The Psychoanalytic Treatment of Male Homosexuality

In introducing the panel, George Wiedeman noted that it has been more than ten years since the American Psychoanalytic Association has sponsored a panel discussion related to homosexuality and psychoanalysis. This panel deals with the psychoanalytic treatment of patients whoses preference for homosexual erotic relationships is part of their personality structure. In recognition of the attacks that some activist groups have directed against the psychoanalytic and psychiatric investigation of homosexuality, Wiedeman reminded the audience that the psychoanalysis of homosexuals, as in any analytic treatment, is predicated on the voluntary agreement by the prospective patients to undertake analysis. Though we cannot forsee whether the change from homosexuality to heterosexuality will occur, such a change occurs often enough to warrant analysis for those who are conflicted and unhappy about their homosexuality. Analysts have always opposed any archaic and barbaric laws directed against homosexuals, as well as any other forms of social or political discrimination against them. In fact, certain deeply entrenched hostile attitudes against homosexuals have been undermined by the results of psychoanalytic research.

In the first presentation, Robert J. Stoller observed that we already have good theory and data on male homosexuality, due especially to the work of Irving Bieber and Socarides who have elaborated Freud's original studies on the origins of homosexuality in childhood. These invaluable findings, drawn from adults,