Necessity the mother of (Re) invention – a scoping review

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this scoping review is to find studies testing out psychological interventions to help victims of conversion therapy. Life after conversion therapy can be devastating; nonetheless, what treatment modalities are available for this population? Design/methodology/approach This study adopts scoping review process using JBI protocol. Findings There are minimal results to conclude upon. The paper presents discussion on future research and inquiry. The author introduces a positive autoethnography, adapting the model created by Tedeschi and Calhoun (2004) to create the post-conversion recovery process to aid recovery. Research limitations/implications Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and positive autoethnography offer valuable insights, but further research is needed to help survivors. Practical implications To reduce the current death-by-suicide trends, more education and training are needed to help this specialised group. Social implications The suicide rates for sexual minority conversion therapy victims are eight times higher than those of other sexual minority groups and isolation levels. A single point of entry pathway for conversion therapy survivors is needed. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review addressing gay conversion therapy and disfellowship. It requires further attention, and there are gaps in the knowledge that need to be filled.