You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

123. Identity-Based OCD: Dr. Elliot Kaminetzky on Trans & the Fear of Living Inauthentically

Aug 19, 2024

Dr. Elliot Kaminetzky, a child and adolescent psychologist and founder of My OCD Care, discusses the intricate relationship between identity-based OCD and gender concerns. He delves into how fears of living inauthentically can affect transgender youth, exploring the balance between intrusive thoughts and self-acceptance. The conversation highlights the societal pressures shaping identity, the importance of emotional safety in therapy, and the need for community support in navigating these challenges. Dr. Kaminetzky champions parental guidance and accurate information for those facing such dilemmas.

01:20:51

Creator website

Episode guests

Elliot Kaminetzky

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Identity-based OCD manifests fears around self-identity, challenging individuals to reconcile intrusive thoughts about gender and authenticity.

Societal pressures can distort adolescents’ self-perception, causing them to question their identities and engage in compulsive reassuring behaviors.

Emphasizing fluidity in identity encourages individuals to reclaim authenticity and combat the overwhelming influence of societal expectations on self-acceptance.

Deep dives

Understanding Identity-Based OCD

Identity-based OCD encompasses fears related to self-identity rather than external harm, focusing on what one might become. This type of OCD often causes individuals to fear they may identify with a label or identity that contradicts their current self-perception, such as questioning one's gender identity or sexual orientation. A common example includes individuals who may suddenly doubt their gender identity due to intrusive thoughts about possibly being transgender, prompting them to engage in compulsive behaviors to seek reassurance. The anxiety stems from the fear of being something they inherently fear to be, complicating their understanding of self and leading to repeated rumination about their identity.

Intro

2min

Navigating Fear and Finding Voice in Community

2min

Navigating Fear and Identity in Therapy

23min

Navigating Identity: The Intersection of OCD and Self-Perception

5min

Navigating Identity and OCD

23min

The Path to Acceptance in Overcoming OCD

5min

Navigating OCD and Identity Challenges

19min

Conclusion and Resources for Deeper Understanding

2min

Dr. Elliot Kaminetzky is a child and adolescent psychologist specializing in parenting based interventions for child anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and behavioral challenges. He received his PhD at Hofstra University. Dr. Kaminetzky is the founder and clinical director of My OCD Care and The Center for Child Behavioral Health. Dr. Kaminetzky has publicly spoken out against unethical practices in the area of pediatric gender medicine and the silencing of concerned medical and mental health professionals. Recognizing the challenges parents face in parenting children with gender related concerns, Dr. Kaminetzky founded Serenity Parent Consulting to provide parents with accurate information, useful resources, and emotional support.

Together, we delve into the intriguing world of identity-based OCD. We explore the fears and obsessions associated with OCD, from concerns about being in the wrong body to the fear of living inauthentically. But what if these fears are not just about identity but also about the fear of being ordinary? How do these fears manifest in transgender-identifying young people, and what role does societal influence play in shaping their identities?

We uncover the complexities of OCD, from intrusive thoughts to compulsive behaviors, and how they can impact one's sense of self. How do individuals with OCD navigate the fine line between seeking reassurance and finding inner validation? And what happens when therapy becomes a battleground for seeking external validation versus trusting one's own judgment?

Join us as we unravel the layers of identity-based OCD, exploring the nuances of authenticity, societal constructs, and the quest for certainty in a world filled with uncertainties. Tune in to discover how individuals grapple with their fears, seeking validation from external sources while yearning for inner peace and self-acceptance.

All books mentioned on this podcast can be found at sometherapist.com/bookshop

00:00 Start

[00:00:22] Identity-based themes in OCD.

[00:04:41] Trauma and public shaming.

[00:10:28] Therapists' differing beliefs.

[00:15:18] Fear of ordinariness.

[00:18:48] Identity and societal expectations.

[00:22:45] Identity-based OCD.

[00:28:26] Fear of being ordinary.

[00:30:34] Fear of being ordinary.

[00:37:21] Maladaptive beliefs about identity.

[00:38:50] Fluidity of Male Sexuality.

[00:44:19] Intrusive thoughts and OCD.

[00:49:43] Mild OCD in therapy.

[00:51:38] OCD therapy techniques.

[00:56:03] Pain reprocessing therapy and acceptance.

[00:59:57] Finding your life's mission.

[01:05:21] Exposure therapy in podcasting.

[01:09:17] Gender-related OCD.

[01:12:24] Gender identity and mental health.

[01:17:22] Cultural changes regarding suicide.

[01:19:44] Gender crisis.

ROGD REPAIR Course + Community for Parents is available now! Join at ROGDrepair.com and start using the tools immediately. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2024 to take 50% off your first month.

TALK TO ME: book a discovery call.

LOCALS: Ask questions of me & guests; get early access to new episodes + exclusive content. Join my community.

SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.

COZYEARTH: Visit CozyEarth.com/sometherapist and use code SOMETHERAPIST for 40% off their selection of bedding, towels, skincare and other cozy home items.

PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

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 ★

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.

You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

123. Identity-Based OCD: Dr. Elliot Kaminetzky on Trans & the Fear of Living Inauthentically

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Understanding Identity-Based OCD

Coping Mechanisms and Social Constructs

Cultural Influences on Identity Formation

The Psychological Impacts of Reinforcement

The Importance of Seeking Authenticity

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts