136. The Future of Free Speech in the Counseling Profession with James Esses

In this episode, I welcome back James Esses, a writer and advocate leading discussions on gender ideology and its impact on the therapeutic profession. James shares his journey, which began during his therapist training in the UK. His concerns about the medicalization of children with gender dysphoria led to a major legal battle after his expulsion from graduate school. This case resulted in significant settlements affirming that therapists can hold gender-critical beliefs.

We delve into the broader implications of James’s case, particularly for therapists in the UK and globally. Topics include freedom of speech and the ethical challenges faced by mental health professionals, especially as identity politics increasingly influence therapy. We also discuss how this shift has impacted client care, the risks of overemphasizing “lived experience,” and the dangers of letting ideology dictate treatment decisions for vulnerable groups like adolescents.

Our conversation explores the challenges therapists face today, including the influence of social media on mental health and the importance of maintaining ethical standards in therapy. Together, we reflect on what the future holds for the counseling profession.

James Esses is a writer, commentator, and advocate focused on how ideology shapes society. He emphasizes safeguarding children from irreversible medical interventions and founded the *Declaration for Biological Reality*, advocating for policy reform in this area. James brought a high-profile legal case against the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), leading to a landmark statement protecting therapists with gender-critical beliefs. He frequently appears on platforms such as GB News and TalkTV and contributes to outlets like the *Mail*, *Telegraph*, *Spectator*, *Spiked*, and *Critic*. He also co-writes a Substack with Matt Goodwin.

Previously a Criminal Barrister, James specialized in crime and justice, including combating child sexual abuse and exploitation. Soon, he will launch Just Therapy, a platform for ethical counseling. Follow James on social media to stay informed about his work.

Substack: https://www.mattgoodwin.org/s/james-esses
X: https://x.com/JamesEsses

Books Mentioned
-Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up* by Abigail Shrier: (https://amzn.to/3UVCjeF)

For more book recommendations, including works by past guests, visit https://sometherapist.com/bookshop. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting the show!

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SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI: https://www.swellai.com/?via=sometherapist

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. https://www.joeypecoraro.com/

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