So my first therapy appointment

[Simply Joslyn]

Well I finaly took the leap and made my first appointment for this tuesday, but I've started to get real nervous about it. I'm afraid I won't seem sincere enough, like she won't beleive me. I'm not even sure what to expect, what I'll be asked, I mean its alot of pressure knowing one person has the ability to choose where your life is going. I just want to know what I can expect, and I'm I being irrational in getting antsy, and as far as obtaining hrt goes how long does it usually take or is that all dependant on the individual person. I'm sorry this is just alot to think about in such a small amount of time.

[Marleena]

Joslyn no reason to be nervous this person is there to help you. I was seeing a psychiatrist to get off meds my DR. put me on. I came out to him out of the blue since it was unrelated to my other visits. I didn't faze him at all. So I asked if had met others like me and of course he did. They are there to help you so spill your guts.:)

[Bree-asaurus]

The one person that determines where your life goes is YOU! Stop worrying so much! Therapists are here to listen to you, all your rational and irrational thoughts, the things you believe one day but not the next. You'll see this person for a while and they will get a better understanding of what's going on. Better yet, YOU will get a better idea of what's going on. I went back and forth many times while talking with my therapist over several months... that's normal when trying to figure out who you are. Just be honest and if you're unsure of how you feel, be honest about that too.

And if this one therapist turns out to be a dud, you do some more research and find a therapist who has a better understanding of the issues you are going through.

It will all be okay :)

[sandra-leigh]

A small number of people have reported being offered HRT on their first visit. The one that comes to mind at the moment was someone who had already been living full time for quite a while. You should not expect this unless you are indistinguishable from born female.

I think the standards basically say that you should have at least 3 therapy sessions before being given HRT. But the practice in other places is one therapy session a month (at least) for 6 months.

I wasn't offered HRT. Not that it was never a subject, but I wasn't offered. It didn't seem like the right thing for me. My therapist waited until I told her I needed it -- and then she cheered, because I'd finally broken through my stagnation.

[Jorja]

Relax! This first appointment is going to be about all the "basic" stuff. Name, address, insurance, Why are you here etc.... Nothing very heavy. The therapist does not have the ability to choose where your life is going. Only you do. The therapist is only there to guide you in making decisions and getting you to talk about and understand why you have these feelings or desires. As Bree said, if this one doesn't work out, find another one with more experience with the issues you are going through.

[Kirsty_D]

My only concern about my first therapy session was go dressed or not.
I decided as a first introduction to not and we spent 40 mins with the therapist saying she could not believe me.
A week later I went dressed, her whole attitude changed and we have been getting on quite well ever since.
On my 3rd visit she wrote a letter of recommendation for an Endocrinologist.
I'm very happy with my therapist despite she has limited experience with transsexuals, the Endo though is a whole other story :)

[whowhatwhen]

Relax! This first appointment is going to be about all the "basic" stuff. Name, address, insurance, Why are you here etc.... Nothing very heavy. The therapist does not have the ability to choose where your life is going. Only you do. The therapist is only there to guide you in making decisions and getting you to talk about and understand why you have these feelings or desires. As Bree said, if this one doesn't work out, find another one with more experience with the issues you are going through.

This.
The nerves start to fade as you start talking and building trust. :)

[LisaMallon]

Yes it gets a lot easier. The first time I was soooo nervous.

A good therapist helps you really think about yourself, your history, who you really are and what you really want.

In my case all these old memories, pre-adolescence, came up, breaking through all those 'firewalls' I had built up.
Like asking an adult, when I was about 7, what would happen if I cut my p**** off.
Or years of probing between my legs, looking for something that was not there.

I had so buried these memories, but once I got talking, and even more importantly, thinking about it then it all started to come out. Actually it poured out like a huge gusher.

Had some big nights crying my heart out at the unfairness of it all and the life I was cheated of. My wee dog was so concerned.

Joslyn, not an easy process but hopefully, in the end, you will find your true self and then you can work out what to do.

All my very best wishes.

[LisaMallon]

Yes it gets a lot easier. The first time I was soooo nervous.

A good therapist helps you really think about yourself, your history, who you really are and what you really want.

In my case all these old memories, pre-adolescence, came up, breaking through all those 'firewalls' I had built up.
Like asking an adult, when I was about 7, what would happen if I cut my p**** off.
Or years of probing between my legs, looking for something that was not there.

I had so buried these memories, but once I got talking, and even more importantly, thinking about it then it all started to come out. Actually it poured out like a huge gusher.

Had some big nights crying my heart out at the unfairness of it all and the life I was cheated of. My wee dog was so concerned.

Joslyn, not an easy process but hopefully, in the end, you will find your true self and then you can work out what to do.

All my very best wishes.

[Elizabeth]

Hi Joslyn,

There is nothing to fear. There is no right or wrong. Therapists can not fix us, they can only help us fix ourselves. It's up to you what happens. You can walk away at any time. Many times in life we get stuck and stop making decisions because we are afraid of what might happen. A good therapist can help you wade through the mess of what is right and wrong for you so you can resume decision making and get on with your life. Many times these are decisions we are avoiding making because of the consequences of those decisions, not realizing the paralysis is worse than the consequences.

A good therapist helps us wade through these feelings and fears and put them in perspective so we can make decisions again. And if this therapist says you need fixing, run, do not walk, to the door. There are plenty of therapists, get one you're are comfortable with that shares your values. Being gender variant is not a disease we need to be cured of. We only need to learn how to accept it and get on with our lives.

Love always,
Elizabeth