You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

Sara Stockton is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, lecturer, researcher, and clinical supervisor of a psychotherapy practice in New York who has done a complete 180 on the subject of youth gender transition. Ms. Stockton spent the first part of her career advocating for “gender affirming care” in the treatment of trans-identified youth. Starting in 2008, her work with this population included traveling to teach and train medical facilities, physicians, and schools on “gender affirmation.” In 2013, she co-authored one of the first mental health assessments in the US utilized to assess youth “readiness” for gender transition. She treated over 100 families, and wrote many of the first letters that were used to approve gender transition surgeries on minors, before a change of perspective shifted the focus of her work. More recently, she was featured in the documentary “What is a Woman,” where she decided to speak out about her moments of doubt and realizations, and her decision to raise awareness about the pitfalls of this approach. She has also been interviewed by Jordan Peterson and on Gender: A Wider Lens.

In this episode, Sara shares her journey from being a young graduate student specializing in gender issues to her eventual shift in focus towards sex therapy. We discuss the lack of historical context and critical examination of the treatment protocols for transgender-identified youth; the pressure to conform to a specific narrative without questioning the long-term consequences; and ways in which young therapists’ naïveté, openness, and eagerness to prove themselves can all be utilized to further an agenda that might more easily be recognized as sinister by more grounded individuals.

Sara opens up about the ethical dilemmas she encountered, including the issue of informed consent and the pressure to prescribe irreversible medical interventions to young people. We explore the concept of autogynephilia and its implications for understanding the motivations behind gender identity. We touch on the hyper-sexualization of youth in the context of gender issues; the links between sexual deviance and the “trans” movement; and the challenges of navigating discussions around sexuality and intimacy with young clients.

Sara shares a pivotal moment in her career when she encountered a detransitioner and realized the lack of support and resources available for those who regret their medical transition. We discuss the vulnerability of individuals during times of personal struggle and the potential for manipulation and exploitation.

This episode raises important questions about the need for a more nuanced and critical approach to gender issues. Join us as we delve into these complex topics and challenge the prevailing narratives surrounding trans-identified youth. Find Sara on X @MrsSaraStockton or at www.stocktonscoaching.com

Resources mentioned:
-Eleven Lawsuits by Detransitioners in the US (article on Lisa Selin Davis' blog, Broadview)
-Episode 82. Jamie Reed Confronts Gender Malpractice: on Courage, Whistleblowing, and Detrans Medical Records

00:00 Start

02:08 Early 20s and gender issues.

05:58 The shift in public perception.

10:39 The Dutch protocol.

13:26 Valuing discomfort over natural processes.

17:11 Squashing our instincts and intuition.

20:41 Treating gender dysphoria.

29:06 Sensory exploration and identity.

29:39 Gender-related ideation.

37:02 Informed consent and decision-making.

41:20 Talking to young transgender patients.

44:23 Oversexualization in LGBTQ+ youth.

50:39 Detransitioning experiences.

56:30 Cults and manipulation.

59:28 Safeguarding and client potential.

01:06:03 Challenging parental perspectives.

01:06:48 Gender dysphoria and mental hospitals.

01:11:00 Pornography addiction and shifting focus.

01:16:26 Butchery of children.

01:19:41 Backlash and public criticism.

01:24:18-01:24:28 Blacklisting and Speaking Out.

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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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