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Jonathan Bosworth Counselling Psychologist Johannesburg
16 Seventh Avenue
​Melville
Johannesburg
2092

Mobile: 083 703 5121
Email: [email protected]

New Johannesburg-based Transgender Support Group

11/4/2014

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Healthcare professions often play an integral part in a transgender person's transitioning.  This may include aiding the individual in better understanding their gender identity, planning what a transition will mean for that individual, dealing with the adjustments that are inherent to a transition or providing medical care (such as hormones or surgery).  Frequently, healthcare professionals also provide a supportive role, such as through check-ups or through counselling and psychotherapy.


In addition to the assistance provided by healthcare professionals the support and resources contributed by other trans people is becoming more and more evident in transitionings.  The explosion of the internet and access to the internet has enabled previously isolated individuals to connect with one another.  Websites, blogs, online forums, instant messaging and other online platforms allow for rapid sharing of information and support (obviously with caution being necessary with regards to the reliability of information and the nature of privacy.  There are certain things for which the opinion and guidance of the healthcare professional cannot be substituted).  However, despite the empowering boom in trans resources by trans persons many trans people still find it hard to find and meet with other trans people in safe spaces.


A much-needed support group for trans people by trans people, CtrlAltGender, has recently been started at Wits University in Johannesburg:  

"He? She? For some of us, gender is not so simple. For Trans* People by Trans* People. CtrlAltGender is a trans* advocacy, activism and support group. It is based at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) in Johannesburg but is by no means limited to Wits students/staff. Its main role is to provide a safe and secure trans* space to provide support and guidance to the trans* community within the local Joburg area. Beyond that the group functions to challenge cissexism within the university and the community at large.

Trans* is an umbrella term that refers to all of the identities within the gender identity spectrum. There’s a ton of diversity there, but we often group them all together (e.g., when we say “trans* issues). Trans (without the asterisk) is best applied to trans men and trans women, while the asterisk makes special note in an effort to include all non-cisgender gender identities, including transgender, transsexual, transvestite, genderqueer, genderfluid, non-binary, genderfuck, genderless, agender, non-gendered, third gender, two-spirit, bigender, and trans man and trans woman."

Any queries about the group can be directed to Jocelyn ([email protected]). The group also has a Facebook page and a Twitter account.
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Planning a Gender Identity Interest Group

27/1/2014

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We have identified a need for more collaboration and support for mental healthcare professionals working with transgender, intersex and gender-variant individuals.  We would like to invite interested parties to our upcoming meeting to:
  • better establish the needs of healthcare professionals working with gender-variant clients;
  • problem solve on ways to better meet the needs of healthcare professionals and their gender-variant clients; and 
  • to plan a gender identity interest group for mental healthcare professionals

DATE:           Wednesday 19 February 2014
VENUE :       The Family and Child Therapy Centre, 22 First Avenue, Melville (next door to                       the Melville Animal Clinic)
TIME:            19h15 for 19h30

RSVP TO:    Jonathan Bosworth on [email protected] or 083 703 5121 by                            Wednesday 12 February

Kind Regards

Jonathan Bosworth (Counselling Psychologist),
Claire Jaynes (Counselling Psychologist), and
Fred Walter (Clinical Psychologist)

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Transgender Infographics

9/1/2014

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Trans Student Equality Resources (TSER) have released an important series of infographics on transgender-related topics.  Trans persons and significant others, family, friends and allies (SOFFAs) of trans persons may find these particularly helpful in educating themselves and those around them.
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International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

15/5/2013

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Friday 17 May is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).  The following video from the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office outlines some of the difficulties that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons across the globe face on a daily basis:

A clear message from the above video is that LGBT rights are human rights.  In South Africa we have a progressive constitution in which LGBT rights are protected by law.  The following table (courtesy of Wikipedia) outlines lesbian, gay and bisexual rights in South Africa:
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The following pamphlet (courtesy of Gender DynamiX) discusses the South African legistlation that allows transgender and gender non-conforming people in South Africa to change their gender and name on their ID documents without undergoing sexual re-assignment surgery:
However, despite this progressive legislation many LGBTI persons in South Africa still face discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes.  In other words many LGBTI people are still not free or equal.  The 17th of May is a day to sit with what this means and to take action.  On Friday, various South African NGOs will be uniting to fight homophobia and transphobia - click here for their press release and programme.
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What is Intersex?

24/4/2013

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What is intersex? Are 'male' and 'female' the only sexes? What defines sex: genitals, hormones, chromosomes, something else? Can you be intersex without knowing it? Is the surgical alteration of ambiguous genitalia in infancy a form genital mutilation? What is it like to be a parent of an intersex child in a gender-binary focussed society? What are some of the experiences of intersex persons?


The existence of multiple sexes has great implication for the way we conceptualise sex and gender as well as for the lived everyday experiences of 'sexed' persons. The following BBC documentary explores some of the above questions:

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How Therapy Works

18/4/2013

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How does therapy work?  Is it more important for therapy to be scientific and evidence-based or to be something more idiosyncratic?  A subjective experience that captures an individual's unique reality?  A distinctive, understanding space created between therapist and client?  Wellness and meaning-making beyond symptom reduction?

In the following article psychotherapist Mike O'Connell explores these questions and emphasises the significance of therapy being more than scientifically-based techniques.  He also notes the benefits of having different types of psychotherapy.  Furthermore he backs up his arguments with examples specific to LGBT persons. 

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/quite-queerly/201304/be-or-be-well-how-therapy-works


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    Jonathan's Blog

    I use this blog to post links to articles and videos that may relate to some of my services or interests.  This content may also be useful for potential clients as well as other people interested in psychology and self development.

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