Education

Click on the questions, and see the answers below:

About Sexual Orientation
What is sexual orientation? What causes it? Is it a choice? Can therapy change it? What about "conversion therapy"? And "reparative therapy"? How can a therapist help?
About Homosexuality in General
Is it a mental illness? Can homosexuals be good parents? Why do they tell others? why is it difficult for GLBT? How do I overcome prejudice? Why is education important? Do all gay men have AIDS? Where can I learn more?

Can a Good Therapist Help

It depends on what you mean by "help". We strongly encourage parents to seek professional help in dealing with their initial difficulties coping with a loved one's coming out to them. Often, families experience intense feelings and dramatic changes. A trained professional can help the entire family cope with the different stages of coping with the issues.

The choice of therapists is crucial. Do your homework, and make sure you find someone that has experience in the area. Even well-educated, trained professionals may have their own misconceptions and personal biases and will likely bring their own issues into the therapeutic process. An ethical professional should refer you to someone else, if they feel that they are unable to help. Ultimately, however, the choice of a good family therapist is in your hands.

Many parents at PFLAG might have sought therapists to help them cope with their own initial issues. They will be glad to give you references. End of Page