The Peter McCormack Show #132 - James Esses - Is Gender Ideology Harming Children?
Dec 2, 2025
James Esses, a UK psychotherapist and former Childline volunteer, discusses the urgent need to address gender ideology's impact on children. He argues that gender dysphoria should be treated as a mental health condition rather than through immediate medical interventions. The conversation dives into the dangers of puberty blockers, indoctrination in schools, and the normalization of gender identity trends. Esses critiques the media and clinical approaches while emphasizing the importance of therapy focused on exploring underlying issues rather than pushing for transitions.
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Gender Dysphoria As A Mental Health Issue
- James Esses says gender dysphoria is classified as a mental health condition, not an identity or choice.
- He argues treating it by affirmation risks medicalizing normal adolescent distress and trends.
Favor Exploration Over Immediate Medicalization
- Use exploratory therapy and passive observation rather than immediate medical intervention for most young people with gender distress.
- Aim to help teenagers accept their bodies and explore underlying causes before irreversible steps.
Don't Push Irreversible Paths For Teens
- Avoid facilitating irreversible medical pathways for teens who present self-harm via transition impulses.
- Prioritize empathic exploration, not coercion, and only work with clients who choose that therapeutic route.
