May 25, 2007
Media Contact: Rick Moore
415-314-8952
rmoore.rockway@alliant.edu

Rockway Fellows Named to APA Panel to Review Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation

Two fellows of the Rockway Institute have been named to a new American Psychological Association (APA) task force that will review the current scientific research on therapeutic response to sexual orientation, including the research on so-called "conversion" therapies intended to change sexual orientation. An update of the APA 1997 policy statement on the topic is expected to result from the review. 

Task force members were selected from nominations, reviewed by the APA Committee on LGBT Concerns and approved by the APA Board and President Dr. Sharon Stephens Brehm.

Rockway Fellows Beverly Greene, PhD and Jack Drescher, MD were named to the task force.

Dr. Greene is a Professor of Psychology at St. John's University and a practicing clinical psychologist. She has published extensively in the psychological literature on multi-minority identities and the interplay between multiple identity status, coping with social marginalization and psychotherapy. She was a founding co-editor of the APA Division 44 series Psychological Perspectives on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Issues.

Dr. Drescher is a psychiatrist in clinical practice. His academic appointments include that of Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in the New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New York Medical College. He also serves as the editor of the Journal of Gay and Lesbian Psychotherapy.

Others serving on the group are Judith M. Glassgold, PsyD; Lee Beckstead, PhD; Robin Lin Miller, PhD; and Roger L. Worthington, PhD.

The task force will review the scientific literature on therapeutic responses to sexual orientation, particularly any research published since the Association's resolution on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation was passed (1997). The task force will furthermore make recommendations on any revisions or updates to the resolution. Since the 1997 resolution was written, new research on sexual orientation conversion therapy has been published. This new science enables the Association to review its policy position and offer additional guidance to mental health professionals who treat persons with concerns about their sexual orientation.

"I am pleased to announce the initiation of this Task Force. Its work will be of significant value as it will help inform all mental health practitioners about appropriate and effective therapeutic responses to sexual orientation. I look forward to the group's report," said APA President Brehm.