I would like to get some counselling with a counsellor who has knowledge with transgender issues in London, UK. The only counsellor I have found is Sharon Fillingham at Transhealth who charges £60 per hour, which although I can afford, is a quite steep. I want to know if there are any alternatives who might be slightly cheaper or even better, donation based or free. Can anyone help?
Also, have anyone used Sharon Fillingham before? If so, what are your views about her?
I've not used Sharon Fillingham but I know several people who have and they all speak very highly of her. I'm a client of Transhealth for my medication and hair treatment and i'm generally very impressed.
Have you thought of a non-specialist counsellor? I have a general counsellor through work who has dealt with quite a few trans people before and although she doesn't specialise in trans issues she's been very helpful and understands the issues.
I would suggest going through your local surgery if you don't want to pay. You'll find that there are quite a lot of counsellors around who do have transgender knowledge even though they don't specialise.
If you can get a referral to your local mental help place (CAMH if you're under eighteen), they can refer you to the Tavistock and Portman, which is a free gender clinic in London?
Hi.
I know there is a counsellor in Southampton who counsells on a face to face basis and also over the internet or by telephone and specialises in Transgender counselling.
Her charges last time I checked are £45.00 per session.
I have a specialist gender counsellor in Bournemouth which is closer to my home than Southampton.
If you wish to have her details please email me.
I am not too sure whether distance counselling is frowned upon but she does come highly recommended.
Hope this might help.
Best wishes,
Sarah