable to clients
who seek to change their sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual."
Mr. Freeman's verbatim response is as follows:
"In response to your inquiry below regarding whether Section A.2. Respecting
Diversity. b. Respecting Differences; is applicable to clients who seek to
change their sexual orientation. Yes, this code applies to any one who feels or
perceives themselves as struggling with an issue that impacts negatively the
quality and comfort of their daily life. The key word here is client, it is the
client that approaches the counselor and gives consent to be treated. If one's
sexual orientation is not an issue to them, it should not be an issue for the
counselor. However, if it is, then the person(s) should have the freedom of
choice to seek appropriate treatment for it; what ever the issue(s) may be. If
what the client is experiencing is not in the training or education of the
counselor a referral is suggested to the client, so they can receive the proper
treatment that meets their counseling needs."
"As the past president of a division of the ACA, I am glad to see this
professional body recognize a client's right to self-determination. Further, if
a counselor is not equipped to help a person who wants to re-orient their
sexuality, then an appropriate referral should be made," said Dr. Warren
Throckmorton, past president of the American Mental Health Counselors
Association and associate professor of psychology at Grove City College (PA).
"As a Pastor and one who has experienced satisfying change in my own sexual
orientation, I welcome this wise and balanced response which truly values
diversity and a client's right to self determination," said Rev. Foster.
He added, "It is gratifying to know that struggling men and women seeking
changes to sexual feelings won't be relegated to second class status in the
mental health field simply because they want to live happier, fulfilling lives."
For more information contact: Rev. DL Foster Executive_Director@witnessfortheworld.org
or call 770.968.1011
Warren Throckmorton, PhD, ewthrockmorton@gcc.edu (724) 458-3787
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