Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality

Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality is the first of a series of books by the late Dr. Joseph Nicolosi, originator of Reparative Therapy (TM). In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Nicolosi describes the patterns of family relationships--particularly the "Triadic Narcissistic Relationship"--which so often contribute to the psychological traumas that typically disrupt the normal process of masculine identification experienced by pre-adolescent males. An eminent and pioneering clinician, Dr. Nicolosi dedicated his professional life to helping men who are suffering from unwanted same-sex attractions (SSA) resume the journey toward full masculine identification that was interrupted during childhood. Dr. Nicolosi believed that the human being is designed for heterosexuality, and that departures from that norm are inherently problematic. According to reparative-drive theory, we are romantically drawn to the gender we do not identify with: in simple terms, the "exotic"--that which is unfamiliar and exciting--takes on erotic significance. Homosexual attractions are a "reparative drive"-- an attempt to fulfill the normal male-bonding needs that were unmet during childhood. By de-mystifying maleness and other men, the client can resume his journey into full masculine identification and begin to explore his heterosexual potential. Dr. Nicolosi's humane, insightful and non-judgmental approach to gender-affirmative psychotherapy does not pretend to "cure"--i.e., erase--all homosexual feelings, but it has helped thousands of non-gay homosexual men understand the source of their SSA, develop confidence in their masculinity, and promote non-erotic same-sex relationships, which in turn diminishes the erotic feelings they have toward other men, thus leaving room for the natural development of heterosexual attractions and, ultimately, satisfactory heterosexual relationships.