Advice please . . .

[Plasibeau]

So one of the things that has been holding me back from frank transistion the most is being able to find an affordable gender therapist in my area. There is one, and I've known she existed for quite some time now, but it has thus far been near impossible to find an open slot as she is evidently in high demand. What makes her affordable is that she works for Catholic Charities and if you qualify (which I do) then you can use their services for an incredible discount.

So last week I called to see if she had any openings and low and behold she did. But it was the 31st and for some odd reason they wanted me to call back on the 1st to finalize the appointment for some bookkeeping reason. . . Today was the first day I was able to speak with someone since then. And of course they gave the opening to someone else.

I am offered instead to see one of two psychology students who are currently earning hours for their master's degree which is a bit of a slap in the face. A slap in the face 'cause mainly I feel I don't need to figure things out and just talk. I need my fracking letter already so I can start down this path. But would I be spinning my wheels if I go with the student instead?

And there is my question that I pose to you ladies and gentlemen: Would it be worth agreeing to three months of therapy with someone who I already know in the end won't technically have me any further down the line than I already am? Or should I just keep waiting like the ugliest girl at the dance?

Thanks in advance!

[Karan49]

Plasibeau,

It sounds like you blew a great opportunity for discounted therapy with a great therapist. I wouldn't care what the reason was for having to call back. You tell us you knew she is in high demand and you just needed to call back on the 1st. Heck, I would have called first thing in the morning and kept calling until the appointment was made.

Why didn't you call, or have someone call for you. Heck, even if I was in jail I would have made that call. And, now you lost your opportunity... or did you? May I suggest you write her a note of apology telling her you're sorry for having messed up but that you think very highly of her and that if ANY openings come up in the future, you would do ANYTHING necessary to see her. Groveling may be your only recourse at this point, but if you truely want to see her I think it may be your best approach.

Don't miss any future opportunities, good luck.

Karan

[GypsyKaren]

You know yourself better than anyone else and you don't need anyone's approval to do anything, the choice is yours.

[Plasibeau]

Except that I did, exactly because I was afraid this would happen. Called several times and even left messages. Today was the first time I was able to get a human on the line.

@gypsy: I've heavily considered going DIY but haven't over health concerns as heart issues and anemia runs down both sides of my family. So I feel like I need the letter to make sure everything is done correctly. But I agree with you.

[Hope]

Go in, see the students.

They will almost immediately recognize that they are in over their heads and will suggest that you meet with the gender councilor. This part is a "duh." But here is why you do it. Once you have been in the clinic, once people there know you, once you have your foot in the door - they will be much more eager and able to work with you. An anonymous phone call for an appointment gets shuffled to the back of the line. A referral from one of the interns and her supervisor gets a bump to the head of the line.

OR the interns supervisor will walk them through your time at the clinic and you will get good service from someone who is really engaged in your issue and working VERY hard to be useful and beneficial to you. Either way is a win.