Finding A Gender Therapist In The Uk?

[Guest jennifer-at-home]

Hey I was just wondering if anyone had any experience on how to get a gender therapist in the UK, I've looked online and I'm still unsure, so and feedback or opinions would be great.

would I for example approach my GP, and simply ask for a referral to a gender therapist, or would it be important to first adress the issue with him and hope he understands?

On the other hand I have a counsellor who is helping me with depression and social anxiety and other problems, we have a very positive relationship like I have never had with a counsellor, but I don't think he is qualified for the Gender issues so I don't want to ruin our positive relationship, with something he might be prejudice against if you see what I meen.

Finally I have an Endocrinologist due to a thyroid condition, Perhaps they would be the person to ask for a referral to a GT from them.

jennifer

[Guest ignota]

Hey

I'm in the works on this, as it were. The way it generally works is that you go to your GP and tell them you're having gender issues. They may take it well, they may say you've got issues... I was lucky, mine was understanding. They'll probably ask a bit about your experiences. What they should do, and make sure they do, is refer you to a local psychiatrist - I'm at that stage now, my appointment's next week. WHAT?! Yeah... I went to my GP about three months ago. I think they saw it as low priority since I already had a counsellor at my university. Stress that you think it's the root of the things you are going through, and that you need to see someone who specialises in gender issues, as someone not experienced can misdiagnose it.

From then on, I only know what I've read (there's some leaflets and info on http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Transhealth/Pages/Transhealthhome.aspx). The psychiatrist (who may not specialise in gender issues... not ideal) checks you for mental problems that can complicate things, then they should refer you on to a gender identity clinic. Which one depends on where you live; if you're anywhere near London it's likely to be Charing Cross GIC. And after another long wait, you get to see a therapist.

Yeah... it's not ideal. I've been having problems with the waiting; luckily I have enough savings that I could get an appointment with a private therapist in London. I'm hoping I can get the psychiatrist to refer me to them (I know they do work with some regions' NHS trusts), but I don't know whether they will. I want to get a job over the summer so I can actually pay for it, hopefully I'll be in a stable enough state.

That's what I know about getting therapy on the NHS. It's hard, but best to get the GP in on it ASAP, really, because you will have to wait. If they don't like it, ask to see another one - that's within your rights.

Try sounding out your counsellor? Umm... throwing ideas around... you could try mentioning a news item about a transgender person and gauge their expression? I don't know... thing is, if you already have a positive relationship, they will know you and want to help you. I have a counsellor who isn't trained in gender issues, but it turns out she's seen trans people before, and she's been amazing even though she can't really help with the gender stuff. But I did specifically mention trans issues on the form when I applied. Just being able to talk with them about it can make things seem better.

Good luck hugs!

[Guest Daisyxx]

I found things moved much more quickly for me after I researched the clinic I wanted to go to. If you go to the list of gender therapists on laura's there's a section for the UK. What I did was find the closest one to me and then contact the clinic directly to ask how I would go about getting referred to them.

I then went to my GP and while he was more helpful than I expected he was not sure exactly how to go about referring me to the clinic and so the printed email I had explaining the process probably saved me quite a lot of time, waiting on my therapist referral to come in the next 2 weeks or so.

Hope that helps

- D

[Guest jennifer-at-home]

ok, this is helpful although my secret hope for an easy way is foiled, I have made an appointment next week and intend to say the problems I am having, maybe try and write it down because I have a habit of rambling if I don't have direction. going their prepared seems like a good idea, hopefully I don't loss my resolve at the last minute.

Doctor: how can I help

me: erm erm (face going red) erm a cold.

10 minutes later full of regret.

I hope to have power over my own money again soon so I can start things as soon as possible, but maybe it would be good to do thing through the NHS from the beginning.

I guess to a certain extent I have been getting closer and closer to actually talking about the heart of the problem with the cousillor talked about, isolation, hiding my true self, and general dissociation with myself, so I guess I shall give it ago.

sorry this is cut short have to be off, thanks for both your help

can't wait to hear how your appointment goes Ignota

[Guest ignota]

Lots of people choose to come out with a letter, so you don't leave anything out or say it wrong... after my recent rather poor attempt I'm thinking about doing the same! Good luck

[Guest CariadsCarrot]

Good luck Jennifer. I hope you're able to say what you need to and that your GP is understanding and helpful.

I'm going through the referral process myself right now but have been told I might have a long wait due to recent budget cuts for mental health in my area.

Gabe