Anyone following the James Esses vs UKCP test case?

www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/spec-services/npc-crg/gender-dysphoria-clinical-programme/implementing-advice-from-the-cass-review/

acpuk.org.uk/the-cass-review-and-its-implications-psychologically-informed-considerations-for-the-future/

cass.independent-review.uk/publications/interim-report/

@Manderleyagain

Yep seen the new NHS guidelines and the UK APC report and of course the case report, but will post here just to make sure I haven't missed anything?

@Manderleyagain I did think about hijacking this thread but as I'm in it it does provide me a layer of protection. I've contacted James and we've discussed what's going on. I also had a reply back from thoughtful therapists outlining the legal aspect which I've also sent to the union for consideration.

I didn't go in today as I had an awful night sleep and woke up shaking and extremely disassociated (this has triggered previous trauma). I spoke with my supervisor today who is bemused by the whole thing and reassures me I have done nothing wrong. I did also contact legal femisnists and sex matters but haven't had anything yet. I'm having to stop trying to second guess the tutors motivations (although it's pretty clear) as I find I start gaslighting myself thinking I'm this terrible person. Fortunately I have a good support network (of which this forms part of it - so thank you).

I have a meeting with the union tomorrow and they should have gotten all correspondence so ill see what they say. I will request all comms to go through them and will remain largely quiet in the meeting, because at this stage the meeting is not for my benefit. I have also arranged a meeting with an ethics advisor at the BACP - that's next Tuesday, before my meeting on Wednesday so I should be reasonably prepared.

@Impossiblenurse I've contacted student union and passed everything to them. Including my apparent egregious private conversation about trans issues within psychotherapy (with her permission). I have spoken to her since and she states she did feel pressured and that the tutor also asked to see the conversation. My colleague declined the second request. It seems confidentiality goes out the window if the tutors/this person gets involved.

Sorry - posted too soon! ... that a mental health professional would react like that.

I assume you've seen the new NHS draft guidelines?

It's a shame your situation doesnt have its own thread, but it's probably safer this way.

The only thing i would add is that ppl here & the gc campaign groups might see it in terms of progressing the gc point if view. But your first priority might be to get qualified and not have lots of friction.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Thanks for updating us sparkly.
I think you need independent legal advice or similar. People have suggested legal feminist. There is also the free speech union who have lawyers on hand.
I agree take someone with you.
It's escalated ridiculously. I've re read your posts. It's really strange that your colleague found it distressing that you told them about the cass review & changing tack in how to treat children w gd. Nit that you were transphobic but they found discussing evidence in your field if study distressing. I find it distressing that a

When is it? Who is it with? Someone else able to join you? Personal tutor? Or recorded video call perhaps?

So sorry to hear that, Sparkly. Sex Matters and Legal Feminist sounds like good advice. Fingers and toes crossed for you.

Take someone with you.

Say nothing.

think of this meeting as an opportunity for you to gather info on whatever it is they are objecting to/planning to take action on.

Don’t give them any info in return at this stage.

Ask for everything they say in writing and tell them you’ll give it proper consideration and give your own reply in writing.

and yes, contact Sex Matters and Legal Feminist too.

You could also contact Sex Matters - sex-matters.org/

Oh, Sparkly.

UPDATE

So the meeting about how I was, and my polite decline of said meeting has now been changed to this is not a request.

I am angry and scared. I have contacted student union, my supervisor, BACP ethics hub. My heart just feels so deflated.

I’m so glad you are getting some real-world (and online!) support now.

You are absolutely in the right and thankfully the world is waking up to your position now.

So pleased to hear that @Sparklybutold ! So glad you can feel supported and free of some/all of that fear.
Thanks for reporting back!

I’m glad you’re getting some good help with this. I expect that getting qualified will allow you to help more people than anything else. Don’t feel that you have to take this tutor on by yourself.

Interesting that both echoed some of the comments here about the tutor potentially being triggered.

So I had my personal therapy and a brief supervision session. Both were baffled at my tutors actions and have been very supportive. I sent my reply to my supervisor that I have sent to the tutor concerned, as I have declined the meeting whilst picking up on the breach of confidentiality. My supervisor felt it was professional and succinct. Let's see what happens!

It would be good to know the outcome - only if you are happy to share@Sparklybutold
I know I have felt concerned about this when considering going back into my own therapy- especially if wanting to process these specific issues and the psychologically traumatic experience of being dismissed/judged as difficult or hateful (cultural messaging)/being an outlier/feeling gaslit etc.
When professional orgs take an overt stance, this certainly adds another block to engaging in therapy and a block to trust- if you feel you have to hold back a part of yourself. There are enough blocks to trust to get through as there is for most people!

@DameMaud

I think you raise a good point in terms of my own therapists stance on this issue. I have therapy this evening actually so will ask her.

I'm curious if you feel safe and able to explore what's happening (these stressors) in you own therapy @Sparklybutold ?

I'm wondering how someone with gender critical concerns and who has life/work impacts from these to bring to therapy, like you, would be met in therapy by, say, a BACP therapist who has been trained that gender critical belief is transphobic etc.

Would the therapist at some point feel the need to challenge you on your beliefs at all? Particularly if they feel strongly about it (and in a work/training culture that doesn't allow questioning and curiosity on the issue, then I imagine some would do)?

@CrispThief

Depending what training path you take dictates whether you have therapy or not. I'm on a BACP course so require 20 hours therapy throughout training, which I'm doing and will likely exceed - partly because of the stressors such as those outlined here.

@CrispThief

I suspect they ticked a lot of boxes. They have since been promoted. I am at a complete loss as to why they are still teaching.