You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

Stephanie Winn
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist intimately explores the human experience while critiquing the state of the counseling profession as it yields to cultural madness. Your host, Stephanie Winn, distills years of wisdom gained from her practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as she pivots away from treating patients, and toward the question of how to apply psychology to the novel dilemmas of the 21st century. What does ethical mental health care look like in a normless age, as our moral compasses spin in search of true north? How can therapists treat patients under pressure to affirm everything from the notion of gender identity to assisted suicide? Stephanie invites heretical, free-thinking guests from many walks of life, including current and former therapists, medical professionals, writers, researchers, and people with unique lived experience, such as detransitioners. Curious about many things, Stephanie’s interdisciplinary psychological lens investigates challenging social issues and inspires transformation in the self, relationships, and society. Pick up a torch to illuminate the dark night and join us on this journey through the inner wilderness.

  1. 3D AGO

    162. Compassion and Consequences: Dr. Christian Conte on Parenting, Masculinity, & Emotional Mastery

    I speak with Dr. Christian Conte, mental health specialist, author, and creator of Yield Theory—an approach to communication focused on reducing defensiveness. Dr. Conte has worked with people ranging from inmates in solitary confinement to elite athletes. What happens when we try to communicate with someone who's defensive? Dr. Conte's Yield Theory offers insights for navigating difficult conversations, especially with adolescents and young adults. Dr. Conte explains that meeting people where they are isn't just a nice sentiment—it's the only effective way to communicate. Using the metaphor of a "fool on the mountain" who yells down instructions that can't be heard, he illustrates why we must first join others where they stand. We explore key elements of Yield Theory: humility, curiosity, and non-attachment to beliefs. Dr. Conte describes his three-step approach—listen, validate, explore options—and why it works even in challenging settings. We delve into parenting applications, including how to set firm boundaries while maintaining compassion, why timing matters with teens, and the importance of natural consequences. Dr. Conte shares examples from raising his own daughter, demonstrating how sitting with uncomfortable emotions builds resilience. Our conversation also examines masculinity and what therapy gets wrong about men. How has "toxic masculinity" become problematic? Why do many men feel they cannot express themselves? What does healthy self-control really mean? What happens when we get trapped in what Dr. Conte calls our "cartoon world" of expectations versus reality? Can we learn to align our expectations with how people actually think, feel, and behave? Dr. Christian Conte is a nationally recognized mental health specialist, speaker, and creator of Yield Theory, a powerful approach to communication and emotional management that has transformed lives around the world. With a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision and over 25 years of experience, he has worked with thousands of people - from the depths of solitary confinement in maximum security prisons to elite athletes, military personnel, police and corrections officers, first responders, and high-level professionals.  He is known for his direct, compassionate, and no nonsense style, blending ancient wisdom with modern psychology, to teach self-mastery, emotional strength, and inner peace. Dr. Conte's work has been featured on television, in universities, and inside some of the most intense environments on earth.  Above all, he is devoted to helping people become the strongest, clearest, and most authentic versions of themselves. Books by Dr. Conte can be found on Amazon.  00:00 Start [00:02:34] Yield Theory and communication. [00:05:40] Yield theory: empathy and humility. [00:08:23] Compassion and firm boundaries. [00:10:47] Compassion in parenting. [00:14:58] Cartoon world versus real world. [00:20:06] Emotional certainty in beliefs. [00:21:35] Changing beliefs and humility. [00:25:18] Modeling intellectual humility and non-attachment. [00:28:40] Meeting people where they are. [00:34:52] Hunger and emotional regulation. [00:38:30] Therapy misconceptions about men. [00:40:28] Controlling your inner world. [00:45:02] Men's emotional expression challenges. [00:48:34] Prison system and men's struggles. [00:52:36] Manipulation in the prison system. [00:54:40] Gameable heuristics and manipulation. [00:59:28] Tough love in masculine relationships. [01:02:00] Teaching children emotional resilience. [01:05:18] Natural consequences in parenting. [01:09:02] Ego states in emotional regulation. [01:12:35] Teaching psychology to everyone. [01:16:03] Differentiation and family enmeshment. [01:19:20] Adolescent parenting and boundaries. [01:22:59] Teaching Life Skills in Therapy. [01:26:25] Knowledge is for everyone. [01:29:45] Teaching beginners and mastery. ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month. TALK TO ME: book a meeting. PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services. SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate. 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. SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI. MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.  ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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

    1h 32m

  2. MAY 12

    161. The HHS Review: Gender Medicine Under Scrutiny | Legal Expert Glenna Goldis Explains

    In this episode, I welcome back Glenna Goldis, a lawyer with extensive experience in government and advocacy, to discuss a recent Health and Human Services review on gender medicine. We dive into the report's findings, which critically assess the evidence for both the alleged psychological benefits and the physical harms associated with gender-affirming treatments, particularly for minors. Glenna highlights that the evidence supporting psychological benefits is shaky at best, while the report emphasizes the significant physical risks involved, including the lack of prior animal studies. We also explore the ethical implications of pediatric gender medicine. The report categorically states that it is unethical to subject adolescents to hormonal and surgical interventions, arguing that the risk-benefit profile is unfavorable. Glenna and I discuss the concept of medical consumerism and how it relates to patient autonomy, questioning whether giving patients what they want is always ethical. Additionally, we touch on the historical context of gender medicine and its ties to homophobia, emphasizing how this practice has disproportionately targeted gender-nonconforming individuals. Throughout our conversation, we aim to unpack the complexities surrounding gender identity, the responsibilities of medical professionals, and the societal implications of these treatments. Join us as we navigate this critical and timely discussion. Glenna Goldis is a lawyer in New York with experience in government, fraud investigations, and domestic violence advocacy. She publishes Bad Facts, a newsletter about the movement for trans rights. She first appeared on this podcast in episode 148. Executive Orders Decoded: Attorney Glenna Goldis Explains Impacts on American Families.  00:00 Start [00:02:51] Gender medicine review implications. [00:05:35] Evidence of psychological benefits. [00:09:06] Gender euphoria debate. [00:10:44] Gender euphoria scale discussion. [00:14:03] Physical harm from hormones. [00:17:44] Pediatric gender medicine ethics. [00:22:17] Ethics of social transition. [00:24:40] Ethical dilemmas in psychotherapy. [00:27:22] Therapist's role in gender identity. [00:31:29] Medical consumerism in healthcare. [00:37:20] Authority of medical professionals. [00:40:53] Sexual trauma and trans identity. [00:44:11] Homophobia in medical practices. [00:47:11] Gay patients and trans representation. [00:50:10] Young lesbians and identity confusion. [00:52:56] Lesbian identity and challenges. [00:58:43] Compassion for confused individuals. [01:00:55] Therapy and gender dysphoria. [01:02:29] Internalized homophobia in therapy. [01:05:40] Therapy and LGBTQ+ considerations. [01:10:48] Ethics of gender affirming care. [01:13:06] Cultural climate in psychotherapy. [01:18:20] Cultural change and gender dysphoria. [01:21:11] Black market for hormones concerns. [01:25:18] Education and litigation in government. [01:28:12] Legal challenges in gender medicine. [01:31:38] Opening up the discourse. [01:36:05] Navigating gender impact on families. ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month. TALK TO ME: book a meeting. PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services. SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate. 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. SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI. MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.  ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 ★

    1h 37m

  3. MAY 5

    160. A Family Court Nightmare: Jeff Younger’s Harrowing Crusade to Save His Son

    Texas father Jeff Younger joins us to share the gut-wrenching story of his battle to prevent the gender transition of his young son without his consent. Jeff recounts how his ex-wife, a pediatrician, began telling one of their twin boys he was a girl when he was just three years old, eventually socially transitioning him and giving him the name Luna. Jeff takes us through his journey of trying to father his sons in what he describes as a "male-friendly" way through activities like boxing and wrestling, while navigating a divorce and custody battle that ultimately resulted in him losing access to his children. He describes a judicial system that he believes was systematically biased against him as a father, including being placed under a gag order preventing him from speaking about his son's gender identity and eventually being restricted to supervised visitation. Most disturbingly, Jeff reveals how his ex-wife was able to move their sons to California where she obtained court approval to pursue medical interventions including puberty blockers. Jeff hasn't seen his sons in over two years at the time of our interview, and he shares his moral stance against paying child support that he believes would fund medical interventions he opposes for his son. This conversation offers a sobering window into the intersection of parental rights, gender ideology, and the family court system. Jeff closes with a warning to parents about the importance of vigilance regarding outside influences on their children and the need to reform laws to better protect the parent-child relationship. Jeff's story contrasts with that of Harrison Tinsley in episode 143. Harrison was victorious in a similar dispute, but only because of abundant evidence of his son's mother's mental instability unrelated to "gender." Jeff Younger lives in Dallas, Texas. He works as a family rights activist for justice and as an applied mathematician for a living. Donate to his GiveSendGo campaign here. Request to follow Jeff on X @JeffYoungerShow. ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month. TALK TO ME: book a meeting. PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services. SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate. 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. SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI. MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.  ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 ★

    1h 26m

  4. APR 28

    159. Detrans Grandma: Identity Crisis and Self Discovery After Postmenopausal Testosterone Use

    In this episode, I sit down with Gina, an older detransitioner with a compelling story that spans decades. We delve into her journey, beginning with her childhood experiences of gender dysphoria in the 1970s, her eventual transition in her 50s, and her decision to detransition in 2023. Gina shares her early crush on a girl and how that shaped her understanding of her identity, leading her to believe she needed to become a boy to express her feelings. We explore the complexities of her transition, including the overwhelming effects of testosterone on her sex drive and how it altered her sexual orientation, making her attracted to men for the first time. Gina reflects on the societal pressures surrounding gender and beauty, and how her past experiences of trauma influenced her decisions.  We also discuss the impact of her identity on her relationship with her daughter, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding in parenting. Throughout our conversation, we aim to unpack the nuances of identity, the role of societal expectations, and the emotional turmoil that can accompany such profound life changes. In 1970, at the age of ten, Gina traversed a hill to the neighboring ranch to confess to her friend that she was supposed to be a boy. Forty years later, she “transitioned.” After thirteen years of living as a “trans-man,” she had an awakening that inspired her to begin detransitioning. Now in radical acceptance of her womanhood, she is recovering. Gina's goal is to create a healing space in the country for female detransitioners, crossing a different kind of hill this time, to a new ranch.   Gina’s art: @aluminum_couture on Instagram Gina’s Substack: @thisbodyofmine  00:00 Start [00:02:17] Childhood crush and gender identity. [00:05:13] Childhood crush and identity. [00:10:08] Secret crushes and shame. [00:16:50] Coming out as a lesbian. [00:19:11] Attraction and identity transformation. [00:23:46] Masculinity as a protective shield. [00:26:05] Grandiosity in young women's identities. [00:30:50] Identity and rejection in relationships. [00:34:50] Gender identity and self-perception. [00:39:34] Hormonal changes and sexual attraction. [00:44:03] The impact of testosterone on behavior. [00:49:19] Dreams and identity exploration. [00:54:56] Fragility of ego in identity. [00:58:21] Identity crisis and personal anchors. [01:01:05] Suicide prevention and parental responsibility. [01:05:07] Nurturing motherhood and identity. [01:10:06] Grandparenthood and identity transformation. [01:14:36] Identity and self-acceptance journey. [01:18:48] Effects of testosterone on motivation. [01:22:50] Identity and motherhood loss. [01:28:17] Identity acceptance and transformation. [01:30:13] Rediscovering identity through transition. [01:34:54] Emotional stability and external connections. ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month. TALK TO ME: book a meeting. PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services. SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate. 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. SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI. MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.  ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 ★

    1h 38m

  5. APR 21

    158. Illness Identity and the Capture of Psychiatry with Dr. Kristopher Kaliebe

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kristopher Kaliebe, a child, adult, and forensic psychiatrist known for his critical stance on “gender-affirming care.” We delve into the complexities surrounding the current landscape of gender identity and the implications for mental health care. Dr. Kaliebe shares his journey into this contentious field, highlighting his concerns about the medicalization of gender dysphoria and the potential harm it poses to vulnerable youth. We explore the concept of "illness identity," where young people may gravitate towards labels that define their struggles, often leading to over-diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Dr. Kaliebe emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances behind statements like "I feel like a woman" or "I feel like a boy," urging listeners to consider the psychological factors at play. We also discuss the troubling trend of social transition among children and the societal pressures that contribute to this phenomenon. Throughout our conversation, we question the integrity of professional organizations that have adopted advocacy over science, leading to a lack of diverse perspectives in psychiatric practice. This episode aims to shed light on the urgent need for a more balanced dialogue in mental health care, encouraging professionals and parents alike to critically evaluate the current approaches to gender identity and treatment. Kristopher Kaliebe, MD is a Professor of Psychiatry at University of South Florida, in Tampa Florida. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. He is a Distinguished Fellow at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). His clinical work has been primarily in University clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and juvenile corrections. At USF Dr. Kaliebe instructs medical students, psychiatry residents, child and adolescent psychiatry fellows, and forensic psychiatry fellows. From 2013-2021 he served as co-chair of AACAP’s Media Committee. From 2016 to 2022 he was the liaison between the AACAP and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Kaliebe’s publications and presentations include the effects of digital technologies, gender, psychotherapy, juvenile, corrections, mind-body medicine, nutrition, and mental health in primary care settings. He is concerned about naïve interventionalism in medicine. Restore Childhood: https://restorechildhood.com/   00:00 Start [00:01:43] Gender-affirming care skepticism. [00:03:39] Early onset gender dysphoria. [00:08:10] Gender dysphoria diagnosis concerns. [00:13:07] Illness identity versus stigma. [00:16:44] Illness identity and social transition. [00:21:08] Gender identity and social transition. [00:25:37] Gender identity's incoherent evolution. [00:29:31] Symbolic equivalence in identity. [00:32:01] Comfort and identity in gender. [00:38:01] Psychiatry's response to advocacy pressures. [00:39:49] Advocacy versus science in medicine. [00:45:34] Institutional takeover as a virus. [00:48:31] Emotional communication in media. [00:51:05] Classical liberalism in education. [00:55:24] Parental caution in therapy choices. [01:00:06] Overprotecting youth in society. [01:05:38] Building identity through creativity. [01:08:50] Consequences of overprotective parenting. [01:10:32] Consequences in parenting. [01:15:50] Male identity and societal challenges. [01:18:41] Restore Childhood initiative. ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month. TALK TO ME: book a meeting. PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services. SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate. 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. SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI. MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.  ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 ★

    1h 21m

  6. APR 14

    157. Anti-Feminist Therapy? Dr. Hannah Spier on How Ideals of Independence Fail Women in Practice

    Dr. Hannah Spier, a psychiatrist from Zurich, Switzerland, calls herself an "anti-feminist psychiatrist.” We delve into the complexities of women's mental health, particularly how feminist ideologies can lead to feelings of inadequacy and burnout. Hannah shares her insights from years of treating women who often find themselves stuck in therapy, grappling with anxiety and unfulfilled desires, particularly around relationships and motherhood. We explore the concept of dating with intention, emphasizing the importance for women of knowing what we want while we still retain the advantages of youth. Hannah discusses the common patterns she sees in her patients, such as the pressure to achieve academically while neglecting emotional needs, which can lead to a cycle of anxiety and dissatisfaction. We also touch on the societal expectations placed on women and how these can create a disconnect between their true desires and their life choices. Throughout our conversation, we challenge the notion of self-esteem and discuss the role of gratitude in overcoming resentment. Hannah argues that understanding the realities of both women's and men's experiences can help shift perspectives and foster healthier relationships. This episode aims to provoke thought about the choices women make and the societal narratives that shape those choices, ultimately encouraging listeners to reflect on their own paths and desires. Hannah Spier is a Norwegian-born medical doctor trained in Psychiatry in Norway and Switzerland, with a degree in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy from the University of Zurich. Now based in Zurich with her husband and three children, she launched the Psychobabble publication and podcast in October 2022 to challenge postmodern influences and champion traditional values in the mental health field. YouTube: @psychobabblewithspier Psychobabble Substack  00:00 Start [00:01:27] Anti-feminist psychiatrist explained. [00:07:26] Biological clock and priorities shift. [00:11:08] Success redefined for mothers. [00:14:06] Choices and leverage for women. [00:20:18] Biological realities of women's choices. [00:25:46] Antidote to resentment is gratitude. [00:30:00] Narcissism and self-perception. [00:34:48] Resentment in motherhood and relationships. [00:36:10] Women's relationship goals and challenges. [00:43:34] Choosing the right partner. [00:48:05] Evolutionary psychology and motherhood. [00:52:17] Dating with intention. [00:54:23] Postmodernism's impact on self-improvement. [01:02:27] Expecting more from ourselves. [01:03:21] Flaws in psychiatric treatment. [01:10:06] Maternal instincts and self-care. [01:15:36] Lies of feminism. [01:16:43] Vulnerability and relationship dynamics. [01:22:01] Confusion between love and passion. [01:28:06] Healing from domestic violence. [01:30:14] Maternal instincts and nurturing energy. ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month. TALK TO ME: book a meeting. PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services. SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate. 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. SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI. MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.  ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 ★

    1h 34m

  7. APR 7

    156. Not Man Enough to Be a Woman: How William Allen Detransitioned After 30 Years

    In this powerful episode, I speak with William Allen, a man who lived for 30 years as a “transgender woman” named Maggie before detransitioning between 2020-2023. William shares his remarkable life story, from his earliest childhood memories of gender dysphoria through his transition in 1993, to his religious awakening and eventual detransition. His newly released book, "Not Man Enough to Be a Woman," details this extraordinary journey. William begins by sharing the viral social media post that caught my attention on Detrans Awareness Day. He then takes us back to his childhood in the 1960s, where despite appearing as a typical boy who played with neighborhood friends and joined the Boy Scouts, he secretly wished he had been born a girl and would dress in his mother's clothes when alone. He describes how throughout his youth, he couldn't understand why he had these feelings, finding no answers even in psychology textbooks during college. William shares the story of his first marriage, when his gender dysphoria temporarily subsided during the initial years of falling in love, only to return "with a vengeance" later, ultimately destroying his marriage. By 1993, William began hormone therapy, had his beard removed through electrolysis, and underwent surgeries. He details the physical changes from estrogen, the workplace transition, and how he was able to "pass" in society as a woman for many years. William speaks candidly about his life as Maggie. He describes a deathbed reconciliation with his estranged father in 2015 and the conversation decades earlier that gave his book its title - when his father told him he wasn't "man enough to be a woman." The turning point in William's story came in 2020 when he experienced a profound religious transformation that changed his perspective on his life and identity. This led to his decision to detransition, a three-year process that included saving money, finding a surgeon willing to perform a mastectomy, legal name changes, and rebuilding relationships. William's story raises profound questions: What happens when a false identity embraced for decades no longer aligns with one's deepest values? After living thirty years as Maggie, William's return to his birth identity offers a rare window into the complexities of gender dysphoria, transition, and detransition that few have experienced over such an extended period. His story challenges simplistic narratives while offering compassion for those struggling with gender identity issues. William Allen struggled with gender identity disorder from childhood in the 1960s. Hiding his condition throughout his teenage, college, and young adult years, his obsession only grew stronger, eventually ruining his marriage. He began his “transition” in 1993. After hormones, beard removal, voice coaching, and surgery, he "passed" and settled into a successful life, until he rediscovered his faith. He completed his detransition in 2023, after 30 years living as a “transwoman.” William now speaks out against the transgender movement’s deceptions and intentional targeting of children. Find him at notmanenoughtobeawoman.com or get his book on Amazon. Follow him on X @wmallen2024.  00:00 Start [00:01:08] Detransitioning after long-term experience. [00:07:03] Life as a man pretending. [00:09:36] Transition and survival narrative. [00:14:45] Transformation through faith. [00:18:10] Childhood aspirations and challenges. [00:23:35] Antisocial behavior in childhood. [00:26:39] Antisocial behavior and redemption. [00:35:05] Father-son relationship and reconciliation. [00:37:33] Gender identity and parental conflict. [00:40:21] The power of affirmation. [00:48:25] Decision to transition. [00:49:49] Hormone effects and personal experiences. [00:56:24] Euphoria of life-changing transitions. [01:02:25] Trans community's impact on women. [01:03:34] Transformation through faith and repentance. [01:08:30] The nature of sin. [01:12:50] Transformation through faith. [01:18:47] Dating after gender transition. [01:20:47] Detransitioning and surgical challenges. [01:27:44] Detransitioning and its consequences. [01:29:23] Support for parents of “trans” youth. [01:33:25] Promoting William's new book. ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month. TALK TO ME: book a meeting. PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services. SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate. 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. SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI. MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.  ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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

    1h 35m

  8. MAR 31

    155. The Wrong Kind of Student: Arnold Cantu on Academic Freedom and the Capture of Social Work

    Today my guest is Arnold Cantu, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with experience in school social work, private practice, and community mental health. What made Arnold drop out of his doctoral program despite his passion for academic and clinical research, even as he became a published author well ahead of his classmates? Our conversation explores the challenging dynamics Arnold faced as a doctoral student who didn't perfectly align with certain ideological expectations, despite his progressive research interests critiquing the biomedical model of mental health. With seven years of clinical experience before entering his program in 2021, Arnold anticipated some political slant but was surprised by the extent of ideological conformity enforced. What pressures do students face when they don't enthusiastically embrace every aspect of critical social justice ideology? How thin is the line between education and indoctrination? What happens when a student defines "anti-oppressive" using a dictionary definition rather than approved academic literature? Arnold shares how he found himself under scrutiny not for being confrontational in class, but simply for not demonstrating sufficient enthusiasm for certain frameworks. Despite being a Mexican-American clinician focused on improving mental health services for immigrant communities, his approach wasn't considered progressive enough. The situation escalated when Arnold shared a link about academic freedom in a class survey, prompting professors to call meetings to discuss his values and commitment to social justice. He eventually withdrew in 2024 after what he describes as "one of the lowest years of my life," finding much greater happiness returning to clinical work. We discuss the paradox Arnold observed between an allegedly "anti-oppressive" framework that created an oppressive academic environment and the challenges of intellectual diversity in social work education. Despite leaving his program, Arnold has continued his scholarly work, publishing books and articles critiquing the medical model of mental health. This conversation raises important questions about the future of social work education, the tension between truth-seeking and political activism in academia, and whether students with diverse perspectives can thrive in programs with increasingly rigid ideological expectations. Look for a future episode where Arnold and I will dive deeper into his critique of the medical model and how certain "progressive" approaches to mental health may paradoxically reinforce oppressive frameworks. Arnoldo Cantú, LCSW is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist with experience in school social work, private practice, and currently working in community mental health seeing children, adolescents, families, and adults. Cantú was born in Mexico and considers Texas home having grown up in the Rio Grande Valley, though currently resides in the beautiful city of Fort Collins located in northern Colorado. He is the lead editor of a trio of volumes in the Ethics International Press Critical Psychology and Critical Psychiatry Series titled Theoretical Alternatives to the Psychiatric Model of Mental Disorder Labeling, Practical Alternatives to the Psychiatric Model of Mental Illness, and Institutionalized Madness: The Interplay of Psychiatry and Society’s Institutions. He's written critically not only about the idea of so-called mental disorder, but also the idea of race categories. Arnold’s recent article: A Case for Intellectual Humility, Tolerance, and Humanism: Perspectives from an Ethnically “Minoritized” Graduate Student Arnold's ResearchGate profile Special Issue "Beyond Ideological Mandates: Critical Reflections on Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Social Work Education" ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month. TALK TO ME: book a meeting. PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services. SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate. 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. SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI. MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.  ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 gues...

    1h 25m
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4.5
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About

You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist intimately explores the human experience while critiquing the state of the counseling profession as it yields to cultural madness. Your host, Stephanie Winn, distills years of wisdom gained from her practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as she pivots away from treating patients, and toward the question of how to apply psychology to the novel dilemmas of the 21st century. What does ethical mental health care look like in a normless age, as our moral compasses spin in search of true north? How can therapists treat patients under pressure to affirm everything from the notion of gender identity to assisted suicide? Stephanie invites heretical, free-thinking guests from many walks of life, including current and former therapists, medical professionals, writers, researchers, and people with unique lived experience, such as detransitioners. Curious about many things, Stephanie’s interdisciplinary psychological lens investigates challenging social issues and inspires transformation in the self, relationships, and society. Pick up a torch to illuminate the dark night and join us on this journey through the inner wilderness.

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