I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I'm adding my voice to the voice of many others.  I'm using some of the words of another licensed professional here, with which I am in complete agreement:

"Conversion therapy" is irresponsible and counter to the bedrock principles of effective therapeutic relationships.  It is never appropriate to use shaming, hypnosis, isolation, and electric shocks to force young people to try to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.  Mainstream medical and mental health organizations have been speaking out against this for decades.  However, in Virginia, state-licensed therapists are still permitted to continue this outdated practice.  I hope Virginia can join 18 other states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, in banning this harmful practice.

Mary Schleicher, LCSW