I want your thoughts on my new Psychologist,

[kristyk]

I started seeing a new Psychologist she was kind of highly recommended. I just have my doubts on if she is knowledgeable enough to help me.

For instance during my 3rd visit she looked ask me.
"So did your psychologist you just left think you were TG?

My question is shouldn't she be making that decision on her own.

I like her but my concern is does she really know TG or TS as well as I was told she does.

I've been on HRT for over 10 years, but I'm going to her to try and figure out why I've stalled this process and not moved towards transitioning IN 10 YEARS.
I think I just need a push or I need to figure out where I'm going. Don't you think 10 years on HRT is a long time not to transition or is it possible plenty of TG people or pre TS people stay on HRT all their lives.

I Hope I sound like I'm not going crazy, recently I think things are going just a little bit side ways. Thanks fro any response
KristyK

[Kaitlyn Michele]

no i don't think a therapist should make a decision about what you are ..

it was a direct question..i would just answer...if you are concerned you could ask why she asked and get more info from her..

and if you are concerned about her bonafides, ask her about her experience directly..

don't be shy about what's best for you and don't get down on yourself... one of my best friends was more like 20 years!!! and then finally transitioned...

[mikiSJ]

You are about to tell someone your deepest secrets - you need to be extremely comfortable in her/his presence or you will hold back and no matter how good the counselor is, you'll be wasting your time.

[Laura_Stephens]

There are many people who go from therapist to therapist looking for a diagnosis that they want to hear. she was probably checking to see if you fit into that category. I wouldn't get upset by her question.

[kristyk]

All the responses hit home, I'll think of what you said next week.

Thanks Kristy

[melissakozak]

I have had counseling for years with counselors who are not as well versed in LGBTQ issues, and specifically, trans related issues. I have been seeing a new counselor for over 6 months and she is a godsend in helping me make sense of my trans life and how to make it work. For the record, I consider myself very much transgendered and have considered transition, but with what I have said and how I have felt, transition is probably not in my best interest, at this time. Things may change, who knows? Nevertheless, my counselor has asked me important questions about my transgender needs and identity and she is helping me determine what those needs are. A great counselor can help guide you but rarely give you the answers you seek. Obviously, you still have some issues because you have been on HRT for 10 years and feel something is missing, hence the continued counseling? Or is it something else? Only YOU can answer those questions. All of us are on very unique journies in our trans lives, and I firmly believe there is no correct path in traveling down this very, very difficult road we all must travel. May your road be blessed with peace....Melissa.

[Barbara Ella]

Kristy, your psychologist is a professional, and in examining you they need to know what you have been told to get some insight into your feelings/history about yourself, so just answer freely, and let them help you.

As for the ten years on HRT, it is only time. Question is, have you been at peace during this time? Have you been troubled with any dysphoria? have you questioned your need to be on HRT? If you can honestly answer these then you are at the right place at the right time. When you are ready to take the next step you will know, and it will just be a matter of fact decision. Sideways is often the best direction to give you time to adjust. Don't let it get you down. It is still movement, and buys you time. I know I will never progress beyond this phase, it is my life and it gives me enough peace.

Barbara

[celeste26]

A good therapist will ask questions that are designed to provoke important answers, making you think during the process. Giving answers to a patient will rarely fix a problem. It can be frustrating at times but when the answers do come you can "own" the answers instead of relying on the therapist. The other therapist, did they give you and answer?

As far as HRT, even after surgery there will still be many of the same pills to take, this is a lifelong journey.

[Chickhe]

The way I see it, you are the one who knows. These people only know what questions to ask to help you think of the answer. Its a mistake to go to one of these people expecting them to tell you who you are, go to them to learn how to use techniques and to get the tools to do it yourself.

[Rianna Humble]

Hi Krysti,
I've been on HRT for over 10 years, but I'm going to her to try and figure out why I've stalled this process and not moved towards transitioning IN 10 YEARS.

I'm not 100% sure I understand what you are saying here. After 10 years, I can imagine that a lot of changes must be visible on a daily basis. Are you saying that you still present as male in some situations? Or are you talking about Facial Feminisation Surgery and/or Gender Confirmation Surgery?


I think I just need a push or I need to figure out where I'm going. Don't you think 10 years on HRT is a long time not to transition or is it possible plenty of TG people or pre TS people stay on HRT all their lives.

My question here would be has your Gender Dysphoria reduced to manageable proportions over the 10 years of HRT, or is it getting to the point where it is hard to bear? Do you actually need to go further than you already are?

According to the latest Standards of Care

Feminizing/masculinizing hormone therapy – the administration of exogenous endocrine agents to induce feminizing or masculinizing changes – is a medically necessary intervention for many transsexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming individuals with gender dysphoria (Newfield, Hart, Dibble, & Kohler, 2006; Pfäfflin & Junge, 1998). Some people seek maximum feminization/masculinization, while others experience relief with an androgynous presentation resulting from hormonal minimization of existing secondary sex characteristics (Factor & Rothblum, 2008).

This suggests to me that the professionals involved in trans* care believe that HRT can be sufficient in itself in the right circumstances. Could this be your case?

[Nigella]

How can you ask anyone to form an opinion of someone without knowing them?

[kristyk]

What I was looking for in a doctor, was more experience than just your average TG doctor, and I know that is a lot to ask. However I've seen many therapists and psychology doctors that seem to just take my money and I get no where. I'm understand what your saying Melissa in that you've had counseling for years with counselors who are not as well versed in LGBTQ issues. Thanks so much for giving me something to think about, all of you I mean that, and when I see Dr. Reid on Monday, I'll try having more of an open mind.

I know I never want to go back to before HRT. Really all I do know is that when I take all those pills during the day my day is much better than days I never took them at all.

Kristy