As we discuss often on this podcast, “gender affirming care” can appeal to trauma survivors as an enticing way out of pain. Some of these people go through the entire process of medical intervention only to find themselves pursuing detransition. This week I am joined by Torren Danowski, a detransitioner who found himself in this exact situation. Torren and I discuss his unique story from his struggle with gender dysphoria, and his adventure with psychedelics, to the place of faith, religion, ministry and church in his life. Torren reminds us of the deeper work it takes to truly discover one’s identity, and urges listeners to align your journey first with learning how to suffer well.
Torren Danowski is a detransitioned man living in Philadelphia. He attempted transition twice in his early 30s after struggling with gender most of his life. But once he realized that his gender dysphoria was actually the symptom of something deeper, he began addressing that deeper issue, and saw the pain of gender dysphoria begin to subside. Torren was involved in Libertarian politics and ran for Pennsylvania State Representative in 2022. He has since stepped away from politics and is seeking a career change, moving from corporate America to exploring counseling, psychology, and theology. You can follow Torren’s work on
substack.
In recent months, Torren has indicated that these books have been a great influence on him during his journey.
Gender Dysphoria Alliance
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What is You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist?
A podcast at the intersection of psychology and culture that intimately explores the human experience and critiques the counseling profession. Your host, Stephanie Winn, distills wisdom gained from her practice as a family therapist and coach while pivoting towards questions of how to apply a practical understanding of psychology to the novel dilemmas of the 21st century, from political polarization to medical malpractice.
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?
Primarily a long-form interview podcast, Stephanie invites unorthodox, free-thinking guests from many walks of life, including counselors, social workers, 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. She is known for bringing calm warmth to painful subjects, and astute perceptiveness to ethically complex issues. Pick up a torch to illuminate the dark night and join us on this journey through the inner wilderness.
You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist ranks in the top 1% globally according to ListenNotes. New episodes are released every Monday. Three and a half years after the show's inception in May of 2022, Stephanie became a Christian, representing the crystallization of moral, spiritual, and existential views she had been openly grappling with along with her audience and guests. Newer episodes (#188 forward) may sometimes reflect a Christian understanding, interwoven with and applied to the same issues the podcast has always addressed. The podcast remains diverse and continues to feature guests from all viewpoints.