Letter to the American Counseling Association
Dear Members:
I want to take this opportunity to share with you an important issue that potentially impacts our profession and may have some far reaching consequences.
In May 2006, the Ethics Committee of the American Counseling Association (not to be confused with our organization, the AACC) issued an opinion which directly questioned the ethical conduct of referring clients to therapists who work with their counselees to live according to a Christian view of sexuality. More specifically, the opinion designated a gay affirmative approach as the only correct ethical stance. Our analysis of the opinion is that it stands in direct opposition to those counselors who work with clients who choose not to affirm homosexuality in their lives. Furthermore, the opinion not only challenges the religious diversity of people, but also undermines a client’s right to self-determination and the freedom of choice when it comes to a therapeutic environment.
Warren Throckmorton, co-chair of the AACC Task Force on Homosexuality, initiated dialogue with the ACA leadership in July 2007. In reviewing ACA policies, Dr. Throckmorton, in consultation with attorneys from the Alliance Defense Fund, has determined that the ACA may have actually violated its own policies by accepting and incorporating the Ethics Committee opinion. Dr. Throckmorton has written a formal letter of complaint to current ACA President, Brian Canfield (please click here to download).
Dr. Throckmorton is looking for current ACA members OR credentialed and licensed mental health professionals to join him as he submits his formal letter of complaint to President Canfield. If you feel that this is an issue where you would like to make your voice heard—and I want to encourage you to do so—contact Dr. Throckmorton at drthrockmorton@aacc.net and consider adding your name to his letter. Please understand that time is of the essence as the ACA is nearing the annual Governing Council meeting and Dr. Throckmorton is planning on submitting his letter in time for this meeting.
Thank you for your prayers in these matters, and please pray that the Lord would not only continue to give us a sense of discernment and wisdom, but above all else, that we would honor Him.
Blessings,
Tim Clinton, Ed.D., LPC, LMFT
President, AACC
P.S. – I recently heard from our friends at the Alliance Defense Fund and Liberty Counsel. Both feel that this is potentially the most serious and threatening issue that Christian counseling has ever faced. Let us hear from you today!
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February 13th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
[…] Letter to the American Counseling Association Throckmorton is looking for current ACA members OR credentialed and licensed mental health professionals to join him as he submits his formal letter of complaint to President Canfield. If you feel that this is an issue where you would … […]
February 15th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
[…] along with over 400 of my closest colleagues (getting close to 500 by now, part thanks to the American Association of Christian Counselors). In brief, I believe the ACA violated Policy 301.7 when the ACA Ethics Committee said There are […]
February 18th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
You state:
More specifically, the opinion designated a gay affirmative approach as the only correct ethical stance.
This is untrue. The opinion recommends a set of gay affirmative therapies that are endorsed by the APA and the AGLBIC group within the ACA. No where in the opinion does it say these therapies are the only allowable therapies. In fact the opinion does not say conversion therapy (which is the specific therapy being addressed by the opinion) is not allowed. Rather, gives a set of guidelines about making referrals for such therapy.
February 20th, 2008 at 11:11 am
[…] war against gay people. This week, he organized a pack of fundamentalist quacks to file a formal written complaint with the American Counseling Association. Throckmorton’s crew is upset because they believe […]
March 25th, 2008 at 7:42 am
I find it interesting that not only has the ACA, but also both of the APAs (American Psychological and Psychiatric Associations) have denounced the practice of “reparative” therapy. If the AACC really wanted to make a change in the world, they may consider taking on those two organizations as well. However, it seems logical that “reparative” therapy is not healthy if all the major mental health leadership organizations do not support it. Lastly, I find it rather offensive that the AACC is consulting a legal team and had hired an attorney to represent their interests. It seems as though the integrity of the AACC is lacking if they have to hire someone to do their dirty work for them.