Therapists

[jamie_44]

This might be better in the transsexual discussion site. Just curious. How many have talked to therapists about your feelings? Has it helped?

[Sharon B.]

I had talked with one after my divorced going on 14-years ago. I got more input just waking in the woods, the one I went to all he did was listen to my problems. Then would ask what I thought I should do, if that is what I was paying for I could talk to the wildlife and get the same answer.
I stop going but I'm sure things have changed since then.
The best thing I can say is accept who you are and learn to live with that person.:cool:

[janelle]

I'm seeing one now and she keeps asking me where i want to go with this. Best answer i give her is that my wife accept this and we become good girl friends. Go shopping, get manicures, you know all the fun things. Hope it gets better for all of us.

[MarinaTwelve200]

My studies of Psychology have led me to actually be VERY leery and skeptical of "Therapists". I doubt that that less than one in ten know what they are doing.
My primary science background is "HARD SCIENCE". Psychology is a "soft" or "Fuzzy" Science--filled with a lot of theory and speculation---a lot of it based upon mere expansions and elaborations upon foundations based on theories of 100 years ago.
My studies of psychology were and are made from a "hard science" background in a personal project of defining and diagramming brain function(s) for possible artificial intelligence applications. I have already found a lot of aspects at odds with conventional psychotherapy, and structures and functions not even previously considered. My current investigation into my own CD is an outgrowth of my investigation of the "IDENTITY" aspects of the Psyche.

But getting back to the subject matter at hand, I actually beleive (perhaps foolishly?) that I know more about "solid" brain function than nearly any therapist. A Psychologist friend of mine actually confirmed the "truisim" that Most therapists get into the feild to get insights into their OWN problems==without the stigma of having to see a psychologist.---He said about 90% were that way, which shocked me--I had thought about 60%

I have also found that many therapists either have an "adgenda" to find unique cases of TS, etc or have no more better handle on sex/gender issues and conditions than the average person==even the great "Dr. Laura" goes on a tyrade about "homosexuality" and how a caller needs more than phone call assistance when she is asked questions about Cross Dressing.---reflecting the common place myth CD=Gay.

My point here is to be VERY VERY careful about a therapist if you choose to see one, they often can do more harm than good. Know when to "bail" if you draw a "lemon"---Conversely, if you DO get lucky , and find one who DOES know what they are talking about, consider yourself very lucky and stick with them.

[Julie]

I was seeing a TG therapist for about a year. I stopped at the end of last May. I posted a thread (http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17289&highlight=Therapy) on my experience. It's one of those things I'd like to go back and erase.

[Alison Michelle]

If anyone is looking for a therapist, treat the search like looking for a auto mechanic or plumber. Don't pick the one with the biggest add in the phonebook. Get recommendations first, just like if I don't like the work a plumber did don't go back, get a second, third, ......opinion. I sure do not want someone picking around in my brain that is unqualified or just in it for fun.

Just my humble two cents worth.

[GypsyKaren]

Hi Alison

I spent 10 years seeing a p-doc who never took my gender issues seriously. She wouldn't even call me Karen because I think she believed I was just going through a phase or something. She kept telling me I was gay and bi-polar, and kept me heavily medicated.

Once I came out into the open and started living as the real me, all of my problems went away. I stopped taking all of my meds, and I'm doing just fine without them. I used to be so angry at the world, now my heart is filled with joy. I no longer see her, though I am going to try a tg specialist soon who was recommended to me by two of my friends.

All I can tell you is that if you feel the least bit uncomfortable with a therapist or you just don't buy what they're saying, then run like hell and never go back. i know that there are some good ones out there, you just have to keep on trying them out.

GypsyKaren

[jamie_44]

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate the responses.
Hugs!