www.narth.com

NARTH is the only secular group of psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors providing psychological therapy to homosexuals who desire to modify their sexual orientation. Although its membership is comprised of many Christians of various denominations as well as observant Jews, the group’s approach is non-sectarian, scientific, fact-based, and demonstrably productive of results.

So much so, that it has aroused much controversy in the mainstream psychological community and a great deal of ire in the gay community.

Founded in 1992 by Drs. Joseph Nicolosi, Benjamin Kaufman, and Charles Socarides, NARTH has stood virtually alone in psychological circles by insisting that homosexuality is a psychological condition—not a fixed identity—and it is responsive to treatment.

NARTH contends that same-sex attraction is the result of a complex mix of social, biological and particularly, psychological factors experienced during childhood--including difficult family relationships, discomfort among same-sex peers, and early same-sex seduction.

Rather than being just another society of debaters endlessly rehashing theories about sexual reorientation, NARTH has demonstrated that change is possible--particularly, through its published study of nearly 900 same-sex attracted men and women who have realized their desire to increase their heterosexual responsiveness and diminish their unwanted homosexuality.

It should be emphasized that while NARTH strongly defends its positions – and its distinguished members do so regularly on television and radio talk shows – it respects the right of self-identified gay men and women to live their own lives as they wish and, as well, to receive gay-affirmative therapy.

This contrasts with the work of the gay community in the mental-health profession; firmly entrenched within our mainstream professional associations, gay activists have fought NARTH to the point of demanding that their associations condemn reorientation therapy and refuse to publish studies or papers that support the possibility of change.

Unfortunately, the majority of such groups have caved in to such pressure, leaving NARTH as the sole organized, secular voice on the reorientation scene today.

NARTH’s work in confronting issues of homosexuality does not stop with its surveys, studies, and papers. The group also publishes a broad selection of literature that is understandable to the layperson and does not evade the difficult issues. The group holds yearly conferences whose speeches and addresses are made available in bound sets known as the NARTH Collected Papers. Even for those who are not well versed in psycho-jargon, they provide useful insights.

NARTH also takes up the other side of the battle in public schools. It is no secret that gay activists consider schools one of their prime targets to legitimize and normalize the homosexual life. NARTH has published a pamphlet, “Homosexuality Advisory Groups and Your School” advising school administrators of the arguments against promoting homosexuality. This booklet was sent to every school superintendent in the United States.

The group also hosts an e-mail discussion group. It has an Interfaith Committee on Theological Concerns, papers on parenting and family issues, and others addressing clinical and ethical matters.

NARTH is a non-profit corporation, funded largely by private donations, with a small but dedicated staff whose professional members work on a volunteer basis.

For further information, please contact the group directly.

NARTH
(National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality)
16633 Ventura Boulevard, Suite #1340
Encino, California 91436
(818) 789-4440

www.narth.com