93. "I Was a Drug Pusher": Sara Stockton Exposes Therapists’ Roles in the Gender Industry

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 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.

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 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.

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 Blooms
•  Saguaro Soul children's book series - Nicolas Blooms and Kim O
  • I Want Prickles Too! 
  • Roe the Rabbit Lost His Happy Hop

All 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, 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.

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 Shrier
• Feminism Against Progress by Mary Harrington
• The Detransition Diaries by Jennifer Lahl and Kallie Fell

All 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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 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.

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] Co-opted institutions passing the buck.

[01:45:40] Gender crisis and parenting.

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.