150. When Treatment Worsens Trauma: Detransitioner Levi Hayes on Filing a Board Complaint

Levi Hayes is an artist and writer eight months into his deeply personal journey of detransitioning who recently decided to file a complaint against the therapist who “affirmed” his “gender identity” rather than treating his trauma. We delve into the often-overlooked trauma that accompanies both the transition process and the aftermath of living a transitioned life. Levi opens up about the emotional toll of navigating societal expectations, the pressure to maintain an illusion, and the regret that can follow such significant life changes.

We explore the complexities of Levi's experiences, from his childhood in a rural Midwest town where he faced bullying and rejection, to his adult life marked by impulsive decisions and a search for validation through transition. Levi candidly discusses his encounters with therapists who failed to address the underlying trauma and internalized homophobia that influenced his choices. 

We also touch on the challenges he faced when filing a complaint against a therapist who affirmed his transition, highlighting the systemic issues within mental health care. My template that Levi used can be found here.

Throughout our conversation, we aim to uncover the nuances of identity, the impact of societal pressures, and the importance of addressing trauma in therapeutic settings. Levi's story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and understanding in discussions about gender identity and mental health.

Levi is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist and designer with a passion for creative expression. Based in Missouri, he is also a writer and blogger who has transformed his journaling and Written Exposure Therapy practice into a powerful storytelling platform. As a detransitioner, Levi shares his journey with authenticity, inspiring others to reclaim their own paths.

Levi’s blog post about his board complaint

The subsequent update & response from the board

Blog: Living for Levi

Levi's Art Portfolio

 00:00 Start

[00:00:00] Trauma of living a transitioned life.

[00:08:00] Statute of limitations challenges.

[00:14:09] Sharing stories for change.

[00:15:08] Childhood trauma and identity struggles.

[00:20:35] Trauma and escapism in identity.

[00:31:29] Understanding trauma in therapy.

[00:35:57] Therapy for detransitioners.

[00:42:26] Escaping homosexuality through transition.

[00:43:32] Masculinity and male acceptance.

[00:51:11] Fantasy of acceptance and validation.

[00:56:09] Detransitioning and personal awakening.

[01:02:03] Trauma of transition experience.

[01:10:17] Shapeshifter as a hero.

[01:12:20] Detransitioning and self-discovery journey.

[01:16:28] Self-care in detransition journey.

[01:22:01] Impact of gender craze on families.

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SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

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

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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.

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