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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8/2/19  7:51 pm
Commenter: Wade Salverson

Where is the evidence
 

My first comment is, what business does the government have in interfering with a voluntary transaction between free individuals under no compulsion? This is an infringement on personal freedom and liberty and anti-American. 

I believe this regulation is designed to advance an agenda to promote gender dysphoria and feelings of same sex attraction.

Where is the science to support this regulation? Not the few studies that have faulty methodology and were designed with a predetermined outcome in mind. That is not science. Where is the objective science that suggests that counseling for gender dysphoria or same sex attraction is harmful? Did you consider the evidence of people that have had this therapy and went on to thrive? 

As for the term conversion therapy, it’s a misnomer. There is no credible scientific study that people are born homosexual. Counseling does not convert. However it can help people cope with and overcome unwanted feelings.

In the end, every person deserves respect and has value. I want no harm to come on anyone. Having studied this issue the evidence suggests that preventing counseling for gender dysphoria and unwanted same sex attraction is harmful to those seeking that help. Those are the facts whether you like them or not.

CommentID: 74907