Gay affirmative psychotherapy

Gay affirmative psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy for non-heterosexuals, specifically gay and lesbian clients, which focuses on client comfort in working towards authenticity and self-acceptance regarding sexual orientation, and does not attempt to "change" them to heterosexual, or to "eliminate or diminish" same-sex "desires and behaviors". The American Psychological Association (APA) offers guidelines and materials for gay affirmative psychotherapy. Affirmative psychotherapy states that homosexuality or bisexuality is not a mental illness, in accordance with global scientific consensus. In fact, embracing and affirming gay identity can be a key component to recovery from other mental illnesses or substance abuse. Clients whose religious beliefs are interpreted as teaching against homosexual behavior may require some other method of integration of their possibly conflicting religious and sexual selves.
Guidelines.
For many years, psychiatry viewed homosexuality as a mental illness. Current guidelines instead encourage psychotherapists to assist patients in overcoming the stigma of homosexuality rather than try to change their sexual orientation. Because some mental health professionals are unfamiliar with the social difficulties of the coming out process, particular to other factors such as age, race, ethnicity, or religious affiliation, they are encouraged by the APA to learn more about how gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients face discrimination in its various forms. Many gays and lesbians are rejected from their own families and form their own familial relationships and support systems that may also be unfamiliar to mental health professionals, who are encouraged to take into account the diversity of extended relationships in lieu of family. For some clients, acting on same-sex attraction may not be a fulfilling solution as it may conflict with their religious beliefs; licensed mental health providers may approach such a situation by neither rejecting nor promoting celibacy.
Research.
The term 'gay affirmative therapy was coined and defined by Alan K. Malyon in 1982 as therapy that challenges the pathological view of homosexuality and has the therapist develop knowledge on gay-specific issues to better treat gay clients. This was 5 years before homosexuality was removed from the DSM in 1987. This model works to consider the effects of sexuality-based oppression and discrimination on gay individuals and couples mental health and affirm the individual in their sexuality-specific experiences.  
One of the emerging areas of research regarding gay affirmative psychotherapy is related to the process of assisting LGBTQ individuals from religious backgrounds feel comfortable with their sexual and gender orientation. Narrative analyses of clinicians' reports regarding gay affirmative psychotherapy suggest that the majority of conflicts discussed within the therapeutic context by gay men and their relatives from religious backgrounds are related to the interaction between family, self, and religion. Clinicians report that gay men and their families struggle more frequently with the institution, community, and practices of religion rather than directly with God. Chana Etengoff and Colette Daiute report in the Journal of Homosexuality that clinicians most frequently address these tensions by emphasizing the mediational strategies of increasing self-awareness, seeking secular support (e.g., PFLAG), and increasing positive communication between family members.
Gay Affirmative Therapy for Youth and Families.
In recent years gay affirmative therapy has been adapted for youth populations who are struggling with their sexuality. Research has shown that sexual minority children and adolescents are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and attempt suicide. Affirmation of one's sexual orientation and experiences has shown to be effective in treating related mental health concerns [cite]. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has the most supportive evidence for treating general LGBTQ+ populations and has been extended to youth populations as well. It is currently considered by some psychologists as the best evidence-based practice for working with sexual minority youth.
There is currently little research on affirmative interventions for families, and most research focuses on lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals becoming parents, with implications that transition to parenting training might be beneficial for sexual minority parents. Little research has been done on family therapy for sexual minority youth and family support.
German government action.
In March 2008, the German federal government (CDU/SPD) summarized the professional consensus as indicating that homosexuality is not an illness, and that conversion therapy is dangerous and doesn't help homosexual people. Voluntary changes to sexual orientation are not an option, according to the administration's answer to parliamentary questioning, as these attempts may cause personal harm. The German government also made the point that Gay Affirmative Psychotherapy can help clients.