Asher Pandjiris, a psychotherapist, discusses growing up as a tomboy, parenting as a nonbinary person, and mental health hurdles that overlap with gender dysphoria. They explore adoption, gender assumptions in parenthood, gender failure, and the dangers of gender exploratory therapy.
Gender exploratory therapy is a dangerous form of conversion therapy that obstructs access to gender-affirming care, using gaslighting and delay tactics.
The Kinsugi Therapist Collective offers a program to train therapists in working with individuals who have complicated relationships with their bodies and gender, aiming to create a more inclusive therapeutic environment.
Deep dives
Gender exploratory therapy and its dangers
Gender exploratory therapy, disguised as an alternative approach to understanding gender identity, is actually a form of conversion therapy that aims to obstruct access to gender-affirming care. Therapists using this method often delay medical intervention for trans individuals, using gaslighting and delay tactics. Such therapists may detransition themselves and become anti-trans activists, further propagating harmful ideologies. It is crucial to be cautious of therapists who claim to offer gender exploratory therapy and to advocate for gender-affirming therapy instead.
The Kinsugi Therapist Collective: Empowering therapists to provide gender-affirming care
Asher Pangiris has started the Kinsugi Therapist Collective, a year-long program designed to train therapists in working with individuals, especially queer, trans, and BIPOC individuals, who have complicated relationships with their bodies and gender. The collective seeks to provide therapists with the necessary skills to help clients navigate embodiment issues, trauma, disordered eating, and more, ultimately working towards a more inclusive and supportive therapeutic environment.
Recognizing the dangers of gender exploratory therapy
Gender exploratory therapy, often targeted towards young people and their parents, poses a significant risk to trans individuals seeking affirming care. Therapists who engage in this form of therapy commonly argue against medical intervention for individuals under 25, claiming that the brain is not fully developed. However, examination of these therapists' affiliations and views reveals a bias against trans people and a disregard for their experiences. It is crucial to be aware of the potential harm and seek therapists who prioritize gender-affirming care.
The importance of finding supportive therapists
The interview highlights the need to find therapists who are not only knowledgeable about gender identity but also supportive and affirming. The story of encountering a therapist who detransitioned and became an anti-trans activist underscores the importance of voicing preferences and expectations when seeking therapy. The Kinsugi Therapist Collective and similar programs provide hope for an increased availability of therapists who will prioritize affirming and understanding the unique experiences of queer and trans individuals.
Content warning for eating disorders from 21:50-22:59 and from 24:52 to 30:08.
This week, psychotherapist Asher Pandjiris talks growing up as a tomboy and their relationship to masculinity, parenting as a nonbinary person, and mental health hurdles that often overlap with gender dysphoria.