therapist died/New Shrink

[tanyalynn51]

I just got a call from my therapist's secretary, but it wasnt the one I was hoping for. I knew that she had been in the hospital, and had been sick for a long time, but somehow hadnt even considered that she would die. I had just expected she would get better, and we would re- start therapy. She had really helped me through this process, as she has been doing it for a lot of years, and has a lot of experience. Ive already had to get a new psychiatrist because my old one had to retire for physical reasons, and i dont even know her stance on transgender issues yet. There are a very limited number of therapists who deal with that around here, and I just dont know where to go next. I didnt realize how much I needed the help that my therapist was giving me until now, when she's gone.

[Stephanie-L]

Tanya,
First, let me say I am sorry for your loss, because it is a loss to you as well. It is rough changing therapists just for ordinary reasons, this has got to be a blow. There are a couple of things I can suggest, first, Psychology Today magazine has a therapist locator on it's website, and you can search using criteria like what type of therapist, their gender, and what areas they treat, including transgender issues. You can also perform the same type of search via many health insurance companies websites if you are using insurance, of course this limits you a bit. Most of the good therapists who deal with anything that is not "mainstream" do not take insurance, because insurance does not pay well for them. So, good luck on that. Second, there is a medical school in town (UNM), and I would bet they have an outpatient mental health clinic you can go to if you need to. The down side of that is you will probably get a new therapist about once a year or so. The good side is that the therapists will be young and more open to different things. I suspect that unless you go to a faith based therapist most will be fairly accepting of transgender issues, they may not have a lot of experience, but they won't try to "cure" you, or pray it away. I wish you luck peace and happiness............Stephanie

[tanyalynn51]

Well, I guess Ive been only able to duck this for so long. As I said in a previous post, my therapist died recently. My previous shrink also had to leave practice for health reasons. I didnt have a problem with the shrink- I only saw him for medicine maintanence, and since I cant take HRT for physical health reasons, I could avoid the tg issue. I dont think I can avoid it with a new one, and I have no idea what her reaction will be. I also am not going to try to kid myself that I need to see a therapist- I have plenty of issues besides the tg one to deal with as it is. Who knows how that person will react. A good friend of mine who is a counselor reminded me that if I dont like who I get, I can always change, but for someone who doesnt trust easily, that isnt as easy as it sounds. I guess I can only see how it goes...

[Darla]

Did you do a phone interview? And do they have any experience with gender issues? If you don't feel up to saying it in person some times it's easier over the phone. But I'd be up front with her/him on the first day about the TG stuff. You want the sessions to be productive, and remember - they're there for you.

[tanyalynn51]

thanks Darla. I didnt do an interview on the phone first. This is a practice where i got assigned a shrink. I am definitely more comfortable with women, although i didnt mention that, so I am glad I got one. I have heard her name, but dont remember where. Ill let everyone know how it goes in a few hours after I get home.

[Mia-Ts]

How did your appointment go?

[tanyalynn51]

I like my new psychiatrist, and since she does therapy, i am going to see her for that too. I am blessed that with the state assisted insurance here, it only costs $5 a session either way. I know it is probably pretty chicken, but I havent gotten into the tg issues yet. She definitely sounds like an open- minded person, and I need to work into this with her. as i have been told, i can pull the plug on this if I need to.