Statement on UKCP's Withdrawal from MoU on Conversion Therapy

Published 10 July 2024

Dear Metanoia Members,

This message is to address the withdrawal of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) as a signatory from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Conversion Therapy, announced in April, an event that has understandably caused distress and concern for many of our members.

The 2017 MoU on Conversion Therapy in the UK makes it clear that conversion therapy in relation to gender identity and sexual orientation (including asexuality) is unethical, potentially harmful and is not supported by evidence. The MoU defines conversion therapy as ‘an umbrella term for a therapeutic approach, or any model or individual viewpoint that demonstrates an assumption that any sexual orientation or gender identity is inherently preferable to any other, and which attempts to bring about a change of sexual orientation or gender identity or seeks to suppress an individual’s expression of sexual orientation or gender identity on that basis‘. 

The MoU is signed by a broad alliance of therapy and training organisations, professional bodies, the NHS and major Mental Health charities and intends to ensure that:

• the public are well informed about the risks of conversion therapy.
• healthcare professionals and psychological therapists are aware of the ethical issues relating to conversion therapy.
• new and existing psychological therapists are appropriately trained.
• evidence into conversion therapy is kept under regular review.
• professionals from across the health, care and psychological professions work together to achieve the above goals.

In their statement, UKCP identify that the decision to withdraw stems from their perception that the scope of the MoU has evolved over time, to now encompass not just treatment for adults but also for children. The UKCP Trustee Board has expressed concerns about the MoU's ability to address some of the complexities inherent in treating minors, particularly with regard to issues of capacity, consent, parental involvement, and safeguarding. The statement describes how, despite attempts to engage with the MoU Coalition to address these concerns, they feel their input has not been adequately considered, and state this as the reason for withdrawal as a signatory.

Considering this situation, and for the best interests of potentially vulnerable clients and the wider LGBTQIA+ community, it feels important to make the position of Metanoia Institute clear. We remain steadfastly opposed to conversion therapy, for both adults and children. We note that this also remains the clearly stated position of UKCP despite their withdrawal from MoU. We are committed to fostering ongoing dialogue with UKCP and other relevant professional bodies and organisations to address these concerns and maintain guidelines regarding conversion therapy that are robust and reflective of the best interests of potentially vulnerable clients, our members, and the profession.

The way this decision was made, without meaningful consultation and involvement of UKCP Organisational Members (OMs) and membership, understandably raises questions about transparency and inclusivity. As an OM, we at Metanoia will remain active in discussion within UKCP's Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy College (HIPC) meetings to seek understanding and a way forward for this challenging situation that safeguards the well-being of our clients and members.

We will keep you updated on progress made in these discussions. Your input and feedback are invaluable as we navigate this complex terrain together.

 

Sincerely,

Dr Hannah Friend, CEO

On behalf of Metanoia's Executive Team and Board of Trustees