Gender critical therapists

[Waitingfordoggo]

I’m sure I’ve seen discussion here before about looking for therapists for gender-confused teens/young people and how to identify therapists who are likely to err on the side of science and safeguarding and will not rush to affirm trans identities in their clients. Can anyone point me to any relevant threads?

Don't know of specific threads, but I'd be looking out for one that is UKCP registered, as they have come out very strongly in support of GC belief and exploratory therapy.

Link to their register;

https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/about-ukcp/our-register/

Genspect (Stella O'Malley and Sasha Ayad's org) have a list of recommended therapists, but there don't seem to be very many in the UK on the list. Worth a look though.

I think, in the light of Cass, it might feel easier now to very directly ask prospective therapists exactly what there stance and approach would be. (Which of course it always should have been)

You can always start with a phone discussion.

Most good therapists/counsellors will give a good sense of their approach on their register bio.

Hopefully someone will be along with the thread you're thinking of to give more suggestions.

Good luck!

I think referring to Cass recommendations directly in your initial query is a good way to go.

This useful to have to hand too:
https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/news/ukcp-guidance-regarding-gender-critical-views/

Brilliant, thanks so much all.

There is a directory of Gc therapists here:
https://beyondtrans.org/therapists/

I thought I’d seen something like that referred to here @Scotcheggz. Really appreciate it, thank you.

I would also contact Critical Therapy Antidote

Yes and Open Therapy Institute

There's also Therapy First

I was looking for a therapist for other things and noticed in bios that some said they were affirming, others said they did exploratory work about gender and some didn’t say anything so guessing language is becoming nuanced around this, ie the explorers were studiously neutral but had knowledge of the issues, as they should be

My DD wanted to see a therapist face to face and I couldn't find one in our area from the directories mentioned by PP. I found a local independent therapist with relevant specialisms (autism and teens) who is practising a problem solving centred type of therapy.

I was open about gender questioning being one of several issues (I listed them all) and was clear that we wanted space for DD to explore all aspects and avoid closing anything down or jumping to conclusions/concretising any potential root causes- as so much going on.

After a positive response I asked straight out about the therapist's experience with gender questioning teens and the approach she takes. I was happy enough with the response to set up a chemistry meeting with DD.

DD has been having weekly sessions for a few months now and it seems to be a positive experience- although I don't know what is discussed. She is showing signs of desisting.

TLDR - ask lots of questions of any potential therapist about their approach and don't use them if you don't like the answers!

Sorry to hear you're in this place. This was us a few years ago, when there was much less help available. We found the Bayswater Forum very helpful.

Thank you so much everyone - this is not actually for me personally and I’m sorry some of you have needed to look for this for your children. This is for a poster on another thread. I have linked to this thread so hopefully the poster will read. Thank you all 💐

Hi, sounds like your daughter had a positive experience. We are in a similar situation. What area are you in as we are also looking for a non-affirming therapist. Thanks