from Events/Announcements
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."