Contact: Warren Throckmorton, PhD, 724-458-3787

MEDIA ADVISORY, Jan. 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Sexual Identity Therapy Framework, authored by Warren Throckmorton and Mark Yarhouse, will be reviewed in 2008 for possible revision. Proposed as a means to help counselors work with clients who experience religious and value conflict surrounding same-sex sexual attractions, the Framework is endorsed by Nicholas Cummings, the father of managed behavioral healthcare and Robert Spitzer, the architect of modern psychiatric diagnosis. The framework respects diversity of sexual orientation and religious practice and anticipates a planned review of sexual orientation counseling by professional mental health associations during 2008.

"We believe this area of counseling practice is changing rapidly and we want to be sensitive to how therapists and consumers of sexual identity therapy believe the framework helps or hinders client-valued outcomes. We want to hear from professionals and consumers alike," said Dr. Throckmorton.

The authors are asking for public and professional comment on the Framework though the end of February, 2008.

Interested persons can download and review the Framework at http://www.sexualidentity.blogspot.com . One may leave comment there or send extended comments to Warren Throckmorton at ewthrockmorton@gcc.edu. and/or Mark Yarhouse at markyar@regent.edu. Therapists and others interested in a registry of those who adhere to the Framework should visit, http://www.sexualidentityinstitute.org .

Selected endorsements:

I have reviewed the sexual identity framework written by Warren Throckmorton and Mark Yarhouse. This framework provides a very necessary outline to help therapists address the important concerns of clients who are in conflict over their homosexual attractions. The work of Drs. Throckmorton and Yarhouse transcend polarized debates about whether gays can change their sexual orientation. Rather, this framework helps therapists work with clients to craft solutions tailored to their individual situations and personal beliefs and values. I support this framework and hope it is widely implemented.

--Robert L. Spitzer, M.D., is Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City, NY. Dr. Spitzer was Chairman of the committee that developed the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental and Emotional Disorders, 3rd Edition and 3rd Edition (Revised).

Drs. Throckmorton and Yarhouse have brilliantly resolved contention in psychotherapy by providing the field with unbiased guidelines that are responsive to scientific evidence, are sensitive to professional practice, and which restore patient determination in choosing his/her goals in psychotherapy.

--Dr. Nicholas Cummings, PhD, ScD is Distinguished Chair in Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno and past-president of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Cummings was the founding CEO of American Biodyne (now Magellan Behavioral Care). Dr. Cummings was the founder of the four campuses of the California School of Professional Psychology, the National Academies of Practice, and the American Managed Behavioral Healthcare Association. Dr. Cummings is the co-editor with Rogers Wright of Destructive Trends in Mental Health.

Dr. Throckmorton is past president of the American Mental Health Counselors Association and Associate Professor of Psychology at Grove City College and Dr. Yarhouse is Associate Professor of Psychology at Regent University.