First visit to the shrink

[Willowicious]

Hiya! Had my first visit to a psychiatrist yesterday,and it wet neither well nor bad. I was really nervous at first, but eventually as I started talking more I calmed down a bit. The doctor hadn't been informed of my gender disphoria by my GP, and he had never encountered GD or any trans people or issues before, so I had to inform him of the basics (like definitions for trans and LGBT, processes of transition (which he called transgression and translation at different points lol)). He'd only been qualified for 3 weeks, but he seemed quite competent. Although he hadn't encountered trans issues before, he was fairly polite, saying nothing offensive, just the usual psychiatrist rhetoric. I basically had to go over my life story, rule out any other mental issues, got the usual does this sexually excite you questions, etc. At the end he said he was going to look up trans issues and the NHS transition process and we were to meet again in a month; he also said it would take about 2 or 3 more sessions before he would feel like he could give a diagnosis but I think that's to be expected. Hopefully he'll be pretty open-minded about trans issues and help me and others in the future with their GD problems! 😀

[Ms Grace]

First time is always hard. If the psych isn't open to trans issues you might want to consider other doctor options.

[stephaniec]

I haven't the slightest clue of what your system is like but it is a little disconcerting that someone who will be making a diagnosis of gender dysphoria has no clue what your talking about. Well, best of luck and hope things go good. I don't don't know , but can you asked to see someone that has a better background in diagnosis dysphoria. He is a trained doctor so you should be all right.

[Mariah]

I hope things work out in regards to going to him in regards to trans issues, but if not don't be afraid seeking out another one. Hugs
Mariah

[itsApril]

Hiya! Had my first visit to a psychiatrist yesterday,and it wet neither well nor bad. I was really nervous at first, but eventually as I started talking more I calmed down a bit. The doctor hadn't been informed of my gender disphoria by my GP, and he had never encountered GD or any trans people or issues before, so I had to inform him of the basics (like definitions for trans and LGBT, processes of transition (which he called transgression and translation at different points lol)). He'd only been qualified for 3 weeks, but he seemed quite competent. Although he hadn't encountered trans issues before, he was fairly polite, saying nothing offensive, just the usual psychiatrist rhetoric. I basically had to go over my life story, rule out any other mental issues, got the usual does this sexually excite you questions, etc. At the end he said he was going to look up trans issues and the NHS transition process and we were to meet again in a month; he also said it would take about 2 or 3 more sessions before he would feel like he could give a diagnosis but I think that's to be expected. Hopefully he'll be pretty open-minded about trans issues and help me and others in the future with their GD problems!

From your description of the appointment, it sounds like he should have made an appointment to talk to you instead of you making an appointment to talk to him.  It amazes me that a physician could get through medical school and then specific psych residency training and still know that little about gender issues.

I hope it goes well and that this doctor is open-minded enough and caring enough to spend a lot of effort to get up to speed on gender as it goes along.  Some doctors and therapists may be ignorant, but the good ones will be eager to learn.

[Stephanie2]

My first visit to the psychiatrist for my gender dysphoria went well. I wasn't too uncomfortable, since I had gone over the whole thing with the Endo doctor. She even had an assessment for me to complete so in case I have the SRS the surgeon will be all set with it. I am dealing with the VA hospital, but they are charging me more now because of seeing specialists. So, many appointments were put on hold. They are keeping the price down with another doctor who knows how to check the hormones. That is the main thing now. The electrolysis and voice lessons will have to wait.

Stephanie

[Willowicious]

Yeah, I found it strange that the concepts of ->-bleeped-<- were new to him; I even had to explain to him what androgynous meant! XD I'm seeing him as a work in progress; a potential ally to mold haha XD For my next appointment I'll bring the NHS protocols for transgender care so he knows the process if he hasn't learned already


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[ChasingAlice]

You should not have to teach,  but you may get a quick letter. Does the person know what to write on the letter? 

[Willowicious]

You should not have to teach,  but you may get a quick letter. Does the person know what to write on the letter?

I don't think so, he didn't seem to know anything about transitioning on the NHS or trans issues in general. And I didn't know I needed a letter for NHS transition; what's it for?


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[Willowicious]

My first visit to the psychiatrist for my gender dysphoria went well. I wasn't too uncomfortable, since I had gone over the whole thing with the Endo doctor. She even had an assessment for me to complete so in case I have the SRS the surgeon will be all set with it. I am dealing with the VA hospital, but they are charging me more now because of seeing specialists. So, many appointments were put on hold. They are keeping the price down with another doctor who knows how to check the hormones. That is the main thing now. The electrolysis and voice lessons will have to wait.

Stephanie

Congrats! Looks like you're getting further than I am XD


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[ChasingAlice]

I don't think so, he didn't seem to know anything about transitioning on the NHS or trans issues in general. And I didn't know I needed a letter for NHS transition; what's it for?


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Sorry I'm in the states.  Where I am at it takes a letter from a therapist or psychologist to have my insurance cover the cost.

[itsApril]

. . . For my next appointment I'll bring the NHS protocols for transgender care so he knows the process if he hasn't learned already

You might also direct him here:

http://www.wpath.org/uploaded_files/140/files/Ethics011105.pdf 🔗

http://www.wpath.org/uploaded_files/140/files/Standards%20of%20Care%20V7%20-%202011%20WPATH.pdf 🔗

These are the ethical standards of Harry Benjamin Foundation and standards of care of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.  These are ideas he really needs to grasp if he's going to be dealing with trans folks.

This could be good!  If you educate him the right way at the beginning, this may benefit lots of people who come along after you.

[Willowicious]

Sorry I'm in the states.  Where I am at it takes a letter from a therapist or psychologist to have my insurance cover the cost.

Ah, gg. Thanks for the info ^_^

You might also direct him here:

http://www.wpath.org/uploaded_files/140/files/Ethics011105.pdf 🔗

http://www.wpath.org/uploaded_files/140/files/Standards%20of%20Care%20V7%20-%202011%20WPATH.pdf 🔗

These are the ethical standards of Harry Benjamin Foundation and standards of care of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.  These are ideas he really needs to grasp if he's going to be dealing with trans folks.

This could be good!  If you educate him the right way at the beginning, this may benefit lots of people who come along after you.

Yeah, I as planning on directing him to these, plus any of the other online NHS trans resources. Hopefully I can 'convert' him into an ally XD


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[Meghan]

Yesterday I meet Gender Dysphoria Therapist counseling at Gender Dysphoria Clinic, and after hour and half they decide to order blood test for my hormones level. I will return next week to talk more about the result. Last night I went to South Bay TransWomen support groups, and told them my story about transition.  They all very support of my idea of transition, but they all want me to take my time to decide.  Since Hormone Replacement Therapy is a long term commitment, and when I begin I can't turn back or change my mind.  I meet a few transwoman in the groups in state of despair because they begin transition and lost their family and jobs, and I try to make sure I not in the same boat when my transition begins.

[Willowicious]

Yesterday I meet Gender Dysphoria Therapist counseling at Gender Dysphoria Clinic, and after hour and half they decide to order blood test for my hormones level. I will return next week to talk more about the result. Last night I went to South Bay TransWomen support groups, and told them my story about transition.  They all very support of my idea of transition, but they all want me to take my time to decide.  Since Hormone Replacement Therapy is a long term commitment, and when I begin I can't turn back or change my mind.  I meet a few transwoman in the groups in state of despair because they begin transition and lost their family and jobs, and I try to make sure I not in the same boat when my transition begins.

Congrats on getting through to being tested, and good luck with your transition! 😀

[Meghan]

Thanks you Willow, right now I am do a lot of reading about transition. I just try to make sure what I am about to do.

Luanne

[Stephanie2]

Congrats! Looks like you're getting further than I am XD


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Yes, I am happy about that. I am getting low on the spironolactone and it is my last refill. hopefully they will send more without requiring that I come in. I am doing fine with the estrogen patches, though.