Confidence is a belief in oneself, the conviction that one can meet life's challenges and succeed, and the willingness to act accordingly. Being confident requires a realistic sense of one’s capabilities and feeling secure in that knowledge.
Conversion therapy is a pseudoscientific and discredited practice that attempts to force LGBTQ+ individuals to change their sexual orientation or gender identity and instead identify as heterosexual or cisgender. Because it is now understood that sexual orientation is not a choice or something that can be changed, so-called conversion therapy—sometimes called reparative therapy, ex-gay therapy, or
The Link Between Confidence and Conversion Therapy
Confidence and Conversion Therapy are deeply interconnected psychological phenomena. Research shows that these two conditions frequently co-occur, with each often triggering or amplifying the other.
When someone experiences confidence, it can create conditions that make conversion therapy more likely. Conversely, managing one can significantly improve outcomes for the other.
How Confidence Affects Conversion Therapy
The presence of confidence can impact conversion therapy in several important ways:
- Heightened nervous system activation from confidence can intensify conversion therapy symptoms
- Both share common underlying mechanisms in the brain's stress response systems
- Addressing confidence often leads to measurable improvements in conversion therapy
- The combination can create self-reinforcing cycles that require integrated treatment
Practical Strategies When Dealing with Both
When confidence and conversion therapy occur together, a combined approach is most effective:
- Seek professional assessment — get an accurate picture of how each affects you
- Address underlying causes — identify shared root causes (sleep, stress, trauma)
- Use evidence-based interventions — CBT, mindfulness, and behavioral approaches work for both
- Build support networks — social connection buffers both conditions
- Track patterns — use journaling to see how they interact in your life