Gender therapist and employment

[TxKimberly]

I have considered seeing a gender therapist over and over and discard it for the same reasons. First, I am concerned that it could end my current employment. I am well aware that they can not fire you due to this, but we all know they can find ways to accomplish it if they want to get rid of you.

Next, I worry that it would also limit my future options with other companies should I ever have need to investigate them. One of my concerns is what would this do to my ability to get a security clearance were I ever to seek a position that required one? I suspect as soon as they uncovered that (and I'd have to disclose it) the hiring process would come to a screeching halt.

Anyone have comments of advice?
Kim

[Jesse69]

Hey TXKIM what kind of engineer are you? I'm a BSME.

Crossdressing has ruined many jobs for me, so don't let them find out. I only see a psych for anti paranoia pills, and I don't beleive in gender therapist - all they say is it's ok to be gay, etc...

[Kimberley]

I agree, manufacturing and gender dysphoria do not mix. Security clearances can be a b***h depending upon the level of clearance required by the DOD.

My last job (full time) had me as a Quality Manager so the investigation was fairly comprehensive to meet DOD requirements and I got through it okay with the RCMP. Even so, I was buried pretty deeply in the closet with this. I left the job of my own accord for ethics reasons.

Anyway, not many gurls manage to succeed in the field once the box is open so I would advise against coming out unless you can hang out your own shingle.

:hugs:
Kimberley

[Amanda Jane]

when it comes to a security clearance its better to be out than not

as for a therapist / pay in cash

[rocval2001]

Kim - Sorry no advise just that I am in the same boat you are in. If I go and it is determined that I should transistion there is a lot to loose. Job family friends. I am a insurance underwriter and that job is few and far between in my area. It is a bit scary. But ! you have to do what is right for Kim, The road would be hard, but is this waht you really want ? Theripist a good idea. Keep us [me] updated I would like to know how you are doing.
All my best wishes to you
Valeri

[melissaK]

If I go and it is determined that I should transistion there is a lot to loose. ... Valeri

Valeri,

Only you will determine whether transitioning is right for you; not your therapist. If you ever encounter a therapist/counsellor who tells you what to do, change therapists.

And I second Amanda's suggestion - any concerns over being outed via therapist visits, pay in ca$h. It's money well spent. Most will accept cash at a lower rate equal to what insurance actually pays them after group discounts.

Most states have patient-psychologist privacy laws. Ask your counsellor/therapist what the law is in your state on your first visit. While they can't give legal advice, they'll have some idea as they have a duty to not tell.

Hugs,
'lissa

[TxKimberly]

Hey TXKIM what kind of engineer are you? I'm a BSME.

Crossdressing has ruined many jobs for me, so don't let them find out. I only see a psych for anti paranoia pills, and I don't beleive in gender therapist - all they say is it's ok to be gay, etc...
Hi Jesse69,
My education is in Electronics. I work primarily with sensors and controls used in the manufacturing of semiconductors. With my current job, I have no need for a clearance, but jobs I've had in the past required them and I don't want to burn any bridges. The few replies to my thread make it pretty clear that I not being paranoid, and that if I were to see a Gender Therapist, I would be damaging my ability to get a clearance should I need one in the future. My personal finances are not impressive enough for me to pay cash. Even if they were, I'm reasonably sure a compitent investigator looking into my back ground would find it easy to discover I was being "treated". Nope - it looks like I continue to go it with out a therapist.
Kim

[Christina Nicole]

I would pay in cash, or ask that the therapist bill "creatively." It is not necessary for them to say exactly what you wanted to talk about. It could be that you're just grief ridden over that cute little squirrel you ran over and squashed flat as a pancake this morning. Silly example, but you know what I mean, the diagnostic codes are not that specific.

If you come out about being TG, then you're not a security risk and therefore can get a clearance. There is a distinct downside from that solution, however. On the other hand, the upside is you get to dress at work.

Warm regards,
Christina Nicole

[Marcie Sexton]

The company I work for also is DOD sensitive...with only 18 months until an early out, theres no way I would let them know...however maybe on my last day it might be nice to let them in on my little secret:rolleyes:

Probably escort me off the property in my mini skirt, halter top and six inch heels...:heehee: Max Klinger you're my hero !!!

[CDLauraNJ]

How would anyone know that you saw someone? Is there some sort of database or something? I thought that therapy sessions were confidential? Can someone enlighten me?

[Karren H]

Save your money.....what would a GT solve.... Would it change the way you feel?? If the GT figured out why you like what you like would that change anything??? I doubt it....so if seeing one changes nothing, then it's money better spent to go buy yourself a new wardrobe.... Or even better....a new wardrobe for ME!! hehe

Love Karren

[Sally24]

I'll have to disagree with several of the girls. First, gender therapists are not all alike. If you spend the time searching, you can find a really good one. They treat everyone as an individual and try to determine where on the gender scale you fall. I went to see one after reading "She's Not There" and being concerned about so many parallels in our lives. It's definitely worth it to reduce the stress in your life. You know what they say "The girl who is her own Doctor has a fool for a patient!"

As far as the clearances go, if it is on a cash basis, then it's not on the insurance company's computers. No computers, no paperwork, no paperwork, it didn't happen!

Not going to a therapist is a problem. Going to one is a possible solution.

Good Luck Kimberly!

Sally

[Amanda Jane]

most GT are not in that field and that one alone, they do all sorts of therapy / and cash is a lot harder to track then you think

[TxKimberly]

How would anyone know that you saw someone? Is there some sort of database or something? I thought that therapy sessions were confidential? Can someone enlighten me?
My thoughts on your comment. While WHAT you say to a therapist is confidential, I don't believe the fact that you are seeing one is. It's real simple to me now - it's just not worth the risk to me. Much as Karen implies, I don't exactly need a GT to tell me what I already know.
Kim

[EricaCD]

I'll add a couple considerations. All of the following is just a general statement of my understanding of the law and should not be relied upon as legal advice!

1. If you can find a GT that is a psychiatrist (i.e., also recognized as a medical doctor), you get the benefit of physician-patient privilege. That means that your records and files are medical records...while this is hardly a magic bullet, it substantially improves your ability to shield your secrets from discovery. Differing states have different levels of protection for therapists who are not psychiatrists, so if you go to a GT who is a psychologist or just a licensed therapist, I'd do some homework as to the level of confidentiality accorded to your records.

2. Unless I am unaware of a municipal ordinance in Austin that protects people on the basis of gender expression or transgenderism, your employer CAN in fact fire you for being a crossdresser or transgendered. There is neither federal nor, to my knowledge, Texas state law that protects people from discrimination in employment based on presented gender.

3. In obtaining a security clearance, it is almost invariably better to disclose everything. I have friends who have gotten top-secret federal clearances despite not-trivial peccadilloes in the past. On the other hand, if you are discovered to be hiding something, it's all over...

Good luck!
Erica