Trainee therapist expelled over gender-critical views reaches settlement

A student psychotherapist ousted from his course after warning against “irreversible” procedures for gender-confused kids has been vindicated by his professional body.

In 2021, James Esses was expelled from his master’s degree at the Metanoia Institute, following complaints about his social media comments. The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) revoked his membership, but has now backed his right to hold gender-critical views following a settlement.

In a statement, the professional body said: “Psychotherapists and counsellors accredited by UKCP are fully entitled to hold such beliefs and any discrimination against them on this basis, including by UKCP-accredited training organisations, is unlawful”.

Biological reality

Welcoming the settlement, Esses said: “The statement they have now published clearly recognises the validity of a professional belief in favour of biological reality and against irreversible medicalisation of children.

fully entitled to hold gender-critical  beliefs

“They have made it clear that their accredited training institutions must never discriminate against students on this basis.”

He added: “People often ask me if I have any regrets about taking up this fight. No, I don’t. Biological reality, child welfare and free speech are simply far too important. I only hope that sense is finally returning to the gender debate – and that others will be spared the ordeal many of us have had to endure”.

Esses’ case against the Metanoia Institute for expelling him from his master’s degree is still ongoing.

NHS

Earlier this month, NHS England announced its intention to stop children from being referred to gender clinics without parental consent.

In a public consultation on its proposed changes to the Children and Young People’s Gender Incongruence Service’s referral pathway, the NHS said new referrals would only be made following a “shared decision” by the child, family and local service.

The health service stated that it made the proposals: “In view of the relatively high number of children and young people who present to gender incongruence services with other complex needs, such as mental health needs, neurodiversity or autism”.