Patrick Strudwick is the investigative journalist who posed as a patient hoping to become a heterosexual by turning to conversion therapists. Then he wrote it all up in an expose. But Strudwick isn’t stopping there. His just-formed group Stop Conversion Therapy Taskforce (SCOTT), which has nearly 3,000 Facebook members, is planning its first demonstration on Friday in Belfast, Ireland, at the Setting Love in Order Conference. Queerty’s David Hauslaib spoke with Strudwick in London today to learn more about the charade of conversion therapy, and how merely pretending to be a patient affected Strudwick’s own thinking about his sexuality.

Read more: http://www.queerty.com/listen-patrick-strudwick-exposed-the-tricks-of-ex-gay-therapy-now-hes-really-going-after-them-20100218/#ixzz0g2LpmIkQ

Patrick Strudwick speaks to Queerty about his ex-gay therapist investigation from Queerty on Vimeo.

I wish Patrick well in getting a ban on those who practice reparative therapy. Let’s hope the results of his work in the UK send a clear message to other countries that also have reparative therapies.

How about putting an expectation to the Australian professional psychology, counselling & psychotherapy registration and accreditation bodies to cease membership for counsellors and therapists who continue these practices.

They would not meet the code of conduct of my professional association, the AASW, but I am not sure about the psychologist registration bodies, CAPA or PACFA or others for example. Perhaps someone can enlighten us here?

The Australian Psychological Society has developed guidance for their members in relation to homosexuality. This is particularly important.

The site for this is http://www.psychology.org.au/publications/tip_sheets/orientation/

eg I quote ” Is sexual orientation a choice? – No

“Is homosexuality a mental illness or emotional problem? – No

“Can lesbian and gay men be good parents? – Yes

“CAN THERAPY CHANGE SEXUAL ORIENTATION? – NO”

There is a good discussion on each of these items and several other related issues on their website. It isn’t long and it is very readable.

In addition http://www.psychology.org.au/Assets/Files/reparative_therapy.pdf

gives “A Position Statement on the Use of Therapies that Attempt to Change Sexual Orientation”

Note particularly the recommendations on the last page.

I practiced as an accountant almost all my working life, and all members of the Australian Society of Accountants HAD to adhere to their Accounting Standards or risk being struck off the register. One would hope the same would apply to members of the Australian Psychology Society.

I recommend that if any member of the Australian Psychology Association engages in ex-gay therapy, they should be reported to the society with a request for that member to de-registered and for that person to cease to be able to practice.