Conversion therapy—also known as Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts (SOGICE)—represents one of the most harmful intersections of religious fundamentalism, medical authority, and systemic homophobia/transphobia. As someone who researches SOGICE academically and supports survivors through recovery coaching, I bring both scholarly understanding and community-grounded expertise to this critical area.
Recovery from conversion therapy requires more than individual healing—it demands structural analysis of the systems that enable these practices and community-based approaches that honor survivor wisdom and leadership.
Ready to address SOGICE harm through evidence-based, survivor-centered approaches?
Contact me to discuss support for individuals, organizations, or communities.
Understanding SOGICE: Beyond Individual Pathology
Conversion therapy isn’t an anomaly created by a few harmful practitioners—it’s the logical extension of systemic heteronormativity and cisnormativity embedded in religious, medical, and legal institutions. Understanding recovery requires examining both individual trauma and structural oppression.
Historical and Institutional Context
SOGICE practices emerge from the intersection of:
- Religious fundamentalism that positions LGBTQ+ identity as spiritual pathology
- Medical pathologization of non-heteronormative sexuality and gender diversity
- Legal systems that have historically criminalized LGBTQ+ existence
- Family systems operating under patriarchal and heteronormative assumptions
Related analysis: Religious Trauma Recovery and High-Control Group Recovery
Current Landscape and Ongoing Harm
Despite growing legal restrictions, SOGICE continues through:
- Unlicensed religious counselors operating outside professional oversight
- Family pressure and informal community coercion
- Subtle therapeutic approaches that don’t explicitly claim to “change” orientation but promote internalized homophobia
- Religious institutions that condition inclusion on sexual and gender conformity
Professional response detailed in: Faith-Based Consulting
Specialized Recovery Support Approaches
Trauma-Informed Recovery Coaching
Individual coaching for SOGICE survivors that recognizes the complex trauma nature of these experiences while building resilience and authentic identity.
Recovery work addresses:
- Identity reclamation and authentic self-discovery
- Relationship rebuilding with family, community, and romantic partners
- Spiritual reconstruction for those seeking to maintain faith commitments
- Community connection and belonging development
Family System Healing
Supporting families impacted by SOGICE in developing authentic inclusion that moves beyond conditional acceptance toward genuine affirmation and advocacy.
This includes work with:
- Parents and siblings processing their role in SOGICE harm
- Extended family networks navigating relationship changes
- Faith communities seeking to make amends for institutional harm
- Couples and partnerships healing from SOGICE impact on relationships
Mediation support available through: Mediation & Conflict Resolution
Community and Organizational Response
Working with institutions and communities to develop accountability processes that address SOGICE harm and prevent future practices.
Organizational support: HR Consulting & Organizational Development and Training & Professional Development
Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Academic Research Contributions
My doctoral research examines SOGICE practices through critical sociological analysis, contributing to academic understanding while centering survivor voices and community knowledge.
Research areas include:
- Institutional analysis of organizations promoting SOGICE
- Survivor experience studies using participatory research methods
- Recovery pathway analysis examining diverse healing approaches
- Systemic intervention studies evaluating community response strategies
Research support available through: Research & Program Support
Evidence-Based Recovery Approaches
Recovery interventions are grounded in:
- Trauma-informed care principles that prioritize safety and choice
- Narrative therapy approaches that honor survivor story and agency
- Community-based healing models that connect individuals with supportive networks
- Intersectional analysis that addresses multiple identity factors
Specialized Populations and Contexts
Religious Community Members
Supporting individuals maintaining faith commitments while rejecting SOGICE messages, including:
- Theological reconstruction that affirms LGBTQ+ identity within spiritual tradition
- Community navigation for remaining connected while maintaining boundaries
- Spiritual healing that addresses religious trauma while preserving meaningful faith elements
- Advocacy development for faith-based LGBTQ+ inclusion work
Young Adults and Emerging Independence
Specialized support for individuals in late teens and early twenties who experienced SOGICE during adolescence and are now developing independent identity and relationships.
Professional and Community Leaders
Supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in leadership roles who experienced SOGICE and are now in positions to influence institutional policies and community culture.
Leadership development: Coaching Services with organizational focus
Intersectional Identity Navigation
Recognizing that SOGICE impact is shaped by multiple identity factors including race, class, disability, and cultural background, requiring culturally responsive and intersectional approaches.
Analysis framework: LGBTQ+ Issues & Inclusion and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Prevention and Community Education
Public Education and Awareness
Community education that builds understanding of SOGICE harm while challenging misconceptions about LGBTQ+ identity and promoting affirming alternatives.
Education components include:
- Myth-busting about sexual orientation and gender identity “change”
- Harm documentation that makes SOGICE impact visible
- Affirmation promotion that supports authentic identity development
- Community mobilization for policy and cultural change
Speaking and presentation services: Speaking & Communications
Professional Development and Training
Training programs for healthcare providers, educators, faith leaders, and community workers on recognizing SOGICE harm and providing affirming support.
Training expertise: Training & Professional Development
Policy and Advocacy Support
Supporting legislative and policy initiatives that restrict SOGICE practices while promoting affirming care standards and community support resources.
Research support: Research & Program Support for policy development
Survivor Leadership and Community Building
Survivor Voice Amplification
Centering survivor expertise in all aspects of SOGICE response, including:
- Research design that honors lived experience
- Policy advocacy led by those most impacted
- Community education that features survivor stories and analysis
- Professional training that includes survivor facilitators and content experts
Community Network Development
Supporting survivor communities in building mutual support networks that provide ongoing healing resources and collective advocacy power.
Resource Development
Creating community-controlled resources that serve survivor needs while building community capacity for ongoing support and advocacy.
Cultural and Spiritual Healing
Reclaiming Spiritual Tradition
For survivors maintaining faith commitments, supporting the development of life-giving spiritual practices that honor both religious tradition and authentic identity.
Cultural Reconnection
Supporting survivors in reclaiming cultural traditions and community connections that may have been severed through SOGICE experiences.
Creative and Expressive Healing
Incorporating arts, creativity, and embodied practices that support holistic recovery beyond traditional therapeutic approaches.
Investment in Survivor-Centered Work
SOGICE recovery support is provided through sliding scale pricing that prioritizes survivor accessibility while maintaining sustainable practice.
Individual Support Options
- Trauma recovery coaching through partnership with trauma treatment centers
- Family mediation for relationship healing
- Community consultation for institutional response development
- Research collaboration opportunities for survivors interested in contributing to knowledge development
Community and Organizational Support
- Training and education programs for institutions
- Policy consultation for legislative and organizational initiatives
- Community healing facilitation for faith communities and organizations addressing SOGICE harm
- Research partnerships with academic and community organizations
Ready to Address SOGICE Harm?
Whether you’re a survivor seeking healing, a family navigating recovery, or an organization working to address institutional harm, I offer evidence-based, survivor-centered approaches that honor both individual healing and systemic change.
Schedule a consultation to discuss how we can support your goals.
Stay informed about SOGICE research and recovery resources through my Spotlight on Society newsletter:
SOGICE recovery requires both individual healing and community transformation.
Let’s work together toward liberation →