Hello,

I am a 32 year old trans woman and I’m about to begin training to become a therapist. From October I'll be studying a 3 year MA in psychotherapy at Goldsmiths, and I’m asking for support to help me afford to study - in the hopes that one day I’ll be able to support other trans people to heal.

For the last decade I’ve pursued a varied career in the arts as a producer, facilitator, writer, performer and artist. It’s been amazing but tough (I’m sure I don’t need to tell you!) I’ve also had a pretty rough couple of years personally - going through my transition mostly without medical supervision, alongside needing to work through significant experiences of trauma. To be honest, it killed any momentum or focus I was feeling in my work.

As a neurodivergent, trans person I have always found myself drawn to the environments that most closely attend to the care of myself and others. For the last six years I’ve worked for a small arts charity, Chisenhale Dance Space, and in that time I’ve slowly moved towards facilitation, pastoral support and all the other lovely, people-focussed bits. Then recently I finished a one year certificate in counselling skills - an incredibly fulfilling experience that I didn’t want to end. I’ve been surprised to find a new clarity, as my scattered attempts to make a livelihood converge neatly in this desire to be a therapist.

Over the last few years I’ve been in short-term therapy 3 times. I’ve experienced first hand how life-changing it can be, and I am eager to share that experience with others. However I have never met a trans woman therapist, so it feels pretty obvious that there aren't enough of them! Trans people need therapists that understand us, and healthcare that is tailored to our specific needs. And we need access to affordable therapy that lasts longer than 10 weeks! My ultimate goal is to be in a position where I can contribute in a small way towards this huge need, and offer subsidised therapy to trans people on low incomes.

I feel very grateful to have figured out a path for myself that feels meaningful and aligned with my skills. I have a loan for my fees, but I can’t get a grant for living expenses and I’m also required to be in weekly therapy, so any donations will be put towards this.

If this resonates with you in some way and you have the money to spare, I would be so grateful if you could donate.

With love, Frances x