 What is it Who is it for? How it works Confidentiality A word of caution |
The GPCO strives to tailor its services to the needs of individual clients, work done with other qualified professionals is honored. Listed below are typical options a person might pursue. Each option builds on the previous ones; participants will be asked to explore options 1 and 2 before moving to option 3, for example. |
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Option 1: individual Counseling
[see services] Anyone interested in participating in the GPCO should begin by scheduling an individual meeting. (See contact information). At this meeting we will discuss how far you intend to go with your transitioning and will consider your options. Depending on your needs, we may discuss future steps, including a preliminary timetable. You may find that it takes more meetings to resolve basic issues. Some people find individual counseling sufficient and choose not to pursue other options. It is difficult to say in advance what will best suit your needs and circumstances — the first step in all cases, though, is to schedule an appointment to talk about your options and possibilities. Contact: crane@genderprogram.com 614-451-0111Option 2: Group
Meetings [see services] In addition to individual consultation and therapy sessions, the GPCO offers regular therapy / support group meetings once a month. Although some participants feel initial hesitation in coming to group, most find it helpful in the end. The group provides a "lifeline" for participants, especially in times of discouragement. Group members not infrequently form lifelong friendships. Group meetings can help individuals decide whether they are truly interested in reassignment surgery and whether they are good candidates. The group provides support for those who opt against gender reassignment in their lives as unique, gender-blending individuals. Every effort is made to ensure that all possibilities are supported equally and that group members do not feel pressured to move in any particular direction. Like individual counseling sessions, group meetings facilitate problem solving and assist those dealing with the difficulties associated with transgendering. Issues typically addressed include:
Regular participation in individual and/or group sessions is expected of persons seeking referral for any medical or surgical intervention. One individual meeting every other month and one group meeting each month tends to be adequate for most people most of the time, but more individual sessions may be appropriate for people in unusual circumstances or during periods of special difficulty. People not aiming for SRS but using the GPCO for consultation and support, may attend group meetings as needed and schedule individual consultations less regularly. Already transitioned GPCO "graduates" are encouraged to attend group meetings (free of charge) from time to time. As needed, the GPCO also offers a separate group to help program graduates deal with post-transition issues. Contact: crane@genderprogram.com 614-451-0111Option 3: Hormone
Replacement Therapy If, after exploring your feelings in individual and group meetings, you still intend to transition, and if your progress is congruent with your goal, you will be referred to a physician for a physical exam and endocrinological work-up. If all is normal, hormones may be prescribed at that time. Regular follow-up meetings with a physician are essential to guard against possible complications of hormone therapy. Occasionally, candidates start the program having already been on hormones. We recommended strongly that you not obtain hormones "off the street." It is important for your long-term health to have your body chemistry evaluated for a baseline before you begin HRT. Finally, it is highly recommended that you quit smoking before you start on your hormone regimen. Smoking while taking exogenous hormones dramatically increases your risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks, which can make you permanently ineligible for HRT. Contact: crane@genderprogram.com 614-451-0111Option 4: Recommendation
for Sexual Reassignment Surgery Following a period of successful living in their new gender, GPCO participants may schedule an individual consultation to plan further steps, including SRS. The GPCO may then write a letter of recommendation to the surgeon of your choice. If you have been seeing a therapist, please procure a letter reporting
his or her work with you. Depending on the intensity of your therapy and
the qualifications of the therapist, this letter may serve as the second
letter of recommendation required by most surgeons. If you have not been
seeing an outside therapist, the GPCO's consulting psychiatrist will
evaluate you and provide the required second opinion. |
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