Starting Therapy

[Emjay]

So.... I had my first session with a gender therapist last night. I've known for quite some time that this is really something that I've needed. Feelings of dysphoria and depression have been building for well over a year now, they've always been there but would come and go. This time they haven't gone......

It was mostly an introductory session: what's going on, history, family history, work, life, what have I been doing to cope until now, goals, etc. We did get into some other things too near the end.

We talked about future visits, which I already have scheduled.

One thing I noticed after the session is that I feel different..... I guess I would have to describe it as (cautiously) hopeful! :-)

Before yesterday everything seemed impossible,I was stuck. That I couldn't change anything, friends and family would leave, I would lose my job.... the works right? All of those things still seem pretty daunting but somehow now not impossible.

At least now I'm doing something and it feels like the right path. Finally!

[Jessicah]

Congratulations Autumn,

I hope everything goes well for you now that you've taken the first step. Please keep us informed, the more information passed along makes it easier for those yet to come.

[dreamer_2.0]

Congrats, Autumn (love your name!). Therapy has been quite helpful for me so I hope the same for you. :)

[Jorja]

Congratulations Autumn,

This difference you now feel after your first meeting is because you are now moving forward. The stress put upon us by dealing with gender issues is incredible. Just to start talking to someone that might understand can be a great relief. As you get into therapy there are going to be some things that might be hard to answer and the truth might hurt. These are things that need to be explored so stick with it. Hopefully, as you begin to understand yourself, self acceptance and a new wonderful life will open up for you. Hang in there. Be open and honest with your therapist. Keep an open mind and be willing to accept change. There is hope and it is not impossible. Many of us have traveled the path you are starting to take. You are the key to your own success.

Good luck.

[Angela Campbell]

I have found that moving forward is what alleviated the GD for me. Every step made it less of an issue. One thing for sure it has not been what I expected at the beginning.

[PretzelGirl]

I agree. The hopeful feeling is because you have done something. I recently started therapy and there was a lot of built up feelings just thinking about going and selecting a possible therapist. Once you go in for the first appointment, you then finally have that feeling that something will happen. Even more so if you connect with your therapist immediately.