going to see a therapist

[Zoe Michelle]

So I went to my doctor today to get some blood work done, and while I was talking to him, I asked if he could recommend any therapists in the area to speak to about my gender identity issues, and if they were covered by my insurance. He was very helpful, and gave me a number to call, so I did after I left his office. I have finally made my very first appointment on this matter. I hope all goes well. It won't be for another two weeks though.

[renee k]

Good for you Zoe! That's a step in the right direction. It took many years for me to realize I needed to get some help. Therapy has helped me to accept myself, and put life into perspective. She also has opened doors to support groups and HRT. I just wish I had started this process earlier on.

Renee

[Melody Moore]

Although there are one or two people on this forum that think they don't need the support of therapist,
I think this is a great idea & as Renee just mention it is certainly a step in the right direction because so
many things could end up having a huge impact on our emotions when we least expect it. I had this myself
recently after an incident involving a person who tried to attack me despite the fact I successfully defended
myself. I was shocked to find out that there is a way that I can be emotionally vulnerable & it all comes down
to the fact that I don't want to ever physically hurt anyone. Good luck & there are many people here for you.
:hugs:

[thechic]

Good on you,It was the best thing i ever did.

[Jorja]

Good for you Zoe!!! It is a good step in the right direction. I wish you well upon your journey.

[StaceyJane]

That's great news. It's really is a big first step.

[Rianna Humble]

Hi zoe, I'm really glad that you were able to talk to your doctor about this and that he gave you a contact to start therapy. 2 weeks will soon roll by.

As some of the guys in my office would say REEEEESULT!

[Hope]

Congratulations on being a big girl and doing this the right way!

And let me say that there is no wrong way - with the exception of not seeing a therapist. You are off to a great start and I think I can speak for lots of the other girls when I say we are proud of you!

Now - when you go to see the therapist - remember that she doesn't have magic pills. She is just there to show you how to do the work you need to do. YOU still have to do the work. If you are not honest with her, or you are evasive you are not doing the work and just waisting your time... So you have taken the first step - and you should be happy with yourself - but don't fall down and refuse to take the next one.

Go you!

[Jay Cee]

Excellent, Zoe! It can be such a relief to talk with a professional about gender issues.

[Zoe Michelle]

Ah, if only I could speed up time. Oh well, like yall said, two weeks will go by fast. Anyway, what I am more concerned about at the moment is the results of the blood test. Been having severe joint pain in my wrists, shoulders, knees, neck, and back. I'm 22, and premature arthritis does run in my family. Cross your fingers the results come back negative. I don't want to have to deal with that at the same time I'm transitioning, but if I do, then it is what it is.

[Nicki S]

Zoe, Seven years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis. At the time I was in my late 30's. So the Dr's were surprised that I had the markers this autoimmune disease. Due to the extreme pain that built up in my joints, I had no choice but to take the prescribed meds. This required an injection weekly, plus pills daily.
After a couple of years of the regimen, I was fed up with having to be dependent on a drug to thrive in life.
I did a bit of research and found the correct foods to eat and avoid. I supplemented this with the necessary vitamins, minerals and exercise. I then set my mind to becoming healthy and not having RA. Months later,my rheumatologist was surprised to see that in my blood work, that the levels were decreasing. He told me it was possible for this to go into remission, but would only last a couple of months to a year at most. That was four years ago and I am symptom free of RA.
So my advice to you is clear your mind of any negative thoughts about arthritis. DO NOT THINK SOMETHING INTO EXISTENCE!!! Watch your diet and exercise regularly and focus you thoughts on your transition. Transition alone is more then enough to keep your mind occupied.

[Zoe Michelle]

Well luckily, the test results came back negative for arthritis. Doctor is prescribing me some pain meds for whatever is going on though. Wants me to see a joint specialist if that doesnt help. Its good to know I dont have that to worry about now. So looking forward to going to see the therapist!

[Tomara]

Hi Zoe ,
I hope you find out what is causing your pain and a remedy real soon , constant pain can be so debilitating.
I also wanted to wish the best of luck with your therapy appointment , I have had only positive guidance from my therapist and with her help I continue to grow as a person.
Again , best of luck to you !
Tomara

[Zoe Michelle]

Finally went to see the psychiatrist (was going to see just a therapist/counciler, but insurance will only pay for a phd), and had a good talk. She believes that transitioning is the best thing for me to do. First though, to alleviate some of the depression, she wants me to move out of this town I've been living in, and into a metropolitan area, such as Dallas, so I can finally stop hiding the real me. Therefore, as my homework for the next month until our next meeting, I will be researching locations to transfer too and apartments around them, to find a place in a safe area that I can afford to live on my own at. She recommends for me to live on my own, without a room mate, so I can have complete freedom to be myself, and not have to rely on someone else to help with rent for a more expensive apartment who may decide to leave before the lease is up, thus landing me with the entire rent payment. I think that is sound advice. She said as soon as I can find a place, we will be discussing my transition and how best to go about it, and to find support groups to help me along the way.

In other news, on my way home from the psychiatrist, I got rear ended in the car I just bought less than a week ago. There was minimal damage to my car, but it totalled the one that hit me. Luckily both I and the other driver are ok. I was not at fault, so the other driver will be paying for my car. So aside from getting a big scare, and being shaken up a bit, I'm perfectly fine.

Going to bed now, will start researching locations in Dallas tonight when I wake up.

[StaceyJane]

Personally, I think too much emphasis is given to what places are considered safe to live. I live in Central Texas just south of Waco and right next to Fort Hood. You wouldn't think it would be a good place for someone like me to live but really I have never had a problem. I've gone all over the place as Stacey. I've been to Baylor basketball games, Cowboys Stadium and even been in the Texas state Capitol Building.

My point is that moving won't always solve your problems. For me I go out as Stacey because Stacey is me and I can't keep myself locked up. I live in Central Texas and I have as much right to be here as anyone else.

But still I hope you can find a great place in Dallas. There is an active TG community there.

I had a fender bender once while leaving a therapist appointment once. I had to do the insurance thing while en femme.

[jeri1973]

Glad that things went so well for you with your appointment. I have my first appointment on Monday and cannot wait. Ready to take the next step in my life so that I can truly get on with my life.

[Alicia Ryanne]

I also have my first appt this monday.

[Rianna Humble]

Hi Jeri and Alicia, I just want to wish both of you well for your first appointments.

[Alicia Ryanne]

My appt went well. Told her as much as possible in an hour's time frame. She listened for the most part, but did ask a few questions here and there. Mostly relative to my wife and I and how things are proceedingh now wife knows.