Bizarre Things My Conversion Therapist Told Me to Do

In this episode, Christopher Dowling-Magill and Danny Peterson return to share the bizarre and often shocking things their Catholic conversion therapists encouraged them to do in the name of “healing” same-sex attraction. From “non-erotic” group cuddling and “snuggle prayer” to Journey Into Manhood weekends, skate-park inner-child rituals, deliverance sessions, and psychological warfare, they unpack what these practices actually looked like in real life—and how they shaped their bodies, boundaries, and beliefs.We dig into the theology and ideology behind this world: Christopher West’s sexualized sacramental imagery, Courage International’s roots in ex-gay narratives, spiritual warfare explanations for attraction, and the way bishops, dioceses, and “orthodox” Catholic therapists create systems where shame and boundary violations are baked in. The guests reflect on what it meant to realize they were not just victims, but sometimes led into harming others under Church-approved guidance.Finally, they offers a word of hope: leaving conversion therapy doesn’t mean giving up on growth. It means pursuing healing that doesn’t require changing who you are in order to be loved—by God or anyone else.00:00 Bizarre Conversion Therapy Practices01:38 Non-Erotic Touch and Holding Therapy14:56 Conversion Therapy Camps and Exercises19:23 Theology of the Body and Controversial Teachings23:28 Sexual Content in Catholic Ministries27:36 Church-Induced Angst and Sexuality31:28 Unethical Practices in Therapy33:39 Spiritual Warfare and Conversion Therapy41:33 Institutional Failures and Accountability49:37 A Nugget of Hope: Embracing Growth