The Tennessean reports on a woman whose reparative therapy counselor became a “friend” and then a domestic partner to a woman attempting to change her orientation.
“Shortly after I went to them, Phyllis Garrison became my friend and said she couldn’t be my friend and therapist both,” Grubb said. “We became friends, and I moved in with her. You never imagine you will be friends with your therapist. I went to her for professional help.” TrueHope is one of two places listed on Exodus International’s Web site as offering counseling to homosexuals in Middle Tennessee.
Despite the assertion of the Tennessean and AP articles, it doesn’t appear that TrueHope is in fact listed under Tennessee on Exodus’ site (it may have been taken down to avoid the scandal). I can’t seem to find TrueHope’s web site, so they may be under the radar as well. The web site for The Sight Ministry, whose director was quoted in the article, also doesn’t provide much information about the ministry or its affiliates. Phyllis is a licensed social worker, and TrueHope is a faith-based ministry rather than a legitimate psychiatric institution.
MSNBC has an AP story, sans the exgay angle.
Sometimes things are just too funny to have any response at all. All I can say is that God has a really quirky sense of humor.
No probs Andrew — fortunately there’s a place for an “old” referral list.TrueHope (in Brentwood) was once listed as an Exodus referral ministry. Mastering Life Ministries (David Kyle) also mentions it under homosexuality/bisexuality conseling.There’s also a few interesting comments [1] [2] from someone who spent some time with them and Mike Malloy. Given the comments that Malloy makes, perhaps Exodus have booted him.(Timothy: Yes, She does at times…)
Does it seem strange that it took the dear lady seven years to figure out that something was wrong?
Um, the plaintiff is now 59 years old? And she went to this operation and entered into this relationship when she was 52?
I’m sorry, but it strains credulity. I could use stronger language, but I’d be banned.
People can be vulnerable to emotional manipulation at any age in their lives. And if she was in a very fragile state to begin with it might well have taken her years to pull herself together enough to take action against her abuser. Unfortunately that’s not very uncommon. People who get sucked into these “ministries” are often already suffering some big emotional wounds.
Okay now….
Let me try to get this ‘straight’.
This woman went to a person who she expected to get ‘reparative’ therapy from.
Not only becomes her friend, but moves in?
Of course, Boo is right.
People seeking counsel, on any level…are in a difficult or vulnerable time to begin with.
However, it’s the schizophrenic and inevitably shaky way ex gay supporters have to approach this situation.
Because their aim is perpetually at the wrong target…they will miss the important issues at hand for individuals.
They blame a very profound part of a person’s emotional makeup for ALL their problems.
And because it’s so symbiotic, it would take extraordinary emotional means to achieve success. And if you’re already fragile somewhere, you might not have the wherewithal to focus that way.
Which makes the sexual orientation issue a fixation, not only for who receives, but who gives the counseling.
This isn’t about homosexuality, but heterosexual folly and foolishness and messing with who can least afford it.
This woman, despite her age, doesn’t sound very emotionally mature…or able to just move on.
The ex gay movement keeps insisting that gay people are damaged.
And when gay people deeply BELIEVE it (and it has bad results), then the movement wants to back away from their own convictions.
Is this the angle I need for the class action?
That this movement itself is too delusional for effectivness and proper treatment?
For you info,
The accuser has since claimed to be healed of her same sex attractions. She claims to have done it on her own. I will locate the link for you at another time.
Thank-you Anonymous, I’m sure she has.Also, I am Montgomery of Alamain — reincarnated, of course. The fact our birth and death dates cross is something I’m not prepared to take cross-examination on.What does it take to have doubts about the “truthful personal testimony” of some people???
It says right in the MSNBC story that “she recently overcame her attraction to the same sex by going to church, studying the Bible and praying.”
She goes on to say: “I was able to help myself,” she said. “I think TrueHope hurt me tremendously.”
She doesn’t, however, go into details about what that means. Is she attracted to women sexually or not? Does she consider no longer having sexual realtions with her therapist the same as no longer being a lesbian? Is she now pursuing sexual relationships with men? Unless Ms. Grubbs can explain what she means a bit more specifically, the best course of action is guarded skepticism.
Hey guys. It sure is slow around here. Everybody ok?
Anyone here want to consider the possibility that the lawsuit is without merit and Ms Garrision’s only mistake is trying to befriend someone who is now turning against her for their own selfish motives? I’d advise watching the case and seeing if the “facts” are a little different than what has been stated so far. My observation is based on personal knowledge of the two ladies involved and involvement with TrueHope.
Speaking as a licensed social worker, if Ms. Garrison is a licensed social worker, then moving in with a client would be a serious ethical violation, and most likely a legitimate cause of action for civil damages and suspension of her license. Outside the netherworld of “reparative therapy” operations, we have these things called “ethics” and “boundaries.” Both are violated when someone takes advantage of a client like that.