March 30, 2025
Understanding Gender Dysphoria in Today’s Youth
In this interview, I share my personal and clinical experience from over 30 years in mental health and my work at Healthy Connections and Triumph Steps. We dive into the rise of gender dysphoria in children and adolescents, exploring how social influence and peer dynamics may be contributing to a form of social contagion.
🔹 I share the story of one phone call with a concerned mother whose 12-year-old daughter was experiencing gender confusion — and how, within that one call, we identified 10 children across two schools experiencing similar struggles.
🔹 We talk about the developing prefrontal cortex, and why it’s critical to question whether children as young as 12, 13, or 14 are developmentally ready to make irreversible decisions like starting hormone therapy or undergoing surgery — especially in states where parental consent is not required.
🔹 I explain the treatment approach at Healthy Connections, where we work with children to understand the “why” behind their desire to change sex:
Is it a desire for freedom or identity outside gender stereotypes?
Is it a longing to belong, to be applauded and accepted by certain peer groups?
Is it about sensitivity, or not fitting traditional expectations of masculinity or femininity?
🔹 We also discuss the impact of social media algorithms, and how they can pull vulnerable children down harmful paths by reinforcing confusion instead of promoting healthy self-understanding.
This is a compassionate and thoughtful conversation aimed at helping families navigate these complex issues with clarity, care, and a focus on the long-term well-being of children and teens.
👉 Watch now, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more mental health discussions.