Gender specialist in the uk

[leah abigale]

How do i get to see a gender specialist in the uk ? I recently got married to my wife last year but ive been carrying the burden that im a mtf transgender for the last 10 years , do i tell her that i want to be a woman now or wait to see the gender specialist as im stuck at the cross roads

[Megan.]

Hi hun, I've been working with a great therapist for more than two years now,  has worked with several Trans* clients and is based in Hertfordshire if that's of any use (PM me for her details). Otherwise there is Lynn Allars who does Skype sessions. PinkTherapy have a register of UK LGBT friendly therapists,  many will have experience with gender identity. The GenderGP service also have a couple of therapists attached who you could contact.
The UK is not like the US,  no therapist here is going to 'diagnose'  you as they are not gatekeepers,  but they can help you open up and talk through your thoughts and feelings. Good luck.  X

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[Dani]

The UK is not like the US,  no therapist here is going to 'diagnose'  you as they are not gatekeepers,  but they can help you open up and talk through your thoughts and feelings.

In the good old USA we have a history of "gate keeping" from the days of when the patient knew nothing and the Doctor knew everything. Times have changed and today in the US, most therapists have the approach that as long as the patient is capable of making a rational decision and that they are knowledgeable about gender issues, they will sign off on a letter for hormones and surgery.

We use the term "informed consent", but there is no definite standard for "informed consent". Some people skip counseling and go directly to someone who can prescribe hormones. Other people get counseling for any number of sessions, either private or group.

We have gone from "Tell me Doctor, am I crazy?" to " This is how I feel about myself and I need to make a few changes."

[Megan.]

We still have gatekeepers in the UK,  but it's the NHS (gender clinics) or a private clinic for those with the financial ability.

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[leah abigale]

We still have gatekeepers in the UK,  but it's the NHS (gender clinics) or a private clinic for those with the financial ability.

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Would it cost on the NHS as I'm working part time ?

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[Megan.]

Only the HRT prescription charges if they'd apply to you if/when you get that far. The GICs don't really offer therapy though. You can ask your GP for some therapy,  most will offer a limited number of sessions with a general therapist often attached to the GP clinic,  this could be a good (low cost) point to start...

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[leah abigale]

Only the HRT prescription charges if they'd apply to you if/when you get that far. The GICs don't really offer therapy though. You can ask your GP for some therapy,  most will offer a limited number of sessions with a general therapist often attached to the GP clinic,  this could be a good (low cost) point to start...

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You have been a great help megan thanks and hugs

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[SashaGrace]

I started with Dr Webberely (Gender GP) a long while ago (I'm one of the case studies on the site actually) and I've only recently decided to move to NHS hormones as a consequence of wanting to move further forward in the transition but I was very happy with Gender GP's services although be warned if ever you go for a GIC referral they do look down on her services and although they're not meant to judge and have recently overhauled the real life experience criteria I felt a lot of judging from the consultant I went to see. Generally the expectation is you'll be all sorted and committed by the time you get around to the GIC appointment. They prefer it if you work or study, they aren't great with unemployed or non binary people from what I hear whereas Gender GP are very flexible but do be aware Dr Webberely is good but she isn't a gender specialist per say, she's just a GP who runs a subscription service and monitors bloods. Nothing wrong with that and she's been a great enabler for many people (myself included) but you do need to go in knowing that. Talk to your GP and build a good relationship with them as they'll be doing your blood work 4 times a year if you go with Gender GP and as it's private you'll usually have to pay. My GP were useless and constantly failed to do as instructed so start there and talk about therapy with them. From what I remember when I first started using Gender GP you had a phone call or Skype with a counselor before starting and you could book more if you wanted so worth mentioning when that comes up. Good luck with it all!!!

[leah abigale]

I started with Dr Webberely (Gender GP) a long while ago (I'm one of the case studies on the site actually) and I've only recently decided to move to NHS hormones as a consequence of wanting to move further forward in the transition but I was very happy with Gender GP's services although be warned if ever you go for a GIC referral they do look down on her services and although they're not meant to judge and have recently overhauled the real life experience criteria I felt a lot of judging from the consultant I went to see. Generally the expectation is you'll be all sorted and committed by the time you get around to the GIC appointment. They prefer it if you work or study, they aren't great with unemployed or non binary people from what I hear whereas Gender GP are very flexible but do be aware Dr Webberely is good but she isn't a gender specialist per say, she's just a GP who runs a subscription service and monitors bloods. Nothing wrong with that and she's been a great enabler for many people (myself included) but you do need to go in knowing that. Talk to your GP and build a good relationship with them as they'll be doing your blood work 4 times a year if you go with Gender GP and as it's private you'll usually have to pay. My GP were useless and constantly failed to do as instructed so start there and talk about therapy with them. From what I remember when I first started using Gender GP you had a phone call or Skype with a counselor before starting and you could book more if you wanted so worth mentioning when that comes up. Good luck with it all!!!

I am from the north-west of the UK and I've looked for the local gic and the nearest on is in Leeds to me and I have been looking up letters for partners and families but at the moment do I just come out being transgendered or wait till I've seen the specialist first ... I know I'll have to see a Dr to get a referral and I've even download an app on my phone called faceapp and I keep taking selfie and using the female segment to alter the pic and I love what I see

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[coldHeart]

I have gone on board with the gender GP basically because the good old NHS waiting time where I live is 2-3 years & as of resent events I can't wait that long but when the time arrives I will stop the private HRT & go over to the other.
If you are out of work or are on a low income the gender GP will do reduce fee's.
Sara

[leah abigale]

I have gone on board with the gender GP basically because the good old NHS waiting time where I live is 2-3 years & as of resent events I can't wait that long but when the time arrives I will stop the private HRT & go over to the other.
If you are out of work or are on a low income the gender GP will do reduce fee's.
Sara

Sara, where would I find a gender gp ?  (sorry to sound thick ) , I am on part time work ..... do I wait to see the gender gp and then come out or just come out to my other half and family? 

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[coldHeart]

Have you spoken to your GP first that's what I did before I came out to my wife , I would so that way talking to them first you can make sure that this is what road you want to go down. Sara

[leah abigale]

Have you spoken to your GP first that's what I did before I came out to my wife , I would so that way talking to them first you can make sure that this is what road you want to go down. Sara

I have always known that I was ment to be a woman as I pinched my mother's knickers and as I got older I bought a skirt and boots and pants (all in leather) and I have dropped a few hints to her (wife) about how lucky that they are with all the types of shoes and outfits that are out there including underwear

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[coldHeart]

Hi leeadam
Have sent you the website details.
Sara.

[leah abigale]

Hi leeadam
Have sent you the website details.
Sara.

Thanks sara ,  I tried to message back but the app is having problems

Many thanks

Leah ( my chosen new name )

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