158. Illness Identity and the Capture of Psychiatry with Dr. Kristopher Kaliebe
04/21/25 • 81 min
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 "illness identity," where young people may gravitate towards labels that define their struggles, often leading to over-diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Dr. Kaliebe emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances behind statements like "I feel like a woman" or "I feel like a boy," urging listeners to consider the psychological factors at play. We also discuss the troubling trend of social transition among children and the societal pressures that contribute to this phenomenon.
Throughout our conversation, we question the integrity of professional organizations that have adopted advocacy over science, leading to a lack of diverse perspectives in psychiatric practice. This episode aims to shed light on the urgent need for a more balanced dialogue in mental health care, encouraging professionals and parents alike to critically evaluate the current approaches to gender identity and treatment.
Kristopher Kaliebe, MD is a Professor of Psychiatry at University of South Florida, in Tampa Florida. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. He is a Distinguished Fellow at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).
His clinical work has been primarily in University clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and juvenile corrections. At USF Dr. Kaliebe instructs medical students, psychiatry residents, child and adolescent psychiatry fellows, and forensic psychiatry fellows.
From 2013-2021 he served as co-chair of AACAP’s Media Committee. From 2016 to 2022 he was the liaison between the AACAP and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Kaliebe’s publications and presentations include the effects of digital technologies, gender, psychotherapy, juvenile, corrections, mind-body medicine, nutrition, and mental health in primary care settings. He is concerned about naïve interventionalism in medicine.
Restore Childhood: https://restorechildhood.com/
00:00 Start
[00:01:43] Gender-affirming care skepticism.
[00:03:39] Early onset gender dysphoria.
[00:08:10] Gender dysphoria diagnosis concerns.
[00:13:07] Illness identity versus stigma.
[00:16:44] Illness identity and social transition.
[00:21:08] Gender identity and social transition.
[00:25:37] Gender identity's incoherent evolution.
[00:29:31] Symbolic equivalence in identity.
[00:32:01] Comfort and identity in gender.
[00:38:01] Psychiatry's response to advocacy pressures.
[00:39:49] Advocacy versus science in medicine.
[00:45:34] Institutional takeover as a virus.
[00:48:31] Emotional communication in media.
[00:51:05] Classical liberalism in education.
[00:55:24] Parental caution in therapy choices.
[01:00:06] Overprotecting youth in society.
[01:05:38] Building identity through creativity.
[01:08:50] Consequences of overprotective parenting.
[01:10:32] Consequences in parenting.
[01:15:50] Male identity and societal challenges.
[01:18:41] Restore Childhood initiative.
ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.
TALK TO ME: book a meeting.
PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.
SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.
ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.
Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.
SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.
MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.
To support this show, please leave a rating & revie...
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 "illness identity," where young people may gravitate towards labels that define their struggles, often leading to over-diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Dr. Kaliebe emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances behind statements like "I feel like a woman" or "I feel like a boy," urging listeners to consider the psychological factors at play. We also discuss the troubling trend of social transition among children and the societal pressures that contribute to this phenomenon.
Throughout our conversation, we question the integrity of professional organizations that have adopted advocacy over science, leading to a lack of diverse perspectives in psychiatric practice. This episode aims to shed light on the urgent need for a more balanced dialogue in mental health care, encouraging professionals and parents alike to critically evaluate the current approaches to gender identity and treatment.
Kristopher Kaliebe, MD is a Professor of Psychiatry at University of South Florida, in Tampa Florida. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. He is a Distinguished Fellow at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).
His clinical work has been primarily in University clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and juvenile corrections. At USF Dr. Kaliebe instructs medical students, psychiatry residents, child and adolescent psychiatry fellows, and forensic psychiatry fellows.
From 2013-2021 he served as co-chair of AACAP’s Media Committee. From 2016 to 2022 he was the liaison between the AACAP and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Kaliebe’s publications and presentations include the effects of digital technologies, gender, psychotherapy, juvenile, corrections, mind-body medicine, nutrition, and mental health in primary care settings. He is concerned about naïve interventionalism in medicine.
Restore Childhood: https://restorechildhood.com/
00:00 Start
[00:01:43] Gender-affirming care skepticism.
[00:03:39] Early onset gender dysphoria.
[00:08:10] Gender dysphoria diagnosis concerns.
[00:13:07] Illness identity versus stigma.
[00:16:44] Illness identity and social transition.
[00:21:08] Gender identity and social transition.
[00:25:37] Gender identity's incoherent evolution.
[00:29:31] Symbolic equivalence in identity.
[00:32:01] Comfort and identity in gender.
[00:38:01] Psychiatry's response to advocacy pressures.
[00:39:49] Advocacy versus science in medicine.
[00:45:34] Institutional takeover as a virus.
[00:48:31] Emotional communication in media.
[00:51:05] Classical liberalism in education.
[00:55:24] Parental caution in therapy choices.
[01:00:06] Overprotecting youth in society.
[01:05:38] Building identity through creativity.
[01:08:50] Consequences of overprotective parenting.
[01:10:32] Consequences in parenting.
[01:15:50] Male identity and societal challenges.
[01:18:41] Restore Childhood initiative.
ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.
TALK TO ME: book a meeting.
PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.
SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.
ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.
Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.
SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.
MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.
To support this show, please leave a rating & revie...
Previous Episode
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, emphasizing the importance for women of knowing what we want while we still retain the advantages of youth. Hannah discusses the common patterns she sees in her patients, such as the pressure to achieve academically while neglecting emotional needs, which can lead to a cycle of anxiety and dissatisfaction. We also touch on the societal expectations placed on women and how these can create a disconnect between their true desires and their life choices.
Throughout our conversation, we challenge the notion of self-esteem and discuss the role of gratitude in overcoming resentment. Hannah argues that understanding the realities of both women's and men's experiences can help shift perspectives and foster healthier relationships. This episode aims to provoke thought about the choices women make and the societal narratives that shape those choices, ultimately encouraging listeners to reflect on their own paths and desires.
Hannah Spier is a Norwegian-born medical doctor trained in Psychiatry in Norway and Switzerland, with a degree in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy from the University of Zurich. Now based in Zurich with her husband and three children, she launched the Psychobabble publication and podcast in October 2022 to challenge postmodern influences and champion traditional values in the mental health field.
YouTube: @psychobabblewithspier
00:00 Start
[00:01:27] Anti-feminist psychiatrist explained.
[00:07:26] Biological clock and priorities shift.
[00:11:08] Success redefined for mothers.
[00:14:06] Choices and leverage for women.
[00:20:18] Biological realities of women's choices.
[00:25:46] Antidote to resentment is gratitude.
[00:30:00] Narcissism and self-perception.
[00:34:48] Resentment in motherhood and relationships.
[00:36:10] Women's relationship goals and challenges.
[00:43:34] Choosing the right partner.
[00:48:05] Evolutionary psychology and motherhood.
[00:52:17] Dating with intention.
[00:54:23] Postmodernism's impact on self-improvement.
[01:02:27] Expecting more from ourselves.
[01:03:21] Flaws in psychiatric treatment.
[01:10:06] Maternal instincts and self-care.
[01:15:36] Lies of feminism.
[01:16:43] Vulnerability and relationship dynamics.
[01:22:01] Confusion between love and passion.
[01:28:06] Healing from domestic violence.
[01:30:14] Maternal instincts and nurturing energy.
ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.
TALK TO ME: book a meeting.
PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.
SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.
ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.
Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.
SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.
MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.
To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!
Next Episode
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, including the overwhelming effects of testosterone on her sex drive and how it altered her sexual orientation, making her attracted to men for the first time. Gina reflects on the societal pressures surrounding gender and beauty, and how her past experiences of trauma influenced her decisions.
We also discuss the impact of her identity on her relationship with her daughter, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding in parenting. Throughout our conversation, we aim to unpack the nuances of identity, the role of societal expectations, and the emotional turmoil that can accompany such profound life changes.
In 1970, at the age of ten, Gina traversed a hill to the neighboring ranch to confess to her friend that she was supposed to be a boy. Forty years later, she “transitioned.” After thirteen years of living as a “trans-man,” she had an awakening that inspired her to begin detransitioning. Now in radical acceptance of her womanhood, she is recovering. Gina's goal is to create a healing space in the country for female detransitioners, crossing a different kind of hill this time, to a new ranch.
Gina’s art: @aluminum_couture on Instagram
Gina’s Substack: @thisbodyofmine
00:00 Start
[00:02:17] Childhood crush and gender identity.
[00:05:13] Childhood crush and identity.
[00:10:08] Secret crushes and shame.
[00:16:50] Coming out as a lesbian.
[00:19:11] Attraction and identity transformation.
[00:23:46] Masculinity as a protective shield.
[00:26:05] Grandiosity in young women's identities.
[00:30:50] Identity and rejection in relationships.
[00:34:50] Gender identity and self-perception.
[00:39:34] Hormonal changes and sexual attraction.
[00:44:03] The impact of testosterone on behavior.
[00:49:19] Dreams and identity exploration.
[00:54:56] Fragility of ego in identity.
[00:58:21] Identity crisis and personal anchors.
[01:01:05] Suicide prevention and parental responsibility.
[01:05:07] Nurturing motherhood and identity.
[01:10:06] Grandparenthood and identity transformation.
[01:14:36] Identity and self-acceptance journey.
[01:18:48] Effects of testosterone on motivation.
[01:22:50] Identity and motherhood loss.
[01:28:17] Identity acceptance and transformation.
[01:30:13] Rediscovering identity through transition.
[01:34:54] Emotional stability and external connections.
ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.
TALK TO ME: book a meeting.
PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.
SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.
ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.
Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.
SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.
MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.
To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!
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