You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kristopher Kaliebe, a child, adult, and forensic psychiatrist known for his critical stance on “gender-affirming care.” We delve into the complexities surrounding the current landscape of gender identity and the implications for mental health care. Dr. Kaliebe shares his journey into this contentious field, highlighting his concerns about the medicalization of gender dysphoria and the potential harm it poses to vulnerable youth.We explore the concept of "illness identity," where young people may gravitate towards labels that define their struggles, often leading to over-diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Dr. Kaliebe emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances behind statements like "I feel like a woman" or "I feel like a boy," urging listeners to consider the psychological factors at play. We also discuss the troubling trend of social transition among children and the societal pressures that contribute to this phenomenon.Throughout our conversation, we question the integrity of professional organizations that have adopted advocacy over science, leading to a lack of diverse perspectives in psychiatric practice. This episode aims to shed light on the urgent need for a more balanced dialogue in mental health care, encouraging professionals and parents alike to critically evaluate the current approaches to gender identity and treatment.Kristopher Kaliebe, MD is a Professor of Psychiatry at University of South Florida, in Tampa Florida. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. He is a Distinguished Fellow at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).His clinical work has been primarily in University clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and juvenile corrections. At USF Dr. Kaliebe instructs medical students, psychiatry residents, child and adolescent psychiatry fellows, and forensic psychiatry fellows.From 2013-2021 he served as co-chair of AACAP’s Media Committee. From 2016 to 2022 he was the liaison between the AACAP and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Kaliebe’s publications and presentations include the effects of digital technologies, gender, psychotherapy, juvenile, corrections, mind-body medicine, nutrition, and mental health in primary care settings. He is concerned about naïve interventionalism in medicine.Restore Childhood: https://restorechildhood.com/  00:00 Start[00:01:43] Gender-affirming care skepticism.[00:03:39] Early onset gender dysphoria.[00:08:10] Gender dysphoria diagnosis concerns.[00:13:07] Illness identity versus stigma.[00:16:44] Illness identity and social transition.[00:21:08] Gender identity and social transition.[00:25:37] Gender identity's incoherent evolution.[00:29:31] Symbolic equivalence in identity.[00:32:01] Comfort and identity in gender.[00:38:01] Psychiatry's response to advocacy pressures.[00:39:49] Advocacy versus science in medicine.[00:45:34] Institutional takeover as a virus.[00:48:31] Emotional communication in media.[00:51:05] Classical liberalism in education.[00:55:24] Parental caution in therapy choices.[01:00:06] Overprotecting youth in society.[01:05:38] Building identity through creativity.[01:08:50] Consequences of overprotective parenting.[01:10:32] Consequences in parenting.[01:15:50] Male identity and societal challenges.[01:18:41] Restore Childhood initiative.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 ★

Dr. Hannah Spier, a psychiatrist from Zurich, Switzerland, calls herself an "anti-feminist psychiatrist.” We delve into the complexities of women's mental health, particularly how feminist ideologies can lead to feelings of inadequacy and burnout. Hannah shares her insights from years of treating women who often find themselves stuck in therapy, grappling with anxiety and unfulfilled desires, particularly around relationships and motherhood.We explore the concept of dating with intention, emphasizing the importance for women of knowing what we want while we still retain the advantages of youth. Hannah discusses the common patterns she sees in her patients, such as the pressure to achieve academically while neglecting emotional needs, which can lead to a cycle of anxiety and dissatisfaction. We also touch on the societal expectations placed on women and how these can create a disconnect between their true desires and their life choices.Throughout our conversation, we challenge the notion of self-esteem and discuss the role of gratitude in overcoming resentment. Hannah argues that understanding the realities of both women's and men's experiences can help shift perspectives and foster healthier relationships. This episode aims to provoke thought about the choices women make and the societal narratives that shape those choices, ultimately encouraging listeners to reflect on their own paths and desires.Hannah Spier is a Norwegian-born medical doctor trained in Psychiatry in Norway and Switzerland, with a degree in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy from the University of Zurich. Now based in Zurich with her husband and three children, she launched the Psychobabble publication and podcast in October 2022 to challenge postmodern influences and champion traditional values in the mental health field.YouTube: @psychobabblewithspierPsychobabble Substack 00:00 Start[00:01:27] Anti-feminist psychiatrist explained.[00:07:26] Biological clock and priorities shift.[00:11:08] Success redefined for mothers.[00:14:06] Choices and leverage for women.[00:20:18] Biological realities of women's choices.[00:25:46] Antidote to resentment is gratitude.[00:30:00] Narcissism and self-perception.[00:34:48] Resentment in motherhood and relationships.[00:36:10] Women's relationship goals and challenges.[00:43:34] Choosing the right partner.[00:48:05] Evolutionary psychology and motherhood.[00:52:17] Dating with intention.[00:54:23] Postmodernism's impact on self-improvement.[01:02:27] Expecting more from ourselves.[01:03:21] Flaws in psychiatric treatment.[01:10:06] Maternal instincts and self-care.[01:15:36] Lies of feminism.[01:16:43] Vulnerability and relationship dynamics.[01:22:01] Confusion between love and passion.[01:28:06] Healing from domestic violence.[01:30:14] Maternal instincts and nurturing energy.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 ★

In this powerful episode, I speak with William Allen, a man who lived for 30 years as a “transgender woman” named Maggie before detransitioning between 2020-2023. William shares his remarkable life story, from his earliest childhood memories of gender dysphoria through his transition in 1993, to his religious awakening and eventual detransition. His newly released book, "Not Man Enough to Be a Woman," details this extraordinary journey.William begins by sharing the viral social media post that caught my attention on Detrans Awareness Day. He then takes us back to his childhood in the 1960s, where despite appearing as a typical boy who played with neighborhood friends and joined the Boy Scouts, he secretly wished he had been born a girl and would dress in his mother's clothes when alone.He describes how throughout his youth, he couldn't understand why he had these feelings, finding no answers even in psychology textbooks during college. William shares the story of his first marriage, when his gender dysphoria temporarily subsided during the initial years of falling in love, only to return "with a vengeance" later, ultimately destroying his marriage.By 1993, William began hormone therapy, had his beard removed through electrolysis, and underwent surgeries. He details the physical changes from estrogen, the workplace transition, and how he was able to "pass" in society as a woman for many years.William speaks candidly about his life as Maggie. He describes a deathbed reconciliation with his estranged father in 2015 and the conversation decades earlier that gave his book its title - when his father told him he wasn't "man enough to be a woman."The turning point in William's story came in 2020 when he experienced a profound religious transformation that changed his perspective on his life and identity. This led to his decision to detransition, a three-year process that included saving money, finding a surgeon willing to perform a mastectomy, legal name changes, and rebuilding relationships.William's story raises profound questions: What happens when a false identity embraced for decades no longer aligns with one's deepest values? After living thirty years as Maggie, William's return to his birth identity offers a rare window into the complexities of gender dysphoria, transition, and detransition that few have experienced over such an extended period. His story challenges simplistic narratives while offering compassion for those struggling with gender identity issues.William Allen struggled with gender identity disorder from childhood in the 1960s. Hiding his condition throughout his teenage, college, and young adult years, his obsession only grew stronger, eventually ruining his marriage. He began his “transition” in 1993. After hormones, beard removal, voice coaching, and surgery, he "passed" and settled into a successful life, until he rediscovered his faith. He completed his detransition in 2023, after 30 years living as a “transwoman.” William now speaks out against the transgender movement’s deceptions and intentional targeting of children. Find him at notmanenoughtobeawoman.com or get his book on Amazon. Follow him on X @wmallen2024. 00:00 Start[00:01:08] Detransitioning after long-term experience.[00:07:03] Life as a man pretending.[00:09:36] Transition and survival narrative.[00:14:45] Transformation through faith.[00:18:10] Childhood aspirations and challenges.[00:23:35] Antisocial behavior in childhood.[00:26:39] Antisocial behavior and redemption.[00:35:05] Father-son relationship and reconciliation.[00:37:33] Gender identity and parental conflict.[00:40:21] The power of affirmation.[00:48:25] Decision to transition.[00:49:49] Hormone effects and personal experiences.[00:56:24] Euphoria of life-changing transitions.[01:02:25] Trans community's impact on women.[01:03:34] Transformation through faith and repentance.[01:08:30] The nature of sin.[01:12:50] Transformation through faith.[01:18:47] Dating after gender transition.[01:20:47] Detransitioning and surgical challenges.[01:27:44] Detransitioning and its consequences.[01:29:23] Support for parents of “trans” youth.[01:33:25] Promoting William's new book.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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

Today my guest is Arnold Cantu, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with experience in school social work, private practice, and community mental health. What made Arnold drop out of his doctoral program despite his passion for academic and clinical research, even as he became a published author well ahead of his classmates?Our conversation explores the challenging dynamics Arnold faced as a doctoral student who didn't perfectly align with certain ideological expectations, despite his progressive research interests critiquing the biomedical model of mental health. With seven years of clinical experience before entering his program in 2021, Arnold anticipated some political slant but was surprised by the extent of ideological conformity enforced.What pressures do students face when they don't enthusiastically embrace every aspect of critical social justice ideology? How thin is the line between education and indoctrination? What happens when a student defines "anti-oppressive" using a dictionary definition rather than approved academic literature?Arnold shares how he found himself under scrutiny not for being confrontational in class, but simply for not demonstrating sufficient enthusiasm for certain frameworks. Despite being a Mexican-American clinician focused on improving mental health services for immigrant communities, his approach wasn't considered progressive enough.The situation escalated when Arnold shared a link about academic freedom in a class survey, prompting professors to call meetings to discuss his values and commitment to social justice. He eventually withdrew in 2024 after what he describes as "one of the lowest years of my life," finding much greater happiness returning to clinical work.We discuss the paradox Arnold observed between an allegedly "anti-oppressive" framework that created an oppressive academic environment and the challenges of intellectual diversity in social work education. Despite leaving his program, Arnold has continued his scholarly work, publishing books and articles critiquing the medical model of mental health.This conversation raises important questions about the future of social work education, the tension between truth-seeking and political activism in academia, and whether students with diverse perspectives can thrive in programs with increasingly rigid ideological expectations.Look for a future episode where Arnold and I will dive deeper into his critique of the medical model and how certain "progressive" approaches to mental health may paradoxically reinforce oppressive frameworks.Arnoldo Cantú, LCSW is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist with experience in school social work, private practice, and currently working in community mental health seeing children, adolescents, families, and adults. Cantú was born in Mexico and considers Texas home having grown up in the Rio Grande Valley, though currently resides in the beautiful city of Fort Collins located in northern Colorado. He is the lead editor of a trio of volumes in the Ethics International Press Critical Psychology and Critical Psychiatry Series titled Theoretical Alternatives to the Psychiatric Model of Mental Disorder Labeling, Practical Alternatives to the Psychiatric Model of Mental Illness, and Institutionalized Madness: The Interplay of Psychiatry and Society’s Institutions. He's written critically not only about the idea of so-called mental disorder, but also the idea of race categories.Arnold’s recent article: A Case for Intellectual Humility, Tolerance, and Humanism: Perspectives from an Ethnically “Minoritized” Graduate StudentArnold's ResearchGate profileSpecial Issue "Beyond Ideological Mandates: Critical Reflections on Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Social Work Education"ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 gues...

You may have recently seen episode 1 in the new docuseries "Uncomfortable Truths." Today I’m joined by its filmmaker, Travis Brown, who was drawn to investigate gender ideology after noticing many traits it shared in common with the controlling religious environment he grew up in.We discuss the historical context of gender transition protocols and the questionable ethics of current practices. Travis highlights the alarming trend of rushing into medical procedures without adequate understanding or consideration of the long-term consequences, especially for minors. From his libertarian perspective, he emphasizes the need to balance personal freedom with the importance of waiting periods and psychological evaluations before undergoing irreversible surgeries. Meanwhile, I argue that these procedures should be outlawed altogether, reframing the debate from one of individual rights to one of professional ethical responsibilities.Travis Brown is a visiting fellow at Danube Institute, content producer for Genspect, the president of a non-profit, and an international filmmaker and commentator known for his thought-provoking docuseries 'The Woke Reformation,' which features Peter Boghossian, Douglas Murray, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Vivek Ramaswamy, and other brave intellectuals who demolish and then offer a positive alternative to Woke culture. Travis frequently engages with contemporary cultural issues, exploring themes like identity, belief, and the importance of meaning through his work. He travels internationally to screen his work and engage in public discussions.Travis is the president of The Signal Education Project (SEP), a non-profit that shines a light on how dogmatic thinking distorts the truth and fractures our relationships. Through SEP, Travis explores how strict ideologies shape our view of reality, the effect this has on our conversations, and what it does to relationships and society as a whole. SEP's current project investigates the contentious topic of gender identity in the upcoming docuseries Uncomfortable Truths: The Reality of Gender Identity Ideology.Donate to support the series on GiveSendGo.00:00 Start[00:02:03] Trans ideology and its impact.[00:03:33] Identity and oppression in upbringing.[00:08:06] Oppression and authoritarian tendencies.[00:12:00] Compassionate perspectives on trans issues.[00:16:18] Conveyor belt of transition.[00:19:02] Communicating with trans-identified youth.[00:22:27] Language and its implications.[00:27:03] Interviewing controversial figures.[00:31:17] Buck Angel's evolving perspectives.[00:35:55] Moral psychology and fear.[00:38:31] Importance of opposing views.[00:41:41] Concerns about social media influence.[00:46:53] Medical autonomy and restrictions.[00:48:10] Ethical dilemmas of technology.[00:53:31] Rebuilding parent-child relationships.[00:58:04] Spiritual needs in society.[01:01:40] Pursuing creativity after activism.[01:03:13] Content quality in storytelling.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 ★

I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist and founder of the Catholic Psych Institute. We delve into the complexities of identity, particularly in the context of gender dysphoria, and explore the importance of compassion in addressing these sensitive issues. Dr. Bottaro emphasizes the need for a blueprint for understanding the human person, which he believes is rooted in Catholic teachings. For a deep dive into this blueprint check out our other conversation in episode 152.We discuss how the Catholic vision of the human person can inform our approach to mental health and well-being. Dr. Bottaro shares insights on the unity of body and spirit, and how this understanding can help individuals who feel at odds with their identity. We also touch on the historical role of the Catholic Church in preserving knowledge and culture, and how this legacy can guide contemporary discussions about ethics and psychology.Throughout our conversation, we aim to explore critical questions: How can we approach those struggling with their identity with both compassion and truth? What does it mean to have a healthy understanding of personhood? And how can the principles of Catholicism provide a framework for healing and thriving in today's complex world? Join us as we navigate these profound topics and seek to understand the intersection of faith, reason, and mental health.Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute and creator of the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP). He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, and works to integrate Catholic philosophy and theology with relevant psychology. He leads the CatholicPsych Institute's mission to, "Create a Catholic Standard for Mental Health."Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Bottaro discerned a religious vocation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs). He lived in the Bronx for four years following the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. Under the mentorship of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, this experience formed him in the spirituality of Abandonment to Divine Providence, which he now integrates with his model of psychology, along with the discernment of God's will he learned from Fr. Benedict.In 2012, Dr. Bottaro returned to New York as a psychologist and founded the CatholicPsych Institute, which has continued to grow and serve clients around the world. Most recently he launched the CPMAP Certification to train others in their model of integrated accompaniment.He lives in Connecticut with his wife Barbra and their seven children. 00:00 Start[00:00:10] Compassion in identity struggles.[00:05:37] Civilization saved by Catholic Church.[00:10:03] Resurrection and its implications.[00:12:33] Eucharistic miracles and their significance.[00:19:40] Catholicism and Human Understanding.[00:22:12] Faith versus science paradox.[00:26:22] The ideal human person.[00:30:29] Fatherlessness and its impact.[00:34:02] Compassion in conservative approaches.[00:37:03] Spiritual identity and personhood.[00:40:18] Identity and body connection.[00:45:00] Complexities of therapeutic relationships.[00:49:39] Eternal communion with divinity.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 ★

What does Catholic theology have to offer the field of counseling psychology? Catholic psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro joins me to explore the concept of the "blueprint of the human being" according to Catholic thought, emphasizing that we are made in the image of God, which inherently involves a relational aspect. Dr. Bottaro outlines five essential marks of relationship that shape our identity: being made in God's image, being formed in relationships, experiencing wounds in relationships, finding healing through relationships, and ultimately being destined for eternal relationship with God.We discuss how these principles extend into family life and the ideal structures for nurturing healthy relationships. I ask Dr. Bottaro about the common perception that Catholicism promotes repression, and he offers a nuanced perspective, highlighting the importance of authentic human experience and the developmental journey toward becoming our best selves in right relation with all things.Throughout our dialogue, we aim to uncover how understanding our relational nature can lead to deeper healing and growth, both personally and within our families. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships and the transformative power of connection in the context of faith and psychology.Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute and creator of the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP). He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, and works to integrate Catholic philosophy and theology with relevant psychology. He leads the CatholicPsych Institute's mission to, "Create a Catholic Standard for Mental Health."Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Bottaro discerned a religious vocation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs). He lived in the Bronx for four years following the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. Under the mentorship of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, this experience formed him in the spirituality of Abandonment to Divine Providence, which he now integrates with his model of psychology, along with the discernment of God's will he learned from Fr. Benedict.In 2012, Dr. Bottaro returned to New York as a psychologist and founded the CatholicPsych Institute, which has continued to grow and serve clients around the world. Most recently he launched the CPMAP Certification to train others in their model of integrated accompaniment.He lives in Connecticut with his wife Barbra and their seven children. 00:00 Start[00:02:09] Catholic view of human being.[00:07:42] Eternal relationship and purpose.[00:08:14] The blueprint of the person.[00:15:48] Transcending space and time.[00:18:06] Inner goodness and relationships.[00:21:39] Corrective emotional experiences in relationships.[00:25:10] Objective truth and beauty.[00:30:31] The path to moral action.[00:33:25] Integrated approach to healing.[00:38:35] Communication skills for children.[00:41:29] Mirroring in parenting.[00:48:02] Growth through therapeutic experiences.[00:52:57] Purgatory as God's mercy.[00:54:05] Mercy in life and death.[00:58:57] Suffering and knowledge in purgatory.[01:03:39] Trust in God's mercy.[01:06:30] Loving God Through Neighborly Actions.[01:10:33] Marriage and maturity challenges.[01:15:57] Transcendent relationships in therapy.[01:18:58] Gender craze impact on families.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 ★

The co-authors of "Letters in Black and White" found common ground in their frustration with America's polarized racial discourse. Our conversation explored provocative ideas like "Blackness as oppression"—a concept that shook Wink's foundational beliefs about identity—and Jen's jarring return to an America where diversity training often stifled genuine dialogue.We challenged simplistic narratives of "privilege," examined the controversial topic of reparations (with Wink offering a compelling case for Black agency over victimhood), and questioned how society's racial scripts influence our thinking. Throughout our discussion, we highlighted the power of curiosity and personal storytelling to bridge seemingly insurmountable divides—inviting listeners to reconsider their own perspectives on race and identity in America.Winkfield Twyman and Jennifer Richmond are co-authors of Letters in Black and White: A New Correspondence on Race in America.A former law professor and current author, Winkfield (Wink) Franklin Twyman, Jr. is a southern writer from a small-town suburb outside of Richmond, Virginia. Wink lived on Twyman Road until the age of eight. Everyone on Twyman Road was a Twyman. A graduate of the University of Virginia and Harvard Law School, Wink has penned articles and essays in the South Carolina Law Review, the Virginia Tax Review, the National Black Law Journal, the St. Croix Review, the Pennsylvania Law Review, the Intellectual Conservative, The Civil War in Pennsylvania: The African American Experience, the Richmond Times Dispatch, the Chicago Tribune, and the New York Post. Wink identifies as an American Native to Virginia. Follow him on Substack or his personal or professional Facebook page.A former professor at Trinity University on Chinese Politics and Vice President of International Projects for Stratford, Jennifer Richmond now serves as the Executive Director and Co-founder of the Institute for Liberal Values. In this role, she takes her academic acumen and knowledge of authoritarian governments, turning her attention and skills towards the most polarizing issues within the United States.Instagram: @jsrichmond @ilvaluesX: @truth_inbetween @ilvaluesLinkedInYouTube: @ilvalues00:00 Start[00:02:09] Polarization in race discourse.[00:03:55] Diversity training experiences and reflections.[00:10:11] Language and cultural privilege.[00:12:59] Individuality vs. Stereotypes in Society.[00:19:20] Black identity and entrepreneurship.[00:20:58] Fatherlessness and its impact.[00:25:35] Racial solidarity and misalignment.[00:29:54] Individuality in racial narratives.[00:32:48] Kafka traps in wokeness.[00:37:27] Opposition to reparations for slavery.[00:40:14] Reparations and black agency.[00:45:43] Post-traumatic growth syndrome.[00:49:04] Family personality and resilience.[00:52:49] Curiosity and cognitive ability.[00:58:23] Slavery in Family Genealogy.[01:00:49] Ancestry and racial identity.[01:04:32] Ghost slaves and modern comforts.[01:09:05] Perspective taking and arrogance.[01:11:56] Lack of empathy in communication.[01:16:22] Racial consciousness in family dynamics.[01:20:44] Fragmented identity and cultural expression.[01:25:50] Racial identity and cultural upbringing.[01:27:11] Choosing cultural identity wisely.[01:32:34] Potential vs. Environment in Families.[01:38:15] Human interaction and identity politics.[01:40:41] Individual dignity and creative expression.[01:42:15] Beautiful world amidst challenges.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 ...

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 complaintThe subsequent update & response from the boardBlog: Living for LeviLevi'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.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 ★

If you have a son, you need to be aware of the information in today’s episode.When he was in sixth grade, Shane Cole discovered sissy hypnosis pornography. A secretive and shameful addiction to this disturbing sexual content impacted his formative years, and ultimately led him to identify as transgender and experiment with cross-sex hormones. But today, he is a health-conscious, detransitioned young man who leads trauma-informed Breathwork workshops and studies Tibetan Buddhism. How did he get here?Shane shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming an addiction to sissy hypnosis pornography — and an alarming message to parents about the prevalence and accessibility of this brainwashing online material. We delve into the emotional turmoil that this type of content can inflict, particularly on young boys, and how it intertwines shame, trauma, and pleasure in a way that can lead to destructive patterns of behavior. Shane explains how this genre of pornography exploits male insecurities and can lead to a distorted sense of identity, including a brief period where he believed he was transgender.We explore the alarming rise of sissy hypnosis content online, particularly among young men, and discuss the implications of this trend for parents and society at large. Shane highlights the importance of understanding the psychological impact of such material, including the cognitive dissonance it creates in sensitive young men who are trying to navigate their identities in a world filled with conflicting messages about masculinity and femininity.Surprisingly, like other detransitioners I’ve spoken with here, Shane credits his awakening in part to psychedelics. He speaks about how trauma-informed Breathwork, meditation, and other mind-body practices have helped ground him in a new, healthy sense of self.Throughout our discussion, we aim to uncover the underlying factors that contribute to these issues, including societal pressures, the influence of social media, and the lack of open conversations about male sexuality. This episode serves as a wake-up call for parents and listeners to recognize the potential dangers lurking online and the urgent need for dialogue around these topics.Shane Cole is a trauma-informed breathwork facilitator and founder of Inspiratus Breathwork. After studying psychology at the University of Southern California and completing a nine-month, trauma-informed breathwork facilitator training program, he travels the country to musical festivals and retreats teaching breathwork. With Inspiratus, he creates sacred spaces for humans to cultivate purpose, positivity, and presence through his research-backed approach to breathwork. Throughout his life, he struggled with gender dysphoria and an addiction to sissy hypnosis pornography. After traditional talk therapy did not assist or even want to address the issues he faced, he turned to alternative solutions. Using breathwork, meditation, IFS therapy, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and men's work, he was able to free himself from his addiction, come back to his masculinity, and reclaim his innocence. He is now on a mission to bring breathwork practices to clients struggling with gender dysphoria and pornography addiction. Website: https://www.inspiratusbreathwork.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathingwithshane/ 00:00 Start[00:01:12] Sissy hypnosis pornography addiction.[00:05:16] Sissy hypno porn and its effects.[00:12:46] Epigenetics and inherited trauma.[00:16:27] The devil frequency in hypnosis.[00:21:24] Male-dominated trans-identified community.[00:28:11] Shame and gender dysphoria.[00:29:08] Addiction to dark pornography.[00:34:03] CIA and mind control theories.[00:38:19] Forced feminization in hypnosis porn.[00:44:32] Cognitive dissonance in masculinity.[00:49:59] Feminization as perceived safety.[00:52:27] Validation and gender dysphoria.[00:56:32] The impact of pornography addiction.[01:00:51] Detransitioning and psychedelics insights.[01:07:35] Breathwork training and meditation.[01:08:27] Spiritual practices and self-acceptance.[01:15:09] Breathwork as emotional catharsis.[01:16:55] Emotional catharsis and healing.[01:21:31] Male sexual shadow and healing.[01:25:12] Masculine rites of passage.[01:31:06] Breathwork in music venues.[01:34:08] Breathwork for purpose and healing.[01:38:31] Custom camping breathwork retreat.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. 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 docume...