Overcoming Conversion Therapy: Dr. Luke Wilson on Shame, Faith, and Finding Self-Acceptance

In this episode of boy meets therapy, Dr. Luke Wilson shares his firsthand experience with conversion therapy, from enrolling at Liberty University to facing the emotional and psychological toll of trying to change his identity. Dr. Wilson opens up about the deep shame, religious pressure, and inner conflict he experienced, and how he ultimately found healing and self-acceptance. This honest conversation explores the dangers of conversion practices, the intersection of faith and sexuality, and the resilience it takes to reclaim your truth. Whether you are a survivor, an ally, or seeking to understand, this episode offers insight, compassion, and hope.

Dr. Wilson's book of conversion therapy survivors' stories Shame-Sex Attraction is available for pre-order now.

Connect with Luke Wilson, PhD:

Instagram: @lukeslamdunkwilson

Academic Papers: utschools.academia.edu/LucasWilson

Pre-order Shame-Sex Attraction (USA): link here

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠boymeetstherapy.com⁠⁠⁠

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Academic Credentials

03:06 Exploring Identity and Sexuality

06:00 Liberty University: A Conservative Christian Institution

08:47 The Journey into Evangelicalism

12:07 Conversion Therapy: Understanding the Context

14:52 Personal Experiences with Conversion Therapy

17:41 Navigating Queerness in a Conservative Environment

26:06 The Journey into Conversion Therapy

32:26 The Impact of Conversion Therapy on Identity

43:48 Shame and Its Role in Conversion Therapy

48:37 Reflections on Personal Growth and Projection

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver