Group Therapies for Homosexuals Seeking Change

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the literature on group therapies for homosexuals who report distress concerning their experience of same-sex attraction. There are a number of methodological limitations to the research published between the 1950s and 1970s, and it is misleading to present this research as decisive evidence that sexual orientation can be changed. In addition, various contemporary professional and religion-based paraprofessional groups have been designed to bring about change of orientation, but few provide outcome data to support their claims of successful change. Psychologists should not dismiss these studies and programs as irrelevant to those who experience same-sex attraction and seek change, but they are challenged to design interventions and collaborate with existing programs to demonstrate efficacy and to clarify precisely what various interventions, programs, and support groups can accomplish.