How does the reparative drive theory impact reparative therapy?
Imagine a young man seeking counseling from a reparative therapist. He has experienced homosexual attractions since puberty. He has fleeting, weak opposite-sex attractions. He feels love and closeness from both of his parents and has a positive group of male and female friends. He is well liked and respected by most peers and does well in school. He shares with his father first and then mother that he has sexual feelings for boys. There is no yelling or shaming. There is shock, bewilderment and some tears along with a shared desire to find out more about what they all agree is a problem. Thus, dad calls a reparative therapist to set an appointment. Now imagine that on the first visit, the therapist listens to the young man tell his story. The therapist then explains to the client that the roots of his feelings stem from estrangement from his father and begins to ask questions about the familys history, focusing on his feelings about his parents. After awhile, the therapist explains the
