Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Counseling
 
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4/11/19  5:19 pm
Commenter: Marie Paddock, LPC

Caution -- a ban could be unconstitutional
 

First, we need to stop using the name Conversion Therapy in our dialogue, it has negative connotations and many conflicting definitions.  Second, I disagree with the emotionally and physically abusive treatment modalities that some individuals used in the past when working with clients exploring sexual identity conflicts.  That being said, I do NOT feel a BAN is the correct action.  Under a BAN, counselors could be penalized for working with clients who are seeking a safe therapeutic environment for self-exploration.  It would be unconstitutional to BAN counselors and clients to openly explore sexual identity and sexuality conflicts.

CommentID: 71224