Mission Statement: The Alliance exists to encourage human flourishing by promoting a more complete truth, informed by Judeo-Christian values and natural law, about the science of sexual orientation and biological sex through education, advocacy, clinical training, and therapy.
Schedule
Meet the Speakers
& Their Presentations
Dr. Paul Sullins
Dr. Paul Sullins is Research Professor of Sociology at the Catholic University of America and Senior Research Associate of the Ruth Institute. He has written four books and over 150 scientific journal articles, book chapters and research reports on issues of faith and culture, among which are "Absence of Harm following Failed Sexual Orientation Change Efforts”; “SOCE Reduces Suicide: Correcting a False Research Narrative”; Efficacy and Risk of Sexual Orientation Change Efforts" (with Rosik and Santero); and “The Case for Mom and Dad”; all available online at no charge via Pubmed or SSRN ( http://ssrn.com/author=2097328). Formerly Episcopalian, Dr. Sullins is a married Catholic priest; he and his wife Patricia have an inter-racial family of three children, two adopted.
Presentation
Friday, September 20
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, Room 1
Keynote 1
Why True Marriage Cannot Be Gay: The Case For Mom And Dad
Children raised apart from the care of both natural parents consistently experience lower developmental outcomes. Traditional natural marriage—a lifelong, exclusive sexual union between man and woman—benefit children by establishing strong conditions that promote such care. More than any other family arrangement, natural marriage assures to children the care of their own mom and dad. Alternative family forms impair this natural benefit, and homosexual parenting assures its absence.
Dr. Michael Davidson, Ph.D
For 25 years Mike Davidson PhD, was employed by several universities in both student and academic professional development. He led the Academic Development Programme for students at Rhodes University. At the Universities of Nottingham and Surrey, he was Director of the Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice for probationary academics. At the University of Ulster, he managed the student development programme for PhD students across four campuses.
In 2014, he was refused certification as a Psychodrama Psychotherapist for supporting and promoting therapeutic choice for individuals leaving unwanted same-sex attractions. He is founder and CEO of Core Issues Trust, co-director of X-Out-Loud, and Chairman of the IFTCC, which advocates for both therapeutic choice and pastoral care for those leaving LGBT identities and living.
Presentation
Friday, Sept 20
10:15 AM - 11:45 AM, Room 1
Keynote 2
Freud Said 'Tell me', Moreno Said 'Show Me': Reviving Action Methods in Talking Therapies.
This session reviews a range of action methods intrinsic to the 'founder' of formal group psychotherapy, J.L Moreno, the father of psychodrama. The significance of 'role', evidence of 'tele', place of sociometry and the relevance of sociodrama in group work is reviewed and demonstrated in a live session explaining the difference between psychodrama and sociodrama. The session will be spontaneous demonstration working on issues presented.
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Andrew Rodriguez, LPC
Andrew Rodriguez is the director of Integrity Christian Counseling in Pottstown, PA. He’s served in ministry for sexuality strugglers since 2006, starting at as an intern at an Exodus International member ministry. After experiencing persecution in graduate
school for his work with men with unwanted same-sex attraction, the Alliance awarded him the 2015 Nicolosi Student Excellence Award. He’s completed his certification in
both SAFE-T and Reintegrative Therapy. He is passionate about advocating for
therapeutic choice, serving on the board of Voice of the Voiceless since 2020 and educating the public through his social media platform, PsychoBible. Additionally, he is affiliated with Restored Hope Network, Transformation Ministry Alliance, Desert Stream
Ministries, and ReStory Ministries. He has been married to precious wife, Jessica,
since 2007.
Presentation
Friday, September 20
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM, Room 1
Breakout A1
The Development of Sexual Arousal Templates
This presentation will provide a model for reconceptualizing the construct of sexual orientation as sexual arousal templates and patterns. We will explore the necessary ingredients of developing sexual arousal templates, exploring the clinical implications for clients who desire to alter or expand their sexual arousal templates, particularly to align with their sexual morality principles. We will see how this framework may be applied in diverse therapeutic approaches, while using Reintegrative Therapy as a particular example.
Keith Vennum, MD, LMHC
Floridian Baptist mental health counselor practicing SAFE-T for men for 13 years and general adult psychiatry for 10 years prior to that.
Educated at University of Florida School of Medicine and Liberty University (MA Professional Counseling). Married first 32 years with five children and eight grandchildren and after his first wife passed on married again for 20 years.
Vennum is interested in Astronomy, Eschatology and Theology.
Presentation
Friday, September 20
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, Room 2
Breakout A2
Assessments: Getting and Staying on Target during SAFE-T (Sexual Attraction Fluidity Exploration in Therapy)
Presenters will introduce simple free assessments which can be used to screen new clients for psychological problems which may inform the content of therapy and can also be repeated during therapy to demonstrate impediments to therapy or confirmation that therapy has helped. Content is most useful for adult males seeking SAFE-T but some aspects apply to all ages and both sexes. The audience will be encouraged to collaborate with the presentation when pertinent knowledge relating to the issue at hand is helpful. The presentation represents the opinions of the presenters and not any official policy or recommendation of the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity.
Anthony Duk, MD
Vietnamese Roman Catholic general and adult psychiatrist practicing outpatient psychiatry for past 20 years. Educated at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, trained at Loma Linda University Medical Center as chief resident and worked at the VA Loma Linda for 4 years before entering private practice. Married for 25 years.
Likes to teach martial arts, read Aristotelian and Thomist philosophy, study Catholic apologetics, exercise, weightlift, go to shooting ranges and airsoft practice. For those patients that are inclined, integrating their spirituality into their psychiatric treatment is helpful for understanding how to handle marital problems, endure pain and find meaning in life.
Presentation
Friday, September 20
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, Room 2
Breakout A2
Assessments: Getting and Staying on Target during SAFE-T (Sexual Attraction Fluidity Exploration in Therapy)
Presenters will introduce simple free assessments which can be used to screen new clients for psychological problems which may inform the content of therapy and can also be repeated during therapy to demonstrate impediments to therapy or confirmation that therapy has helped. Content is most useful for adult males seeking SAFE-T but some aspects apply to all ages and both sexes. The audience will be encouraged to collaborate with the presentation when pertinent knowledge relating to the issue at hand is helpful. The presentation represents the opinions of the presenters and not any official policy or recommendation of the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity.
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Peggy McFarland, LCPC, CACLC
Peggy McFarland has a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Capella University and a BS in Social Work from BYU-Provo. She is a Board Certified Advanced Christian Life Coach and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and the International Board of Christian Care. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a university instructor who teaches parenting and counseling skills to students from all over the world. As a mother to a blended family of five daughters, Peggy specializes in girls' and women’s issues. Peggy has a passion for helping girls build positive relationships with their bodies. She understands the “minefield” of cultural messages that harm girls today and the heartbreak faced by their families. In 2017, she wrote and published Healthy Transition for Girls, a curriculum to help girls, ages 8 to 14, to develop positive body image. She helps girls to recognize that being a girl is special and that their changing bodies have a beautiful purpose. Peggy is a legislative activist who worked to successfully pass legislation to protect parents' ability to choose ethical therapy options for their children and to protect the “sincerely held religious, moral, or ethical principles” of therapists. Through these efforts, Idaho is a “sanctuary state” where families have access to professionals, like Peggy, who do not support mandated, unethical approaches to gender and sexuality issues. Peggy feels that serving on the Alliance board is a privilege. It is the “heroes” of ATCSI that have helped her to develop a professional approach that aligns true science with her moral and religious beliefs.
Presentation
Friday, September 20
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM, Room 1
Breakout B1
How a Heart Broken Therapist Mom Helped Idaho Became a Sanctuary State for Ethical Mental Health and How Other States Can Follow
This presentation describes why and how we must fight to protect the mental health profession from the "social justice" agenda. Professional institutions have been ideologically captured, and now mandate a social justice approach to treatment; but social justice is a political worldview, not an ethical model of care. Therapists who don't adhere to social justice ideology are deemed "multiculturally incompetent" and "unethical." Their livelihoods are at risk. This presentation shares how Idaho passed legislation to protect counselors and therapists from social justice mandates and how other states can follow the path to becoming "sanctuary states" so families and those who struggle with same-sex attraction and misery about gender have access to ethical, moral, evidence-based therapy.
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Christopher H. Rosik, Ph.D.
Christopher H. Rosik, Ph.D., is currently a psychologist and director of research at Link Care Center in Fresno, California, as well as a clinical faculty member of Fresno Pacific University. He has published more than 60 articles in peer reviewed journals on these and other topics and has made presentations across America and in Europe. Dr. Rosik is a former President of the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity.
Presentation
Friday, September 20
3:15PM - 4:45 PM, Room 2
Breakout B2
How to critically read research on change efforts.
This presentation is intended to help the non-researcher effectively and critical read the scientific research on change efforts. Dr. Rosik will highlight several specific issues that can assist readers in evaluating the often significant limitations of this literature.
Anthony L. Cox, PHD, LCSW-S, DCSW
Tony Cox spent 34 years in uniform (Army) as an enlisted cook, a field artillery officer, and
finally as a social work officer. He has a lot of experience in direct patient care, research,
automation, operations, policy, prevention, epidemiology, and leadership -- Army mental
health stuff… He retired in 2017 and now volunteers doing his favorite things: treating
child/adolescent BH patients and their families, senior editing the Military Behavioral Health
journal, serving on the boards of the San Antonio psychoanalytic association, the Texas state
board of the National Association of Social Workers, serving as an area youth minister for his
church, hanging out with other amazing volunteer workers at the LDS San Antonio Temple, and spending time with his wife (Kristine) of 39+ years. They are the parents of five grown children – two of which are "differently abled."
Presentation
Friday, September 20
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Room 1
Breakout C1
Ethics, Freedom, Advocacy, And Politics In The Therapy Room: A Discussion
"Blue states" have or want to limit sexual orientation change efforts and "red states" have or want to limit transgender care for minors. Some states have passed laws against discussing abortion/reproductive options, even with adult clients. As therapists working with individuals, couples, and families, how do we navigate these culture war issues and/or governmental intrusions into our therapy rooms? Who is the client (particularly when working with minors in conflicted family and/or social environments)? How do we sort through our personally-held values when they conflict with the values of a client? What obligations do we have to advocate for client needs and/or for values we personally believe will be more supportive of clients, families, and society as a whole?
Tony has seen some LGBTQ+ patients over the years and covertly worked with a lot more in the military during the "Don't ask, don’t tell" years. What Tony hopes to accomplish is to have us all think about the REAL problem facing our country, and ultimately our professional endeavors -- how the partisan divide is impacting our therapy practices and ultimately our patients' right to make free, informed choices AND to experience the consequences of those choices, in therapy and in life. If you come to this session, come prepared to discuss, ponder, and hopefully grow.
Dr. Paul Sullins
Dr. Paul Sullins is Research Professor of Sociology at the Catholic University of America and Senior Research Associate of the Ruth Institute. He has written four books and over 150 scientific journal articles, book chapters and research reports on issues of faith and culture, among which are "Absence of Harm following Failed Sexual Orientation Change Efforts”; “SOCE Reduces Suicide: Correcting a False Research Narrative”; Efficacy and Risk of Sexual Orientation Change Efforts" (with Rosik and Santero); and “The Case for Mom and Dad”; all available online at no charge via Pubmed or SSRN ( http://ssrn.com/author=2097328). Formerly Episcopalian, Dr. Sullins is a married Catholic priest; he and his wife Patricia have an inter-racial family of three children, two adopted.
Presentation
Friday, September 20
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM, Room 2
Breakout C2
Fear not! Political Censorship Of Unpopular Truth.
The natural law perspective is increasingly censored and suppressed by science and popular media. Examples are shared. But censorship betrays a weak position, and only works when people are afraid. The danger of not speaking the truth is greater than the danger of speaking the truth. When sexual orientation counselors and scholars boldly speak up for the possibility of change, they and others will recognize the truth more clearly, and they will prevail.
Robert Vazzo, LMFT
Robert Vazzo received his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California and was inducted into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi in 2004. Mr. Vazzo completed his clinical internship at the Thomas Aquinas Psychological Clinic in Encino, California, where he worked with the late Dr. Joseph Nicolosi. Mr. Vazzo is currently a both a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in California and also holds active licenses in Marriage & Family Therapy in Florida, Nevada, Ohio, and Texas. In addition to providing marital and family therapy, his professional interests include working with men, many of whom present with issues such as unwanted same-sex attraction, transvestic fetishism, hebephilia/ephebophilia and pedophilia as well as pornography addiction and personality disorders. Mr. Vazzo speaks French fluently, has lived and worked in France, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey and maintains an active interest in multicultural counseling. Robert Vazzo is a member of the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists, the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists, the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity, where he is both the Clinical Chair and Treasurer, and the National Task Force for Therapy Equality. As a Christian, Mr. Vazzo's personal philosophy is "Live life from your True Self and Witness the Creative Power of God."
Presentation
Saturday, September 21
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM , Room 1
Breakout D1
Reflect, Don't Correct: Understanding the True Origins of Homosexuality and How Best to Help The Struggler
In the presentation, participants will learn about how previous notions of "faulty parenting" as an explanation for the root cause of homosexuality lack precision and how the idea of "gesture substitution" and the False Self as presented by Winnicott, present a more cogent framework for understanding relational pathology.
David Pickup, LMFT-S
David H. Pickup is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Reintegration Therapist. He currently operates one of the only psychotherapy practices in Texas for unwanted same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria. He works primarily with men and boys, but also conducts therapy for female clients. Mr. Pickup underwent extensive training underneath the direction of Dr. Joseph Nicolosi Sr., the creator of Reparative Therapy, and he now offers training and consultations to other therapists. This therapy is his life's work to assist persons in healing the traumas and unmet needs that have caused their homosexual or dysphoria feelings. Mr. Pickup’s clients report lasting emotional healing and change in their sexual feelings and gender identity, which they report fits their authentic selves.
Presentation
Saturday, September 21
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM , Room 1
Breakout D1
Reflect, Don't Correct: Understanding the True Origins of Homosexuality and How Best to Help The Struggler
In the presentation, participants will learn about how previous notions of "faulty parenting" as an explanation for the root cause of homosexuality lack precision and how the idea of "gesture substitution" and the False Self as presented by Winnicott, present a more cogent framework for understanding relational pathology.
Dr. Michael Davidson, Ph.D
For 25 years Mike Davidson PhD, was employed by several universities in both student and academic professional development. He led the Academic Development Programme for students at Rhodes University. At the Universities of Nottingham and Surrey, he was Director of the Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice for probationary academics. At the University of Ulster, he managed the student development programme for PhD students across four campuses.
In 2014, he was refused certification as a Psychodrama Psychotherapist for supporting and promoting therapeutic choice for individuals leaving unwanted same-sex attractions. He is founder and CEO of Core Issues Trust, co-director of X-Out-Loud, and Chairman of the IFTCC, which advocates for both therapeutic choice and pastoral care for those leaving LGBT identities and living.
Presentation
Saturday, Sept 21
10:15 AM - 11:45 AM, Room 1
Keynote 3
Celibacy Versus Abstention? - That Is The Question. Why The Language Matters For Clinicians And Pastoral Care Workers
The appropriation of 'celibacy' terminology may perpetuate and reinforce a continual state of struggle rather than the goal of 'transformation' as a realistic aim for therapeutic and personal development work. Often this language appears to conflate 'singleness' and the New Testament gift of 'celibacy' but thereby entrenches the struggle against homosexual practise as not having a realistic hope of change. Whilst unrealistic expectations must be guarded against, and meeting unmet needs in healthy ways often changes unhealthy dependencies, 'committed (often exclusive) spiritual friendships' and non-sexual intimacy is touted as a means to achieve this. The theological roots of this movement, evident in both the USA and UK Christian groups are considered as a check against the normalisation of same-sex 'orientation' in contemporary Christian teaching.
Dr. Jane E Anderson, M.D.
Dr. Jane Anderson graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles School
of Medicine and obtained her pediatric internship at the University of Southern
California. Her pediatric residency was at Stanford University, and she practiced for 33
years at the University of California, San Francisco as a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics
until her retirement in November, 2012. She continued there as a volunteer clinical
faculty until June 2021. Dr. Anderson has authored numerous articles on general
pediatric topics, has presented lectures on adolescent brain development and parenting
in both the U.S. and China, and has received teaching awards from medical students
and pediatric residents, including the Faculty Teaching Award from the UCSF
Department of pediatrics in 2000, the Excellence in Teaching Award from the UCSF
Medical School class of 2011, and the Volunteer Faculty Teaching Award from the
UCSF Pediatric residents in 2014. She has also authored several position papers for
the American College of Pediatricians, of which she has been a long-time member and
currently serves as the Vice President.
Jane and her husband, Karl, have been married since 1975, and have four children and
ten grandchildren. They and their children have participated for over 20 years in short-
term medical missions trips to numerous third world countries with Medical Servants
International, and Jane went with a mission team to Krakow, Poland in June 2022 to
serve the Ukrainian refugees there. Jane and Karl both currently serve on the Board of
Directors of Medical Servants International and hopes to return with a medical team to
Malawi in 2024. They are active in their church and serve weekly as Awana leaders.
Presentation
Saturday, Sept 21
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, Room 1
Keynote 4
An Overview of Transgender Ideology
The presentation will provide an overview of transgender ideology - its history, evolution of gender affirming care, physical and emotional harms of gender affirming care (social affirmation, puberty blockers, cross sex hormones and surgeries) and resources for parents, teens, educators, physicians and policy makers.
Pastor Daren Mehl
Daren formerly lived as a "Gay Christian" but decided he would pursue his relationship with Jesus Christ. He married Rhoda December 11, 2005 and now have two children. Together Daren and Rhoda serve in ministry equipping, teaching, and ministering the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Daren and Rhoda, lead by the Holy Spirit, both came out of the LGBTQ community before they got married. Their journey of healing and discipleship in Jesus Christ included 14 years of increasing intimacy with Jesus while serving in their home church. Daren is serving in the role of Associate Director at Agape First Ministries and responsible for the operations of the organization. Daren joined Agape First Ministries to further the mission to make Jesus famous, to bring the healing power of God to others through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Rhoda is a trained prayer counselor and intercessor and serves on the prayer team. Daren is also Associate Pastor of Warroad Community Church where he enjoys serving the church through pastoral care, teaching and preaching, and oversees church operations.
Presentation
Saturday, September 21
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM, Room 1
Breakout E1
The Joy of the Journey - Finding Freedom in Jesus Christ / Understanding LGBTQ Beliefs
This presentation will bring you through the journey of Pastor Daren Mehl as he shares his faith journey of coming to Christ but then being lead astry into Gay Christianity. Pastor Daren will describe the doctrines he believed throughout the journey. He will share the struggles in the church and in his social circles to reconcile his sexuality and his faith. 4 distinct types of LGBT doctrines will be discussed. Handouts will include a helpful resource that quickly turns on the light bulb of understanding how to minister freedom to the person who identifies as LGBT by understanding the beliefs they hold. Pastor Daren will explain the experiences he went through which lead to his ultimate freedom from the romantic and sexual same sex desires as he provides a biblical explanation of sanctification and holiness as God worked in his life.
Andy Visser
Andy Visser obtained his BA from Dordt College and MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of South Dakota. He maintains license as a Mental Health Counselor in Iowa and Licensed Professional Counselor in South Dakota. He is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP). Andy is National Board-Certified Counselor (NBCC.)
Presentation
Saturday, September 21
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM, Room 2
Breakout E2
Sexual ,Expression, Truth, and Hospitality
The practice of Christlike hospitality is an essential pathway patterned for us when the historical Jesus encountered a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well near the village of Sychar In Samaria. Jesus reflected on her desperate loneliness in 6 failed(ing) sexually intimate relationships.
Isolation, childhood trauma, sexual abuse and loneliness are highly significant factors connected to a broken sexuality. Jesus offered selfless concern, and encouragement as He practiced gracious hospitality. It is vital for us to listen carefully & nurture similar healing bonds. Hosting, rooted in unconditional love, can build positive relationships while we do not affirm everything the other person is doing and saying.
Andrew Rodriguez, LPC
Andrew Rodriguez is the director of Integrity Christian Counseling in Pottstown, PA. He’s served in ministry for sexuality strugglers since 2006, starting at as an intern at an Exodus International member ministry. After experiencing persecution in graduate
school for his work with men with unwanted same-sex attraction, the Alliance awarded him the 2015 Nicolosi Student Excellence Award. He’s completed his certification in
both SAFE-T and Reintegrative Therapy. He is passionate about advocating for
therapeutic choice, serving on the board of Voice of the Voiceless since 2020 and educating the public through his social media platform, PsychoBible. Additionally, he is affiliated with Restored Hope Network, Transformation Ministry Alliance, Desert Stream
Ministries, and ReStory Ministries. He has been married to precious wife, Jessica,
since 2007.
Presentation
Saturday, September 21
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Room 1
Breakout F1
The Integrity of Christian Sexuality
This presentation provides a powerful recapturing of the authentic Christian vision of humanity, particularly regarding sexuality. Based on Scripture, symbolism, and general revelation, this vision has the capacity to inspire and embolden believers to proclaim truth with clarity, love, and hope to a world and church increasingly infected with sexual identity confusion. We will review our design as humans and male and female, and the implications for sexuality, marriage, as well as ministry and counseling efforts.
Pastor Nate Oyloe
Pastor Nate Oyloe is the Founder/Director of Agape First Ministries. He was formerly the Senior Pastor of the Twin Cities Justice House of Prayer and Executive Director of Outpost Ministries. Nate Ministered to the sexually and relationally broken since 2000. He is also a Worship Pastor and has a passion to see night and day prayer and worship fill the Twin Cities. Nate has taught both locally and nationally on issues of Biblical gender, sexual and relational brokenness and the redemptive power of God. Most recently, Nate has partnered with the Minnesota Family Council to fight legislation harmful to churches and families. He and his wife, two sons and daughter live in Minneapolis, MN.
Presentation
Saturday, September 21
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Room 2
Breakout F2
Same Sex Attraction and the Brain
Pastor Nate Oyloe will review the neorscience of relational circuits and how a relationship with Jesus Christ results in joy. Our brains were created for joy, and what happens when someone experiences wholeness in Jesus Christ. This is critical component of healing from trauma and being able to receive the grace of God for sanctification and transformation in healing.