Getting Started finding a therapist in Seattle (my story)

[BecomingBrooke]

Hello,

I'm Brooke I'm a 22 y/o transgenderd M2F. I have a few welcome post in the forum as i have been coming here for the past 3 or so years. However, with that being said this is my first post in the Transsexual forum.

I started dressing as a girl at the age of 6, things started getting more serious at 12, then around 14 I knew this wasn't going away. During my high school years I struggled with my sexuality only to "discover" that it wasn't a issue with sexuality but with gender. At 19 I became aware that I was simple a girl trapped in a mans body. I kept this inside for the next year or so trying not to alarm anyone. Then I slowly started telling friends and co-workers. Whom all to my amazement were pretty open to the idea (some more than others.)

Now at 22 as I am actively making the changes needed to get people to call me "she" and "Brooke" .About a month and a half ago my family asked me if i was gay so I took the opportunity to explain the situation. We have some things we need to work though but over all it went well. I have decided I need to start seeing a gender specialist. I feel that i owe it to my friends, family, and myself to do this as safely as possible. I also know that I should start at the youngest age possible. I told myself at 19 I would like to start before 25 well I'm 3 years ahead of schedule but The time is now.

This is where i need your help! I have been googleing and looking for Therapist and Dr in the Seattle area. It's not that I don't want to do this but somehow the fear keeps getting to me. So I'm asking you if you know any therapist in the area just be so kind to post it below. I know I'm lucky enough to live in a pretty "open minded" city I just need some help on where to start.

[Sharon]

Hi Brooke, it's wonderful to meet you. :)

Below is a link to a group of Washington therapists, though the list is incomplete and possibly out of date:

http://www.susans.org/Health/Therapists_and_Counselors/USA/Washington/

You may also want to check out any TG support group sites to see if there are any other recommendations.

[Karen564]

Welcome Brooke, :hugs:

I applaud you on knowing what you are now & accepting it at an early age and doing something about it, I only wished I had done the same as you at your age....

Here's a few sites for you, your lucky to be in the Seattle area, because there's many to choose from, I dont know any of these therapists personally, so you will have to screen them yourself, one thing to keep in mind is to ask them up front on their working experience with TS issues and writing letters of referral & contacts to specialists for your HRT..and that you know what your goal is..


http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/therapists.html

http://www.gaylesbianseattlecounseling.com/

http://www.transformationalunfolding.com/

http://www.lauras-playground.com/gender_therapists.htm List for Washington at bottom of page

http://seattletransgender.org/default.aspx

[BecomingBrooke]

Thank you both for your replies! I was mostly just wondering if someone had a specific experience with anyone in the Seattle area. However, this definitely gives me a good place to start!

[Priss]

Here's another good resource...

http://www.ingersollcenter.org/

[Rachel E]

Go to Espree, it is coming up in May over on the Penisila. You will find every this you wanted to know.
Rachael E, Spokane:)

[Stormgirl]

Glad to have found this thread, I am too looking for a gender therapist here in Seattle.

[MarieTS]

From another Seattle gal... Dear brooke--we both have similar experiences. I wish I took the steps you are taking when I were your age. Instead, I delayed out of fear. That was a big mistake. You've been given some good resourses in this thread to follow-up on. I have heard the Ingersoll Center is legitimate. One other consideration is to check-out the resources on the Emerald City Club web site. Perhaps consider joining that group and attend their meetings so you can speak with some of their members who are able to refer you to a trusted therapist. In anycase, good luck and please always feel free to IM.