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from Clinical/Therapeutic Issues
Problems for Psychologists in South America
Psychologist Esly Carvalho of Brazil recently
contacted NARTH to inform us of a grave situation.
Not long ago, Brazil's psychology licensing board
passed a resolution forbidding psychologists from
helping homosexual clients change orientation,
even if the client specifically requests such
treatment. In spite of the resolution, Carvalho
says, "We know of many who courageously continue
to help their clients."
Dr. Carvalho has asked NARTH to help a Brazilian
psychologist faces Ethics Board charges. NARTH is
writing a letter of support and mailing
corroborating literature.
As Dr. Carvalho explains:
"We have a serious situation in Brazil as a result
of a recent visit by the Exodus International
Ministry coordinator. Exodus's local coordinator,
Dr. Rozangela Justino (who is a licensed
psychologist in Brazil) has been asked to go
before the licensing board to explain herself and
her views on reparative therapy for homosexuals.
"Dr. Justino publicly affirmed that homosexual
orientation can change, and that she perceives the
orientation as a "kind of psychosexual
immaturity." (She was speaking to a lay audience.)
This particular meeting, in Bauru (in the interior
of the state of Sao Paulo) was one of many held
during the month of January and was publicized in
the local newspaper.
"There are several gay militant people who are
focused on stopping the Exodus message and
movement in Brazil. Two years ago in March, they
were able to ram through the Psychology Licensing
Board a resolution that forbids psychologists from
helping change homosexual orientation, even when
the client requests it as a therapeutic goal. The
resolution goes against human as well as
constitutional rights, but it is still intact.
There have been very many fruitful conversations
with the Christian Psychology/Psychiatry Corps
(CPPC) of Brazil - who defend the right for Exodus
to proclaim its message of change -- as well as
the Licensing Board. But the resolution still
stands.
"Rozangela needs our support. She cannot afford to
go to court to defend herself. (There is no such
thing as malpractice insurance in Brazil.) Exodus
Brazil does not have the funds either. We have
tried to contact the Rutherford Institute on
several occasions but that have never managed to
make contact with them.
"Rozangela will need words of wisdom and
discernment when she goes before the Board, as
well as someone who can accompany her to this
meeting as a witness.
"This could well turn into a test case."
Updated: 8 February 2008
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