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
Denial is a defense mechanism in which an individual refuses to recognize or acknowledge objective facts or experiences. It’s an unconscious process that serves to protect the person from discomfort or anxiety .
The Link Between Conversion Therapy and Denial
Conversion Therapy and Denial 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 conversion therapy, it can create conditions that make denial more likely. Conversely, managing one can significantly improve outcomes for the other.
How Conversion Therapy Affects Denial
The presence of conversion therapy can impact denial in several important ways:
- Heightened nervous system activation from conversion therapy can intensify denial symptoms
- Both share common underlying mechanisms in the brain's stress response systems
- Addressing conversion therapy often leads to measurable improvements in denial
- The combination can create self-reinforcing cycles that require integrated treatment
Practical Strategies When Dealing with Both
When conversion therapy and denial 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