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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8/7/19  11:34 am
Commenter: Aaron Aupperle, Bryan East

I am the real person behind “CAMERON” in the book/movie “BOY ERASED”.
 

I can tell you first hand that the practices of conversion therapy are extremely damaging to ones mental health. I attended “LOVE IN ACTION” in 95’ & 98’ when they decided to shame me with a mock funeral for “destructive behaviors”. I still struggle with chronic depression 25+ years later not only because of this event, but many others that happened to me, especially the second time I attended. I had two nervous breakdowns in 98, and honestly am amazed I’ve never thought about acting on suicidal thoughts. We are survivors, and NO good can come from this. Since then, I am fighting still to find my place in the world, trying EMDR therapy. My faith has collapsed, and I yearn for some higher power, yet my mind still can’t go there. Absolutely NO good can come from these practices, and you’d be a fool to think otherwise.

CommentID: 75277