In the first episode of Unravelling’s three-part Pride Month series, Mary and Kurt examine the realities of so-called conversion "therapy," which many survivors, advocates, and researchers more accurately describe as conversion practices. These are not legitimate therapeutic interventions, but harmful efforts designed to change, suppress, or deny a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Mary speaks with Dr. Lucas Wilson, an interdisciplinary scholar of history, religion, gender, and sexuality at the University of Toronto Mississauga and editor of Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivor Stories of Conversion Therapy. Drawing on both his academic research and personal experience, Dr. Wilson explores the many forms conversion practices can take, from church-led programs and family interventions to efforts carried out by licensed professionals. He shares his own story of seeking conversion therapy while attending Liberty University, driven by evangelical teachings that framed queerness as something that needed to be corrected.
He describes the lasting psychological and spiritual consequences of these experiences, including the shift from feeling guilt about specific actions to developing deep shame and self-hatred. He emphasizes that conversion practices remain an ongoing reality today, including at institutions he once attended, and connects contemporary anti-LGBTQ+ movements to longer histories of scapegoating and authoritarian ideology.
Dr. Wilson calls on communities, allies, educators, and faith leaders to remain vocal in opposing these practices and supporting those who have been affected by them.

Links:

Resources: Born Perfect, The Trevor Project

Buy the book: Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivors’ Stories of Conversion Therapy

More about Dr. Lucas Wilson

Herein we present the exciting conclusion of our three episode series all about the world of Table Top Role Playing Group Therapy (Collaborative Role-playing Integrative Therapy) using the world of Dungeons & Dragons.

Will our adventures solve the mystery any escape to tell the tale? Will they experience group cohesion and personal growth?!? You'll only find out if you listen to the very exciting conclusion of... unravelling: Adventure!

Background: in this two part real play arc, guided by therapists and dungeon masters Vinny Dehili and E Merten, and joined by producers Andrew and Hans, they create their own D&D characters, each tied to a personal interpersonal growth goal.

A special THANK you to Vinnie and E for guiding us on this adventure, and also to producers Hans and Andrew for the masterful editing, composition of original music and sound effects, and participation in the episodes! This was all a Peak Experience for all of us at Unravelling.

Links

Change the Narrative Therapy - Vinny Dehili
Advance Psychotherapy Practice - E. Merten
Subscribe to Vinny and E's Substack

If you want to contact us for any reason, pitch an idea, give us feedback, you can email us or send us a voice memo (we might play on air if it's a q&a - unless you ask us not to) at unravel@brattlebororetreat.org, or leave us a voice message at 802-258-POD3!

If you've enjoyed this podcast, we appreciate you spreading the word and also giving us a five star review on whatever platform you use to listen!

In this very special episode of Unravellling, hosts Kurt and Mary step into the world of Table Top Role Playing Group Therapy (Collaborative Role-playing Integrative Therapy) using the world of Dungeons & Dragons, they explored in the previous episode. Guided by therapists and dungeon masters Vinny and E, and joined by producers Andrew and Hans, they create their own D&D characters, each tied to a personal interpersonal growth goal. I reflect on the tension between choosing traits that feel familiar versus ones that stretch them, and how imagination, storytelling, and role play can open up new possibilities for understanding and changing real‑life patterns. This is the first of a two-part adventure inviting listeners to witness, and maybe try for themselves, how tabletop role playing games can become a powerful tool for mental health and self-discovery.

Also, congratulations to Unravelling as this is episode 50!!!

Links

Create your own D&D character
Change the Narrative Therapy - Vinny Dehili
Advance Psychotherapy Practice - E. Merten
Subscribe to Vinny and E's Substack