The Road to Recovery for Survivors of Conversion Therapy

Victims of conversion therapy need compassion, affirmation, and trauma-informed care to heal.

Conversion therapy—often referred to as "reparative therapy" or "gay cure therapy"—is a set of practices aimed at changing or suppressing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Despite being widely discredited by major medical, psychological, and LGBTQ+ advocacy organisations, conversion therapy continues to cause harm to those subjected to it. The psychological, emotional, and physical impact of conversion therapy can be devastating, leading to trauma, self-harm, and long-term mental health struggles.

This article explores the ways in which mental health professionals, support groups, and allies can effectively support individuals who have been affected by conversion therapy, as well as the steps needed to foster healing and recovery.

Understanding the Harm of Conversion Therapy

Conversion therapy is based on the misguided and harmful belief that LGBTQ+ identities are unnatural or undesirable and that individuals can and should be "cured" or "converted" to heterosexuality or cisgender identity. These practices have been shown to be not only ineffective but also deeply damaging, with numerous studies linking them to a heightened risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation.

People subjected to conversion therapy may experience feelings of guilt, shame, confusion, and internalised homophobia or transphobia. They may also feel abandoned by loved ones or communities that supported the practice, leading to a sense of isolation. Survivors often struggle with their identity, feelings of unworthiness, and a distrust of mental health professionals due to the traumatising nature of the therapy.

The harmful effects of conversion therapy may not always be immediately apparent. Individuals who have undergone such therapy may present with trauma symptoms months or even years later. This underscores the need for continued support and specialised care to help survivors heal.

Recognising the Signs of Trauma from Conversion Therapy

Recognising the psychological and emotional impact of conversion therapy is a crucial step in providing appropriate support. Survivors of conversion therapy may present with a variety of symptoms, including:

1. Emotional Distress: This can manifest as anxiety, depression, or intense feelings of guilt and shame related to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
2. Trauma Symptoms: Survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which could include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, or avoidance of places or situations that remind them of their conversion therapy experiences.
3. Low Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: Many individuals struggle with feelings of being “broken” or “wrong,” leading to self-criticism or even self-destructive behaviours.
4. Difficulty Accepting Identity: Survivors may experience confusion or resistance when it comes to embracing their true sexual orientation or gender identity. The long-term effects of conversion therapy can make it challenging for individuals to feel fully comfortable or validated in their identity.
5. Relationship Difficulties: Given the damage to self-esteem and trust, survivors may have difficulties forming or maintaining intimate relationships, fearing rejection or feeling undeserving of love.
6. Cultural and Religious Conflict: Conversion therapy is often rooted in religious or cultural beliefs that stigmatise LGBTQ+ identities. Survivors may struggle with reconciling their identity with their faith or culture, feeling torn between loyalty to their beliefs and the desire to live authentically.

How to Support Survivors of Conversion Therapy

Supporting survivors of conversion therapy requires a compassionate, trauma-informed, and affirming approach. Below are some key strategies for helping individuals affected by conversion therapy:

1. Create a Safe and Affirming Space

Survivors of conversion therapy need to feel safe and supported in their healing journey. As a therapist, it is crucial to create a space where they can express their feelings without fear of judgement or invalidation. A welcoming environment, where their identity is respected, can help rebuild trust in the therapeutic process and in themselves.

Using inclusive language, respecting their gender identity and pronouns, and avoiding any language that suggests their sexual orientation or gender identity needs to be “fixed” are important steps in establishing a non-judgemental environment.

2. Validate Their Experience

One of the most crucial elements of supporting survivors is acknowledging the pain and trauma they have endured. Conversion therapy is not only damaging to an individual’s sense of self but can also leave survivors questioning their worth and their identity. Validating their feelings and experiences without minimising the harm they’ve faced is essential. Survivors need to know that their trauma is real and that they are worthy of love, respect, and healing.

3. Provide Trauma-Informed Care

A trauma-informed approach involves understanding and responding to the symptoms of trauma that survivors may exhibit. For those who have experienced conversion therapy, this means being mindful of potential triggers and ensuring that any interventions do not inadvertently retraumatise the individual. It also involves collaborating with the survivor to establish goals for their recovery that are led by their own sense of autonomy and agency.

Trauma-informed therapy should prioritise safety, empowerment, and choice, allowing the survivor to feel in control of their healing journey. Techniques such as grounding exercises, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

4. Focus on Rebuilding Self-Worth

Many survivors of conversion therapy struggle with deep feelings of shame and guilt. Building a sense of self-worth and self-compassion is a crucial part of recovery. Therapy should help individuals reconnect with their authentic selves and challenge any internalised negative beliefs they may hold about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Affirming their identity and empowering them to live authentically is a key aspect of rebuilding their self-esteem.

5. Offer Support for Identity Exploration

Conversion therapy often attempts to force individuals to reject or change their sexual orientation or gender identity. As such, many survivors experience confusion or fear when they begin to explore their true identity. Offering a safe, open space for identity exploration can be an important step in the healing process.

Survivors may need help processing their journey of self-discovery, rebuilding trust in their own feelings and desires. Encouraging them to take small steps towards accepting and expressing their identity on their terms can empower them to reclaim their sense of self.

6. Involve Support Networks and Community Resources

Survivors may benefit from engaging with supportive communities of others who have experienced similar trauma. Peer support groups, whether in-person or online, can be an invaluable resource for survivors to share experiences, offer mutual support, and learn from others who have gone through similar healing processes. These groups can help individuals feel less isolated and more connected to a community of acceptance.

It may also be important to involve family members or loved ones in the healing process. Educating family members about the harmful effects of conversion therapy can help create a more supportive environment for the survivor, fostering understanding and helping to mend relationships that may have been damaged by the experience.

Legal and Advocacy Support

While conversion therapy has been banned in many parts of the world, there are still regions where it remains legal or where regulations are insufficient. Supporting survivors may also involve helping them access legal resources or advocating for stronger protections against the practice. Promoting policies and laws that ban conversion therapy is critical to preventing further harm and ensuring that future generations are not subjected to these harmful practices.

Conclusion

Conversion therapy is a harmful practice that continues to affect individuals long after they have left its grip. Survivors face unique challenges as they heal from trauma, rebuild their sense of self-worth, and reclaim their sexual orientation and gender identity. It is essential for mental health professionals, support groups, and loved ones to offer compassionate, trauma-informed care to those affected, helping them navigate the difficult path to healing and self-acceptance. By providing a supportive, affirming environment and encouraging ongoing self-discovery, we can help survivors reclaim their lives and find peace.

Amelia Luff

Staff writer

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