I am a licensed counselor in VA.  I don't believe that many of those who are leaving comments about this Bill even know what they are talking about.  I'm referring to the fact that even though there may be some studies showing conversion therapy "might be harmful," there are others who have studied the issue who have found the opposite to be true, along with many individuals who could testify to that personally.  In my profession the ethical guidelines say that I shouldn't practice anything I am not competent to practice (i.e. have appropriate education and training/supervision for).  This is what should guide me in terms of whether or not I conduct this kind of therapy, not the goals of activists of the LGBT movement who believe it shouldn't be done and cannot be done because they somehow feel it will destroy their political goals and future of their movement.  There is plenty of research that shows that certain lifestyles such as homosexuality and transgender living are often fraught with great risks and complications such as depression, suicidal ideation and attempts, along with increases in cultural and familial stresses, not to mention some of the medical risks.  Yet here they are saying that there may be some risks in conversion therapies for "some" people!  These issues are not being looked at honestly or scientifically.  Only as a political issue.  As someone else commented, a person has a God given right to make a choice as to whether or not they choose to change a behavior of theirs, and politicians and social movements shouldn't be able to decide that for them.  What if our society had decided to not treat drug abuse and alcohol abuse because we felt relapse would be a risk, or people might get depressed if they had to face their problems with out these things.  We would be in a really bad spot.  I'm just asking that we truly set up honest and fair commissions to study these types of therapies like we do with any other problem, and determine what to do based on TRUE scientific studies, not ones sponsored by the LGBTQ activists.