Introduction
Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D.
NARTH Executive Director
You are about to read the third issue of NARTH'S Collected Papers. This issue focuses on the psychoanalytic perspective which was the emphasis of the 1996 meeting. We had a particularly prestigious roster of presenters at the conference.
In support of the traditional psychoanalytic understanding of homosexuality, the following clinicians came forth to offer their experience of successful treatment: Abraham Freedman, M.D., Martin Silverman, M.D., Albert Mason, M.D., Houston MacIntosh, M.l)., and Gerald Schoenewolf, Ph.D., along with NARTH President Charles Socarides, M.D. and Executive Director Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D.
Abraham Freedman was the first recipient of NARTH's Sigmund Freud Award. Dr. Freedman shared his 35 years of clinical experience as the featured Luncheon Speaker.
For the first time since our beginning in 1992, the Planning Committee decided to openly advertise the Annual NARTH Conference location. Until now, we have held our meetings quietly, fearing that gay activists would interrupt our speakers. Many such incidents have closed down other groups' conferences in the past. Hired security guards were on hand at our 1996 meeting, but fortunately, there were no disruptions.
At the same time these papers were being delivered, the American Psychoanalytic Association was debating whether NARTH has the right to announce its meetings in The American Psychoanalyst, the official newsletter of the American Psychoanalytic Association. After considerable discussion, the decision was made in the affirmative. The editors were strongly criticized by some of their association members, but held to their decision.
NARTH hopes to expand its advertising and public announcements in the future. The American Psychological Association Monitor still prohibits our meeting announcements.
Updated: 8 February 2008
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