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What to Write Down If You Think Your Child's Counselor Crossed the Line
If you think a counselor crossed the line with your child, start writing things down the same day.
If you think a counselor crossed the line with your child, start writing things down the same day. Note the date, who was in the room, and the counselor's exact words, especially any promise to change who your child is attracted to or how they see themselves, any talk of a "root cause," or any request to keep sessions from you. Record what your child tells you in their own words, any changes you notice at home, and every bill and message. Stick to facts, not conclusions. Clear, dated notes help a licensing board, an attorney, or simply your own memory later, and they keep the focus on protecting your child.
Quick Takeaways
Write it down the same day, while the details are fresh.
Quote the counselor's exact words whenever you can.
Record facts, not conclusions, and let a board decide which rules apply.
Keep every bill, email, text, handout, and intake form.
Ask your child gently, and never let the notes come before the relationship.
What "Crossing the Line" Can Look Like
In Colorado, the law now bars a licensed mental health professional "from seeking to impose a predetermined outcome on a minor patient." In the governor's announcement of the signing, State Senator Cutter put it plainly: "A licensed therapist should not inflict harm on a child or young person by steering them in any predetermined direction."
That steering can sound gentle. Watch for promises to change who your child is attracted to or how they see themselves, searches for a "wound" or "root cause," shame or pressure, a request that your child keep sessions private from you, or a success rate. CT4F families describe these moments in why "conversion therapy" is harmful.
What to Write Down
The basics: Date, time, length of the session, and who was present.
Exact words: What the counselor said, in quotation marks, as close to word for word as you can.
What was asked of you: Any request to step back, keep secrets, or pay for a package.
Homework and handouts: What your child was told to read, do, or avoid.
Your child's words: What they shared afterward, written the way they said it.
Changes at home: Shifts in mood, sleep, schoolwork, or how often your child talks with you.
Money: Every invoice, payment, and promise tied to a fee.
Facts, Not Conclusions
Write "The counselor told him his feelings came from a 'father wound,'" not "She did conversion therapy." A plain account is easier for others to trust. In Colorado, the counselor will typically receive a copy of any complaint you file and the documents you submit, so calm, factual notes serve you best.
Keep the Paper Trail
Colorado's licensing division suggests sending supporting documents with a complaint, such as medical records, witness information, personal statements, and billing records. As your child's parent, you are usually their personal representative under federal health privacy law, which generally lets you request their health records. Psychotherapy notes are an exception. Keep originals somewhere safe and work from copies.
Ask Your Child Gently
Your notes are never worth more than your child's trust. Ask open questions, listen, and tell them your love has not changed. CT4F community members and Christian parents share ways to talk with your son or daughter about "conversion therapy".
The stakes are real. A Family Acceptance Project study found depression rose from 16 percent among young adults who faced no change efforts to 52 percent when parents and a therapist or religious leader were both involved. CT4F gathers more in its mental health research. CT4F also outlines the risks and harms of "conversion therapy" in its education library.
Why Your Notes Matter Later
Families, not counselors working behind closed doors, know what is best for their children. Your notes help you act on that. After Chiles v. Salazar, the National Center for Lesbian Rights noted that licensing boards can still discipline providers and that malpractice and consumer fraud claims remain available. When you are ready, you can also report a provider to CT4F.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I write down if I think my child's counselor crossed the line?
The date, who was present, the counselor's exact words, what was asked of you, your child's own words, changes at home, and every bill and message.
How soon should I write it down?
As soon as you can, ideally the same day. Notes made close to the event are clearer and easier for others to trust.
Should I write down what my child tells me?
Yes, in their own words and only what they choose to share. Ask gently, and never let note-taking come before your relationship.
What counts as a counselor crossing the line?
Any effort to steer your child toward a set outcome, such as promises to change who they are attracted to or how they see themselves, talk of a "root cause," pressure to keep sessions secret, or a success rate.
What can I do with my notes?
Use them to file a licensing board complaint, talk with an attorney, or report a provider to CT4F. Boards can discipline a license but cannot award money.
Sources and Further Reading
Law and Reporting
National Center for Lesbian Rights on Colorado's rewritten law, HB26-1322
National Center for Lesbian Rights on what legal claims remain after Chiles v. Salazar
Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations: how to file a complaint and what to include
Records and Privacy
Research on Family Harm
CT4F Resources for Families
What to Write Down If You Think Your Child's Counselor Crossed the Line
If you think a counselor crossed the line with your child, start writing things down the same day.
If you think a counselor crossed the line with your child, start writing things down the same day. Note the date, who was in the room, and the counselor's exact words, especially any promise to change who your child is attracted to or how they see themselves, any talk of a "root cause," or any request to keep sessions from you. Record what your child tells you in their own words, any changes you notice at home, and every bill and message. Stick to facts, not conclusions. Clear, dated notes help a licensing board, an attorney, or simply your own memory later, and they keep the focus on protecting your child.
Quick Takeaways
Write it down the same day, while the details are fresh.
Quote the counselor's exact words whenever you can.
Record facts, not conclusions, and let a board decide which rules apply.
Keep every bill, email, text, handout, and intake form.
Ask your child gently, and never let the notes come before the relationship.
What "Crossing the Line" Can Look Like
In Colorado, the law now bars a licensed mental health professional "from seeking to impose a predetermined outcome on a minor patient." In the governor's announcement of the signing, State Senator Cutter put it plainly: "A licensed therapist should not inflict harm on a child or young person by steering them in any predetermined direction."
That steering can sound gentle. Watch for promises to change who your child is attracted to or how they see themselves, searches for a "wound" or "root cause," shame or pressure, a request that your child keep sessions private from you, or a success rate. CT4F families describe these moments in why "conversion therapy" is harmful.
What to Write Down
The basics: Date, time, length of the session, and who was present.
Exact words: What the counselor said, in quotation marks, as close to word for word as you can.
What was asked of you: Any request to step back, keep secrets, or pay for a package.
Homework and handouts: What your child was told to read, do, or avoid.
Your child's words: What they shared afterward, written the way they said it.
Changes at home: Shifts in mood, sleep, schoolwork, or how often your child talks with you.
Money: Every invoice, payment, and promise tied to a fee.
Facts, Not Conclusions
Write "The counselor told him his feelings came from a 'father wound,'" not "She did conversion therapy." A plain account is easier for others to trust. In Colorado, the counselor will typically receive a copy of any complaint you file and the documents you submit, so calm, factual notes serve you best.
Keep the Paper Trail
Colorado's licensing division suggests sending supporting documents with a complaint, such as medical records, witness information, personal statements, and billing records. As your child's parent, you are usually their personal representative under federal health privacy law, which generally lets you request their health records. Psychotherapy notes are an exception. Keep originals somewhere safe and work from copies.
Ask Your Child Gently
Your notes are never worth more than your child's trust. Ask open questions, listen, and tell them your love has not changed. CT4F community members and Christian parents share ways to talk with your son or daughter about "conversion therapy".
The stakes are real. A Family Acceptance Project study found depression rose from 16 percent among young adults who faced no change efforts to 52 percent when parents and a therapist or religious leader were both involved. CT4F gathers more in its mental health research. CT4F also outlines the risks and harms of "conversion therapy" in its education library.
Why Your Notes Matter Later
Families, not counselors working behind closed doors, know what is best for their children. Your notes help you act on that. After Chiles v. Salazar, the National Center for Lesbian Rights noted that licensing boards can still discipline providers and that malpractice and consumer fraud claims remain available. When you are ready, you can also report a provider to CT4F.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I write down if I think my child's counselor crossed the line?
The date, who was present, the counselor's exact words, what was asked of you, your child's own words, changes at home, and every bill and message.
How soon should I write it down?
As soon as you can, ideally the same day. Notes made close to the event are clearer and easier for others to trust.
Should I write down what my child tells me?
Yes, in their own words and only what they choose to share. Ask gently, and never let note-taking come before your relationship.
What counts as a counselor crossing the line?
Any effort to steer your child toward a set outcome, such as promises to change who they are attracted to or how they see themselves, talk of a "root cause," pressure to keep sessions secret, or a success rate.
What can I do with my notes?
Use them to file a licensing board complaint, talk with an attorney, or report a provider to CT4F. Boards can discipline a license but cannot award money.
Sources and Further Reading
Law and Reporting
National Center for Lesbian Rights on Colorado's rewritten law, HB26-1322
National Center for Lesbian Rights on what legal claims remain after Chiles v. Salazar
Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations: how to file a complaint and what to include
Records and Privacy
Research on Family Harm
CT4F Resources for Families
What to Write Down If You Think Your Child's Counselor Crossed the Line
If you think a counselor crossed the line with your child, start writing things down the same day.
If you think a counselor crossed the line with your child, start writing things down the same day. Note the date, who was in the room, and the counselor's exact words, especially any promise to change who your child is attracted to or how they see themselves, any talk of a "root cause," or any request to keep sessions from you. Record what your child tells you in their own words, any changes you notice at home, and every bill and message. Stick to facts, not conclusions. Clear, dated notes help a licensing board, an attorney, or simply your own memory later, and they keep the focus on protecting your child.
Quick Takeaways
Write it down the same day, while the details are fresh.
Quote the counselor's exact words whenever you can.
Record facts, not conclusions, and let a board decide which rules apply.
Keep every bill, email, text, handout, and intake form.
Ask your child gently, and never let the notes come before the relationship.
What "Crossing the Line" Can Look Like
In Colorado, the law now bars a licensed mental health professional "from seeking to impose a predetermined outcome on a minor patient." In the governor's announcement of the signing, State Senator Cutter put it plainly: "A licensed therapist should not inflict harm on a child or young person by steering them in any predetermined direction."
That steering can sound gentle. Watch for promises to change who your child is attracted to or how they see themselves, searches for a "wound" or "root cause," shame or pressure, a request that your child keep sessions private from you, or a success rate. CT4F families describe these moments in why "conversion therapy" is harmful.
What to Write Down
The basics: Date, time, length of the session, and who was present.
Exact words: What the counselor said, in quotation marks, as close to word for word as you can.
What was asked of you: Any request to step back, keep secrets, or pay for a package.
Homework and handouts: What your child was told to read, do, or avoid.
Your child's words: What they shared afterward, written the way they said it.
Changes at home: Shifts in mood, sleep, schoolwork, or how often your child talks with you.
Money: Every invoice, payment, and promise tied to a fee.
Facts, Not Conclusions
Write "The counselor told him his feelings came from a 'father wound,'" not "She did conversion therapy." A plain account is easier for others to trust. In Colorado, the counselor will typically receive a copy of any complaint you file and the documents you submit, so calm, factual notes serve you best.
Keep the Paper Trail
Colorado's licensing division suggests sending supporting documents with a complaint, such as medical records, witness information, personal statements, and billing records. As your child's parent, you are usually their personal representative under federal health privacy law, which generally lets you request their health records. Psychotherapy notes are an exception. Keep originals somewhere safe and work from copies.
Ask Your Child Gently
Your notes are never worth more than your child's trust. Ask open questions, listen, and tell them your love has not changed. CT4F community members and Christian parents share ways to talk with your son or daughter about "conversion therapy".
The stakes are real. A Family Acceptance Project study found depression rose from 16 percent among young adults who faced no change efforts to 52 percent when parents and a therapist or religious leader were both involved. CT4F gathers more in its mental health research. CT4F also outlines the risks and harms of "conversion therapy" in its education library.
Why Your Notes Matter Later
Families, not counselors working behind closed doors, know what is best for their children. Your notes help you act on that. After Chiles v. Salazar, the National Center for Lesbian Rights noted that licensing boards can still discipline providers and that malpractice and consumer fraud claims remain available. When you are ready, you can also report a provider to CT4F.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I write down if I think my child's counselor crossed the line?
The date, who was present, the counselor's exact words, what was asked of you, your child's own words, changes at home, and every bill and message.
How soon should I write it down?
As soon as you can, ideally the same day. Notes made close to the event are clearer and easier for others to trust.
Should I write down what my child tells me?
Yes, in their own words and only what they choose to share. Ask gently, and never let note-taking come before your relationship.
What counts as a counselor crossing the line?
Any effort to steer your child toward a set outcome, such as promises to change who they are attracted to or how they see themselves, talk of a "root cause," pressure to keep sessions secret, or a success rate.
What can I do with my notes?
Use them to file a licensing board complaint, talk with an attorney, or report a provider to CT4F. Boards can discipline a license but cannot award money.
Sources and Further Reading
Law and Reporting
National Center for Lesbian Rights on Colorado's rewritten law, HB26-1322
National Center for Lesbian Rights on what legal claims remain after Chiles v. Salazar
Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations: how to file a complaint and what to include
Records and Privacy
Research on Family Harm
CT4F Resources for Families