Courage
Homosexuals Anonymous
Evergreen
J.O.N.A.H.
Regeneration Books

See also the NARTH web site, which publishes book reviews and makes certain books available, and the International Healing Foundation web site, which offers audio and video tapes and other materials

Of all the books listed here, People Can Change particularly recommends:

Coming Out Straight, by Richard Cohen
Desires in Conflict, by Joe Dallas
Growth Into Manhood: Resuming the Journey, by Alan Medinger, and
Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality, by Joseph Nicolosi
Willpower is Not Enough, by Dean Byrd and Mark Chamberlain.

The first four provide a thorough examination of what it takes to alter and heal unwanted homosexuality and grow in heterosexual masculinity. The fifth examines how using willpower alone against intense desires and addictions sets one up for failure, and how the solution is "heart power," a focus on changing the desires of one's heart.

For a broader, more academic understanding of the homosexual issue, People Can Change particularly recommends:

Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth, by Jeffrey Satinover, and
My Genes Made Me Do It! by Neil and Briar Whitehead

Here is the complete People Can Change book list, in alphabetical order by title.

A Place in the Kingdom: Spiritual Insights from Latter-day Saints about Same-Sex Attraction, edited by Garrick Hyde and Ginger Hyde, 1997, Century Publishing, Salt Lake City, UT

• This book is a collection of 26 essays by men and women who have overcome homosexuality, are currently struggling with unwanted homosexuality, or are spouses or parents of current or former strugglers. It is a good resource for those who want to better understand the homosexual struggle among those with unwanted homosexual desires who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It can also help strugglers who want to feel less alone and less shameful about dealing with homosexuality. It does not lay out a recovery plan for overcoming homosexuality, although some common elements of recovery can be seen in the essays.

A Strong Delusion: Confronting the "Gay Christian" Movement, by Joe Dallas, 1996 by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon

• A Strong Delusion examines the growing acceptance of homosexuality in the evangelical community and the "rewriting" of theology and scripture to accommodate homosexual practice. The author, the past president of Exodus International who overcame homosexuality himself, presents a Bible-based response to the new gay theology. He outlines a plan to bring the message of conversion to people caught up in homosexuality.

Beyond Gay, by David Morrison, 1999, Our Sunday Visitor, Huntington IN, 800-348-2440, www.osv.com. See also www.beyondgay.com.

• A gay rights activist for seven years, David Morrison describes his spiritual conversion followed by his initial attempt to live as a "gay Christian," in a sexual relationship with a lover but sincerely seeking to grow as a Christian. His continuing yearning for spiritual enlightenment ultimately led him to reject homosexuality completely, convert to Catholicism and embrace celibacy as a way of life. Although he never expected celibacy to "cure" him of homosexuality, over time he found that it did lead almost inadvertently to romantic interest in women. David Morrison's personal experience is covered in the first several chapters in the book, and the remainder is an explanation and defense of the Roman Catholic position on homosexuality, marriage and chastity.

Born That Way? By Erin Eldridge, 1994, Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, UT

• Erin Eldridge writes her personal experience of overcoming lesbianism and alcoholism, from the perspective of a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Breaking the Cycle of Compulsive Behavior, by Martha Nibley Beck and John C. Beck, 1990, Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, UT

• The authors use true case histories of people struggling with eating disorders, substance abuse and homosexuality to show why conventional approaches to overcoming compulsions fail and to present an alternative, spiritual approach.

Coming out of Homosexuality: New Freedom for Men and Women, by Bob Davies and Lori Rentzel, 1993, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL

• A practical guide for people struggling with same-sex desires, this book answers questions about what it means to be a man or a woman, how your past relates to your present tensions, how biblical principles apply to your daily life, and how you can form healthy relationships. It is interwoven with stories of recovery.

Coming Out Straight: Understanding and Healing Homosexuality, by Richard Cohen, 2000, Oakhill Press, Winchester, Virgina

• After a long struggle with unwanted homosexuality that finally led to emotional and spiritual healing, Richard Cohen earned a master's in psychology from Antioch University and has been counseling individuals and families and instructing groups for more than a decade. Interspersed with his own recovery story and those of five of his clients, he presents a four-stage model of recovery:
  — transitioning (cutting off sexual behavior, establishing a support network and building self-worth),
  — grounding (inner-child healing and skill-building, such as assertiveness and communication),
  — healing homo-emotional wounds (discovering the root causes of wounds, grieving, forgiving and taking responsibility,
  — and developing healthy, healing same-sex relationships) and healing hetero-emotional wounds (discovering root causes, learning about the opposite sex and developing healthy, healing, opposite-sex relationships).

Craving for Love, by Briar Whitehead, 1993, Monarch Press, UK.

• The book examines the causes of homosexuality and the process of change from homosexual to heterosexual. It is based on research initiated when the author met a heterosexual married man named Noel Mosen in 1987 who told her that he had previously been a promiscuous gay man for more than 20 years, 10 of them as a gay political activist.

Desires in Conflict: Answering the Struggle for Sexual Identity, by Joe Dallas, 1991, Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR

• Practical help for restoring sexual wholeness and moving ahead in a Christian lifestyle. Directed both to those who struggle with their sexual identity and to family and friends of strugglers. Written by a former struggler who overcame homosexuality.

Don't Call It Love: Recovery from Sexual Addiction, by Patrick J. Carnes, 1991, Bantam Books, New York

Evergreen Workbook for Men, by Shirley Cox and David Matheson, 1998, Evergreen International, Salt Lake City, Utah

• This workbook is in three parts: Looking at where you've been, looking at the big picture, and working your way out. It is not just a "read through" manual, but rather has a "write this", "do this" format encouraging the user to act, thus promoting change and healing.

Female Homosexuality: Choice Without Volition, by Elaine V. Siegel, 1988, Analytic Press, Hillsdale, NJ

• Presents a psychoanalytic approach to helping women change sexual orientation.

Free Indeed, by Barbara Swallow with Lela Gilbert

• Free Indeed is the personal account of a married woman who overcame a secret homosexual struggle through conversion to Christ.

Growth Into Manhood: Resuming the Journey, by Alan Medinger, 2000, Shaw Books, WaterBrook Press, (a division of Random House, Inc.), Colorado Springs, CO.

• After a dramatic spiritual conversion more than 25 years ago eliminated his sexual desire for men and caused him to fall in love with his wife, Alan Medinger soon found that he still had a lot of growing up to do around his masculine identity. ("I was an eight year-old boy in a thirty-eight-year-old man's body.") Based on his own experience and his many years of experience in ex-gay ministry, Medinger describes the process that every young man goes through on his journey to male bonding and mature heterosexual masculinity. Chapters cover: understanding the masculine, learning to do the things that men do, building positive man-to-man relationships with men, relating to women as the opposite sex, etc.

Healing Homosexuality: Case Studies of Reparative Therapy, by Joseph Nicolosi, 1993, Jason Aronson Inc, Northvale, NJ

• Psychologist Nicolosi presents eight cases studies, written in a highly readable narrative style, of men in psychotherapy for unwanted homosexuality. The book offers insights both to therapists and clients into how reparative therapy works at a very practical level to effect sexual identity and reorientation. The author is president and co-founder of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality.

Helping LDS Men Resolve Their Homosexual Problems, by Jason Park, 1997, Century Publishing, Salt Lake City, UT

• A complement to Resolving Homosexual Problems: A guide for LDS Men, this book is written primarily for members and leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who provide counseling or assistance to men who struggle with unwanted homosexuality. Jason Park writes from the perspective of a man who once struggled with unwanted homosexuality himself.

Helping People Step Out of Homosexuality, by Frank Worthen, 1995, New Hope Ministries, San Rafael, CA, 415-543-6475 (first published as Steps Out of Homosexuality by Frank Worthen, 1984, by Love in Action, San Rafael, CA).

• This is a spiral-bound workbook published as a handbook for pastors, counselors and lay workers. With an emphasis on spirituality, it lays out 12 recovery steps (unrelated to AA's 12 Steps) including "holding a correct image" of God, ourselves and others, "the belief principle" (faith), submission to the divine will, and "displacement," or replacing old, unhealthy thoughts and behaviors with healthy new ones. Frank Worthen overcame homosexuality himself and has spent many years in ex-gay ministry in the U.S. and the Philippines.

Homosexual No More: Practical Strategies for Christians Overcoming Homosexuality, by William Consiglio, 1991, Victor Books, Wheaton, IL

• The author identifies six stages of homosexual development and gives practical strategies for change. Based on teachings developed for Christian ex-gay group meetings. Emphasis is primarily on male homosexuality.

Homosexuality & Hope, by Gerald Van Den Aardweg, 1985, Servant Publications, Ann Arbor, MI

• The author asserts that homosexuality is not genetically determined but is a psychological problem that can be successfully treated by helping the client to overcome such root causes as self-centeredness, feelings of inferiority, and self-pity. Van Den Aardweg is a therapist who has treated many dissatisfied homosexuals. Some readers can find his writing to be difficult due to its presumption of emotional immaturity on the client's part.

Homosexuality and American Psychiatry: The Politics of Diagnosis, by Ronald Bayer, 1987, Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ

• Ronald Bayer presents the definitive case study of how the American Psychiatric Association Board of Trustees in 1973 removed homosexuality from its official Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental diseases, after years of hostile and disruptive lobbying tactics of gay rights demonstrators.

Homosexuality and American Public Life, edited by Christopher Wolfe, 1999, copyright American Public Philosophy Institute, Spence Publishing Co., Dallas, TX

• This book is based on papers delivered at a conference sponsored by the American Public Philosophy Institute at Georgetown University in June 1997. Twelve experts -- scientists, psychologists, philosophers and lawyers -- investigate the causes of homosexuality, the morality of homosexual acts, and the appropriate social and political response to the effort to legitimize homosexuality. The contributes address the homosexual movement's most compelling arguments with compassion and a commitment to truth. The first of two volumes (see Same-Sex Matters: The Challenge of Homosexuality).

Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth, by Jeffrey Satinover, M.D., 1996, Hamewith Books, Baker Book House Company, Grand Rapids, MI

• A psychiatrist formerly with Yale University, educated at M.I.T. and Harvard, Dr. Satinover critiques "gay science" and presents the "brute facts" in response to the question, "Is homosexuality desirable?" He presents psychological, Christian and Jewish arguments for change and outlines models for secular, Christian and Jewish treatment.

Homosexuality: A New Christian Ethic, by Elizabeth R. Moberly, 1983, Attic Press, Greenwood, SC.

• A short, scholarly book on the root causes of homosexuality. The author, a clinician, discusses the homosexual condition as being an emotional and social problem as well as a sexual problem. She explains how the homosexual condition is a misguided attempt to fulfill normal developmental needs. This ground-breaking book heavily influenced later psychological professionals and writers who built on her theories.

Homosexuality: Symptoms and Free Agency, by Scott and Kae Anderson

• Scott and Kae tell their own experience of Scott's healing from homosexuality and healing their marriage as they offer counsel on how to understand homosexual problems and help those who struggle. Written primarily for a Latter-day Saint audience.

My Genes Made Me Do It! A Scientific Look at Sexual Orientation, by Neil and Briar Whitehead, 1999, Huntington House Publishers, Lafayette, Louisiana

• A New Zealand research scientist with a Ph.D. in biochemistry and his journalist wife examine the research literature on genetic causes of homosexuality and find that, taking a mainstream scientific position, the scientific evidence does not support the popular idea that homosexuality is genetic, intrinsic or fixed.

NARTH Survey on Change, 1997, National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, Encino, CA, 818-789-4440, www.narth.com

• This is a 34-page spiral-bound summary of the results of a 1997 survey of 882 men and women who participated in therapeutic or pastoral counseling or a self-help program to alter unwanted homosexuality.
  — More than 45% of respondents reported a shift toward increased heterosexuality, including 18% who said they now consider themselves exclusively heterosexual and 17% almost exclusively heterosexual.
  Another 11% said they now feel more heterosexual than homosexual.
  — The average length of time since the experience of sexual orientation change was 6.7 years.
  — Only 7% of those who had received conversion therapy reported that they were doing worse than before the therapy on three or more of 17 measures of psychological well-being.
  — The overwhelming majority of survey participants who had undertaken counseling felt that conversion therapy was beneficial to their mental health and helped them cope with and reduce their homosexual attractions. This is an empirical rebuff to those who say attempting to change sexual orientation is psychologically damaging.

Not Afraid to Change: The Remarkable Story of How One Man Overcame Homosexuality, by John Paulk with Tony Marco, 1998, Winepress Publishing, Mukilteo, WA

• This is the personal account of a former homosexual and popular drag show queen who changed his life through a spiritual conversion and emotional transition. A board member of Exodus International, he is a homosexuality and gender analyst for Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs.

Out of Egypt: Leaving Lesbianism Behind, by Jeanette Howard, 1991, Monarch Publishing, London.

• A personal account of one Christian's journey out of lesbianism.

Portraits of Freedom: 14 People Who Came Out of Homosexuality, by Bob Davies with Lela Gilbert, 2001 by Exodus International, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL

• The authors write the personal stories of 14 men and women who overcame homosexuality and changed their lives. One common element for all of them was a conversion to Christ.

Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality: A New Clinical Approach, Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D., 1991, Jason Aronson Inc., Northvale, NJ

• A ground-breaking book for therapists, the non-technical writing style also makes this a popular book among men seeking to change from a homosexual orientation. The author lays out the personality characteristics and development influences most common among homosexual men seeking to change, such as "defensive detachment" from fathers, peers and maleness generally, and presents psychotherapeutic models for recovery. The author is president and one of three co-founders of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality.

Resolving Homosexual Problems: A Guide for LDS Men, by Jason Park, 1997, Century Publishing, Salt Lake City, UT

• A practical guide to overcoming the problems that create homosexual desires to begin with, tailored to the needs and circumstances of men who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Chapters focus on personal choice and responsibility, support groups, therapy, behavior modification, self-perception, masculine development, emotional maturity, spirituality, etc. Jason Park writes from the perspective of a man who once struggled with unwanted homosexuality himself.

Same Sex Matters: The Challenge of Homosexuality, edited by Christopher Wolfe, 2000, copyright American Public Philosophy Institute, Spence Publishing Co., Dallas, TX

• This book is the second of two volumes based on papers delivered at a conference sponsored by the American Public Philosophy Institute at Georgetown University in June 1997 to examine how the American people should understand and respond to the public issue of homosexuality. Sixteen contributors write on:
  — how the case against legitimizing active homosexuality can be made in public discourse;
  —public policy on such matters as nondiscrimination, adoption, and HIV/AIDS;
  — the homosexual culture war; effects on religion, especially Judaism and Catholicism;
  — and the homosexual experience, from the perspective of two people -- a woman who describes being "freed from lesbianism" and Father John Harvey, founder of the Catholic support group Courage. (See also Homosexuality and American Public Life.)

Someone I Love Is Gay, by Bob Davies and Anita Worthen.

• The director of Exodus International, a man who overcame homosexuality himself, offers hope and guidance for family and friends dealing with a loved one's homosexuality.

Straight & Narrow? Compassion & Clarity in the Homosexuality Debate, by Thomas E. Schmidt, 1995, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove

• A Ph.D. from Cambridge University who specializes in ancient texts and New Testament ethics, Schmidt attempts to bring together science and religion in an honest and compassionate discussion of a volatile issue. Among other things, he examines biblical teachings on homosexuality, the health effects of homosexual behavior, and the origins of homosexuality ("the great nature-nurture debate").

The Battle for Nomality: A Guide for (Self-) Therapy for Homosexuality, by Gerard J.M. Van Den Aardweg, Ph.D., 1997, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA

• This book is intended for "homosexually inclined persons who want to do something about their 'condition' themselves but do not have the opportunity to visit a therapist with healthy ideas on the matter." His "practical rules for (self-) therapy" including knowing oneself (e.g., working through childhood and adolescence), hope, self-discipline, "fighting neurotic self-pity," humor, patience and humility, "fighting the infantile ego," "mending the sex role, changing one's views of and relationships with others, and changing relations with the opposite sex. With its emphasis on the client's immaturity, the book can be a harsh read for some readers. Van Den Aardweg is a therapist in Holland who has treated many dissatisfied homosexuals.

The Final Freedom, by Doug Weiss, Ph.D.

• In addition to informing sex addicts and their partners about sex addiction, this book gives hope for recovery from all types of sexual addiction.
• Also see other Doug Weiss tapes and resources.

The Homosexual Person: New Thinking in Pastoral Care, by Father John F. Harvey, 1987, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA

• Father Harvey, founder of the Catholic support organization "Courage" and a professor of moral theology at De Sales School of Theology, examines Catholic teachings on homosexuality and morality and outlines effective strategies of pastoral counseling of the homosexual struggler.

The Truth About Homosexuality: The Cry of the Faithful, by Father John F. Harvey, 1996, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA

• Father Harvey, founder of the Catholic support organization "Courage," writes from a Catholic perspective about sexual abstinence, morality and personal responsibility, and the possibility of change. He includes pastoral perspectives and a response to the gay-rights movement.

Willpower is Not Enough, by Dean Byrd and Mark Chamberlain.

• This book is written by two therapists with experience in treating clients struggling with addictions and unwanted homosexuality. They examine how using willpower alone against intense desires and addictions sets one up for failure, and how the solution therefore is "heart power," a focus on changing the desires of one's heart. They write from a theological perspective as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but the bulk touches only lightly on spiritual perspectives, focusing more on emotional and psychological healing change.

You Don't Have to be Gay: Hope and Freedom for Males Struggling with Homosexuality or for Those Who Know of Someone Who Is, by Jeff A. Konrad, 1992, Pacific Publishing House, Hilo, HI

• A series of letters from the author, who relates his experience overcoming homosexuality, to a young friend struggling to change.

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