Reparative Therapy: A Pseudo Science

Jeffry G. Ford, MA, Licensed Psychologist is a 1983 graduate of St. Mary's University, Winona, MN where he received his master's degree. He received his undergraduate training from both the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO and Bethel College, Arden Hills, MN. He is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and an Independent Clinical Social Worker. He is the owner and director of Associated Resources In Psychology, PA in St. Paul, MN where he maintains a private therapy and consulting practice.

Engaging and credible, Ford is a nationally known consultant and speaker on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues. Although many so called experts in the pseudo science of conversion and reparative therapies self publish articles filled with false claims and misinformation, Mr. Ford's work and experience has been published in a peer reviewed scientific journal. His article Healing Homosexuals: A Psychologist's Journey Through the Ex-Gay Movement and the Pseudo-Science of Reparative Therapy was published in The Journal of Gay and Lesbian Psychotherapy, Haworth Press, Volume 5, No. 3/4, 2001. It was simultaneously published in the book Sexual Conversion Therapy Haworth Press, 2002. Copies of the article, journal and book can be obtained directly from Haworth Press. The book is also available from amazon.com

He was featured on the nationally syndicated PBS television show In The Life. He has been interviewed for articles appearing in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the St. Paul Pioneer Press and a variety of newspapers nationally and internationaly as well as Lavendar and Genre magazines and numerous other gay and religious publications. Twin Cities television and radio news media frequently turn to Ford as a consultant on GLBT related issues.

He has specialized in addressing the complexities involved with the anti-gay theory known both as Reparative Therapy and Sexual Conversion Therapy, which purports to prevent and cure homosexuality. He speaks from experience as one who studied and practiced reparative therapies for years. Because of his personal and professional experience, Ford is able to offer accurate answers and powerful insight. He provides useful skills and tools to challenge the dangerous use of pseudo scientific theories like these and other discrediited methods. He is a frequent workshop presenter and guest lecturer He was formerly the executive director of OUTPOST an "ex-gay" ministry located in Minneapolis, MN. For almost 10 years Jeff claimed to be a "former homosexual". For many years he was a national speaker for Exodus International, which remains the governing Board and communication hub for most ex-gay ministries. His story, along with the stories of twelve other "exex-gays" is featured in the volume Finally Free compiled by the Washington DC based Human Rights Campaign.