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Bupa specialist

• Gender Dysphoria Providers

About me

Can you share a bit about your background?

I have worked in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I started working as an auxiliary nurse/support working during my university studies supporting people in a variety of settings, difficulties and ages. I then had Assistant Psychologist roles and worked as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner before graduating with a doctorate in Clinical Psychologist from Hertfordshire University in 2016. Whilst a large part of my role as a Clinical Psychologist involves supporting individuals and families I also teach, conduct research as well as write and edit articles and publications on the topics of gender and sexuality.

I have worked in trans healthcare since 2015, working with children, young people, adults as well as their partners and families. Working in both the NHS and private practice.

As a trans masculine person, I am very passionate about supporting trans and non-binary people to access the care they need.

What will it be like when I meet you?

When I meet a new client for the first time I am interested to hear about multiple aspects of their life. Not only why they are accessing support, but also what they enjoy, their aspirations and hopes for the future as well as their background. I believe that having an open, trusting relationship with one's therapist is essential, therefore I have a warm, flexible and friendly way of working. I have a lot of experience working with children, young people and families so playfulness, humour and creativity are also key values that I bring to my work.

It is not uncommon for people to feel nervous or anxious the first time we meet. Thus, I take a relaxed approach, whilst acknowledging that some of the topics we might discuss can be emotive or difficult to talk about.

What types of therapy do you use and what kind of difficulties do you help people with?

I can offer one to one therapy, family work and I also have experience of running therapeutic groups.

I have considerable experience of working with people who are exploring aspects of their gender, sexuality and identity. Sometimes this has been the primary reason people have come to see me but I have also worked with people who have also been struggling with their mood and/or anxiety, often due to the context they are living in. I also have experience and in working with people who are neurodiverse.

I take an integrative approach to therapy, which means I use multiple models based on an individual's (or family's) needs and goals. Approaches that form a key basis for the way I work include Narrative Therapy, Systemic Therapy, Personal Construct Psychology, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. My work is informed by feminist, queer, intersectional and liberation psychology.

I also offer diagnostic assessments for Gender Dysphoria/Incongruence, and onward referrals for hormones and/or surgery. I am listed on the government website as a specialist in this field who is able to produce reports for Gender Recognition Certificate applications.

What do you enjoy outside of psychology?

I enjoy reading, cycling in the woods and gardening. I love spending time with my queer family and friends.

Areas of interest

Genderdiversityandexploration;sexualityexploration;lowmood;depression;anxiety;ASDandneurodiversity;Iworkacrossthelifespanbutspecialiseinworkingwithyoungpeople

Medical secretaries

• Jos Twist
• drjostwist@gmail.com