E kore au e ngaro,
he kākano i ruia
mai i Rangiātea
I will never be lost,
for I am a seed
sown in the heavens
he kākano i ruia
mai i Rangiātea
I will never be lost,
for I am a seed
sown in the heavens
We provide in-depth, non-medical assessment reports for anyone with concerns about gender identity. These reports can be used, where appropriate, to support applications for treatment to GP's and other medical professionals.
We provide a service which is set-apart from some of the polarised, political and religious ideologies which currently dominate the way transgender issues are presented and explored, and work alongside individuals and families, putting their best interests first.
With these core values in mind, we also provide ongoing counselling, therapy, mentoring or support, as appropriate. It may be important to clarify that we are appalled by any kind of "reparative therapy" and would not work with clinicians practicing any version thereof.
Clients and families can self-refer, though we especially welcome interest from other professionals. We are also available for training, consultation and speaking engagements.
Background
We still know very little about Gender Dissonance (a broad term used to describe what occurs when someone feels they are of a different gender to the one indicated at birth).
Societies have responded to it in different ways at different times with varying levels of acceptance and intolerance.
Most Western societies are now broadly accepting and are sympathetic and supportive to those who experience it. Politically there has been a strong move away from regarding transgender identities as a form of mental illness and an increasing sense that they should be regarded in the same way as sexual orientations.
In Europe the number of people referring themselves to specialist medical clinics for gender reassignment treatments have increased phenomenally, and people are sometimes waiting over a year for assessment by both state-run and private surgeries.
In the meantime, experts, academics and activists have become divided into two distinct camps; the political and religious Right, who see transgendered people as either mentally ill or morally flawed, and the trans-affirmative movement who lobby for gender reassigning medications and surgeries to be made available on demand, with no requirement for assessment or medical diagnosis.
The reality is that gender identity is an immensely complex subject. We know that pre-treatment transgendered people have a significantly higher suicide rate than that of the general population, and that this is a real and serious condition, deserving of treatment. We also know that gender-identity can change (especially among children) and we know that some of the people who undergo medical treatment later regret their decision.
People often experience a great deal of confusion around gender and there are psychological and social factors which affect our gender identity as well as just physical ones. Some physical and mental health conditions have an influence on how we perceive our gender and can further muddy the waters. For example, there is a very high correlation between autism and transgender identities, and though we have some theories about why this might be, we do not know for sure.
We are also aware that there are increasing reports of wider identity issues, things that go far beyond gender, such as transracialism and the phenomenon of “Otherkin’.
Our concern is that people with gender dissonance can be subject to abuse for one end of society’s spectrum, and (albeit well-intended) indoctrination from the other.
We believe passionately in providing respectful and caring, in-depth professional assessment to assist people in achieving clarity around their gender identity and assisting them in making (where medical treatment is concerned) what will probably be the most important decision that a person can make in their entire lives.
What Happens at Assessment?
At TTAC, you or your child will meet with not one, but two, highly experienced gender specialist clinicians, over several sessions.
The number of meetings will vary, depending on many factors, and most will be conducted by your primary clinician. Sometimes we will suggest meetings with other close family members. Generally, the assessment of children will involve more sessions, and this is partly due to the need to review them over an extended period as they grow and develop, partly because it can sometimes take longer to reassure children and build a good working relationship with them, and partly because providing the very highest level of support is imperative.
Where we can, we will try and give an indication of how long the process is likely to take, though this is not always possible. At TTAC we believe that a thorough and accurate assessment is absolutely essential.
The assessment process involves recording in-depth personal, medical and psychological histories and spans many areas. We will take you through a series of questions and invite you to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, attitudes, desires, hopes and fears.
Many of the things that we will ask you about will be quite delicate. This is where we draw on our expertise and clinical background in counselling and specialist psychotherapy. We will do all we can to set you at your ease and support you through these discussions.
Many people find that the assessment process in itself, helps them to gain greater clarity.
Each meeting is for two hours. Some people prefer to space them out over monthly intervals which allows for useful reflection time in between.
Only after the entire assessment is concluded will we be in a position to offer any formal recommendations for further action, though we work in an open and transparent way, and will share our thoughts and understanding with you along the way where appropriate. Assessment is a collaborative process.
What do I/We get from the assessment?
When it is concluded, you will come away with a detailed written report which can be submitted to doctors and other specialists and professionals to assist them in their diagnosis and (if indicated) with any treatment. Please note that we are not able to provide a medical diagnosis ourselves, as this can only be done by a medical doctor or a Clinical Psychologist. We will, however, offer an expert clinical opinion on your gender status. We will meet with you to go through this report, and at this stage we can answer questions and where possible, offer advice and recommendations. We can also provide on-going counselling, psychotherapy, or support, and we can be contracted to negotiate on your behalf with employers, schools etc.
“The first thing you're going to want to know about me is: Am I a boy, or am I a girl?”
Jeff Garvin.
Jeff Garvin.
“If you are an LGBT+ person and you come out, you have to go through your knight’s quest to create ground for yourself, to create a space for yourself, to stand there and say, “I exist. I have no reason to feel guilt or shame. I am proud to exist, and while I’m not perfect, I deserve to exist in society just like anyone else.”
Eddie Izzard.
TTAC offer gender identity and sensitivity training, to businesses, organisations. private companies and schools.
We would be delighted to provide invoices for this service, and/or conference and keynote presentation services.
Please use our contact form to enquire
We would be delighted to provide invoices for this service, and/or conference and keynote presentation services.
Please use our contact form to enquire
This article (Link Below) highlights some of the common pitfalls currently encountered in the exploration of gender issues. At TTAC we put people before politics and work for the best interest of the client.
CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE