Hi everyone. I would appreciate some therapy-related advice.

Saskatchewan, where I live, has exactly one therapist specializing in gender issues. Unfortunately, she is not accepting new patients. Instead, all gender care is being handled by non-specialist psychiatrists. I have my first appointment with one of these non-specialists coming up. I honestly have no idea, going in, whether she has any relevant practice experience, whatsoever. I'm a little concerned that the psychiatrist won't know what to do with me. The upside of being Canadian is that my appt is covered (thank you, Tommy Douglas!), but the downside is that I'll have no freedom to change care providers.

What would you recommend I say or do if I get the sense things are not proceeding appropriately?

Maddy is a little concerned

I've heard that some people get online therapy. You could always have that as a back up plan.

I've been to both types of therapists due to similar issues in the area I live in the states.  The non gender therapist helped with anxiety and some other relationship issues, but was a total blank on transition support.  I now drive two hours away to see a gender therapist and it has made a world of difference.

If there are other issues the local therapist can help you with, then maybe check him out? Especially if there is low financial risk to you. If you truly are working mainly on trans issues, your energy may be better spent elsewhere.  Someone suggested online maybe?  My own experience suggests a true gender therapist will help much more with transition planning and referrals to other specialists like an endo.

Best wishes to you.  You will figure this out.  Don't sweat it too much

I would print out a copy of the latest WPATH standards of care and have it to give to him/her when you go. That atleast it might help?

For me i had to go to a private one and pay out of pocket in Quebec when i needed my second for my GCS. Got lucky being i was paying $ to get it done in less then 2 months. (had my first from my gender therapist from the states)

Izzy

Maddy, are you aware of these therapists?

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_detail.php?profid=84345&sid=1375851408.3405_1787&state=SK&spec=187&tr=ResultsName&trow=1&ttot=7

No, I didn't. The only therapist that I was aware of was Dr. Hendrickson, a Psychiatrist in Saskatoon.

It's a relief to know that there's someone else in this province with gender as an explicit focus.

Thank you very much for the link!

Maddy