Quick Scoop: Conversion therapy is a harmful, non- scientific practice that tries to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It can involve religious counseling, talk- based pressure, aversion methods, or other coercive approaches, and it is associated with serious mental health harms.

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What it usually looks like

Modern conversion therapy often happens in religious, counseling, or family settings. Reported methods include prayer or “healing” sessions, pastoral counseling, psychological pressure, and sometimes aversive techniques meant to create discomfort around a person’s identity.

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What people may experience

People who go through it are often told that their identity is a problem to be fixed. That can leave them feeling shame, fear, confusion, and pressure to hide who they are.

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  • Anxiety, depression, or trauma.
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  • Shame, self-blame, or lowered self-worth.
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  • Difficulty trusting others or asking for help.
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  • Higher risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
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Why it’s widely rejected

Evidence reviewed by public health and advocacy groups says the harms outweigh any claimed benefits. Research has also linked exposure to conversion practices with poorer mental health outcomes, including depression, PTSD, and suicidality.

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If this is about you

If you or someone you know is being pushed toward conversion therapy, it may help to reach out to an affirming mental health professional, a trusted adult, or an LGBTQ+ support organization. If there is immediate danger or talk of self-harm, contact emergency services right away.

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TL;DR: Conversion therapy is not real therapy; it is a harmful attempt to change identity, and it can seriously damage mental health.

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