For those contemplating Gender Clinic

• Posted by Mia Wallace April 10, 2015 #GIC  3,384 views
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   Are YOU Considering The Gender Identity Clinic

   

  I've read several blogs on here (and written a few to) regarding taking steps to seek professional help with regards to gender difficulties. Having been through the process from start to finish I thought it might be worth writing this article in order to help people understand the several stages you go through, from initial contact with the GP all the way through to what to expect at the clinic itself.

  I hope anyone in this situation finds this information useful.

   

  THE GP

   

  This is obviously the first point of contact.

   

  Obviously this is a difficult step to take. Talking to someone who is working in an official capacity about the problems you are facing regarding your gender difficulties can understandably be a very dauntingt. The truth is you really have nothing to worry about. The GP is there to care for your needs. They have a 'duty of care' to you as an NHS patient to help you resolve any medical issues you are facing, be it a common cold or chronic gender dysphoria. In simple speak they are your 'friend'. In reality the chances are very remote that your GP will have substantial, or even any, experience in this field. Its not part of their professional remit. Its their job to refer you to a shrink. Depending on where you live in the country there is an outside chance it may be a gender shrink, but in all likelihood it will be a regular shrink at your local lNHS mental health practice. Your GP however will remain your point of contact throughout this whole process and will help you co-ordinate you through each stage. So your relationship will be ongoing which means it would be helpful for you to build up a good rapport with him/her.

   

  THE SHRINK

   

  I can't talk much about this as my issues (which I will try to refrain to talk about as best as possible throughout this writing) were more complex. The shrinks job is to make a brief assessment of you and then pass on a referral to the Gender Clinic. Don't worry its highly unlikely you will be carted off to a nuthouse for choosing to wear a dress. Your GP will again be kept in the loop.

   

  THE GENDER IDENTITY CLINIC

   

  Again this can be daunting. But it isn't. You are talking to an expert in their field. This is the point when your issues are actually being looked at with regard to any possible outcome in the future. Its going to vary a lot with case to case, but a lot of mine was spent looking at my background, my childhood, current family relationships etc. You will be asked about criminal record, employment, substance abuse etc. The they will want to know about when you realised you had gender issues and how you deal with them now. Obviously from here the interview will go in several different directions depending on the person they are seeing as we are all very much individuals. The interview will be scheduled for 45 minutes and you will be given a date for your second interview. The second interview will mirror the initial one. However it will be with a different person with different questioning techniques and most likely be the head of department. Once this interview is concluded both wlll schedule a meeting with each other to discuss their findings. You will be expected after the first second or third interview, varies case to case to start a real life experience if you haven't done so already. You will be expected to change your name and live full time as a woman. This real life experience is to last a year. Once you have proved to them you have lived full time as a woman, then they will be prepared to fully investigate Hormone Replacement Therapy. It may have been discussed at previous meetings as may also how far you want to go with the process (Full op or keep your bits). You will be given blood tests to ascertain if your body and chemical constitution is suitable healthwise. You will see a general physician at the clinic who will give you an examination. Throughout this process, each meeting, the physician, the blood tests and even the initial shrink, all results will be sent to your GP.Its is likely that your GP will liase with you during certain times of the process to keep up to date with your progress. If you do start hormone treatment you will have a blood test every six weeks and if theres any problems they will let you know, if not and you don't want the full op, thats you finished. On your way. Out the door. The most important thing in this whole situation is you. Be truthful with yourself. Does you family know the difficulties you are facing? If the answers no, maybe its best not to consider this course of action until they do know. Are you willing to live this life full-time? If the answers no again I would treat this course of action with caution. You really need to have your mind made up. The Gender Clinics lose an incredible amount of money and waiting lists are so long because people get cold feet and duck out of going. This is not fair on others who really need and are committed to this service. If you still talk about your female persona in 3rd person again I would suggest this isn't for you (i've got numerous different identities over the internet but thats for completely different reasons lol). Its all about you as a whole person. Its about your life not being fractured anymore.

   

  TIME FRAMES

   

  Depending on where you live in the UK these vary enormously. London is horrendous whereas other parts of the country are apparently quite quick so unfortunately I cannot be of any assistance to you So I hope if you are considering this as a course of action you found this useful, and if you have anything I can help with jet mail me and I will be happy to help. I hope you found this useful xxx