You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

Today I welcome the esteemed Dr. Joseph Burgo to discuss the psychological crisis of males who find refuge in a trans identity. Along the way, we explore myriad contributing factors, from shame, narcissism, and autogynephilia; to rising rates of autism and unlimited access to increasingly obscene internet pornography; as well as gender roles, norms, expectations, and recent cultural shifts. As we unravel the narratives of ex-military men and individuals in positions of power who transition, we uncover the complexities of idealization and devaluation in trans identification and the numerous parallels with personality disorder traits. How do societal norms and social justice narratives fuel the shallow idealization of the opposite gender? We also touch on the challenges detransitioners face in therapy and the obstacles therapists encounter in providing effective care for individuals with gender ideation. How can therapists navigate the tense climate surrounding gender identity exploration? And what role should exploration of fantasies and projections play in understanding the complexities of gender distress? Joseph Burgo, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and graduate psychoanalyst who has been practicing for more than 40 years. As a writer, he’s the author of several works of non-fiction bringing his insights and experience as a therapist to a popular audience, and his articles and commentary on the topics of shame and narcissism have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and most of the large news outlets online. In his private practice, he currently focuses on gender distress, and works with trans-identified adolescent boys, male detransitioners, and men who struggle with autogynephilia. He can be reached at joeburgo@gmail.com; find him on X @jburgo55; visit his website at AfterPsychotherapy.com; or view him in the documentary film of another former guest, Jennifer Lahl (from episodes 52 and 97), The Lost Boys: Searching for Manhood. Dr. Burgo's books: The Narcissist You Know: Defending Yourself Against Extreme Narcissists in an All-About-Me AgeWhy Do I Do That?: Psychological Defense Mechanisms and the Hidden Ways They Shape Our LivesShame: Free Yourself, Find Joy, and Build True Self-EsteemAll books mentioned on this podcast and written by my guests can be found at sometherapist.com/bookshop or by following the Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for purchases that support the show. 00:00 Start [00:02:49] Autism diagnosis evolution. [00:06:36] Psychology in developmental framework. [00:08:02] Rise in autism due to screens. [00:11:55] Shame and narcissism in youth. [00:18:45] Shame defiance. [00:21:03] Adolescence and privacy for development. [00:25:37] Exploring views on pornography. [00:29:36] Effects of intense porn consumption. [00:32:55] Autogynephilia as narcissism and desire. [00:37:40] Ex-military men and transgender identity. [00:40:58] Grass is greener syndrome. [00:46:03] Idealization and devaluation in identity. [00:49:50] The impact of societal beliefs. [00:52:17] Avoiding adult responsibilities. [00:56:20] Emancipating children's decision-making. [01:01:27] Detransitioning experiences. [01:02:43] Detransitioning experiences and insights. [01:08:15] Importance of finding healing relationships. [01:10:15] Lack of ICD procedure codes for detransition. [01:13:42] Self-care reminder. TALK TO ME: book a discovery call. LOCALS: Ask questions of me & guests; get early access to new episodes + exclusive content. Join my community. SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate. DO NO HARM: join our community of concerned professionals. EIGHTSLEEP: Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST. ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST. Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at...

In this rare solo episode, I delve into personal decisions that have recently shaped my career path, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs that have led me to where I am today, including the impact of stress on chronic illness, and the difficult choice to step back from therapy to prioritize my well-being. But why did I choose consulting over therapy? What drove me to specialize in helping parents Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria, and how has this decision influenced my consulting practice? I explain the intricacies of my consulting work, from assisting ROGD parents to guiding individuals on self-expression journeys, as well as the core values that drive my practice, including a deep yearning for synchronicity and serendipity in a world dominated by asynchronicity. How do these values shape my approach to communication and expression coaching? And what role do they play in fostering connection and harmony in a world plagued by loneliness? Join me on this introspective journey as I navigate the blurred lines between personal health, professional choices, and the pursuit of meaningful connections. Will my leap of faith into consulting lead to a balanced life, or will the uncertainties of radical self-employment prove too daunting? Tune in to explore the nuances of my career evolution, the essence of synchronicity, and the quest for authentic expression in a world filled with noise and disconnection. [00:00:00] Gender dysphoria as social contagion. [00:03:55] Why I stopped doing therapy. [00:08:43] Consulting in gender dysphoria. [00:11:43] Consulting vs. Therapy Differences. [00:15:24] Consulting ROGD parents. [00:18:28] Coaching clients in personal expression. [00:22:31] Balancing work and health. [00:25:10] Core values and synchronicity. [00:29:47] The gender crisis. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com. Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi. Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products. Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI. Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission. Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration. Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Is shame always destructive, or can it foster growth? Does being compassionate require that we affirm every belief or validate every emotion? When are psychiatric diagnoses helpful or harmful? Is it better to strive for race-awareness or a color-blind society? Should social norms be challenged or reinforced? What is the role of hope in fostering change? I’ve brought together several interesting guests from previous episodes to discuss these current debates at the intersection of psychology, philosophy, and culture. Michael David Cobb Bowen is a Stoic writer, data engineer and author of the award-winning blog Cobb. He has been published in Newsweek and was a regular NPR contributor, host at Cafe Utne, founder of the Conservative Brotherhood, Rights Universal and Free Black Thought. His online writing projects on political, cultural and philosophical subjects reach back over 23 years. His latest project, Stoic Observations, can be found at mdcbowen.substack.com. Pamela Garfield-Jaeger is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in mental health. She had to drop out of full time work due to health issues and she was fired from her part-time per-diem position in 2021 due to COVID regulations. That emboldened her to become outspoken on issues plaguing the mental health system. Pamela has a new book, written for parents on the gender issue, A Practical Approach to Gender Distress. thetruthfultherapist.org Instagram @the.truthfultherapist X @truththerapist Substack Pam the Truthful Therapist Soad Tabrizi is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a distinctive approach to therapy that combines deep philosophical inquiry with a steadfast commitment to a holistic health. Soad has a telehealth practice providing counseling around the world. Soad's counseling website Conservative Counselors Simpli Well All social media @soadtabrizi Books mentioned in this episode: A Practical Approach to Gender Distress by Pamela Garfield-Jaeger It's Me: A 30-Day Journal by Soad Tabrizi Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker Red, White, and Black: Rescuing American History from Revisionists and Race Hustlers by the Woodson Center 00:00 Start [00:02:35] Pamela’s intro & latest book. [00:06:02] Soad’s intro, projects & guided journal. [00:09:48] Michaels’ intro, projects, race abolitionism & Free Black Thought. [00:12:06] Personal deracination and mental health. [00:15:55] Race as a social construct. [00:19:43] Identity and cultural influences. [00:25:05] Overcoming racial divides. [00:29:53] Groupthink and social construction. [00:32:16] Gender confusion and fears. [00:35:56] Racial dynamics and societal impact. [00:39:22] Society's Perception of Mental Health. [00:42:48] Shame and societal behavior. [00:45:52] Delusional beliefs in mental health. [00:49:54] Losing the gift of praise. [00:53:17] Lived experience. [00:56:58] Parental involvement in child therapy. [01:02:22] Challenging beliefs about gender. [01:03:34] Mental health challenges in families. [01:09:40] Mental health field reflections. [01:12:21] Healing and mental health. [01:18:29] A holistic approach to health. [01:20:31] Marijuana and mental health. [01:24:26] Marijuana and mental health. [01:27:48] Hope and gratitude in discussion. [01:33:32] Gender crisis and film. [01:04:27] Taking care of yourself. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com. Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi. Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products. Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI. Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and...

In what ways is gender ideology cult-like? What are its core foundational myths, and how can concerned citizens challenge them? Today’s guest, Justine Deterling, founded the LGB watchdog organization Gender Health Query to create resources for parents and educators to address these concerns. In this episode, we discuss the cult-like dynamics of gender activism influencing young people's beliefs and behaviors, and debunk common myths that have insidiously crept into public education and other institutions. We also touch on the role of mental health professionals in addressing the unique needs of the LGB community amidst the growing emphasis on TQ+ issues. In its quest to “affirm” the rainbow, has the counseling profession inadvertently harmed LGB people? Justine Deterling is an LGB human rights activist with a focus on pediatric transition for gender dysphoria and its effects on youth of all orientations. She founded the medical and queer theory watchdog organization Gender Health Query in 2019, which provides extensive information on these subjects and whose members protest ideological “LGBTQ+” activists corrupting media, the health professions, and education. Gender Health Query members hope people will join them in sending the message opposing extremist gender activism is not “bigotry” but a sane response to overreach. They would like people to join them in opposing indoctrinating school children and teens into radicalization and unscientific worldviews around sex and gender. GHQ is part of a larger long-term goal to create an evidence-based, supportive organization focusing on the long-term well-being of LGB people and the wider society. Justine happily lives with her partner of 26 years. Links: Gender Health Query Parent/Educator School Resource X @justinedeter X @thehomoarchy Facebook @theh0moarchy Previous episodes mentioned: 98. Trans to Detrans: A Graphic Novel Journey from Self-Hate to Self-Compassion, with Nicolas Blooms All books mentioned on this podcast can be found at https://sometherapist.com/bookshop 00:00 Start [00:01:37] Informational resource for parents [00:06:25] Culture war and mainstream media. [00:08:16] The dangers of demonizing others. [00:14:58] Gender Health Query. [00:17:13] Medicalization of children. [00:23:39] Abuse and its definition. [00:25:16] Cult dynamics in gender activism. [00:29:25] Gender identity in sports. [00:35:40] Egotheistic belief system. [00:36:23] Blasphemy and cult tendencies. [00:42:17] Gender dysphoria and mental health. [00:43:33] Gender activism and culture war. [00:47:29] Mental health professionals' focus shift. [00:51:57] Human nature and tribal thinking. [00:56:27] Mental health profession's impact. [01:00:34] Mental health profession concerns. [01:04:48] Detransitioning and psychology concepts. [01:07:08] Gender dysphoria and ego-dystonic denial. [01:10:57] The mental health profession's messiah complex. [01:16:37] Power dynamics in therapy. [01:19:24] Treating transgender surgeries as cosmetic. [01:21:49] Self-care and well-being. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com. Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi. Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products. Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI. Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission. Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration. Have a...

Wise decision-making often requires that we grapple with notions of good and evil. Fields such as history, spirituality, philosophy, and psychology all help orient our moral compass. Yet despite so much access to information, today’s youth seem to lack the grounding principles needed to navigate life's challenges. How is the modern world's existential crisis impacting today's youth? Today, returning guests and I unravel the connection between sensitivity, trauma, and the search for meaning. And what role does spirituality play in finding healing and purpose for those with unique sensitivities? Uncover the hidden truths behind the gender industrial complex and its impact on mental health, as we question the narrative that permanent physical alterations can solve deeper psychological issues. How do unstable identities and the quest for belonging intersect with transgender ideation? Join us on this journey of self-discovery and introspection, where each revelation leads to more profound questions and a deeper understanding of the human experience. Tune in to unlock the mysteries of history, spirituality, and personal growth. Kim O is a Relational Soul Coach, Author, & Resilience Cheerleader. Contact, workbooks, journals, free course of the month: https://linktr.ee/heartworku Matt Osborne is a military historian and an accidental movement historian. @OsborneInk https://www.thedistancemag.com/ Benjamin “The Dream Wizard” Davidson is a psychological professional with over 20 years experience in mental health, offering eclectic dream analysis, editing historical dream literature, and sometimes playing video games, all for entertainment and educational purposes only. https://BenjaminTheDreamWizard.com Books mentioned in this episode: https://amzn.to/3PoNDx9Kim’s books: https://amzn.to/46FoGE2https://amzn.to/3S83GkZhttps://amzn.to/3tFWnXDhttps://amzn.to/4cjLFrphttps://amzn.to/3Tk43rCBenjamin’s books: https://amzn.to/4agqG75 All books mentioned on this podcast can be found at sometherapist.com/bookshop or by following the Amazon affiliate links here. Thank you for purchases that support the show! 00:00 Start [00:02:53] Historian of ideas and religion. [00:04:17] Modernity and spirituality crisis. [00:10:06] Lack of challenge in modern lives. [00:13:40] Dissociation and embodiment in spirituality. [00:17:21] Pain perception and chronic conditions. [00:20:10] Individual constitution and Ayurveda. [00:23:12] Indigo Child concept. [00:27:03] Spiritual experiences in punk rock. [00:31:14] The draw of community. [00:35:51] First principles and grounding principles. [00:39:51] Spirituality and personal development. [00:41:08] Highly sensitive nervous system. [00:47:29] Borderline Personality Disorder and Identity [00:50:50] Man-made horrors and consequences. [00:54:19] The healthiest resolution to the trans question. [00:57:58] Astral projection and dreams. [01:02:12] Astral projection experience. [01:04:06] Out of body experiences. [01:07:32] Vivid encounters in dreams. [01:13:45] Dreaming of public figures. [01:16:50] Dream interpretation and magic. [01:21:15] Exploring spiritual beliefs and afterlife. [01:24:04] Dreams and technology in sleep. [01:27:43] Dreams and screen time. [01:29:31] Effects of technology on creativity. [01:33:26] Life's joys and sorrows. [01:37:38] The Gender Crisis. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com. Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi. Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products. Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI. Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and...

Gabrielle helped her daughter escape the cult. Now, as a Desistance Coach, she helps other parents find ways to reach their ideologically captured children too. Meanwhile, my career has taken a similar direction, as I’ve devoted a significant portion of my energy toward helping parents of youth with Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD) as a communication skills consultant. Today, we discuss the challenges parents face in today's school system, where Critical Race Theory has a divisive impact on diverse families such as Gabrielle’s; so-called “Social Emotional Learning” is antithetical to its name; and victim/oppressor narratives incentivize children to go to war with their own sexed bodies. What can parents do when their rights to protect their children are under attack? Join us as we uncover the importance of trust in instincts and the power of nature in shaping a child's perspective. How can a change in environment and engaging in hands-on challenges help children build confidence and resilience? We discuss the regional differences in cultural norms, from the West Coast's liberal acceptance to New England's view of rebellion. And what about the rise of gender ideology in Christian homeschooling families in red states? Tune in to discover the impact of societal influences on our children's identities and the role of parents in guiding them through these turbulent times. Gabrielle Clark fights indoctrination in the K-12 educational setting. Both her school aged children were affected by indoctrination in different ways. One harmed by CRT. One harmed by SEL. She fought back starting with CRT indoctrination. Her son was discriminated against at school. They filed the first federal lawsuit against indoctrination in America. While she was raising awareness about CRT, her daughter was socially transitioned through the SEL program. She organized a plan to facilitate a safe environment for her daughter to desist. The Affirming Reality methodology helps people parent their children into desistance. Affirming Reality Connected (coming soon) Donate to Affirming Reality Books mentioned in this episode: Hold On To Your Kids by Gabor Maté and Gordon Neufeld All books mentioned on this podcast can be found at sometherapist.com/bookshop or by following the Amazon affiliate links. either way your purchases help support the show. Thank you! 00:00 Start [00:03:25] Fighting indoctrination in schools. [00:06:12] Identity and mixed-race families. [00:12:23] Social Transition Consequences [00:14:47] Children's mental health struggles. [00:19:47] Personality changes in youth. [00:25:07] Benefits of Wonderment in Nature. [00:28:06] Connecting with nature to heal. [00:33:50] Identity and privilege realization. [00:36:47] Building confidence through challenges. [00:41:17] Challenges of being the opposite sex. [00:42:46] Gender expectations and appearance. [00:47:38] Regional cultural differences. [00:52:31] Gender ideology in red states. [00:55:04] Boundaries in parenting. [01:00:18] Teaching priorities and character building. [01:03:43] Unplugging for nature detox. [01:09:30] Strategic Apologizing. [01:11:32] Watchful waiting parenting advice. [01:16:24] Pronouns as a gateway drug. [01:19:48] Solution-focused approach for families. [01:22:49] Self-care reminder. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com. Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi. Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products. Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI. Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission. Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming...

In my second returning guests group chat, I delve into the complex world of therapy with colleagues David Teachout and Christine Sefein. We explore the concept of therapeutic neutrality and its relevance in today's therapy landscape. Is therapy dead? How are therapists able to maintain neutrality in an age of biases and cultural influences? And what are the limits to neutrality? We discuss the ethical obligation of therapists to disclose their opinions and biases to clients. How does this disclosure impact the therapeutic relationship and the client's journey towards healing? We touch on the delicate balance between safety and challenge in therapy, highlighting the importance of creating a space where clients feel secure yet encouraged to grow. What happens when clients bring in past experiences that shape their perceptions of therapy? How do therapists navigate these preconceptions and build trust with their clients? The conversation takes an intriguing turn as we address the ethical implications of therapists having a public presence. How does being Googleable impact the therapeutic relationship? And what are the boundaries and responsibilities of therapists in the digital age? Join us as we unravel these thought-provoking questions and explore the evolving landscape of therapy in today's world. Tune in to discover the answers to these compelling inquiries and gain insights into the intricate world of therapy. Christine Sefein Wolk, LMFT, is a US-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in grief and trauma work. She has experience in various settings including residential facilities, outpatient treatment, and private practice. Christine has held positions such as Clinical Director and Clinical Supervisor. As Teaching Faculty at Antioch University, she discusses the ideological capture of therapy training in her book chapter in Cynical Therapies: Perspectives on the Anti-therapeutic Nature of Critical Social Justice. She is also a co-host on the Critical Therapy Antidote Podcast, exploring psychological trends with fascinating guests. Join CTA. David Teachout is a mental health therapist and photographer, exploring the link between creativity and mental flexibility. Previously a Christian fundamentalist, he now embraces a diverse understanding of humanity. With masters degrees in forensic psychology and counseling, he is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology. Visit his blog and podcast at www.lifeweavings.com and www.humanitysvalues.com. Books mentioned in this episode: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Cynical Therapies: Perspectives on the Anti-therapeutic Nature of Critical Social Justice [00:00:00] Is therapeutic neutrality dead? [00:05:27] Therapeutic Neutrality and Informed Consent. [00:10:27] The relevance of childhood in therapy. [00:14:42] Trauma and resilience in therapy. [00:19:24] Victim mindset vs resilience mentality. [00:22:50] Chronic illness and social perception. [00:25:35] The Just World fallacy and fear of mortality. [00:31:45] The elements of therapeutic relationship. [00:33:45] Therapeutic relationship boundaries. [00:37:27] Trauma-dumping in therapy and relationships. [00:40:57] Depth vs brief therapy and the medical model. [00:42:02] The impact of prior experiences on transference. [00:46:07] Gender-affirming care for minors. [00:49:09] Public presence and perceptions. [00:52:21] Assumptions about the therapist. [00:55:26] Therapy versus consultation. [01:03:33] Porn addiction and attraction. [01:04:47] Porn addiction debate. [01:09:04] Therapy and criticism. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com. Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at...

In this episode, I sit down with Nicholas Blooms, a detransitioner, artist, and creator of a unique graphic novel. Nicholas shares his profound journey of detransitioning, delving into the spiritual and emotional aspects of reclaiming his sense of self and finding a sustainable, embodied way of living. I explain my current model of how gender dysphoria changes over time along the spectrum between ego-syntonic and ego-dystonic — a key piece of psychological insight missing from the current culture wars over the treatment of gender-distressed youth — and we compare my hypothesis with Nicolas’ lived experience. Together, we explore the transformative powers of mentorship, mindfulness, and self-acceptance, touching on the deep wounds of childhood and the impact of societal pressures on identity. But what led Nicholas to create a detransition graphic novel, unlike anything seen before? How did a chance encounter with a mentor spark a journey of healing and self-discovery? And what role did gender ideology play in Nicholas's struggle with self-hatred and body dysmorphia? Tune in to uncover the answers and join us on a heartfelt exploration of resilience, growth, and the power of embracing one's true self. Nicolas Blooms is a Detransitioner, Gender Shaman, and ArtSoulogist. He is full of fruity passion to create ways for people to spark the deeper magical wisdom within their hearts. While training as a life coach to guide Detransitioners and gender confused individuals, he also co-creates a children’s book series, You Can’t Steal My Smile, with his friend Kim O, a Relational Soul Coach (from episode 80!), to empower children to root in their inner resilience. Witness his liberating journey to self-love and remembering his Soul by soaking in his graphic novel: Trans to Detrans: A Soul Solution. It’s totally possible to heal gender dysphoria and any other mental dis-ease! Find Nicolas Blooms: linktr.ee/nicolasblooms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolasblooms Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NicolasBlooms Books mentioned in this episode: Trans to Detrans: A Soul Solution by Nicolas BloomsI Want Prickles Too! Roe the Rabbit Lost His Happy HopAll books mentioned on this podcast can be found in my bookshop or by following the Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for purchases that support the show. 00:00 Start [00:01:41] Detransition graphic novel creation. [00:06:16] Mentorship and spirituality. [00:10:50] Mentorship and self-transformation. [00:13:36] Rejecting masculinity and identity. [00:19:30] Gender identity exploration. [00:22:39] War with self-image. [00:25:27] Gender transition and family support. [00:31:25] Emotional expression and self-identity. [00:35:26] Cultural challenges and self-identity. [00:39:26] Overcoming childhood bullying trauma. [00:44:20] Battle with body image. [00:46:48] The power of hope. [00:51:54] Gender euphoria and emotional instability. [00:54:48] Gender dysphoria and self-expression. [01:02:06] Inner conflict and self-discovery. [01:06:18] Gender ideology as a virus. [01:07:01] Healing within family systems. [01:12:48] Ego dystonic and ego syntonic. [01:14:33] Gender dysphoria progression. [01:19:21] Overcoming gender dysphoria. [01:23:14] Stories of victory and resolution. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com. Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi. Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products. Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI. Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission. Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary,...

Today I welcome back former guests Jennifer Lahl, Karen King, and Jake Wiskerchen for a collegial group chat. We catch up on their latest projects, including Jennifer’s new documentary on detrans men, The Lost Boys: Searching for Manhood, and Karen’s Ideological Oasis group for counseling graduates and interns. We dive into the topics of distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and parenting. We also touch on the latest news, including the recent New York Times article on detransitioners Stephanie was featured in and the growing backlash against the medicalization of gender dysphoria. Throughout the episode, we examine the underlying philosophical and societal issues that contribute to the current state of mental health care. Jennifer Lahl is an author, filmmaker, and founder of The Center for Bioethics and Culture Network. Her films include Trans Mission: What’s the Rush to Reassign Gender? (2021), The Detransition Diaries: Saving Our Sisters (2022), and The Lost Boys: Searching for Manhood (2024). Her new book, The Detransition Diaries (co-authored with Kallie Fell, from episode 60) also came out this year. She was originally featured in episode 52, Surrogacy: Liberation or Exploitation? with Jennifer Lahl. Karen King is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington who provides clinical supervision, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and education on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. She created The Ideological Oasis, a place where interns and graduate students can find support and clinical clarity through group and individual mentorship. Find her offerings at Ideologicaloasis.com and more about her psychedelic work at karencking.com. She was originally featured in episode 81, The State of Psychedelic Therapy in 2023: Karen King on Ketamine, MDMA, & Institutional Capture. Jake Wiskerchen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Nevada; founder and CEO of Zephyr Wellness; and host of the podcasts Noggin Notes and Guns and Mental Health. In partnership with Walk the Talk America, he offers low-cost CEU trainings to therapists on cultural competency in working with firearms owners. He was originally featured in episode 2, Jake Wiskerchen, LMFT: Demystifying Firearms and Other Taboo Topics in Mental Health. Books mentioned in this episode: Irreversible Damage by Abigail ShrierFeminism Against Progress by Mary HarringtonThe Detransition Diaries by Jennifer Lahl and Kallie FellAll books mentioned on this podcast can be found at sometherapist.com/bookshop or by following the Amazon affiliate links here. Either way, purchases support the show. Thank you! 00:00 Start [00:02:33] Surrogacy and exploitation. [00:05:01] Detransitioning and mental health. [00:08:56] Erosion of medical ethics. [00:12:06] Therapy ethics and ideologies. [00:16:30] Ethical base and biological reality. [00:19:37] Mental health professionals and detransitioners. [00:24:05] Medical scandals and public awareness. [00:27:43] Lack of preventative care. [00:30:08] Compassion and enabling the problem. [00:34:21] Unconscious sadism in our culture. [00:37:06] Shifting Philosophical Perspectives. [00:41:30] Ethical codes in counseling. [00:45:36] Seeking consent in ethical debates. [00:48:11] Medically transitioning children at 15. [00:54:26] Psychedelics and disindoctrination. [00:56:08] Exploring unconventional therapeutic practices. [01:02:03] Unlocking the potential within. [01:04:10] Threats to establishments and effectiveness. [01:08:09] Our essential nature. [01:11:37] The process of self-discovery. [01:15:36] The duties of adolescence. [01:20:54] Calling to task the medical profession. [01:24:40] Creating parallel economies. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at...

In part two of my conversation with Layton, she continues to share her journey of navigating the trauma of leaving a cult, bad therapy, the harmful effects of the trans medical industrial complex, and how she finally found wholeness. Missed part 1? Listen to episode 95 here. Layton opens up about her experience of undergoing synthetic testosterone as a female and the traumatic impact it had on her body and mind. We delve into the dangerous territory of misdiagnosis and the lack of consideration for her PTSD, dissociation, and other comorbidities by therapists and gender clinics. Layton shares her frustration at not being given the opportunity to explore healing from her trauma before being pushed towards medical gender transition. As the conversation unfolds, we explore the boundaries crossed by Layton's therapist and the power dynamics at play. How did her therapist so egregiously overlook her real needs? What countertransference issues on the part of the therapist might have contributed to this massive ethical breach? We touch on the sadistic element that may have influenced her therapist's actions and the flattery used to manipulate and groom Layton. We also discuss the importance of ethical boundaries in therapy and the potential harm caused by therapists who fail to manage their countertransference. Layton shares her journey of self-discovery and the pivotal moment when she started to question her decision to transition. Through somatic therapy, nervous system regulation, and healing her PTSD, she began to reconnect with her body and realized that she didn't have gender dysphoria. We explore the process of reconciling with her womanhood and the challenges she faced in finding her true identity. Layton is an Anthroposophical artist, Somatic practitioner, YouTuber, and detransitioner. Having left a religious cult, and then the social cult that is Gender Ideology, she is passionate about educating others about mental health, healing and spirituality in a way that heavily emphasizes self-trust and personal autonomy. While she doesn't consider herself to be an activist, she is vocal in regards to the medicalisation of children and vulnerable adults under the guise of "Gender Affirming Care.” Visit her website at PsychicSomatic.com X: @origina1ange1 Psychic Somatic YouTube Channel 00:00 Start [00:00:00] Trauma of synthetic testosterone. [00:07:36] The dangers of misinformed therapy. [00:10:16] Comorbidities and transitioning. [00:12:28] Medical prioritization and mental health. [00:16:41] Dissociation and identity building. [00:22:16] Sadistic elements in therapy. [00:25:12] Therapist-client boundaries and detransitioners. [00:29:36] Projection and vulnerability in therapy. [00:36:28] Lack of boundaries. [00:39:37] Faux sense of connection. [00:43:41] Detransitioning and self-discovery. [00:48:09] Identity and self-discovery. [00:52:13] Dissociation and Fragmentation. [00:56:36] Nervous system self-care. [01:02:31] Self-discovery and inner healing. [01:06:06] Histamine intolerance and allergies. [01:10:03] Anaphylactic symptoms and restrictions. [01:14:07] Hormonal effects of testosterone. [01:18:43] Unconditional love and boundaries. [01:22:06] Generational longing for unconditional love. [01:25:33] Esoteric Christianity and Anthroposophy. [01:30:10] Trauma and medical mistreatment. [01:35:11] Admitting mistakes and ego death. [01:40:11] Craving stability in your 30s. [01:44:09] Join my community. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com. Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi. Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products. Show notes & transcript provided with the help...

Today I’m excited to bring you part 1 of a fascinating conversation with Layton, a detransitioner who shares her journey of leaving a religious cult and the subsequent challenges she faced. We delve into her experiences with actual gay conversion therapy, where she was told that her homosexuality was a form of cannibalism and a result of trauma. Layton opens up about the psychological manipulation and shame she endured during this time, and how it laid the groundwork for dissociation and vulnerability to further exploitation. We also explore the aftermath of leaving the cult and the difficulties Layton faced as she tried to navigate the outside world. She shares her struggles with trust, identity, and finding a sense of safety. We discuss the impact of her traumatic experiences on her mental health and how an earnest search for psychological help led her to end up pushed down the trans rabbit hole by an unscrupulous therapist who Layton has now filed a lawsuit against. This is part 1 of a two-part conversation; be on the lookout for part 2 next week! Layton is an Anthroposophical artist, Somatic practitioner, YouTuber, and detransitioner. Having left a religious cult, and then the social cult that is Gender Ideology, she is passionate about educating others about mental health, healing and spirituality in a way that heavily emphasizes self-trust and personal autonomy. While she doesn't consider herself to be an activist, she is vocal in regards to the medicalisation of children and vulnerable adults under the guise of "Gender Affirming Care.” Visit her website at PsychicSomatic.com X: @origina1ange1 Psychic Somatic YouTube Channel 00:00 Start [00:02:21] Gender-affirming care and malpractice. [00:06:08] Conversion therapy experiences. [00:10:46] Gay conversion therapy experience. [00:13:40] Trauma and Homosexuality. [00:19:08] Harmful treatment of lesbian identity. [00:22:42] Bizarre restrictions on personal relationships. [00:27:07-00:27:17] Learning about heterosexual relationships. [00:30:31] Affiliated cults and experiences. [00:36:45] Religious abuse and hypnosis. [00:39:18] Traumatic experiences in cult. [00:43:31] Forming a secret connection. [00:48:52] Leaving a high control environment. [00:52:02] Leaving one abusive relationship. [00:57:51] Feeling like a trans woman. [00:59:20] Dissociation and therapist's diagnosis. [01:06:09] Therapist's grandiosity and ego. [01:08:42] Dissociation and gender identity. [01:11:57] Podcast promotion and engagement. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com. Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi. Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products. Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI. Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission. Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration. Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, I dive into the fascinating world of OCD and addiction with psychologist and podcast host, Dr. Johann D'Souza. We explore the concept of OCD as a form of behavioral addiction. Dr. D'Souza shares his expertise on the different types of obsessions and compulsions, shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of OCD beyond the common stereotypes, as well as exploring the role of genetics and trauma in the development of OCD. Dr. D'Souza shares his strategies for helping high-achievers with anxiety and OCD individuals harness their focus and productivity, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and intentional challenge. We also explore the impact of our modern, comfortable lifestyles on our distress tolerance and the need for intentional stressors to foster growth and fulfillment. We touch on the concept of ego-syntonic versus ego-dystonic and how it relates to OCD and other diagnoses. We discuss the role of praise and mindset in shaping a person's ability to embrace challenges and grow. And we touch on the topic of distraction, exploring the neuropsychology behind it and how we can train our attention to overcome it. Dr. Johann D’Souza is the founder of Values First Therapy, where he offers modern psychology with traditional values. He specializes in helping high achievers overcome anxiety or OCD by using science-based strategies. He earned a PhD and MA in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston on a Presidential Fellowship after receiving a prior MA from Boston University in Psychology and BA from University of Dallas in Theology. His research publications focus on the psychological benefits of hope and optimism. Dr. D’Souza is a research affiliate at Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program, a coach for OptimalWork, and the host of the Dr. Johann D’Souza Podcast. Books mentioned in this episode: "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt The Joy of Movement: How exercise helps us find happiness, hope, connection, and courage, by Kelly McGonigal The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It, by Kelly McGonigal Books mentioned on this podcast can be found at sometherapist.com/bookshop or via the Amazon affiliate links provided. Either way, purchases support the show. Thank you! Podcasts mentioned: The Dr. Johann D'Souza podcast, ep # 10 - Stephanie Winn, Protecting Children from Trans Activists The Optimal Work Podcast The Dr. Johann D’Souza Podcast To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com. Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi. Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products. Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI. Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission. Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration. Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Sara Stockton is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, lecturer, researcher, and clinical supervisor of a psychotherapy practice in New York who has done a complete 180 on the subject of youth gender transition. Ms. Stockton spent the first part of her career advocating for “gender affirming care” in the treatment of trans-identified youth. Starting in 2008, her work with this population included traveling to teach and train medical facilities, physicians, and schools on “gender affirmation.” In 2013, she co-authored one of the first mental health assessments in the US utilized to assess youth “readiness” for gender transition. She treated over 100 families, and wrote many of the first letters that were used to approve gender transition surgeries on minors, before a change of perspective shifted the focus of her work. More recently, she was featured in the documentary “What is a Woman,” where she decided to speak out about her moments of doubt and realizations, and her decision to raise awareness about the pitfalls of this approach. She has also been interviewed by Jordan Peterson and on Gender: A Wider Lens. In this episode, Sara shares her journey from being a young graduate student specializing in gender issues to her eventual shift in focus towards sex therapy. We discuss the lack of historical context and critical examination of the treatment protocols for transgender-identified youth; the pressure to conform to a specific narrative without questioning the long-term consequences; and ways in which young therapists’ naïveté, openness, and eagerness to prove themselves can all be utilized to further an agenda that might more easily be recognized as sinister by more grounded individuals. Sara opens up about the ethical dilemmas she encountered, including the issue of informed consent and the pressure to prescribe irreversible medical interventions to young people. We explore the concept of autogynephilia and its implications for understanding the motivations behind gender identity. We touch on the hyper-sexualization of youth in the context of gender issues; the links between sexual deviance and the “trans” movement; and the challenges of navigating discussions around sexuality and intimacy with young clients. Sara shares a pivotal moment in her career when she encountered a detransitioner and realized the lack of support and resources available for those who regret their medical transition. We discuss the vulnerability of individuals during times of personal struggle and the potential for manipulation and exploitation. This episode raises important questions about the need for a more nuanced and critical approach to gender issues. Join us as we delve into these complex topics and challenge the prevailing narratives surrounding trans-identified youth. Find Sara on X @MrsSaraStockton or at www.stocktonscoaching.com Resources mentioned: -Eleven Lawsuits by Detransitioners in the US (article on Lisa Selin Davis' blog, Broadview) -Episode 82. Jamie Reed Confronts Gender Malpractice: on Courage, Whistleblowing, and Detrans Medical Records 00:00 Start 02:08 Early 20s and gender issues. 05:58 The shift in public perception. 10:39 The Dutch protocol. 13:26 Valuing discomfort over natural processes. 17:11 Squashing our instincts and intuition. 20:41 Treating gender dysphoria. 29:06 Sensory exploration and identity. 29:39 Gender-related ideation. 37:02 Informed consent and decision-making. 41:20 Talking to young transgender patients. 44:23 Oversexualization in LGBTQ+ youth. 50:39 Detransitioning experiences. 56:30 Cults and manipulation. 59:28 Safeguarding and client potential. 01:06:03 Challenging parental perspectives. 01:06:48 Gender dysphoria and mental hospitals. 01:11:00 Pornography addiction and shifting focus. 01:16:26 Butchery of children. 01:19:41 Backlash and public criticism. 01:24:18-01:24:28 Blacklisting and Speaking Out. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple,...

In this episode, I delve into the raw and revealing journey of Austin Unbridled, a 41-year-old who has navigated the turbulent waters of gender identity and spirituality. Austin's candid recount of transitioning from male to female, and then detransitioning twice, sheds light on the complexities of trans ideology and the often unspoken struggles that accompany it. We explore the allure of transformation, the promises of gender-affirming care, and the harsh realities that followed. Austin's story is one of vulnerability, from the influence of older trans individuals and the seductive narratives of the trans community, to the entanglement with sex work and the pursuit of surgeries in hopes of finding peace. His return to a Christian faith offers a contrasting perspective to his past experiences. What drove Austin to believe that changing his gender would solve his inner turmoil? How did his spiritual upbringing clash with his gender exploration? And what led to his profound realization that the path he was on wasn't leading to the fulfillment he sought? Join us as we unpack these questions and more, offering a glimpse into the life of someone who's lived on the front lines of a deeply personal and societal debate. Tune in to hear Austin's transformative tale and the lessons he's learned about identity, faith, and the human desire for authenticity. Austin, 41, is a former male-to-female identified individual and a two-time detransitioner who has grappled with spiritual and gender identity throughout his life. Nestled in an off-grid DIY compound in Arizona's desert, Austin passionately seeks truth, enjoys journaling, and finds solace in nature and with good friends and a loyal canine companion. Documenting his detransition journey and return to faith on TikTok, Austin intertwines personal growth, reflecting on his experience between transitions with a dedication to sharing the Love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Eager to enroll in ministry school next year, and driven by a deep belief that no child is “born in the wrong body,” Austin's prodigal journey home encompasses faith, self-discovery, and at times a cautionary tale. Follow Austin on TikTok @austin.unbridled and on YouTube @austinunbridled Contribute to his GoFundMe to remove his breast implants Books mentioned in this episode: "Invisible Monsters" by Chuck Palahniuk Previous episodes mentioned: 84. Leonard Sax, MD: How Sex Differences Impact Brains, Behaviors, and Child Development [00:00:00] Trans ideology and its impact. [00:01:31] TikTok and transgender identity. [00:05:51] Gender identity and religion. [00:10:36] Faith and reasoning. [00:19:00] Romanticizing LGBTQ+ experiences. [00:19:02] A departure from Christian roots. [00:23:22] Transgender identity and stereotypes. [00:28:17] Foreshadowing psychiatric care approach. [00:32:11] Adjusting to the hormones. [00:33:27] Hormones and emotional sensitivity. [00:39:13] Getting off all the meds. [00:41:21] Nihilism and body modifications. [00:44:54] Preying on vulnerability. [00:49:26] Sex work and financial struggles. [00:52:10] Transitioning and its consequences. [00:56:01] Complications in bottom surgery. [01:00:57] Dating challenges post-surgery. [01:07:51] Suicides and body modification. [01:10:05] Finding closure and questioning trans ideology. [01:13:38] Identity and ideological differences. [01:19:53] Guilt tripping tactics. [01:19:55] Detransition and its consequences. [01:27:17] Going back on testosterone. [01:28:29] Hormonal effects on transitioning. [01:34:13] Faith and self-discovery. [01:38:34] Quiet detransitioning and lost connections. [01:41:09] Regrets about transitioning. [01:47:48] Breast implant removal fundraising. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your...

We’re kicking off the new year by welcoming back the guest featured on my most popular episode for a long overdue part two! Following up on our prior conversation about the impact of conversion therapy legislation, Helen Joyce, a former journalist and advocate for Sex Matters, sheds light on misconceptions surrounding gender, biology, belief, and human rights. Helen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sex in various aspects of society, from public facilities to anti-discrimination laws. Do laws attempting to protect certain groups from discrimination do so at the expense of others? How are freedom of speech and belief impacted? And what are the potential consequences of broad legislation aimed at banning conversion therapy? Delving into the UK's Tavistock GIDS clinic, we uncover the shocking practices and lack of evidence-based care for young individuals seeking gender identity services. While an interim report called for its closure, the story doesn't end there. Discover the current state of gender identity services in the UK and the challenges faced in providing safe and ethical care. We explore the evolving landscape of gender identity and the emergence of new categories within the transgender community. What underlying factors drive individuals to wish to dissociate themselves from their sexual biology? And how does the cultural shift towards embracing so-called gender diversity impact vulnerable individuals and those who position themselves as rescuers? Helen Joyce is author of “TRANS: When Ideology Meets Reality”, published in July 2021 by OneWorld and in paperback since May 2022. A Times of London and Spectator book of the year, it is a UK and Amazon top ten bestseller. It received rave reviews in publications ranging from the Telegraph to the New York Times, and endorsements from, among others, Daniel Dennett (“A sane, humane book”), Lionel Shriver (“Utterly unintimidated by extremist orthodoxy”) and Richard Dawkins (“Thoroughly researched, passionate and very brave”). Helen now works as Director of Advocacy for Sex Matters, a human-rights organization that campaigns for sex-based rights. Her journalism can be found on her website, HelenJoyce.com. Find Sex Matters at Sex-Matters.org. Books mentioned in this episode: “Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality” by Helen Joyce can be found via this Amazon affiliate link or in my bookshop. Either way your purchase helps support the show. Thank you! Previous episode mentioned: Episode 11. Helen Joyce: Debunking the Myth of Conversion Therapy Helen Joyce, Stephanie Winn 00:00 Start [00:00:03] Bikini medicine and sex differences. [00:03:32] Global push to ban conversion therapy. [00:07:17] Conversion therapy and political motivations. [00:10:57] Laws against conversion therapy. [00:13:55] Misuse of UK law. [00:19:29] Gender-critical beliefs are protected by law. [00:21:05] Experimental medical practices on young vulnerable people. [00:24:01] Lack of support for gender issues. [00:30:23] Modern-day conversion therapy. [00:31:11] Gender identity in Gen Z. [00:34:49] Teenage girls and gender identity. [00:38:33] Online grooming and transitioning. [00:43:26] The blue fringe brigade. [00:45:37] LGBTQ+ representation in education. [00:49:16] Mermaids' board member controversy. [00:52:36] Controversial charity challenges UK court. [00:56:09] Ideological capture of the counseling profession. [01:00:10] Diagnostic overshadowing and gender. [01:03:08] Bullying and wrong solutions. [01:06:27] Autogynephilic men in the movement. [01:10:33] Sex differences in human bodies. [01:13:28] Default bias in medical research. [01:17:43] Why sex matters. [01:21:14] Freedom of speech and feminism. [01:24:09] Autogynephilia and its implications. [01:30:00] Ego-syntonic versus ego-dystonic. [01:31:37] Autogynephilia and gender dysphoria. [01:35:06] Cross-dressing and women's sports. [01:39:13] Gender-affirming therapy and legal considerations. [01:42:01]...

In this episode, I take a moment to reflect on the past year and a half of podcasting and share some valuable insights and lessons I've learned along the way. With my fiancé by my side for moral support, I dive into the challenges and successes of being a public figure and the unexpected journey that podcasting has taken me on. I discuss the moderate success of my podcast and its typical listenership. I open up about the transition from being a therapist known to a small circle of people to becoming a public figure and the impact it has had on my life. I share the joys of connecting with guests and forming genuine friendships through the podcast, highlighting some of the incredible individuals I've had the privilege of interviewing. As I reflect on the past year, I also delve into the lessons I've learned from being chronically ill and the adjustments I've had to make in my personal and professional life. I discuss the importance of setting boundaries, the challenges of managing expectations, and the pet peeves that come with being a public figure. I offer advice for those who are interested in getting into podcasting on how to balance consideration for your own needs with those of your host and audience. I also share about my process of adjusting to chronic illness and opening a consulting practice. Looking ahead to the future, I share my goals and hopes for the podcast, including bringing back previous guests for follow-up episodes and exploring new formats and collaborations. I express my desire to deepen connections with colleagues and organizations, such as Do No Harm, Critical Therapy Antidote, and Open Therapy Institute. I also express my intention to expand the podcast beyond gender issues and explore a wider range of psychology topics. Books mentioned in this episode: bookshopthis Amazon affiliate linkNew website: stephaniewinn.com Join Critical Therapy Antidote: sometherapist.com/CTA 00:00 Start [00:00:03] Introduction [00:01:30] Reflecting on the success of the podcast and the reach of the audience [00:05:12] Lessons learned from podcasting and the direction for the future [00:09:45] The origin and evolution of the podcast idea [00:14:20] The process of becoming a public figure and the challenges it brings [00:18:45] The importance of having someone who believes in you [00:22:10] The inspiration behind starting a podcast and the name "You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist" [00:26:30] The concept of therapy adjacency and the podcast's focus on psychology-oriented topics [00:30:15] Anticipated and unanticipated challenges of podcasting [00:34:40] The perks of getting to know people through the podcast and forming connections [00:39:55] Examples of guests who have made a lasting impact [00:45:20] What makes a good guest and considerations for being a considerate guest [00:50:10] Pet peeves and disappointments in guest interactions [00:55:30] Lessons learned from 2023, including adjusting to chronic illness [01:01:15] The growth and development experienced in the past year [01:05:40] Goals and hopes for the future, including deeper connections with colleagues [01:10:25] Plans for bringing back previous guests and exploring new formats [01:15:00] Expanding partnerships with organizations like Do No Harm and Critical Therapy Antidote [01:19:45] The desire to not be solely focused on gender issues and explore other psychology topics [01:24:10] Conclusion and final thoughts on the podcast journey To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com. Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi. Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products. Show notes & transcript provided with the help of...

Merry Christmas! No interview today. No monologue either. Just a simple, short and sweet song I wanted to give as a gift to anyone whose heart is hurting this holiday. Why I'm sharing this song with you: Since Christmas has fallen on a Monday this year, and I always release new episodes on Monday, I faced a dilemma. I thought it would be a disservice to any guest to ask them to do an episode that would air on a day that the average listener can be expected to have other priorities, and I didn't want to interrupt anyone's holiday with a silly request to listen to an interview instead of celebrating traditions with their loved ones. At the same time, I didn't want to lose the consistency of releasing one episode per week, which I've been doing since the podcast launched in May of 2022. A few weeks before Christmas, this beloved song came to me and said, "hey! Share me with your listeners for Christmas! I'm the perfect gift for your audience!" And I thought, that's perfect. So I reached out to the artist, got in touch with his licensing company, and shelled out the dollars for the rights to share this song with you as my way of saying thank you for supporting the show. As you may have noticed, one of the things I like to do on this podcast is to highlight people of exceptional character and virtue. Ryan O'Neal, who goes by the artist name Sleeping at Last, is one such individual, and I simply adore him. His thoughtfully composed, exquisite music has gotten me through hard times, inspired and soothed me. Beyond mere auditory pleasure, though, his virtuous character shines through everything he touches. For example, this series he did on the Enneagram shows the tremendous amount of effort he puts in to empathizing with the human experience, taking perspectives and telling stories through sound. As an Enneagram One myself - as I discussed with Kim O in episode 80 - it's crucial to my own mental health that I surround myself with examples of virtuous character, good deeds, exquisitely crafted art, and things just generally being done really well. It helps me feel less alone in the universe, less uniquely burdened with the impossible task of bringing out the best in everyone and everything. Ryan is one of those people who seems to be well along his path of self-actualization, who strives to manifest his character and virtue through everything he touches. It seems clear that he is a well-rounded person, a loving husband, father, and friend to many. His music is heartfelt, therapeutic, soulful, and deeply empathic. May this song touch your heart as it touches mine, and bring comfort to the darkness of the winter season. Lyrics to Snow, by Sleeping at Last the branches have traded their leaves for white sleeves all warm-blooded creatures make ghosts as they breathe scarves are wrapped tightly like gifts under trees christmas lights tangle in knots annually our families huddle closely betting warmth against the cold but our bruises seem to surface like mud beneath the snow so we sing carols softly, as sweet as we know a prayer that our burdens will lift as we go like young love still waiting under mistletoe we’ll welcome december with tireless hope let our bells keep on ringing making angels in the snow may the melody disarm us when the cracks begin to show like the petals in our pockets may we remember who we are unconditionally cared for by those who share our broken hearts the table is set and our glasses are full though pieces go missing, may we still feel whole we’ll build new traditions in place of the old ‘cause life without revision will silence our souls so let the bells keep on ringing making angels in the snow may the melody surround us when the cracks begin to show like the petals in our pockets may we remember who we are unconditionally cared for by those who share our broken hearts as gentle as feathers, the snow piles high our world gets rewritten and retraced every time like fresh...

“Intersex” is often considered part of the “LGBTQIA+” community. But how do people with this condition feel about their inclusion that category? The more accurate and respectful term, “disorders of sexual development,” encompasses more than 40 different medical diagnoses. Today’s guest, James Linehan, has one such DSD. Undiagnosed until age 16, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism prevented James from experiencing normal puberty. James had to undergo extensive treatment, and will forever remain a lifelong medical patient, causing a cascade of impacts on his mind, body, and relationships. James’ lived experiences give him a unique perspective on today’s fraught gender wars. After decades of living with his condition, James learned that his unique form of suffering is now being needlessly inflicted on vulnerable, otherwise physically healthy youth. Puberty blockers (GnRH agonists, such as Lupron), which are now commonly prescribed off-label to gender-questioning youth, induce conditions like James’, raising major ethical concerns. Today we break down myths vs facts of DSDs and address what happens when identity politics and culture wars seek to appropriate real medical conditions faced by truly disadvantaged minorities. James expresses his frustration with the politicization of these conditions and the misrepresentation of the experiences of individuals with disorders of sexual development. We discuss the impact of his condition on fertility, relationships, and mental health. Throughout the episode, James challenges misconceptions and encourages listeners to approach these topics with empathy and a willingness to learn. James's story sheds light on the complexities of living with a disorder of sexual development and the resilience required to navigate the medical and emotional challenges associated with it. James Linehan is an IT and AI consulting professional with a background as an instructional resource specialist and an adjunct lecturer in sociology. He has a disorder of sexual development called hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which he has been managing, medically, and learning about for over 40 years. James is passionate about raising awareness and understanding of diverse disorders of sexual development beyond the limited representation commonly discussed. He emphasizes the exploitation of individuals with DSDs and advocates for informed consent and ethical medical practices. He criticizes the politicization of intersex conditions and the distortion of narratives by trans activism. He wishes to share this long-term study about his condition, emphasizing that it is important to understand that Lupron causes iatrogenic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4380912/ Episode mentioned: 30. Surviving Gender Malpractice: Brian’s Detransition Story Article on Lisa Selin Davis' blog: My Body is a Puberty Blocker 00:00 Start 00:04 Medicalization and human rights 04:28 Being politicized as a medical condition 09:03 Learning disabilities and neurologic problems 15:06 The good old days 19:09 Medically induced puberty 24:06 Infertility and treatment drawbacks 26:09 Painful and messy pellet injections 30:41 Puberty blockers and inadequate penile tissue 38:05 Emotions during puberty 41:15 Missed adolescent development 43:39 Infertility and relationships 49:57 Misinformation about transgender and hormones 52:39 Developmental disorders in gender dysphoria 56:43 Hormones and child development 01:02:07 Replicating Mother Nature's cocktail 01:07:23 XX males and biological sex 01:10:27 Trauma of medicalization and fertility 01:15:17 Ambitious doctors and unethical practices 01:21:10 Endocrinologists and growth hormones 01:24:38 Attempt to convert gay males To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No...

Today’s guest is very meaningful to me and probably requires no introduction. Dr. Heather Heying is the reason I know about detransitioners and am doing half the things I’m doing. An evolutionary biologist and animal behaviorist, world traveler, podcast co-host, writer, mentor to many, mother of two, agreeable contrarian, and all-around interesting person, Dr. Heying can easily be considered one of the greatest thinkers of our time. It was tough to narrow down what to focus on in a conversation with someone so influential, so I selected a few of the recurring themes that form the foundational principles for much of her work. We discuss the concepts of culture and consciousness, and how they shape our understandings of progress and tradition, liberalism and conservatism. We delve into the metaphorical idea of Chesterton's fence, which represents the importance of understanding the purpose and value of something before discarding it. And we examine several “Chesterton’s fences” in modern life that have been impacted by what Heather often calls “hyper-novelty.” What do we lose when we stop sitting around a campfire together, telling stories and making music? Heather Heying is an evolutionary biologist who earned her PhD in Biology from the University of Michigan, has been a visiting Fellow at Princeton University, and was a tenured professor at The Evergreen State College. She has been invited to speak about science, higher ed, the evolution of sex and consciousness, and the culture wars, in venues as varied as the U.S. Department of Justice, the Krishnamurti Institute, Joe Rogan, and Oxford University. Her first book, Antipode, is based on her life in Madagascar while studying the sex lives of poison frogs. Her second book, co-authored with husband Bret Weinstein, is A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century: Evolution and the Challenges of Modern Life. A New York Times best-seller, the book provides an evolutionary toolkit for living a good and honorable life as a modern ape. She also writes Natural Selections on Substack, the Field Notes column for County Highway, and co-hosts with Bret a popular weekly livestream on the DarkHorse podcast. Natural Selections blog DarkHorse Podcast X @HeatherEHeying Heather's books are available in my bookshop or via the embedded Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for purchases that support the show! Bands mentioned: Blanco White Dead Can Dance 00:00 Start 02:10 Detransitioners 04:46 Detransitioners and cognitive dissonance 07:39 Losing friends, gaining friends 11:10 Consciousness and culture 17:38 Seeking a mix 19:05 New ideas and adaptation 24:39 Chesterton's fence 28:13 Chesterton's breast milk 32:21 The role of fire in our humanity 36:40 Music around the campfire 40:34 Participating in a foreign culture 44:58 Cultural appreciation vs. cultural appropriation 49:05 Online culture and low context communication 52:19 Writing a book 57:39 What is actually real 01:00:23 Human interactions behind barriers 01:04:29 Mentorship and its changing dynamics 01:07:43 Mentorship in the trades 01:11:40 Changing the culture and connection 01:16:24 Cats as pets and toxoplasmosis 01:22:05 The crazy cat lady trope 01:24:38 Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and gender dysphoria 01:30:05 Endocrine disruption in water supply 01:32:21 Fixing exposures and finding answers 01:37:02 Transhumanism and its subsets 01:41:33 Wrap up To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com. Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi. Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products. Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI. Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our...

Today I’m joined by Bernard Lane, an independent Australian journalist who covers the international debate over youth gender medicine. We discussed the state of gender clinics and laws in Australia, as well as the challenges faced by journalists in reporting on this topic. We also discussed the influence of environment on youth vulnerability to gender ideology, the situation in California, and the current status of the Tavistock clinic in the UK. One of the key issues we explored was the impact of conversion therapy laws in Australia and their potential consequences. Bernard highlighted the extreme nature of these laws, which can result in a 10-year prison sentence for therapists and even parents who refuse to go along with medicalization. We questioned the logic behind these laws and the conflation of gender identity with sexual orientation, as well as the lack of media coverage on the negative implications of these laws. Overall, this episode delves into the challenges faced by journalists in reporting on gender issues, the state of gender clinics and laws in Australia, and the potential consequences of conversion therapy laws. It raises important questions about the balance between affirming gender identity and the potential harm caused by medicalization, as well as the role of media in shaping public understanding of these issues. Bernard Lane writes Gender Clinic News, covering the international debate over youth gender medicine. He has been a journalist for more than three decades, mostly with Australia’s national daily newspaper The Australian, where he has won awards for legal, higher education and foreign affairs reporting. Newsletter: https://www.genderclinicnews.com/ X: @Bernard_Lane Books mentioned in this episode can be found via the Amazon affiliate links below or in my bookshop. Either way, your purchase supports the show. Time to Think by Hannah Barnes Gender Dysphoria: A Therapeutic Model for Working with Children, Adolescents and Young Adults, by Marcus and Susan Evans Previous episodes mentioned: Helen Joyce Marcus Evans Bob Withers Carole Sherwood James Esses Jamie ReedOliver DaviesDina McMillanOther resources mentioned in this episode: Critical Therapy AntidoteThoughtful Therapists 00:00:00 Conversion therapy and gender nonconforming kids. 00:02:08 Gender clinics in Australia face scrutiny. 00:04:28 Language policing in journalism. 00:06:34 Australia's pacing of gender medicine. 00:12:07 Influence of environment on kids. 00:13:52 Screen-based youth culture influences. 00:14:51 Preventing children from going down the trans wormhole. 00:19:26 Child protection and gender-affirming care. 00:20:19 Medical practitioners pushing ideology. 00:26:23 Vulnerability of youth in care. 00:27:18 Concerns about gender treatment. 00:29:24 Therapist culture and gender distress. 00:34:39 Psychotherapy field captured by social justice ideology. 00:39:46 Therapy laws in Australia. 00:41:31 Extreme conversion therapy laws in Victoria. 00:43:02 Speech and 10-year prison sentence. 00:49:10 Parental authority and conversion practices laws. 00:49:58 Conversion therapy laws impact medical decisions. 00:52:31 The harm of gender non-conforming kids. 00:57:21 Journalism on gender issues lacks balanced reporting. 01:00:03 Guidelines impact journalistic reporting. 01:02:13 Partially upheld complaint. 01:08:59 Confused and inaccurate language. 01:11:30 Greater caution in pediatric transition. 01:16:42 Mixed signals on cautious treatment. 01:21:12 Length of stay in hospitals. 01:27:26 Transhumanism. 01:28:58 Encouraging news in gender medicine. 01:31:32 Transitioning and turning to religion. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend! Learn more about Do No Harm. Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at...