Intersectional Psychology

IP0301 BONUS: More Truths About Gender-Affirming Health Care (w/ Anastacia Tomson, MD)

Content note: This episode references transphobic arguments and objections to gender-affirming health care (GAHC) in our discussion and explanation of the guidelines for GAHC. If you’re unable to engage with these topics right now, you are welcome to skip this episode or come back to it when you feel better resourced. 
In this powerful follow-up, host Aurora Brown and Dr Anastacia Tomson, MD, dive deeper into the complexities of gender-affirming healthcare in South Africa. They tackle systemic barriers, debunk pervasive myths, and explore how institutions — from clinics to workplaces — can truly support trans and gender-diverse (TGD) communities. Dr Tomson’s insights blend clinical expertise with lived experience, offering actionable steps towards dignity-centered care.
Connect with Anastacia
📸 @anaphylaxus🌐 anastaciatomson.com / myfamily.gp
🎁 This extended audio is ad-free and includes Patreon-exclusive bonus content.
📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.
⏳ Chapter timestamps
00:00:00 Land acknowledgement00:00:28 Patreon bonus announcement00:01:31 Title credits00:01:52 Welcome and introduction00:03:15 Health disclaimer00:04:10 The truth about the access to GAHC (Part 2)00:08:01 Why GAHC is primary health care00:14:26 Psychosocial support for TGD people00:19:05 The truth about GAHC for non-binary people00:21:59 The truth about TGD people in sports00:29:16 The uniqueness of every transition pathway00:32:01 How institutions can support gender transitions00:36:29 The truth about voice therapy in GAHC00:40:58 A future for everyone (Part 2) 00:45:37 End credits
Stay connected
🌈 Share this episode with someone who loves to learn📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology
You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 
📌 Featured Resources
Tomson, A., McLachlan, C., Wattrus, C., Adams, K., Addinall, R., Bothma, R., Jankelowitz, L., Kotze, E., Luvuno, Z., Madlala, N., Matyila, S., Padavatan, A., Pillay, M., Rakumakoe, M., Tomson-Myburgh, M., Venter, W., & de Vries, E. (2021). Southern African HIV Clinicians Society gender-affirming healthcare guideline for South Africa. Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, 22(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v22i1.1299Tomson, A. (2020). Always Anastacia. Jeppestown: Jonathan Ball Publishers. 
📚 References
McKinney, A. Among the Stars, no piano edit. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/among-the-stars-no-piano-soothing-ambient-choir-portrays-panoramic-space-good-for-landscapes/ Miles, D. Shades of Orange. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/shades-of-orange-a-serene-relaxing-warm-ambient-piece-with-slow-mellow-chords-perfect-for-relaxation-meditation-etc/Wall, C.S.J., Patev, A.J., & Benotsch, E.G. (2023). Trans broken arm syndrome: A mixed-methods exploration of gender-related medical misattribution and invasive questioning. Social science & medicine (1982), 320, 115748. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115748
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IP0302 The PsySSA Guidelines: What the Anti-Trans Crowd Pretends Isn’t Real (w/ Thembisile Dlamini)

Content note: This episode discusses transphobic objections to gender-affirming health care (GAHC) in our explanation of the guidelines for GAHC. If you’re unable to engage with these topics right now, you are welcome to skip this episode or come back to it when you feel better resourced. 
What if the evidence does exist — and it’s just being willfully ignored?
In this episode, clinical psychologist and PsySSA SGD executive member Thembisile Dlamini joins us to unpack the Practice Guidelines for Psychology Professionals Working with Sexually and Gender-Diverse People (2nd edition). These groundbreaking guidelines, published by the Psychological Society of South Africa and the African LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Project, are the only comprehensive, evidence-based mental health guidelines of their kind on the African continent. Together, we explore the real research behind gender-affirming care, the values that underpin the guidelines, and the very deliberate misinformation being spread by anti-trans movements.
We also discuss the role of psychology professionals in countering stigma, upholding self-determination, supporting diverse family structures, and advocating for social justice. If you’re a mental health practitioner, an LGBTQIA+ ally, or someone navigating your own identity, this conversation is for you. Thembisile brings warmth, insight, and clarity to a subject that is too often clouded by fearmongering and bad-faith debate. Spoiler: the evidence is real, the guidelines are robust, and gender-affirming care is mental health care.
Connect with Thembisile
📸 @mindmatters.with.thembi🌐 https://www.psyssa.com/about-us/psyssa-structures-2/divisions/sexuality-and-gender-division-sgd/
📗 Free download of the PsySSA Practice Guidelines for Psychology Professionals Working with Sexually and Gender-Diverse People, 2nd edition
Exclusive bonus content
🎁 Patreon - Ad-free and bonus episodes
Stay connected
🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts🌈 Share this episode with someone who loves to learn📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology or intersectionalpsychologypod[at]gmail.com
You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 
📄 Download a transcript of this episode.
⏳ Chapter Timestamps
00:00:00 Land acknowledgement00:00:28 Title credits00:00:58 Health disclaimer00:01:59 Announcement00:03:00 Welcome and introduction00:06:19 Introducing PsySSA's practice guidelines for psychology professionals working with sexually and gender diverse people, 2nd edition00:15:41 Affirmation is the first step (Guidelines 1-3)00:26:22 It goes all the way to the top! (Guidelines 4-6)00:35:49 Love, families, and finding your people (Guidelines 7-9)00:46:14 The work starts with us (Guidelines 10-12)00:59:31 End credits
📌 References
Psychological Society of South Africa. (2025). Practice Guidelines For Psychology Professionals Working With Sexually And Gender-Diverse People. Johannesburg: Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA).
See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/

IP0301 What is gender-affirming health care ACTUALLY? (w/ Anastacia Tomson, MD)

Content note: This episode references transphobic arguments and objections to gender-affirming health care (GAHC) in our discussion and explanation of the guidelines for GAHC. If you’re unable to engage with these topics right now, you are welcome to skip this episode or come back to it when you feel better resourced. 
This episode kicks off a multi-part series on the health of trans and gender-diverse (TGD) communities in South Africa. Dr Anastacia Tomson — medical doctor, activist, and lead author of South Africa's groundbreaking gender-affirming healthcare guidelines — joins us to dispel myths, clarify misconceptions, and highlight the life-saving importance of evidence-based, compassionate care.
Connect with Anastacia
📸 @anaphylaxus
🌐 myfamily.gp
Exclusive bonus content
🎁 Patreon - Ad-free and bonus episodes
Stay connected
🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 🌈 Share this episode with someone who loves to learn📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology
You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 
📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.
⏳ Chapter timestamps
00:00:00 Land acknowledgement
00:00:28 Title credits
00:00:43 Health disclaimer
00:01:38 Welcome and introduction
00:05:11 About the work of Dr Anastacia Tomson
00:11:16 The real values underpinning gender-affirming health care (GAHC)
00:19:27 The actual access to GAHC
00:23:32 Gender-inclusive language 101
00:27:01 Non-medical gender-affirming practices
00:33:23 What is hormone therapy actually?
00:41:38 What is gender-affirming surgery actually?
00:50:59 A future for everyone
00:56:17 End credits
📌 Featured Resources
Tomson, A., McLachlan, C., Wattrus, C., Adams, K., Addinall, R., Bothma, R., Jankelowitz, L., Kotze, E., Luvuno, Z., Madlala, N., Matyila, S., Padavatan, A., Pillay, M., Rakumakoe, M., Tomson-Myburgh, M., Venter, W., & de Vries, E. (2021). Southern African HIV Clinicians Society gender-affirming healthcare guideline for South Africa. Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v22i1.1299 
Tomson, A. (2020). Always Anastacia. Jeppestown: Jonathan Ball Publishers.
📚 References
McKinney, A. Among the Stars, no piano edit. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/among-the-stars-no-piano-soothing-ambient-choir-portrays-panoramic-space-good-for-landscapes/
Miles, D. Shades of Orange. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/shades-of-orange-a-serene-relaxing-warm-ambient-piece-with-slow-mellow-chords-perfect-for-relaxation-meditation-etc/
See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/ 

IP25.07.21 Intersectional Psychology announcement

Aurora drops into your feed for a brief announcement in lieu of this week's episode. 
Exclusive bonus content
🎁 Patreon - Ad-free and bonus episodes
Stay connected
🌿 Share this episode with someone needing gentleness today⭐ Rate/Review in your podcast app to help others find us🔔 Subscribe for new monthly relaxation practices📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology
You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 
See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/

IPGR002 Breathing Self-Compassion (Guided Relaxation Practice)

This episode is a gentle full-body breath awareness practice cultivating self-compassion through mindful breathing. It builds on the diaphragmatic breathing we did in our last relaxation practice to help you soften into your body, release judgment, and affirm your inherent worth.
Exclusive bonus content
🎁 Patreon - Ad-free and bonus episodes
Stay connected
🌿 Share this episode with someone needing gentleness today⭐ Rate/Review in your podcast app to help others find us🔔 Subscribe for new monthly relaxation practices📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology
You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 
📄 Download a transcript of this episode at IntersectionalPsychology.com.
⏳ Chapter timestamps
00:00:00 Land acknowledgement00:00:28 Title credits00:00:51 Welcome and introduction00:03:10 Breathing self-compassion guided relaxation practice00:28:29 End credits
This episode of Intersectional Psychology was researched, written, recorded, and edited by Aurora Brown.
See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/

IP0202 Part 2: Trauma-Informed Counselling for Children (w/ Neesha Chhiba)

Aurora and Neesha delve deeper into trauma-informed counselling for children in South Africa. They discuss the lingering effects of systemic oppression, practical approaches to trauma care for young clients, and how parents and professionals can support healing. Neesha also shares essential self-care strategies for those working in emotionally demanding fields.
Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.
Connect with Neesha
📧 neeshachhibarc@gmail.com
📸 Instagram.com/neeshachhiba_rc_counselling
Exclusive bonus content
🎁 Patreon - Ad-free and exclusive bonus episodes
👇 Chapter timestamps
00:00:00 Land acknowledgement
00:00:28 Title credits
00:00:49 Welcome and introduction
00:01:17 Power, freedom, and difference in mental health care
00:09:36 Trauma-informed mental health care with children
00:20:11 How parents can support the mental health of their children
00:29:11 Trauma-informed self care
00:33:07 Navigating the future of child mental health care
00:34:37 End credits
Stay connected
🎞 Watch the YouTube video of this episode
🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
🌈 Share this episode with someone who loves to learn
📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology
You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 
This episode of Intersectional Psychology was researched, written, recorded, and edited by Aurora Brown.
📚 References
Cochrane, L. and Chellan, W. (2017). "The Group Areas Act affected us all": Apartheid and Socio-Religious Change in the Cape Town Muslim Community, South Africa, Oral History Forum D’histoire Orale, 2. http://www.oralhistoryforum.ca/index.php/ohf/article/download/644/724.
DeepTheme Audio. Analog Bubbles. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/analog-bubbles-dreamy-calm-and-carefree-musical-bumper-stinger-intro-outro/
Miles, D. Shades of Orange. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/shades-of-orange-a-serene-relaxing-warm-ambient-piece-with-slow-mellow-chords-perfect-for-relaxation-meditation-etc/
Ngubane, N.P. and De Gama, B.Z. (2024). The influence of culture on the cause, diagnosis and treatment of serious mental illness (Ufufunyana): Perspectives of traditional health practitioners in the Harry Gwala District, KwaZulu-Natal, Culture Medicine and Psychiatry, 48(3), pp. 634–654. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11013-024-09863-7.
Perks, B. (2024). Trauma Proof. ITHAKA.
Yehuda, R. (2022). How parents' trauma leaves biological traces in children, SCIAM.
 
See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/

IP0202 PART 1: Decolonial Practice with Children (w/ Neesha Chhiba)

In this episode, Aurora sits down with Registered Counsellor Neesha Chhiba to explore decolonial approaches to counselling children in South Africa. They discuss the historical, socioeconomic, and cultural factors shaping mental health challenges, the limitations of Western-centric psychology, and practical ways to integrate culturally responsive care into practice.
Connect with Neesha
📧 neeshachhibarc@gmail.com
📸 Instagram.com/neeshachhiba_rc_counselling
Stay connected 
🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to catch every episode
 🌈 Share this episode with someone who loves to learn
 📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology
 🎁 Support this podcast and access bonus content, including additional episodes and interviews, as well as more guided mindfulness sessions, go to Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. As an independent media creator, I really appreciate your support.
You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 
Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.
👇 Chapters
00:00:00 Land acknowledgement
00:00:28 Title credits
00:00:52 Welcome and introduction
00:01:54 About the work of Neesha Chhiba
00:12:43 Factors impacting the mental health of children in South Africa
00:29:30 Decolonial practice with children
00:42:34 End credits
📚 References
Cochrane, L. and Chellan, W. (2017). "The Group Areas Act affected us all": Apartheid and Socio-Religious Change in the Cape Town Muslim Community, South Africa, Oral History Forum D’histoire Orale, 2. http://www.oralhistoryforum.ca/index.php/ohf/article/download/644/724.
DeepTheme Audio. Analog Bubbles. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/analog-bubbles-dreamy-calm-and-carefree-musical-bumper-stinger-intro-outro/
Miles, D. Shades of Orange. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/shades-of-orange-a-serene-relaxing-warm-ambient-piece-with-slow-mellow-chords-perfect-for-relaxation-meditation-etc/
Ngubane, N.P. and De Gama, B.Z. (2024). The influence of culture on the cause, diagnosis and treatment of serious mental illness (Ufufunyana): Perspectives of traditional health practitioners in the Harry Gwala District, KwaZulu-Natal, Culture Medicine and Psychiatry, 48(3), pp. 634–654. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11013-024-09863-7
Perks, B. (2024). Trauma Proof. ITHAKA.
Yehuda, R. (2022). How parents' trauma leaves biological traces in children, SCIAM.

IP0201 PART 2: South Africa to Palestine: Ongoing decolonial work (w/ Shaheeda Sadeck)

Content note: This episode includes discussions of apartheid, colonialism, Gaza, genocide, and gender-based violence. If you’re unable to engage with these topics right now, you are welcome to skip this episode or come back to it when you feel better resourced. 
In this powerful episode, activist and Registered Counsellor Shaheeda Sadeck joins us again to discuss the underreported realities of Islamophobia in South Africa, the mental health struggles of lesbian Muslim women, and why South Africa has taken such a bold stance against the genocide in Gaza. From hate crimes against mosques to the legacy of apartheid and its parallels with Palestinian oppression, this conversation bridges faith, justice, and decolonial psychology. 
Shaheeda also shares insights from her groundbreaking research on queer Muslim women in Cape Town and the urgent need for mental health practitioners to advocate for Palestinian liberation.
Stay connected
🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
🌈 Rate and share this episode 
📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology
🎁 Support this podcast and access bonus content, including additional episodes and interviews, as well as more guided mindfulness sessions, go to Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. As an independent media creator, I really appreciate your support.
You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 
Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.
Extras
📌 Support the Institute for Healing of Memories (IHOM): https://healing-memories.org/donate/
👇 Chapters
00:00:00 Land acknowledgement00:00:28 Title credits 00:00:44 Content note00:01:14 Welcome and introduction00:01:53 Impact of Islamophobia on the mental health of Muslims in South Africa00:09:51 Mental health challenges of Queer Muslims in Cape Town00:19:38 From South Africa to Palestine: Ongoing decolonial work00:24:52 Why healthcare workers must speak up for Palestine 00:38:40 The healing of memories00:45:32 End credits
This episode of Intersectional Psychology was researched, written, recorded, and edited by Aurora Brown.
🎶Additional music creditsBIIANSU. Ptem. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/ptem-dark-pads-fading-in-and-out-with-a-fast-paced-gated-effect/DeepTheme Audio. Analog Bubbles - Alternative Version 4. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/analog-bubbles-dreamy-calm-and-carefree-musical-bumper-stinger-intro-outro/DeepTheme Audio. Into the Blue. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/into-the-blue-ambient-calm-warm-pads-serious-musical-bumper-stinger-intro-outro/Miles, D. Shades of Orange. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/shades-of-orange-a-serene-relaxing-warm-ambient-piece-with-slow-mellow-chords-perfect-for-relaxation-meditation-etc/ZapSplat. Among the Stars, no piano edit. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/among-the-stars-no-piano-soothing-ambient-choir-portrays-panoramic-space-good-for-landscapes/

IP0201 PART 1: Decolonising Mental Health (w/ Shaheeda Sadeck)

Content note: This episode includes discussions of apartheid, colonialism, grief and loss, gender-based violence, and intergenerational trauma. If you’re unable to engage with these topics right now, you are welcome to skip this episode or come back to it when you feel better resourced. 
In this powerful conversation, activist and Registered Counsellor Shaheeda Sadeck joins me to unpack what decolonial mental health looks like in practice — from schools and communities to spiritual spaces and activist networks.
We talk about the psychological legacy of apartheid, Shaheeda's work with marginalised communities in Cape Town, how social practice and multiculturalism enhance psychology, and the role of traditional healing in mental healthcare. You’ll walk away from this conversation inspired, challenged, and ready to rethink what healing really means.
Stay connected
🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
🌈 Rate and share this episode 
📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology
🎁 Support this podcast and access bonus content, including additional episodes and interviews, as well as more guided mindfulness sessions, go to Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. As an independent media creator, I really appreciate your support.
You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 
Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.
Extras
📌 Support the Institute for Healing of Memories (IHOM): https://healing-memories.org/donate/
👇 Chapters
00:00:00 Land acknowledgement
00:00:28 Title credits and content note
00:01:13 Welcome and introduction
00:05:06 About the work of Shaheeda Sadeck
00:19:16 The historical, socioeconomic, and cultural factors impacting mental health
00:26:12 Decolonising mental health explained
00:38:13 How social practice and multiculturalism enhance psychology
00:47:02 End credits
This episode of Intersectional Psychology was researched, written, recorded, and edited by Aurora Brown.

IPGR001 Guided Relaxation: Diaphragmatic Breathing

In this debut relaxation session from the Intersectional Psychology podcast, Aurora Brown guides you through a diaphragmatic (or "belly") breathing practice — the foundational technique for nervous system regulation. Whether you're new to relaxation exercises or already building a daily practice, this episode offers a grounding, affirming space to reconnect with your breath, body, and inner safety.
You'll learn how deep breathing calms the brain's stress responses, helping to bring your body into a parasympathetic state — where rest, recovery, and healing become possible.
In this episode, we'll explore
🌬️ The science of diaphragmatic breathing
🧠 How breathwork calms the amygdala and activates the vagus nerve
🌊 A guided 3-3-6 breathing rhythm to regulate anxiety and panic
❤️ Affirming modifications for diverse bodies and abilities
🌿 The role of breath in building long-term emotional resilience
Helpful Tips
✅ Practice seated or lying down — whatever feels safe ✅ Try this breathing rhythm 3 times a day, even for just a minute ✅ Revisit this episode whenever you need to regulate, decompress, or centre yourself
Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.
Chapter timestamps
00:00:00-00:00:18 Title cards and announcements
00:00:19-00:05:48 Welcome and introduction to diaphragmatic breathing
00:05:49-00:16:59 Diaphragmatic breathing relaxation practice
00:17:00-00:19:50 Why we need an intersectional model
This episode of Intersectional Psychology was researched, written, recorded, and edited by Aurora Brown.
Stay Connected
Follow the podcast to catch next week’s episode — which features our first guest in conversation on decolonising mental health!
🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 🌈 Share this episode with someone who deserves a moment of calm 📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology 🎁 Support this podcast and access bonus content, including additional episodes and interviews, as well as more guided mindfulness sessions, go to Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. As an independent media creator, I really appreciate your support. 
You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 
References
Cavé, J. (2024) Diaphragmatic breathing frontloading. Johannesburg: Impact Training.
Cunningham, R. (2017). Yoga for athletes. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Goldfried, M.R. & Davison, G.C. (1995-2005). Diaphragmatic Breathing. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Kaufman, K.A., Glass, C.R., & Pineau, T.R. (2018). Mindful sport performance enhancement: Mental training for athletes and coaches. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Porges, S.W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.