Action | Unprofessional conduct - conversion therapy |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 8/7/2019 |
There are two kinds of professional counselors or psychotherapists: those that empower clients on their journey and those who push a specific agenda. The latter may be unethical but this is already covered in existing regulations.
People, especially young people, should have the right to self-determination in the context of their own chosen religious or philosophical belief framework.
Certainly individuals should not be forced to see any particular therapist, but this is usually a parental oversight issue with minors and not one with an ethical professional therapist, whether they work with minors or adults.
Attempting to micromanage what goes on in the privacy of a therapeutic relationship is not helpful. Coercion of any kind is unethical, but this is addressed in existing regulations.