Homosexuals Anonymous and Courage International

Domain XVI · Historical, discredited & harmful · Colin Cook, Father John Harvey · 1980 · Reading, Pennsylvania (HA); New York (Courage)

What it is

This topic is covered for history and safety. Sexual orientation change efforts (SOGCE) are not recommended: the APA's 2021 resolution states that "there is no evidence of sexual orientation change" and that former participants look back on these experiences as harmful; signatories to the UK…

Format

• The framework below describes the phases of the psychotherapist's work. Session number and length follow the client's needs and the setting; pacing follows the client.
• HA (1980s): support groups using a twelve-step-derived format and a change goal, linked to a residential and counselling centre (Quest). In 1986 sociologist Ronald Lawson's interviews with 14 former counselees, reported by the Adventist LGBT group Kinship, led to Cook admitting sexual misconduct…

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• Courage was founded in 1980 by Father John Harvey at the request of Cardinal Terence Cooke of New York as an outreach to Catholics with same-sex attraction who wish to live chastely; it reports Holy See endorsement in 1994, canonical status in 2016, about 175 chapters in nine countries, and more than 75 EnCourage chapters for relatives and friends. Courage describes its goal as chastity and holiness, not a change of…

Evidence status, as the guide reports it

• This topic is covered for history and safety. Sexual orientation change efforts (SOGCE) are not recommended: the APA's 2021 resolution states that "there is no evidence of sexual orientation change" and that former participants look back on these experiences as harmful; signatories to the UK…

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Is there physical contact? Was it explained beforehand, and do you feel free to say no or stop at any point?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Is it a group, retreat or community? How do they respond if someone wants to leave or raises a concern?
• How do you and the practitioner understand what is happening, in spiritual or cultural terms? Is that a source of comfort, worry, or both?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• stating law beyond your knowledge. Working: the client gets accurate referral.
• records that label groups; describe instead. Working: trust holds after repair.
• information used to shame the group or the client's faith. Working: self-blame eases.
• anger at faith or at you; relapse of shame. Working: less self-hatred, more connection.
• referral to a renamed change programme. Working: the client connects with lasting support.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.