123. Identity-Based OCD: Dr. Elliot Kaminetzky on Trans & the Fear of Living Inauthentically

You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

Dr. Elliot Kaminetzky is a child and adolescent psychologist specializing in parenting based interventions for child anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and behavioral challenges. He received his PhD at Hofstra University. Dr. Kaminetzky is the founder and clinical director of My OCD Care and The Center for Child Behavioral Health. Dr. Kaminetzky has publicly spoken out against unethical practices in the area of pediatric gender medicine and the silencing of concerned medical and mental health professionals. Recognizing the challenges parents face in parenting children with gender related concerns, Dr. Kaminetzky founded Serenity Parent Consulting to provide parents with accurate information, useful resources, and emotional support.

Together, we delve into the intriguing world of identity-based OCD. We explore the fears and obsessions associated with OCD, from concerns about being in the wrong body to the fear of living inauthentically. But what if these fears are not just about identity but also about the fear of being ordinary? How do these fears manifest in transgender-identifying young people, and what role does societal influence play in shaping their identities?

We uncover the complexities of OCD, from intrusive thoughts to compulsive behaviors, and how they can impact one's sense of self. How do individuals with OCD navigate the fine line between seeking reassurance and finding inner validation? And what happens when therapy becomes a battleground for seeking external validation versus trusting one's own judgment?

Join us as we unravel the layers of identity-based OCD, exploring the nuances of authenticity, societal constructs, and the quest for certainty in a world filled with uncertainties. Tune in to discover how individuals grapple with their fears, seeking validation from external sources while yearning for inner peace and self-acceptance.

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00:00 Start

[00:00:22] Identity-based themes in OCD.

[00:04:41] Trauma and public shaming.

[00:10:28] Therapists' differing beliefs.

[00:15:18] Fear of ordinariness.

[00:18:48] Identity and societal expectations.

[00:22:45] Identity-based OCD.

[00:28:26] Fear of being ordinary.

[00:30:34] Fear of being ordinary.

[00:37:21] Maladaptive beliefs about identity.

[00:38:50] Fluidity of Male Sexuality.

[00:44:19] Intrusive thoughts and OCD.

[00:49:43] Mild OCD in therapy.

[00:51:38] OCD therapy techniques.

[00:56:03] Pain reprocessing therapy and acceptance.

[00:59:57] Finding your life's mission.

[01:05:21] Exposure therapy in podcasting.

[01:09:17] Gender-related OCD.

[01:12:24] Gender identity and mental health.

[01:17:22] Cultural changes regarding suicide.

[01:19:44] Gender crisis.

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Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

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