Understanding the Deep Struggles Behind Gender Identity - Panel Discussion

The Psychological Roots of Gender Related Distress, Moderated by @stellaomalleypsychotherapist . Panelists: Dr Stephen Levine, Sasha Ayad, Lisa Marchiano, and Joe Burgo.

Stella O’Malley
Psychotherapist and author of several books, Stella is the founder and director of Genspect. Stella first became well known for her work in gender with the 2018 documentary, Trans Kids: It’s Time To Talk. Moved by how many families were impacted by gender dysphoria, Stella founded the Gender Dysphoria Support Network to help parents access appropriate support. Along with Sasha Ayad, Stella is the co-host of the popular podcast, Gender: A Wider Lens and is also the co-author of When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents.

Dr. Stephen Levine
Dr. Levine is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry. He is the author of five books on sex and love and has been the Senior Editor of three editions of the Handbook of Clinical Sexuality for Mental Health Professionals. In the previous six years, most of his academic output has involved trans matters. In 2005, he and two colleagues received a lifetime achievement Masters and Johnson’s Award. Informed consent, evidence evaluation, ethics, and the description of a life cycle perspective are topics that he is often called upon to discuss. These topics converge into an interest in a psychotherapy-first approach to concerned individuals and their parents.

Sasha Ayad
Sasha Ayad is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. Her work focuses on teens and young adults struggling with gender dysphoria and gender identity. Concerned about medical transition for gender distressed children and teens, Sasha’s approach is developmentally appropriate least-invasivefirst talk therapy. Sasha cohosts Gender: A Wider Lens Podcast and is a founding board member of several organizations including Society for Evidence-based Gender Medicine, The Gender
Exploratory Therapy Association and Genspect.

Lisa Marchiano
Lisa Marchiano, LCSW is an author, podcaster, and certified Jungian analyst in private practice. She is the author of several books, including When Kids Say They're Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents which she co-authored with her dear friends Stella O'Malley and Sasha Ayad. Lisa's writings on gender have appeared in numerous publications, including Quillette and The Journal of Analytical Psychology. Lisa is a host of the popular depth psychology podcast This Jungian Life.

Dr. Joseph Burgo
Joseph Burgo is a psychotherapist, writer, and media commentator. His work focuses on the role of shame and narcissism in fuelling a drive toward gender transition. Joe’s work is informed by his many years working with other gay men and members of the LGBT community.

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