LGBTIQ+ Affirming

The following is New Growth Counselling's position statement on the use of sexual orientation change efforts and therapeutic support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) individuals and their families.

Tiffany recognises that “all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights” (United Nations, 2012) and as such embraces the sexual diversity of all human adults whose sexual practice is consensual.

Tiffany recognises that (LGBTIQ+) people, and their families are subject to significant pressures and discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender expression and that, in the past sexual orientation change efforts have been practised with the intention of reducing or eliminating same-sex attractions, sexual behaviour and diversity in gender expression and identity. 

Concerning therapy for LGBTIQ+ people, Tiffany affirms the following principles:

1. That homosexuality is not a mental disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 1973); 2. That I won't unfairly discriminate against individuals, couples or families, based on their sexual orientation and identity, gender identity or gender expression.
3. That I respect the right of clients to hold different values, beliefs, attitudes and opinions from their own.
4. That I respect the rights of LGBTIQ+ people to privacy, confidentiality, self-determination, and autonomy.
5. That I aim to reduce any bias based on cultural, religious, behavioural or other factors that may influence or otherwise impact on their work with LGBTIQ+ individuals, couples and families.
6. That I take responsibility for my education, training, consultation to ensure my competence to practice with LGBTIQ+ people.
7. That I recognise there is contention regarding the harmful effects of sexual orientation change efforts and therapeutic interventions, such as conversion and reparative therapies that aim to reduce or eliminate same-sex attraction or nonconforming gender identities or expressions.
8. That I will commit to reducing the stigma and discrimination that has been associated presently and in the past with gay or lesbian orientations and diversity in sex and gender formation.
9. That I will support the dissemination of accurate information to clients about sexual orientations and gender expressions and identities and apply appropriate therapeutic interventions.

New Growth Counselling does not condone or support therapeutic interventions, such as conversion and reparative therapies that proactively aim to change a person’s sexual or gender identity.