What Parents Should Know about Psychotherapy for Their Trans-identified Adolescent | Dr. S Levine

In this essential talk, psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Levine explains how psychotherapy can help adolescents struggling with gender distress, and why parents must be part of the process. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Levine explores the deeper emotional and developmental issues that can lie beneath a new gender identity. He argues that compassionate, open-ended psychotherapy, not affirmation or rapid medicalisation, is the safest and most ethical approach for young people in distress. Stephen Levine is the author of five books on sex and love and Senior Editor of three editions of the Handbook of Clinical Sexuality for Mental Health Professionals. Recipient of the Masters and Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award, he is recognised for his expertise in informed consent, ethics, and psychotherapy-first approaches to gender dysphoria. A contributor to The Gender Framework, he continues to shape international discussions on ethical care. Filmed at The Bigger Picture Conference, held 27–28 September 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Genspect or its affiliates. While Genspect advocates for free speech and open dialogue, the content here represents individual perspectives. For more information on Genspect’s position, please visit: https://genspect.org/our-position-faqs/ 🔗 Learn more about Genspect’s work: www.genspect.org 🎥 Watch more talks from The Bigger Picture Conference:    • Bigger Picture Conference - Albuquerque   00:00 - Introduction: Why Parents Matter 01:08 - Understanding Adolescent Gender Distress 03:42 - What Psychotherapy Can Offer 06:15 - The Role of Parents in Treatment 08:27 - The Dangers of Affirmation-Only Models 10:45 - Why Open Exploration Is Essential 13:10 - Ethical Responsibilities of Clinicians 15:35 - Long-Term Outcomes and Regret 18:00 - Hope for Healing and Reconnection 20:12 - Closing Reflections ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please subscribe, comment, like and share! Support our work: https://genspect.org/donate/ Follow us on Social Media: X:   / genspect   Facebook:   / genspect   Instagram:   / genspectinternational   Youtube:    / @genspect   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #DrStephenLevine #Genspect #TheBiggerPicture #GenderMedicine #Psychotherapy #Parenting #ChildSafeguarding