Mental Health Consequences of Conversion Therapy & Exorcism

The jury is most certainly back in that the mental health consequences of Conversion Therapy and Exorcism on vulnerable LGBTQ+ people, is both devastating & life threatening.
We know these ministries are often presented as well meaning  coffee, donuts and chat meet ups. This of course later takes a much darker and more alarming turn & tone. Leading to CT and Exorcism sessions behind closed doors, that wreck the lives & mental health of their victims.
Research supports….

Increased minority stress

CT and Exorcism intensifies the minority stress load on LGBTQ + folx in our churches, often closted young, vulnerable and without the knowledge of family or friends to safeguard. People already in the minority in their church families, carefully code switching to avoid detection, outing and rejection.

Internalised shame & Isolation

CT and Exorcism practices intensify the shame & isolation of LGBTQ+ people who are often already struggling with integrating their sexuality/identity. This is directly due to the toxic theology and indoctrination of churches that hold anti LGBTQ+ sentiment. Or more commonly now, adopt & maintain a stony silence on such issues, which effectively maintains the same position, whilst evading accountability and liability.

We at CTES understand this from a place of lived experience. 

We also know that healing from the harms of these abusive practices is entirely possible.
We are often shamed, silenced, and isolated by churches that  attempt to convert “pray the gay or trans away” from our community.
Our healing comes in the form of sharing our stories with each other.
Bringing our traumatic accounts of what really happened behind those closed doors, out into the light.
And growing in our understanding that we are each and everyone one of us, fearfully and wonderfully made.
That our queerness & identities are to be celebrated and embraced not rejected, othered, monstered and shamed.
Come & join us on this road to community healing.
We are abused in isolation.
 We heal in community.

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Take the first step towards healing by connecting with fellow survivors and accessing our support network. You are not alone on this journey.