The Counseling Convos Podcast Season 3 Episode 3: Beyond the Binary

🎙️ Beyond the Binary Season 3, Episode 3 — Counseling Convos with Geries Shaheen, LPCIn this powerful and nuanced finale to Season 3, host Geries Shaheen, LPC, NCC steps into one of the most complex and culturally charged conversations in modern mental health: gender identity and the DSM-5 diagnosis of gender dysphoria.Join us as we go Beyond the Binary—exploring the interplay of biology, psychology, environment, and identity. From fetal hormone development and genetic research to cultural conditioning and spiritual frameworks, this episode examines how gender forms and evolves within the human experience.We take a critical yet compassionate look at gender-affirming care, its alternatives, and what it means for therapists to truly offer person-centered, nonjudgmental support. Whether you're a clinician, student, or simply curious about how mental health professionals navigate this evolving topic, you'll walk away with deeper insight, empathy, and practical wisdom.💡 Topics include:Gender identity vs. sex: scientific and clinical distinctionsDSM-5 criteria for gender dysphoriaCurrent statistics and the social climateAffirming care vs. conversion therapyThe ethics of neutrality, support, and therapeutic empowerment🔗 Stay through to the end for trusted resources and research links to further your understanding.This is more than a conversation—it’s a call to listen well, think critically, and lead with care.🎧 Subscribe now and join us as we wrap the season with heart, depth, and honesty.🔍 Cited Resources & Further Reading:The Biological Contributions to Gender Identity and Gender Diversity https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33176072/Causes of Gender Incongruence (Wikipedia Overview) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causes_of_gender_incongruenceWhat is Gender Dysphoria? (APA) https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gender-dysphoria/what-is-gender-dysphoriaAPA Policy on Inclusive and Evidence-Based Care for Transgender and Nonbinary People https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-gender-identity-change-efforts.pdfAPA Resolution Opposing Gender Identity Change Efforts (Conversion Therapy) https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2015/11/affirming-transgender.aspxGender Dysphoria: A Psychological Model (ResearchGate) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330853333_Gender_Dysphoria_A_Psychological_Model