10/08/2025
The first thing you learn in a graduate program for counseling is how to bracket your own personal values so that they will not interfere or place bias on the therapeutic relationship. While it is not feasible to expect a human to completely ignore their own beliefs and maintain neutrality at all times, there is no gray area in the non-consensual integration of the practitioner’s faith in session. The ACA Code of Ethics requires that licensed counselors uphold the right of client self-determination while maintaining awareness and respect for individual differences to include sexual orientation. Counselors are mandated by the board to adhere to principles including beneficence and nonmaleficence, doing good and avoiding harm. Empirical research has shown that talk therapy is helpful to those within the LGBTQ+ community for a variety of reasons including increased coping skills, self-acceptance and confidence, and personal empowerment. Traditional therapy effectively decreases suicidal tendencies for both LGBTQ+ youth and adults. Conversely, there is a direct correlation between conversion “therapy” and increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempt by almost double. There have been no ethically-regulated, empirically-backed studies that prove the efficacy of this horrendous practice since its inception in 1899. None. The risk of harm in telling a client, especially a child, that they could change if they tried hard enough is astronomical.
It is my belief that if you are professionally unable to bracket your own beliefs and agendas as a licensed mental health counselor, you should place great effort into the search for another career.
Upon licensure, I will maintain my counseling office as an inclusive, safe space for everyone regardless of background.
