Role of mental health professionals in recovery Evidence shows that access to mental health professionals who are educated about conversion practices and how they affect survivors’ can be key to recovery.xvii Survivors benefit when mental health professionals: • understand the harm caused by the practices • know it is common for people to conceal their experience of practices • know how to identify occurrences • are aware of affirmative mental health practices • consider cultural and intersectional factors • know about available resources and support services. Harm caused by conversion practices Research published in Aotearoa in 2023 found young people experiencing conversion practices: • had increased frequency of non-suicidal injury • had double the chance of planning suicide • had triple the chance of attempting suicide. The level of harm increased slightly if the suggestion to take part in conversion practices came from a religious leader or family member.xviii People who have experienced conversion practices have often faced, or will continue to face, abusive relationships within their community, PTSD, major traumatic incidents and accumulated microtrauma, and often the burden of repetitive coming out.xix The harm caused by conversion practices goes beyond the specific techniques or interventions used. The pressure and challenges faced by individuals in environments or communities where they are happening also has an effect. These often have rigid ideologies which involve homophobic, transphobic, religious or conservative views. Survivors or vulnerable individuals may have been living with shame, fear and anxiety for a long time. Many people seek out conversion practices for themselves due to: 55 • feelings of shame, guilt or self-hatred because they have internalised negative messages about their sexual orientation or gender identity • external pressure or coercion and/or fear of rejection or discrimination from a social or cultural group Conversion Practices Guidance for mental health professionals • exposure to misinformation, stereotypes or stigmatising beliefs about the LGBTQIA+, takatāpui Māori, and MVPFAFF+ Pasifika communities.xx Mental health professionals can provide factual information about the harm of conversion practices and offer supportive care to those seeking conversion practice for themselves. Ethical responsibility and professional integrity When conversion practices occur in mental healthcare settings they typically do not support an individual in their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. These could look like: • counselling to try and change or suppress sexuality or gender expression • hypnotherapy to attempt to reorient sexuality • deliberate referral to non-affirming healthcare providers.xxi Conversion practices have been declared harmful by the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (2019), the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (2020) and the New Zealand Psychological Society (2021). Relevant policies and codes require those in the profession to act when instances of conversion practices are identified. The Commission is available to provide guidance and support – without judgement or bias – to anyone with questions about conversion practices. Contact us free on 0800 496 877 to leave a message for a case advisor or email infoline@hrc.co.nz.