My approach

I believe that having an open, trusting relationship with one’s therapist is essential and I have a warm, flexible and friendly approach. 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.

I take a bio-psycho-social approach to gender, and believe that there are multiple factors that impact on how one sees or experiences their gender including the time and place in which they live, as well as the cultural context around them. I employ a developmental framework when working with young people, and believe that adolescence in particular is a time when identity development is key, and that gender is only one aspect of identity that young people are reflecting on.

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 inform the way I work include Narrative Therapy, Systemic Therapy, Mentalisation Based Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy, Personal Construct Psychology and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

My services

Therapy, gender exploration, diagnostic assessments

I provide therapeutic support for children, young people and adults who are questioning or exploring their gender.

I offer individual sessions, family sessions and/or parent(s) only sessions. I also work with partners of people who are transitioning, and children of parents who are transitioning.

Additionally, I provide therapy to people who are trans, non-binary, or gender diverse and are looking for a psychologist who has experience of working with this client group, but are not specifically wanting to focus on gender in therapy. This includes supporting people who are struggling with their mental health, bullying, relationship difficulties, challenges at school, college or work, gender based stigma and discrimination and other difficulties.    

I also offer assessments for a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria/Incongruence for both young people and adults. For those 17 years and over, I am able to do an onward referral to an endocrinologist.

Fees

50 minutes £140

90 minutes £200

120 minutes £280

Assessment report £300

 
 

Supervision

I provide regular supervision to other therapists working with gender diverse youth.

Fees

50 minutes £80-120

90 minutes £110-160

Consultation

I provide one off consultation to both individuals and organisations.

Fees

Starting from £200 an hour

Teaching and training

I provide teaching and training for organisations about gender diversity and trans inclusion.

Fees

Starting from £250 an hour

 

My availability

Most of my appointments are conducted remotely via Zoom. I have some limited availability for face to face sessions at my base in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire.

For those who would like weekly or bi weekly appointments I have availability every other Friday during the day and every Tuesday.

For those who are happy with monthly, or less frequent appointments, I offer sessions on the third Saturday of the month.  

Please contact me at drjostwist@gmail.com if you have any questions or to arrange an initial appointment.