transgender counseling...
The process of treatment is changing
Via the NHS route, 2 clinical behavioral scientists trained to deal specifically with transsexualism must make the diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria, otherwise, you will not be able to receive prescriptions for hormone and anti-androgen medication, nor have the quarterly 30-minute consultations, blood tests and RLT (real-life test) monitoring.
These days however, many people prefer to manage their own transitions given the problem of obtaining timely and sympathetic treatment from the NHS. And in any event, there is much treatment that many would consider necessary (such as electrolysis, for example) that the NHS refuses to provide in any event.
There are of course, psychiatrists that can be seen privately who basically have to follow the same protocol as that laid down by the NHS, because they too are still ultimately answerable to the GMC. They do offer the advantage that they can be seen immediately - and can provide prescriptions that may then be swapped from private to NHS ones if your GP agrees to working on a “shared care” basis with the psychiatrist you are seeing privately.
In my experience, many GP’s are in any event happy to help and support transitioning transsexuals who explain that they are managing their own transition and receiving appropriate counselling. The GP cannot look past the fact that a patient with a bank card and access to the internet can self-medicate with hormones and anti-androgens bought over the ‘net. So when presented with a patient who is managing their own transition in this way, it would be potentially negligent to deny them regular blood tests for serum hormone level, LFT and lipids.
So where do I fit in?
I offer very specific psychological counseling to people who identify themselves as transgendered. I studied for a BSc in Psychology and am presently completing my Doctorate in Psychology, my specialization being the causes and treatment of Transsexual Syndrome. In addition, I spent the first 40 years of my life doing a pretty passable impression of a male, despite having always known myself to be female. So I have very relevant personal experience of what you are going through.
I aim to offer really cost-effective psychological support, so that people can access it when they need it, not just for 30 minutes every 3 or 4 months.
In addition, I’m not setting myself up as a “gate-keeper” to the process of transition, so you can be completely and utterly frank about your feelings and concerns with me - without fear that in so doing, you will be denied access to transition. I long ago realised that this was a massive weakness in traditional treatment régimes.
So whether you are going the NHS route, the private route or managing your own transition, I can give you all the professional support you need that will help you to ensure you are equipped to make all the right decisions.
transgender counselling