Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Counseling
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling [18 VAC 115 ‑ 20]
Action Unprofessional conduct - conversion therapy
Stage NOIRA
Comment Period Ended on 8/7/2019
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8/6/19  9:10 pm
Commenter: William Detwiler, Wellspring

Banning therapy someone wants prevents counselors from helping people
 

This effort to force counselors to turn away clients who want help is wrong. To suggest that biologically-affirming counseling does not work is not based on scientific studies and ignores the countless people whose lives have been transformed through conversation-based counseling that helps a person address the underlying issues. 

To ban counselors from being able to help those who ask for it by banning their speech and forcing them to deny treatment for those who struggle with their sexuality is a disservice to those seeking help.  Not only is change, healing, and wholeness in the area of sexuality possible, but many have been helped to reaffirm their biological identity and escape a confused and self destructive life style.  

CommentID: 75171