Counselling advice

[meegosh]

I'm 26, FtM but not yet interested in medically transitioning (so haven't approached my GP). I've reached a point in my life where it's becoming important to address some of the issues in my life. I'm sorting myself out some general counselling for the general stuff but whilst I can probably get by doing only this, I feel like the gender issues in

Comments

[tehvixen]

I was referred to Lynda via the NHS, and she's brilliant. :) I see her every month at the hospital, and she's incredibly supportive and understanding.

That said, there's a major difference between you and I in that since before I met Lynda, I was dead sure of what I wanted and all I want to talk to her about is my medical transition. I can't speak of my experience with her or any other psychiatrist where I've only wanted to talk about the dysphoria.

But still, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend having a chat with her. :)

[meegosh]

Oh I want to transition, just not yet. I know that doesn't make a whole load of sense because most of us who want transition want it last week, but I have always been overwhelmed by the change to my life that transition brings so I'm working through things painfully painfully slowly. I could give you a whole string of excuses to be honest why I'm not looking to medically transition yet but mostly it does boil down dealing with change.

And cheers for the friending, as you've seen, have friended you back. And thanks for taking the time to respond.

[tehvixen]

Awr, I'm sorry I misphrased that. :) And it seems unlikely, but if you're anywhere near Exmouth then I can recommend an NHS GP down here for being incredibly supportive.

And you're welcome for the responding! But I really wouldn't have had much to say if I hadn't spotted Lynda's name in there. :)

Plus, how awesome would it be if you ended up living just next door? :D

[aumentou]

Can you see the GP and ask them to refer you to a therapist with gender-related experience? Or get referred to the GIC and then explain that the only thing you're after right now is therapy?

[meegosh]

You seem to talk this thing called sense, usually called common sense. I will have to make another GP appointment and talk to my GP about it. Thank you for responding

[spannerhead]

I have seen her. I'm not comfortable discussing the details here, PM me if you're interested. The GIC she works at (also in Devon) do offer therapy for people not intending to transition if you can't afford her fees.

Other resources that might be of use to you are:
http://www.westernboys.org/, a Taunton-based FTM support group
http://www.pinktherapy.com/, directory of LGBT positive counsellors in the UK, in case Lynda/The Laruels isn't right for you.

[meegosh]

Am attempting to PM you, but my connection is being funny about connecting to specific LJ pages for some reason. I wanted to thank you anyway for your response and for the links. I had spotted both of those sites before but Im giving them a bit more time. Thank you

[meegosh]

To add - LJ won't let me send you messages due to your privacy options. But I am interested in hearing your experience.