Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: Sinead on November 14, 2017, 12:28:34 PM Return to Full Version
Title: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: Sinead on November 14, 2017, 12:28:34 PM
Post by: Sinead on November 14, 2017, 12:28:34 PM
Hi all. So I've admitted to myself, that working out all this gender stuff, isn't going to be very straight forward, I'm like, 90% sure I'm trans, but I don't want to tell anyone before I'm 100% sure, it's almost like my heart is 100% sure, but my mind isn't...
Anyway, I've decided, I'll need to see a gender therapist, some days it's so hard not to scream to the world that I'm transgender and start living my truth, however, I always have that doubt that I could turn around like a month later and change my mind (I probably won't, but the fear is still here).
So yeah, I'm looking for a gender therapist, NHS or private, I literally don't care as long as I get the help I need, only problem is, I have no idea how to go about getting a gender therapist? Any help? I'm desperate at this point
Anyway, I've decided, I'll need to see a gender therapist, some days it's so hard not to scream to the world that I'm transgender and start living my truth, however, I always have that doubt that I could turn around like a month later and change my mind (I probably won't, but the fear is still here).
So yeah, I'm looking for a gender therapist, NHS or private, I literally don't care as long as I get the help I need, only problem is, I have no idea how to go about getting a gender therapist? Any help? I'm desperate at this point
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: Sylvia on November 14, 2017, 12:38:17 PM
Post by: Sylvia on November 14, 2017, 12:38:17 PM
How about GenderGP (find it on Google), the service offered by Dr Helen Webberley? They offer phone or online therapy too. My partner had a couple of sessions with them, but decided against them in the end. For our new therapist, we just googled online therapy UK and typed Gender Issues or Gender Dysphoria into the search box and quite a lot came up. Your GP can refer you to a gender clinic too but that takes about 100 years....
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: Megan. on November 14, 2017, 01:09:08 PM
Post by: Megan. on November 14, 2017, 01:09:08 PM
'Pink therapy' is an online directory of LGBT friendly therapists. You may well find one near you who has some experience with trans* people.
There are very few 'gender' therapists in the UK, but many who will have some experience and be happy to work with you.
My therapist is a psychosexual therapist, but did already have a little experience with trans* people. I've been seeing her for more than three years now, I cannot begin to put a value on how she has helped me.
I'm utterly open in my sessions, nothing is off-limits. If you can't build a rapport with the first you find, don't be afraid to try another, it's a very personal thing. Some offer Skype counselling too, but I'd suggest that in-person is much better if possible. X
Sent from my MI 5s using Tapatalk
There are very few 'gender' therapists in the UK, but many who will have some experience and be happy to work with you.
My therapist is a psychosexual therapist, but did already have a little experience with trans* people. I've been seeing her for more than three years now, I cannot begin to put a value on how she has helped me.
I'm utterly open in my sessions, nothing is off-limits. If you can't build a rapport with the first you find, don't be afraid to try another, it's a very personal thing. Some offer Skype counselling too, but I'd suggest that in-person is much better if possible. X
Sent from my MI 5s using Tapatalk
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: Elis on November 14, 2017, 01:23:47 PM
Post by: Elis on November 14, 2017, 01:23:47 PM
A therapist from pink therapy can help you discuss your gender issues or any other lgbt issues you may have; but they can't prescribe HRT if that's what you want. For that you need to referred to an NHS GIC (whichever one you want) and wait a year plus for a first appointment or go to a private GIC; such as GenderGP
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: Kylo on November 14, 2017, 06:27:17 PM
Post by: Kylo on November 14, 2017, 06:27:17 PM
For the NHS route just make a regular appointment with your doc and tell them your story and that you need to be referred to a GIC. Or, apparently, you can directly contact your local GIC as well and start the process from there. But depending on your region you could be in for a 1-3 year wait.
Or you can try one of these online private GIC solutions like GenderGP which appears to be much faster. No idea the costs of that though.
Or you can try one of these online private GIC solutions like GenderGP which appears to be much faster. No idea the costs of that though.
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: Sinead on November 15, 2017, 07:50:10 AM
Post by: Sinead on November 15, 2017, 07:50:10 AM
Quote from: Viktor on November 14, 2017, 06:27:17 PM
For the NHS route just make a regular appointment with your doc and tell them your story and that you need to be referred to a GIC. Or, apparently, you can directly contact your local GIC as well and start the process from there. But depending on your region you could be in for a 1-3 year wait.
Or you can try one of these online private GIC solutions like GenderGP which appears to be much faster. No idea the costs of that though.
I think I could cope with the wait providing I can 100% say I'm transgender and can live as a woman full time before then.
Thank you, I've emailed GenderGP regarding Gender Therapy :)
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: Devlyn on November 15, 2017, 11:03:35 AM
Post by: Devlyn on November 15, 2017, 11:03:35 AM
Nina, I'm looking at your picture and wondering why you're only 90% sure
you're transgender. You're one of us, sister. :) :-*
Hugs, Devlyn
you're transgender. You're one of us, sister. :) :-*
Hugs, Devlyn
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: xAmyX on November 15, 2017, 05:36:56 PM
Post by: xAmyX on November 15, 2017, 05:36:56 PM
Personally, I Googled Gender Therapists in my area, and then sent out many individual emails to a lot of them. The one that seemed the most eager to help me with my situation was the one I knew was the right therapist for me, and she did exactly what I wanted her to do. She helped me become my true self.
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: Sinead on November 21, 2017, 08:39:36 AM
Post by: Sinead on November 21, 2017, 08:39:36 AM
So I'm still waiting to hear back from GenderGP after I contacted them last week, even though they seemed really keen to get me booked in.
I also spoke to the Well-being service in my local area to try and get some regular counselling, as it seems I am coming to terms that I am definitely trans, so I'm starting to think I don't need gender specific counselling/therapy. However, because I'm waiting for my appointment with the psychiatrist, they can't offer me any care
I also spoke to the Well-being service in my local area to try and get some regular counselling, as it seems I am coming to terms that I am definitely trans, so I'm starting to think I don't need gender specific counselling/therapy. However, because I'm waiting for my appointment with the psychiatrist, they can't offer me any care
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: Katie Jade on November 21, 2017, 09:02:23 AM
Post by: Katie Jade on November 21, 2017, 09:02:23 AM
Hi
I'm with GenderGP and I can say that I'm really happy with their support. I go to their Counsellor who has a lot of personal knowledge of our situations. Although they do Skype meetings, I travel to see her - I'm an hour away - as I like the face to face humanity of such meetings. Just had bloods done today by my GP at their request and they are speaking to the Webberlys re; a care agreement hopefully (Obviously not involving me in that at this time), and they have referred me to GIC as I'm def trans and GD (see my post on introduction if you want). Either way it doesn't harm to inquire, so hope they get back to you quickly.
Hugz
Katie :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: >:-) :angel: :angel: :angel:
I'm with GenderGP and I can say that I'm really happy with their support. I go to their Counsellor who has a lot of personal knowledge of our situations. Although they do Skype meetings, I travel to see her - I'm an hour away - as I like the face to face humanity of such meetings. Just had bloods done today by my GP at their request and they are speaking to the Webberlys re; a care agreement hopefully (Obviously not involving me in that at this time), and they have referred me to GIC as I'm def trans and GD (see my post on introduction if you want). Either way it doesn't harm to inquire, so hope they get back to you quickly.
Hugz
Katie :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: >:-) :angel: :angel: :angel:
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: Megan. on November 21, 2017, 12:55:36 PM
Post by: Megan. on November 21, 2017, 12:55:36 PM
Your GP can refer you directly to a GIC, the referal forms are on the GIC website. Some GPs think we need to go via the local mental health team (an old process), this is not required. The waits are massive, so no harm in starting this process, even if you decide later it's not for you.
Don't underestimate the value of a good therapist to help you through any journey if you can find/fund one. You will doubtless have lots of thoughts and feelings along the way, a safe and nonjudgemental space to talk these through is priceless.
Sent from my MI 5s using Tapatalk
Don't underestimate the value of a good therapist to help you through any journey if you can find/fund one. You will doubtless have lots of thoughts and feelings along the way, a safe and nonjudgemental space to talk these through is priceless.
Sent from my MI 5s using Tapatalk
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: xAmyX on December 03, 2017, 06:27:26 PM
Post by: xAmyX on December 03, 2017, 06:27:26 PM
I saw my therapist daily to show my endocrinologist on my letter of recommendation how determined I was to get started. You do what you gotta do to get the care that you feel will improve your quality of life. I was incredibly determined, and did everything that was requested of me as soon as possible. Therapy, endocrinologist appointment, blood tests, all within the same day. Hell I walked over to the endocrinologist from my therapist's location and scheduled an appointment that instant in person! At first my endocrinologist saw me weekly, then monthly, now I see him once every 4 months or so.
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: pamelatransuk on February 15, 2018, 10:13:36 AM
Post by: pamelatransuk on February 15, 2018, 10:13:36 AM
Quote from: Katie Again on November 21, 2017, 09:02:23 AM
Hi
I'm with GenderGP and I can say that I'm really happy with their support. I go to their Counsellor who has a lot of personal knowledge of our situations. Although they do Skype meetings, I travel to see her - I'm an hour away - as I like the face to face humanity of such meetings. Just had bloods done today by my GP at their request and they are speaking to the Webberlys re; a care agreement hopefully (Obviously not involving me in that at this time), and they have referred me to GIC as I'm def trans and GD (see my post on introduction if you want). Either way it doesn't harm to inquire, so hope they get back to you quickly.
Hugz
Katie :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: >:-) :angel: :angel: :angel:
Quote from: Sinead on November 21, 2017, 08:39:36 AM
So I'm still waiting to hear back from GenderGP after I contacted them last week, even though they seemed really keen to get me booked in.
I also spoke to the Well-being service in my local area to try and get some regular counselling, as it seems I am coming to terms that I am definitely trans, so I'm starting to think I don't need gender specific counselling/therapy. However, because I'm waiting for my appointment with the psychiatrist, they can't offer me any care
Hello Sinead and Katie
I am also with GenderGP and am very happy with their service.
I applied 5Dec, had bloods done by my NHSGP 13Dec, had one counselling session by phone 16Jan and started HRT 8Feb. I am being treated with courtesy and respect and understanding. I thoroughly recommend.
Good luck on your journey to both of you.
Pamela (from NW England)
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: Katie Jade on February 17, 2018, 05:04:16 PM
Post by: Katie Jade on February 17, 2018, 05:04:16 PM
Quote from: pamelatransuk on February 15, 2018, 10:13:36 AM
Hello Sinead and Katie
I am also with GenderGP and am very happy with their service.
I applied 5Dec, had bloods done by my NHSGP 13Dec, had one counselling session by phone 16Jan and started HRT 8Feb. I am being treated with courtesy and respect and understanding. I thoroughly recommend.
Good luck on your journey to both of you.
Pamela (from NW England)
Good luck to you as well - Marianne (lead counsellor with GenderGP) is a lovely emphatic person and she is really good at making me think about what is happening and what I need and the issues that will come. So much rated I can not go further, but that's for a face to face. I will be looking towards a Skype / F2F mix soon now that I know her and have the personal bond of previous sessions.
All I can say is that for me its good to be trans. looking forwards to the future
Hugz/Love
Katie
:angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel:
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: Sinead on February 17, 2018, 08:13:16 PM
Post by: Sinead on February 17, 2018, 08:13:16 PM
Quote from: Katie Again on February 17, 2018, 05:04:16 PM
Good luck to you as well - Marianne (lead counsellor with GenderGP) is a lovely emphatic person and she is really good at making me think about what is happening and what I need and the issues that will come. So much rated I can not go further, but that's for a face to face. I will be looking towards a Skype / F2F mix soon now that I know her and have the personal bond of previous sessions.
All I can say is that for me its good to be trans. looking forwards to the future
Hugz/Love
Katie
:angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel:
I spoke to Marianne. She really helped me realise why I was having the doubts that I was, and really helped me to open up to the fact that I was trans and needed to do something about it. She's basically changed my life
Title: Re: How would I go about seeing a gender therapist? (UK)
Post by: pamelatransuk on February 19, 2018, 08:08:22 AM
Post by: pamelatransuk on February 19, 2018, 08:08:22 AM
Thank you Katie
I have Claire as the counsellor and she gave me sound advice. Already I am losing embarrassment and looking forward to the future also. Incidentally I am also very happy with admin side.
That's good news Sinead. I am sure you'll appreciate their all round service.
Hugs and kisses to you both
Pamela
I have Claire as the counsellor and she gave me sound advice. Already I am losing embarrassment and looking forward to the future also. Incidentally I am also very happy with admin side.
That's good news Sinead. I am sure you'll appreciate their all round service.
Hugs and kisses to you both
Pamela