GROUP THERAPIES FOR HOMOSEXUALS SEEKING CHANGE

The purpose of this article is to review the literature on group thera pies for homosexuals who report distress concerning their experience o f same-sex attraction. There are a number of methodological limitation s to the research published between the 1950s and 1970s, and it is mis leading to present this research as decisive evidence that sexual orie ntation can be changed. In addition, various contemporary professional and religion-based paraprofessional groups have been designed to brin g about change of orientation, but few provide outcome data to support their claims of successful change. Psychologists should not dismiss t hese studies and programs as irrelevant to those who experience same-s ex attraction and seek change, but they are challenged to design inter ventions and collaborate with existing programs to demonstrate efficac y and to clarify precisely what various interventions, programs, and s upport groups can accomplish.