Gender: A Wider Lens Identity Exploration from a Psychological Depth Perspective

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In the past decade, it seems a cultural shift toward individualism has created a reluctance among friend groups to share personal struggles, often reserving them for therapy instead. It is important to acknowledge that there exists a delicate paradox in promoting the value of friendships as a source of support while also recognizing that not all issues can be effectively managed solely through peer relationships and do in fact require professional intervention. However, the current climate tends to magnify every subtle emotional fluctuation, hindering resilience and stability in young people. And lo and behold, there is a growing body of reports suggesting that the hyper-focus on mental health may inadvertently contribute to distress and loneliness rather than alleviating it.
All of us parents, we're kind of going, ‘I think I should say, get a grip and go back and do your homework’. But the world is telling me I should work with this. And we end up indulging it. And so these kids are constantly fed that this is appropriate. And the kid ends up in a very self-indulgent place around it. And they're not the better for it. They're more brittle. They're they're less strong. They're less resilient. And they could have done with some humor and some ‘you'll be okay, you can figure this out’.
It's important to recognize that even difficult emotions serve a purpose and should be respected. Understanding the normal fluctuations in emotional states and appreciating the potential functions of a wide range of emotional experiences is key. True wellness isn't solely about the absence of distress but involves achieving a balanced approach to coping and self-regulation amidst the highs, the lows and everywhere in between. This entails taking responsibility for one's own well-being and exploring various management strategies beyond therapy alone.
In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Sasha and Stella critique the culture of over-reliance on therapy and offer alternative approaches for parents, such as encouraging self-reliance and exploring various resources beyond traditional therapy. They highlight the need for parents to take a lighter touch and consider broader solutions for their children's well-being.
Let's take off the gender glasses altogether. And let's think much broader about the needs of this young person.
Watch the full length episode exploring the over-treatment of young people here:
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This episode covers a lot of ground, emphasizing the complexities of therapy, the necessity for critical examination of conventional wisdom, and the importance of nurturing authentic relationships both inside the family and social circles (but more specifically, outside of the clinical setting).
For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at  https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-162 

Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/ 
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For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit:
Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching  
Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching

To learn more about our sponsors, visit:
Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/ (formerly GETA)
Genspect at https://genspect.org/


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.com

In many regions, institutional mandates and professional standards that prioritize affirming a child's gender identity without considering alternative approaches or potential risks, are requiring therapists to adhere to gender-affirming care protocols, regardless of any personal reservations and/or evidence based recommendations for anything other than …

If you work in pediatric gender medicine and have concerns about the safety of practice, you are not alone. Contact the LGBT Courage Coalition for guidance and support (including finding legal counsel and connecting you with media contacts).
Stella and Sasha welcome whistleblower, Tamara Pietzke for an important conversation highlighting the valuable role that clinicians who are able to speak openly play in revealing insights from ‘behind the gender affirming care curtain’.
Tamara’s story highlights the challenges and ethical dilemmas involved in providing gender-affirming care to children and the difficulties whistleblowers are facing in speaking out against harmful practices and the lack of informed consent.
Support Tamara Pietzke
For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-161 

Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/ 
Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at https://www.widerlenspod.com/ 
Support the Show at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show 
Join the conversation on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@widerlenspod

For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit:
Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching  
Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching

To learn more about our sponsors, visit:
Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/ (formerly GETA)
Genspect at https://genspect.org/


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.com

Teenagers, particularly those on the autism spectrum, encounter unique challenges in navigating social expectations, understanding their own identity, and processing information. These challenges can be compounded by the influence of social media and mainstream narratives, which often perpetuate misconceptions.
Yet, the capacity of teenagers for critical analysis and insightful reflections is frequently underestimated. It is crucial to promote open dialogue and the exploration of diverse viewpoints to empower teenagers to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their surroundings.
In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Christina Buttons emphasizes the complexities teenagers encounter, especially those who are grappling with their identity amid societal pressures. She highlights several tools and approaches that she believes young people could benefit from in fostering intellectual curiosity.
The Coddling of the American Mind is currently available for viewing exclusively on Substack.
Watch our full length episode with Christina Buttons:
To listen to our premium content in your favorite podcast app click here for Substack instructions on setting up a private feed.

This episode opens with an extended introduction exploring the recent release of The Cass Review - Final Report, as this is a massive development in the world of gender medicalization. The guest feature begins at the 00:10:30 timestamp, so please feel free to skip ahead if you’d like.
Sasha and Stella welcome guest, Christina Buttons, for a special conversation covering everything from her personal experiences with autism, her troubled adolescence, and her work as an investigative journalist, to her awakening to gender issues and her extensive research efforts. 
The episode gets into the concept of stress perception and resilience, the intersection of autism and gender dysphoria, and the lack of informed consent in medical interventions for trans identified individuals.
For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-160 

Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/ 
Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at https://www.widerlenspod.com/ 
Support the Show at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show 
Join the conversation on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@widerlenspod

For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit:
Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching  
Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching

To learn more about our sponsors, visit:
Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/ (formerly GETA)
Genspect at https://genspect.org/


This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe