Sasha Ayad: Why Therapists Fall For Gender Ideology #031
Jan 6, 2025
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Sasha Ayad, a licensed professional counselor from Arizona specializing in gender dysphoria in youth, discusses the intricate dynamics of gender identity in therapy. She delves into the medicalization of gender identity among adolescents and the impact of social media on their struggles. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion and nuanced approaches when addressing these sensitive topics. Ayad also highlights the initiative 'The Metaphor of Gender' to foster understanding and support among diverse perspectives.
Therapists often hesitate to question trans identities due to viewing trans youth as fundamentally different, complicating effective support.
The shift in counseling training highlights the evolving understanding of gender identity, emphasizing the importance of deeper inquiry over immediate affirmation.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Trans Identity in Adolescents
The discussion highlights the belief that trans youth are often regarded as fundamentally different individuals, which can lead therapists to refrain from questioning or exploring these identities. There's an acknowledgment that issues faced by gay individuals might sometimes be mirrored in trans youth, but the dynamics differ significantly. For instance, many challenges in a young person's life may result in a trans identity, suggesting that causality can be reversed depending on the individual. This insight underscores the need for deeper understanding and openness, rather than immediate affirmation of gender identity, to provide effective support.
The Evolution of Gender Identity Concepts
The podcast delves into the evolution of understanding gender identity, particularly focusing on the lack of acknowledgement for transgender children during initial counseling training. As new concepts began to emerge around the mid-2010s, there was a notable shift in how many professionals began to encounter issues related to gender identity in young students. The host reflects on the transition from early educational material, which primarily focused on adult transition, to grappling with the identities of adolescents who began questioning their gender. This shift underlines the complexities and ongoing learning required for professionals as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of gender identity.
The Role of Therapists in Gender Exploration
Therapists play a crucial role in guiding individuals through gender exploration, yet there is concern regarding a tendency to quickly affirm a child's expressed gender identity without sufficient inquiry. This tendency can stem from various factors, including fear of backlash from trans activists or a desire to support marginalized populations. However, the conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining curiosity and a non-binary approach to gender identity, which allows therapists to better understand their clients' complexities. The need for therapists to engage in deeper conversations rather than simply complying with immediate affirmations is presented as essential for fostering holistic well-being.
The Intersection of Sexuality and Gender Identity
The complexities of sexuality in relation to gender identity are explored, particularly focusing on how young individuals may identify as trans to navigate discomfort with their same-sex attractions. Many gay youth may feel pressured to transition due to societal reactions to their sexual orientation, which can lead them to explore a trans identity instead. The discussion stresses the impact of cultural narratives, such as the belief that gender nonconformity is intuitively understood as being equivalent to being trans, complicating the relationship between sexual orientation and gender identity. This intersection emphasizes the necessity for awareness and understanding of how societal pressures can influence individual identity exploration.
Sasha Ayad: Why Therapists Fall For Gender Ideology.
Sasha Ayad is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Arizona and has works with adolescent-onset gender dysphoric teens and young people. She also offers support and coaching for parents of dysphoric youth. Sasha is the co-author of 'When Kids Say They're Trans' and has been hosting the Gender: A Wider Lens Podcast with Stella O'Malley for the past 3 years.
Follow Sasha
📺 YouTube: @SashaLPC
🐦 X: https://x.com/SashaLPC
🔖 Substack: https://substack.com/@sashaayad
🎙️ Gender: A Wider Lens Podcast: @widerlenspod
📚 When Kids Say They're Trans: https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com
Follow Me
🐦 X: https://twitter.com/jackxjewell
📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jackxjewell
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackxjewell
🔖 Substack: https://jackjewell.substack.com
💌 Enquiries: jack.jewell.enquiries@gmail.com
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