You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist - podcast cover

You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

Stephanie Winnwww.sometherapist.com
You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist intimately explores the human experience while critiquing the state of the counseling profession as it yields to cultural madness. Your host, Stephanie Winn, distills years of wisdom gained from her practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as she pivots away from treating patients, and toward the question of how to apply psychology to the novel dilemmas of the 21st century. What does ethical mental health care look like in a normless age, as our moral compasses spin in search of true north? How can therapists treat patients under pressure to affirm everything from the notion of gender identity to assisted suicide? Stephanie invites heretical, free-thinking guests from many walks of life, including current and former therapists, medical professionals, writers, researchers, and people with unique lived experience, such as detransitioners. Curious about many things, Stephanie’s interdisciplinary psychological lens investigates challenging social issues and inspires transformation in the self, relationships, and society. Pick up a torch to illuminate the dark night and join us on this journey through the inner wilderness.
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Episodes

168. Family Therapy in the Age of Estrangement with Lisa Mustard, LMFT

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Mustard, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and life coach, to delve into the complexities of family dynamics and the evolving landscape of therapy. We explore the alarming trend of family estrangement, particularly among young adults who are cutting ties with their parents, often leaving those parents bewildered despite having provided loving upbringings. Lisa shares her insights from the therapy room, highlighting how political stress and anxiety are...

Jun 30, 20251 hr 12 min

167. Reality Therapy with Ryan Rogers: ROGD Repair and How Therapy is Failing Us

While I am on vacation this summer, I thought I’d take the opportunity to expose my listeners to some of the other podcasts I’ve been on as a guest. Please enjoy this episode of Reality Therapy with Ryan Rogers , which he has graciously agreed to let me borrow. The episode is called, Stephanie Winn on ROGD Repair and How Therapy is Failing Us. It was originally released on Reality Therapy on May 5, 2025. Ryan has also appeared on my podcast in episode 135. Even Worse Than We Thought: The Woke Ta...

Jun 23, 20251 hr 5 min

166. Adult Human Female: Maya Forstater on the Recent UK Supreme Court Ruling

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Maya Forstater, co-founder and CEO of Sex Matters, a human rights charity focused on clarifying the meaning of sex in UK law and policy. We delve into the significant implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling in the For Women Scotland case, which challenges the definition of "woman" in the Equality Act. Maya shares her personal journey, from being an ordinary mum to becoming a pivotal figure in the gender-critical debate after losing he...

Jun 16, 20251 hr 36 min

165. The Dark Side of School Mental Health Services: What Parents Need to Know with Deb Fillman

I welcome back Deb Fillman to delve into the complex intersection of education and mental health services in schools. We explore the growing trend of universal mental health screenings and the implications they have for students, teachers, and parents. Deb shares her concerns about how these programs often blur the lines between education and therapy, placing undue burdens on teachers and potentially mislabeling normal childhood behaviors as mental health issues. We discuss the shift from diagno...

Jun 09, 20251 hr 59 min

164. Courageously Confronting Autogynephilic Compulsions, with Steve Palmer

In this profound episode, I sit down with Steve Palmer to explore an experience few dare to discuss openly: the struggle to conquer ego-dystonic autogynephilia. Steve experiences his compulsions to cross-dress and engage in paraphilic behavior as contradictory to his sense of self and the moral values by which he chooses to live. Steve's story is one of remarkable resilience, tracing a journey from adolescent confusion through drug-induced psychosis to a hard-won spiritual transformation. A hete...

Jun 02, 20251 hr 33 min

163. The Hidden Costs of Reproductive Technology: Samantha DeLoach on Egg Donation, Surrogacy & IVF

Writer, activist, and mother of two, Samantha DeLoach, joins me to delve into the complex and often troubling world of reproductive technologies, including egg harvesting and IVF. We explore the emotional and medical consequences that women face when they engage with these procedures, particularly the risks that are often downplayed or ignored by the industry. Samantha shares her personal journey, reflecting on her own experiences as a college student tempted by the allure of quick cash for egg ...

May 26, 20251 hr 35 min

162. Compassion and Consequences: Dr. Christian Conte on Parenting, Masculinity, & Emotional Mastery

I speak with Dr. Christian Conte, mental health specialist, author, and creator of Yield Theory—an approach to communication focused on reducing defensiveness. Dr. Conte has worked with people ranging from inmates in solitary confinement to elite athletes. What happens when we try to communicate with someone who's defensive? Dr. Conte's Yield Theory offers insights for navigating difficult conversations, especially with adolescents and young adults. Dr. Conte explains that meeting people where t...

May 19, 20251 hr 32 min

161. The HHS Review: Gender Medicine Under Scrutiny | Legal Expert Glenna Goldis Explains

In this episode, I welcome back Glenna Goldis, a lawyer with extensive experience in government and advocacy, to discuss a recent Health and Human Services review on gender medicine. We dive into the report's findings, which critically assess the evidence for both the alleged psychological benefits and the physical harms associated with gender-affirming treatments, particularly for minors. Glenna highlights that the evidence supporting psychological benefits is shaky at best, while the report em...

May 12, 20251 hr 37 min

160. A Family Court Nightmare: Jeff Younger’s Harrowing Crusade to Save His Son

Texas father Jeff Younger joins us to share the gut-wrenching story of his battle to prevent the gender transition of his young son without his consent. Jeff recounts how his ex-wife, a pediatrician, began telling one of their twin boys he was a girl when he was just three years old, eventually socially transitioning him and giving him the name Luna. Jeff takes us through his journey of trying to father his sons in what he describes as a "male-friendly" way through activities like boxing and wre...

May 05, 20251 hr 26 min

159. Detrans Grandma: Identity Crisis and Self Discovery After Postmenopausal Testosterone Use

In this episode, I sit down with Gina, an older detransitioner with a compelling story that spans decades. We delve into her journey, beginning with her childhood experiences of gender dysphoria in the 1970s, her eventual transition in her 50s, and her decision to detransition in 2023. Gina shares her early crush on a girl and how that shaped her understanding of her identity, leading her to believe she needed to become a boy to express her feelings. We explore the complexities of her transition...

Apr 28, 20251 hr 38 min

158. Illness Identity and the Capture of Psychiatry with Dr. Kristopher Kaliebe

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 "ill...

Apr 21, 20251 hr 21 min

157. Anti-Feminist Therapy? Dr. Hannah Spier on How Ideals of Independence Fail Women in Practice

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, empha...

Apr 14, 20251 hr 34 min

156. Not Man Enough to Be a Woman: How William Allen Detransitioned After 30 Years

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 tha...

Apr 07, 20251 hr 35 min

155. The Wrong Kind of Student: Arnold Cantu on Academic Freedom and the Capture of Social Work

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, des...

Mar 31, 20251 hr 25 min

154. Uncomfortable Truths About “Trans”: A Conversation with Filmmaker Travis Brown

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 understandin...

Mar 24, 20251 hr 6 min

153. Understanding Identity and Personhood Through a Catholic Lens with Dr. Greg Bottaro

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 ...

Mar 17, 202553 min

152. The Catholic Blueprint of the Human Psyche with Dr. Gregory Bottaro

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, findin...

Mar 10, 20251 hr 20 min

151. Revisiting Race Relations: Letters in Black and White with Winkfield Twyman & Jennifer Richmond

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 c...

Mar 03, 20251 hr 45 min

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 th...

Feb 24, 20251 hr 23 min

149. Sissy Hypnosis Pornography: What Parents of Boys Need to Know with Shane Cole

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 ...

Feb 17, 20251 hr 41 min

148. Executive Orders Decoded: Attorney Glenna Goldis Explains Impacts on American Families

I met with Glenna Goldis, a New York-based lawyer with experience in government, fraud investigations, and domestic violence advocacy, to discuss the recent executive orders related to gender ideology. Glenna, who publishes a Substack newsletter called "Bad Facts" about the so-called transgender rights movement, provided her legal expertise on what these orders mean for American families. We covered five key executive orders recently implemented by the Trump administration: 1. The day-one order ...

Feb 10, 20251 hr 43 min

147. Supporting Wives and Girlfriends of Autogynephilic Men: Is Healthy Relating Possible?

Having previously run a support group for the wives and girlfriends of men with autogynephilia (AGP), Wildfire Whispers brings a unique perspective on the intersection of AGP and relationships. Are all such men hopelessly self-centered narcissistic fetishists women should run from — or are there ever legitimate reasons a self-respecting woman might stay? Is full recovery from the addictive cycle of autogynephilic fetishism possible for any man, and if so, what needs to change? We explore the cul...

Feb 03, 20251 hr 15 min

146. Raising Young Renaissance Men: Maxim Smith on The Preparation, an Alternative to College

Many parents today are disillusioned with the options they see for their adolescents. College often appears to be little more than an expensive four-year summer camp that churns out indoctrinated radicals without any practical skills. But most job options available to uneducated young adults can rightly be considered “dead end.” So what can bright, intellectually driven and motivated young people do to cultivate character and marketable skills that will set them up for a lifetime of success and ...

Jan 27, 20251 hr 11 min

145. Putting Children’s Needs Before Adults’ Desires with Katy Faust

In today's episode, I spoke with Katy Faust, founder and president of Them Before Us, a global movement defending children's right to their mother and father. She's also the author of three books: "Them Before Us," "Raising Conservative Kids in a Woke City," and "Pro-Child Politics." I began by sharing my personal perspective as a stepparent, acknowledging that while my own family structure isn't ideal from the perspective of children's rights, it's important that we can discuss what's best for ...

Jan 20, 20251 hr 5 min

144. Scapegoat or Sacrifice? Nina Paley Reframes Group Dynamics & Cancel Culture

I had a fascinating conversation with Nina Paley, an animator, director, artist, and co-host of Heterodorx podcast. While some may know her award-winning animated films like "Sita Sings the Blues" and "Seder Masochism," our conversation delved deeper into her personal journey through cancel culture and her insights on scapegoating dynamics. Nina shared how her life changed dramatically in 2017 when she spoke up about gender identity issues after a year of careful research and consideration. The ...

Jan 13, 20251 hr 38 min

143. How Harrison Tinsley Saved His Son: A Harrowing Battle with Gender Lunacy

When Harrison was 26 years old, he found out he was going to be a father. Although he hadn’t known his girlfriend for very long, the news filled him with joy, and the expectant parents began enthusiastically preparing for the family life of their dreams. But things took an unexpected turn when the mother-to-be asked him: what if our child is nonbinary or trans? This marked the beginning of a harrowing series of events involving parental alienation, gender lunacy being projected onto a baby, and ...

Jan 06, 20251 hr 9 min

142. Year in Review: 2024 Reflections and 2025 Aspirations

*This episode was intended to be released on Monday, December 30, 2024. While the video version was released on YouTube on that date, apparently I forgot to complete the process of scheduling it to go out on audio platforms, and only noticed the error on Friday, January 3, 2025. I apologize for the error. In this solo episode, I close out the year by reflecting on the significant events and personal growth I experienced throughout 2024. I ask myself questions about my guiding values and decision...

Jan 03, 20251 hr 21 min

141. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

A short and sweet message to wish you happy holidays. Listen to last year's episode 89. A Christmas Song for Weary Hearts: Snow by Sleeping at Last . ROGD REPAIR Course + Community for Parents is available now! Are you concerned about an adolescent or young adult with Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria? Join at ROGDrepair.com and get instant access to over 100 lessons designed to equip you with the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPI...

Dec 23, 20244 min

140. Gender Dysphoria as a Mind-Body Problem: A Psychoanalytic Perspective with Jaco van Zyl

Many critical thinkers have rightfully wondered why gender dysphoria is treated in clinical settings any differently from anorexia, body integrity identity disorder, and other psychiatric ailments featuring a mind-body problem. Today’s guest is the right person to answer that question. Jaco van Zyl, a South Africa-trained clinical psychologist now practicing in Ireland, joins me to discuss his paper, " Formulating Gender Dysphoria as an Affective-Perceptual Disturbance Involving the Body ," whic...

Dec 16, 20241 hr 35 min

139. The ROGD Repair Scholarship Program: Supporting Parents of Trans-Identified Youth

In this solo episode, I share some exciting news for parents navigating the complexities of communicating with their trans-identified children — especially those who may have financial barriers preventing them from enrolling in my program, ROGD Repair. I announce a new scholarship program, made possible by a generous anonymous donor, which will allow 15 families in financial need to access the course for free. Please share this episode with someone you know who could benefit! For those who aren’...

Dec 09, 202453 min
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