What Clinical Therapists Need to Know about Conversion Therapy Survivors with Sam Nieves

This episode dives into the complex world of recovery for survivors of conversion therapy, exploring personal stories, therapist pitfalls, and pathways toward healing through community, self-acceptance, and informed mental health support. Whether you're a survivor, ally, or mental health professional, this conversation offers crucial insights and practical guidance.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Sam Nieves00:27 - Exploring why conversion therapy survivors struggle to seek therapy02:39 - The importance of labeling oneself as a survivor and community validation03:24 - Internalized transphobia and societal expectations delaying self-acceptance05:36 - Redefining conversion therapy and expanding its understanding08:07 - The necessity of self-validity and the danger of internalized shame09:21 - Addressing patriarchal and cisnormative narratives in survivor stories10:14 - Coercion related to gender expression and societal expectations for women and men12:24 - The intersection of sex, sensuality, and gender expression coercion in conversion therapy14:41 - Debunking the phrase “love is love” and embracing diverse expressions of love15:54 - Exploring asexuality, aromanticism, and the importance of community acceptance17:36 - The importance of validating diverse identities beyond societal boxes20:22 - Access to information and social media’s role in liberation and visibility21:00 - The impact of labels, identity fluidity, and the risks of conversion practices on identity expression22:23 - Parental fears, gender exploration, and accepting diverse journeys23:53 - The importance of allies understanding but avoiding moral absolutism in support27:56 - The role of curiosity, attunement, and holding space in therapy with survivors29:42 - The importance of curiosity and humility in therapeutic practice30:21 - Recognizing symbolic trauma and encouraging healing through emotional expression31:40 - The therapeutic need to hold space for anger and grief33:59 - The danger of minimizing or invalidating survivor emotions and boundary setting36:33 - Religious trauma, death anxiety, and spiritual implications of survival37:14 - Navigating fears of emotional overwhelm and self-harm in therapy37:59 - The importance of safe, non-judgmental spaces for confronting difficult emotions38:24 - The ongoing critique and evolution of therapy for better inclusion of survivors’ needs39:19 - How survivor stories and resilience can inform healing and advocacy40:50 - Key findings from research on healing needs: community, validation, facing the past42:28 - Building sober, affirming community and avoiding dissociation through substance use45:17 - The journey of self-discovery, reclaiming identity, and embracing authenticity47:02 - Closing remarks on the power of shared stories and gratitudeResources:* https://conversiontherapysurvivors.org/ — Support and advocacy organization* https://www.amazon.ca/Shame-Sex-Attraction-Survivors-Stories-Conversion/dp/1805011324 — Personal stories of healing* https://asexuality.org/ — Education and community for ace identities* @cantpraymeaway on Instagram and TikTok