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April 2024 Newsletter

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.

INTRODUCING ALLIANCE BOARD MEMBERS

This month we welcome Dr. Michelle Cretella starting a new term on the 2024 Alliance Board of Directors. Dr. Cretella is no stranger to the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice. She first served on the Board of Directors of NARTH (now the ‘Alliance’) from 2010-2012. During her first tenure, Dr. Cretella was also on the board of the American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) and facilitated the creation of multiple web resources such as the website, Biological Integrity https://biologicalintegrity.org During her current term with the Alliance Board, she aims to share her expertise regarding the medical harms of transgender ideology with the Alliance membership, and to help the Alliance grow in its cultural impact against the lies of the entire non-scientific and politicized LGBQT+ movement.

Dr. Cretella is the past executive director of the American College of Pediatricians and is the current chairperson of its Adolescent Sexuality Committee. She is also a pediatrician spokesperson for the Catholic Medical Association and Advocates Protecting Children. Although retired from clinical pediatrics, Dr. Cretella remains an active writer, researcher, and speaker. She earned her medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 1994 and completed her pediatrics residency at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in 1997. She practiced general pediatrics in CT and RI with a focus in mental and sexual health until 2012 when she chose to devote more time to her young family and to the American College of Pediatricians. She and her husband are the proud parents of four children. 


Dr. Cretella's article Gender Dysphoria in Children and Suppression of Debate was published in the 2016 summer issue of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons. Following an interview with Tucker Carlson, she became recognized as a leading physician critic of gender ideology in pediatrics. Since 2016 she has contributed to the development of model legislation at the state and federal levels in three areas to 1) protect youth from harmful transgender interventions, 2) maintain fairness and safety in female sports, and 3) maintain accurate sex markers on legal documents. 


Dr. Cretella has also served as a peer reviewer for three professional journals: the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, Issues in Law and Medicine, and the International Journal of Behavioral and Healthcare Research.

THE PRACTICE OF HOSPITALITY

Previous monthly newsletters have emphasized the importance of friendship and hospitality toward persons struggling with unwanted and disturbing sexual patterns. In a recent conversation with pastoral staff and fellow church members the discussion centered on ‘patience.’ A humble posture of ‘journeying with’ a struggling individual was followed by many helpful thoughts. One idea mentioned is that we cannot impose a timeline for healing or change for persons who struggle. In a past issue of this newsletter, a parent story of deliberately practicing genuine warmth and hospitality toward both daughter and her partner which went on for 8 years after the daughter had declared herself ‘married’ to her female partner. After 8 years of practicing gentle hospitality, never buying into the ‘marriage’ myth, the lesbian pair broke off the relationship and the family now has grandchildren from a happily married daughter. 


We were also reminded that the source of these challenges is not, first of all, the sexual patterns felt or practiced today. Past trauma is so connected to current pain, frustration and desperate search for ‘community.’ Almost always, from childhood on, the sense of isolation, loneliness, neglect, and no belonging has developed. 


Social, worship, and family settings - determined to practice hospitality - cannot impose time frames for change. We humans are not the ones who will save folks from doubts, pain and trauma. We are called to journey alongside while practicing humility. We are not in charge of setting artificial time frames. We are not ‘changing’ anyone, that’s a Divine task. Only God saves, He heals, and His timing is perfect – though not always appearing satisfactory to us, His human servants.


We at the Alliance are open to hearing from our readers about the practice of hospitality and being fellow ‘journey persons’ with those who struggle. The Alliance will be sponsoring one day ‘community partner’ workshops this year. Northwest Iowa faith communities will host a workshop for community partners on May 28, 2024, another is planned for Idaho in August (date to be determined) and another in St. Paul MN on September 21, 2024. More detail to come in future communications. 


THE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THERAPEUTIC AND COUNSELLING CHOICE

The International Foundation for Therapeutic and Counselling Choice (IFTCC.org), the Alliance’s European sister organization, is still in the process of making an application for accreditation through the United Kingdom’s (England) Professional Standards Authority (PSA). This provides an important avenue to establishing accountability and professionalism for the IFTCC effort.

Please consider reviewing and signing the An International Declaration on Therapeutic and Pastoral Choice document (publicly or anonymously.) Also consider showing your professional credentials in doing so. The declaration can be reviewed here: https://iftcc.org/the-declaration/  

Have you been helped by the Alliance? Let us know! We’d like to share your story in our next newsletter.


Andy Visser

President, The Alliance

Andy.Visser@TherapeuticChoice.com


Daren Mehl

Operations Manager, The Alliance

contactus@TherapeuticChoice.com

Visit our Website www.therapeuticChoice.com