Any advice for psychiatrist sessions?

[Willowicious]

Hiya!

I'll be having my first appointment with a psychiatrist (NHS Wales-style) in a couple of days, and was wondering if anybody could give me advice for it, ie. what to tell him, what not to to tell him, how I should present myself, how to prepare, etc. Any help will be greatly appreciated! ^_^

[AnonyMs]

I think if I were doing it, what I said would depend on why I was there.

If its gatekeeping, then tell them what they want hear. If you need help then tell them the truth.

[Dena]

I always used the honesty is the best policy approach. I felt that if there was something that needed treating the doctor should be aware of it. As for presenting yourself. If you are not full time, appear how you are comfortable. If you are full time, appear in your new role. It is easy to pick up on nerves and you will be nervous enough so do everything to can to be comfortable. Most important, relax and don't worry.

If you want to know some of what you will talk about, look at "the transition channel" .

[Harley Quinn]

I'm with Dena. Be honest and upfront with everything. If they fall into the gatekeeper status, chances are that they would come up with a reason that you don't need it... I'd treat it as informed consent. Tell them what you feel, and why you believe HRT will benefit you. If the therapist is a good fit for you, it'll work out. If you feel they're against it, get a straight forward answer from them... there are many therapists out there.

[KayXo]

Be YOU! That's what i did and it worked out fine. Trust yourself.

[AnonyMs]

The problem is its the UK NHS, which doesn't have a very good reputation.

Have a look here, page 27 onwards. I've not read it properly, but it might be applicable.

http://www.gires.org.uk/assets/Medpro-Assets/trans_mh_study.pdf

[Deborah]

Tell the whole truth in all its gory details.  I did that and while it was pretty uncomfortable at first it felt pretty good afterwards.  Plus I felt good about the diagnosis knowing I held nothing back. 

I presented male and it didn't make any difference.  Other therapists might feel differently about that though.


Sapere Aude

[stephaniec]

ditto

[Willowicious]

Sorry I took so long to reply! Yeah, it is via gatekeeping, as I need the psychiatrist to diagnose me with GD so I can get a referral to a GIC (will have to be Charring X as NHS Wales). Thanks for all your advice; it was really helpful! In the end I was just honest with the shrink; I've started a new topic detailing my experience in waffle here: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,204074.new.html#new

If you want to know some of what you will talk about, look at "the transition channel" .

Thanks, those videos were really interesting!