This book is the first exhaustive examination of empirical psychological data pertinent to both sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) and gender identity change efforts (GICE). It offers contemporary, empirically based guidance for practitioners and educators in all major mental health and counseling professions. "Conversion therapy" and "reparative therapy" were the previous terms used to describe efforts to reshape an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. The use of the term therapy tacitly and falsely implied that such efforts were based on empirically validated mental health practice. An introduction by the editor, Douglas C. Haldeman, provides the book's rationale and a summary of the major issues addressed. Ten chapters divided into four sections examine pertinent aspects of SOCE/GICE. This book can be used in courses relating to LGBTQ-affirmative therapy/counseling and mental health courses focusing on diversity, inclusivity, and equity.

Author Biography

Douglas C. Haldeman, PhD, is professor and chair of the doctoral program in clinical psychology at John F. Kennedy University. His numerous lectures and scholarly articles help to bring psychology into the public arena to educate, improve people's lives, address health disparities, and speak to the needs of culturally marginalized groups. Haldeman served on the Board of Directors of the American Psychological Association and is a past president of the California Psychological Association. In addition to Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Change Efforts, his current work involves humanitarian refugee work with gay male asylum seekers. Jack Drescher, MD, is a distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, past president of the Group for Advancement of Psychiatry, and past president of APA's New York County Psychiatric Society. He is clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, and a training and supervising analyst at the William Alanson White Institute. He is an early professional critic of conversion therapy claims, citing potential harms of efforts to suppress or change sexual orientation or gender identity.