Attitudes and Experiences of Psychoanalysts in Analyzing Homosexual Patients

Abstract

In response to a survey, 285 psychoanalysts reported having analyzed 1215 homosexual patients, resulting in 23 percent changing to heterosexuality and 84 percent receiving significant therapeutic benefit. Various statistics and individual comments are reported. Virtually all of the respondents rejected the idea that a homosexual patient in analysis “can and should” change to heterosexuality, although 17 percent had changed their opinion during the last 10 years. Over a third believed that most other psychoanalysts hold this opinion even though they themselves do not. The contention of some gay activists that “traditionally trained” psychoanalysts harm and “abuse” their patients is examined and rejected.

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