Therapists in Sydney, AU

[Kadri]

It wasn't actually connected to forgetting anything I had said, just some administration detail, that's all, nothing at all to do with the therapy itself.

I have to say that because I had read this thread at the beginning of the year i was a bit suspicious of psychiatrists and was expecting things to take a very long time. I was determined to be honest from the outset, even at the risk that this would be counter-productive. 

I deliberately held off going to see anyone until I had lived full-time for over half a year. I didn't think about it initially, but this gave me time to get over the initial euphoria and helped me to see clearly the things that going full-time would not fix. I went four times, and I think in retrospect that each time was worth it.

[Stranger]

As we seem to have gathered quite a few knowledgeable Australians here, does anyone know of receptive therapists and GPs in Melbourne or Tasmania? I've heard that there is a gender clinic in Melbourne, but don't know much about it.

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Stranger,

And I hope you are not really. 

The Monash Gender centre appears to be a good place to start from what I understand. However I have my reservations about their Endo's. By Sydney standards they are not as progressive in their HRT methodologies. This is second hand information of course.

Let us know how you go with your investigations, but in the mentime, be safe, well and happy.

Lotsa huggs
Catherine

[Stranger]

Thanks, Catherine! By not so progressive, do you mean they're behind medically or rather that they're conservative about allowing treatment?

[caitlin_adams]

It wasn't actually connected to forgetting anything I had said, just some administration detail, that's all, nothing at all to do with the therapy itself.

That's fair enough, you can't hold that against him.

I feel that psychiatrists in Australia are quite helpful, more so than the picture painted of psychiatrists generally here on Susan's.

I really encourage anyone here who is dysphoric about their gender to seek the help of a psychiatrist. If you do happen to find a not so helpful one, it's ok to try another one.

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Stranger

Thanks, Catherine! By not so progressive, do you mean they're behind medically or rather that they're conservative about allowing treatment?

More the conservative attitude, from what I understand. Whether that an over cautious reaction they have adopted since that nasty incident that may still be subject to legal ramification, I don't know.

Be safe, well and happy.
Lotsa huggs
Catherine

[Asfsd4214]

Hi Stranger
More the conservative attitude, from what I understand. Whether that an over cautious reaction they have adopted since that nasty incident that may still be subject to legal ramification, I don't know.

Be safe, well and happy.
Lotsa huggs
Catherine

From the chatter I've heard, it's probably for the best the law look a look at that clinic. I've heard multiple reports about their clinic that I won't repeat except to say, if they were true, I would count them among the worst I've heard in this area of practice in the country.

Hopefully they've improved in the last few years.

[Cindy]

From an Adelaide perspective,  my medical team were quite negative about how things were progressing in Sydney. The comments seemed to be focussed on a lack of  coordination and/or communication due to retirement etc.

I'm pretty sure JustmeinOz went through Monash and was pretty happy with them.

I'm supposed to be presenting at ANZPATH so I'll learn more there  -if I make it- work is crazy.

CJ

[Stranger]

From the chatter I've heard, it's probably for the best the law look a look at that clinic. I've heard multiple reports about their clinic that I won't repeat except to say, if they were true, I would count them among the worst I've heard in this area of practice in the country.

Hopefully they've improved in the last few years.

Now that's a foreboding assessment! It's tough... I'll be living in Tas soon, but Melbourne is a familiar city (lived there for a while) and easy enough to visit regularly. I suppose I'll just have to find out. I'm not aggressively seeking physical transition, I just feel like I should get counselling and talk about my feelings and options. I don't want my future self to have too many regrets.

Though we're becoming quite the progressive lot down in the Apple Isle nowadays, it seems to be where older (more conservative) GPs go when they're on the verge of retirement. Plus I've dealt with enough old-fashioned psychologists in my academic life to know I don't want them at the other end of the couch concerning this. I might be wrong, though... if anyone knows any Tasmanians who transitioned, I'd love to hear about it!

[caitlin_adams]

I believe justmeinoz is living in Tasmania having previously lived in Victoria.

[helen2010]

I didn't have any problem with Dr. T, and I had broken all the "rules". I got hormones without going through any psychotherapy.

Kadri

I had 3 sessions with Dr T and was prescribed hrt after the second session   No drama  Thoughtful and considered he forces you to own the decision   This worked for me

[Jamilla]

Kadri

I had 3 sessions with Dr T and was prescribed hrt after the second session   No drama  Thoughtful and considered he forces you to own the decision   This worked for me

This was very much the same for me, I saw him not long ago to get approval for surgery and all went well. I do however have problems getting a 2nd opinion letter under WPATH your required to obtain another opinion, finding one therapist with training in Gender Dysphoria is hard enough but finding a second one.

Dr Toohey put me in touch with Uplift Psychological Services, Catherine Wilson treats Transgender I'm on a waiting list but it may be many months before I see her, services can be bulk billed with a GP referral and Mental health plan.

I saw Dr Emanuel Vlahakis ( found him very easy to talk to) at Taylor Square Private Clinic very recently, he may be able to help you with HRT. (Yet to pass his letter on to my surgeon after closely looking at all that WPATH requires.) Also you don't need a referral and can claim most back on medicare.

Spoken with the Gender Centre and they are finding it hard to find available therapists. Been bashing the internet hard to find anymore, I did come across Dr Tracie O'keefe who I have no idea about, I did get the impression it may cost me. Does anyone know about her?

My electrolysist mentioned another name last visit which I didn't catch but I will ask again later this week. When I first spoke to Dr Hayes he mentioned another therapist but I am yet to see him again to ask.

 

[Cindy]

Go to the ANZPATH site. It gives a list of Australian medics who can give you the consults and letters. And the surgeons etc.

[Kadri]

Kadri

I had 3 sessions with Dr T and was prescribed hrt after the second session   No drama  Thoughtful and considered he forces you to own the decision   This worked for me

That is an excellent description! I actually saw him for my SRS permission letter. I also feel as if I own my decision. Two months post-op, I'm really happy I went to see him.