Experienced Therapist in Sydney?

[caitlin_adams]

Hi Everyone

I'm so happy to be making my first post here at Susans - long time reader, first time poster.

I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a psychiatrist with experience in dealing with gender issues that practices in Sydney, Australia?

I've been to a wonderful GP who's been both professional and understanding. She's asked a bunch of colleagues (including the psych resident at St Vincent's Hospital) but none of them are aware of any psychs with experience in gender issues.

Any help anyone could provide would be lovely.

[Flan]

the almighty google sez

http://www.gendercentre.org.au/counselling.htm
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=7+Bent+St+Petersham+NSW+2049&fb=1&gl=us&hnear=7+Bent+St+Petersham+NSW+2049&cid=0,0,83418732650775865&ei=R_sAS7m1I4TEngfy3PSNCw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAgQnwIwAA

and

http://tracieokeefe.com/sgsclinic.htm
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=14217911174757439118&q=Tracie+O%27Keefe+Glebe+Point+Rd,+Glebe+NSW+2037,+Australia&hl=en&cd=1&cad=src:pplink&ei=tvsAS72cHY2WNafYuZIH

[caitlin_adams]

I had forgotten about this thread for a while but now that I have remembered it I feel I should update it.

I have found an excellent psychiatrist with modern, progressive views on gender incongruence. Feel free to private message me for his details. He practices in rural NSW and Macquarie St, Sydney. Medicare will pay a large proportion of his fee.

As for the reply above: 

1. The Gender Centre is an excellent resource, however, it doesn't have a psychiatrist on staff, only counsellors. I'm sure some people find it sufficient to go to a counsellor but I felt the need to see a psychiatrist.

2. Tracie O'Keefe is a quack. Her qualifications aren't in counselling, psychology or psychiatry nor are they from reputable academic institutions. I worry that whilst I took the time to research her, others will not and might go to her seeking help that she is not qualified to provide. Whilst I appreciate that she is trying to help people she is not qualified to do so and may do more harm than good. Also; her qualifications aren't sufficient that a doctor would write you a perscription for hormones on her recommendation nor would a letter from her meet the WPATH SOC for surgery.

I have nothing against Tracie O'Keefe on a personal level, I simply believe it is important people seeking help for gender incongruence receive support from a qualified professional. 

[Sarah B]

Hi Caitlin_Adams

I would concur after a cursory look and search.

This article from the SMH would add credence to what you have said.

People need to be very careful when seeking help in regards to their personal problems.

Kind regards
Sarah B