Gay Children, Straight Parents

by Richard Cohen, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Ill., 2007,
233 pages, $16.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-8303-3437-2

We have reviewed books on homosexuality in this periodical in the past, but this is the first book we have reviewed that is a treatment book. What I mean by that is this is a book with a program designed to solve the homosexual issue. Richard Cohen is a psychotherapist who specializes in sexual reorientation therapy. He is the executive director of the International Healing Foundation. He is also a man who was gay himself, a fact that he describes in depth in the book.

This book offers a positive, accurate, factual approach to parents who have a child who has same sex attraction. We have pointed out in this journal that gay behavior is not a simple gene expression; it is a complex behavior with multiple genetic and environmental factors involved. Oversimplifying homosexuality has been a problem for everyone dealing with homosexuality, and this book does not make that error.

It is divided into three sections: personal healing, relational healing, and community healing. There are 12 steps suggested with an appendix for treatment plans, a reading list, a list of international resources, and an addendum with contacts for healing seminars and sessions. There also are case studies in which people who have benefitted from Cohen's work describe their journey.

This is a book for families who have Christian values and beliefs who really want help in dealing with a gay child. It is not simplistic or a quick fix, but it does offer an approach to an issue that many families are facing. We recommend it to Christian families in that situation.


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