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from Events/Announcements
Center for the Study of
Gender Affirmative Therapy
Hosts a Training Meeting
SALT LAKE CITY --- One hundred and twenty-five therapists
and academic professionals met in a clinical training
seminar in March to study the issues relevant to treatment
of unwanted same-sex attractions.
The newly formed Center for the Study of Gender
Affirmative Therapy (The GAT Center) hosted the daylong
event with several nationally respected clinical experts on
homosexuality to instruct those gathered.
"This was a unique opportunity for therapists to receive
clinical training from specialists with impressive clinical
and academic experience," noted David Pruden, Center
Director.
More than five hours of practical instruction was offered by
Dr. A Dean Byrd, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the
University of Utah, and Janelle Hallman, an adjunct professor
at Colorado Christian University. Dr. Mark A.
Yarhouse of Regent University delivered an address on
professional ethics and the proper means to obtain the
client's informed consent before treatment begins.
Dr. Byrd, vice-president of NARTH, used the morning session
to talk about assessment issues. Following the luncheon
which included a speech by Dr. Yarhouse, Dr. Byrd
returned to the topic of successful treatment modalities.
Those who attended were provided with numerous illustrations
of clinical procedures that have assisted Dr. Byrd's
own clients.
Janelle Hallman's audience was primarily made up of
women therapists who were
seeking help for their lesbian
clients. "Women's issues are
many years behind those of
men both in the area of research
and treatment," she said. "It is
gratifying to participate in one
of the largest training opportunities
ever held on female concerns."
The Center for the Study of
Gender Affirmative Therapy is
planning to hold its next conference
specifically for students
enrolled in psychology, social
work and marriage and family therapy programs.
Said the Center's director, David Pruden: "This early exposure
to the current research and developmental issues surrounding
ego-dystonic same-sex attraction could be
key in insuring that the next generation of therapists
is better prepared. They should not be subject to the
information embargo that has left the current generation
of professionals ignorant of the effective treatment
of homosexuality."
Updated: 8 February 2008
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