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from Press Releases
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
January 8, 2005
For more information, contact:
Dr. A. Dean Byrd, 818.789.4440
Email: nationalarth@yahoo.com
NARTH Encouraged By American Counseling Association's Commitment To Free Choice In Therapy
Encino, California --
The American Counseling Association's recent response to a former homosexual on
the issue of counseling for unwanted same-sex attractions, is a great
encouragement to NARTH.
"Larry Freeman, ACA's Manager of Ethics and Professional Standards has clearly
stated that the ACA supports client self-determination--and this includes the
right of a client with same-sex attractions to seek help," said Dr. A. Dean Byrd
today. Dr. Byrd is a member of the NARTH Scientific Advisory Committee.
"Mr. Freeman's response to Pastor Darryl Foster, a former homosexual and now
head of a ministry to homosexuals, is a significant step in the right direction
among counselors. The ACA obviously realizes that a person with unwanted
same-sex sexual attractions (SSA) should have unfettered freedom to seek help to
overcome these desires," said Dr. Byrd.
Mr. Freeman responded to Pastor Foster's request for clarification of a
statement in the ACA's Code of Ethics (Section A.2.B) that states: "Respecting
Differences: Counselors will actively attempt to understand the diverse cultural
backgrounds of the clients with whom they work. This includes, but is not
limited to, learning how the counselor's own cultural/ethnic/racial identity
impacts her or his values and beliefs about the counseling process."
Mr. Freeman was asked by Pastor Foster if this statement also applies to
individuals with same-sex attractions. Freedom responded: "Yes, this code
applies to any one who feels or perceives themselves as struggling with an issue
that impacts negatively the quality and comfort of their daily life." He
observes that if a person's SSA is an issue for him or her, "... the person(s)
should have the freedom of choice to seek appropriate treatment for it."
"This statement is welcomed by NARTH and by the numerous ex-gay ministries
throughout the United States that are involved in helping individuals deal with
these unwanted sexual attractions. We hope the various psychological and
psychiatric associations will follow ACA's lead on this issue."
Dr. Byrd is available for interviews at 818-789-4440.
The National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality was founded in 1992 and is composed of psychiatrists, psychoanalytically informed psychologists, certified social workers, and other behavioral scientists, as well as laymen in fields such as law, religion, and education.
NARTH, 16633 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1340, Encino, CA 91436-1801
Phone: 818.789.4440
Fax: 818.789.6452
Updated: 8 February 2008
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