Therapist Recomendations

[LoriFlores]

I'm beginning to take my first concrete steps down my journey and its time to find a therapist. I think I would be more comfortable with a GG therapist, if not TS. Beyond that, and obviously one experienced in TG issues what do I need to look for in a good therapist?

[Maggie Kay]

For me it was being comfortable on a personal level. I am telling this person intimate details of my life and am extremely vulnerable at these times. I am very happy with my therapist after a rough start. He is a transman so he knows what I am going through. We had an initial misunderstanding which got ironed out.

Another that I tried was OK on a personal level but his other field was in sex therapy of all sorts including counseling group sex individuals and my SO didn't trust him. It was too much stress to go to see him with the worries she had over this activity. As a therapist, probably he was fine.

[GypsyKaren]

Hi Lori

The most important thing to me is finding someone you feel comfortable with, otherwise you tend to clam up. Ask around to some of your friends to see if they know someone, and don't be afraid to call around and explain what you're looking for and to see if they have any experience with TG issues, if they don't they may know of someone else.

Karen Starlene :star:

[Sharon]

The most important thing to me is finding someone you feel comfortable with, otherwise you tend to clam up. Ask around to some of your friends to see if they know someone, and don't be afraid to call around and explain what you're looking for and to see if they have any experience with TG issues, if they don't they may know of someone else.


And don't be hesitant to look for another therapist if the first one turns out to be not right for you.

[Stephenie S]

And don't be hesitant to look for another therapist if the first one turns out to be not right for you.

In my opinion, this is one of the most important things to remember. A therapist that you don't like, or don't get along with, is a real waste of time. You are NEVER stuck with a poor therapist. MOVE ON.

Lovies,
Stephenie

[Jenna1561]

And don't be hesitant to look for another therapist if the first one turns out to be not right for you.

Sharon is absolutely correct. Find one that friends know and would recommend. I started this way, but even though others praised her I was not comfortable and found another therapist.

I am thoroughly comfortable with her (both were women) and can really open up and talk. Don't be afraid to change if you're not happy with the one(s) you find.

Generally we shell out some good hard earned money for therapy, so find one you really like.

Jenna

[CaptLex]

Also, you should feel free to be open and honest with your therapist. They're not mind readers, so they can't help you unless you can open up and tell them what's going on. It's like going to the mechanic and not telling him about that weird sound the engine makes and then expecting him to figure it out and fix it. If you don't feel comfortable enough to open up, find another that works for you.

[xexoticx]

im considering finally going and talking to a therapist. i was wondering how long it was before any of you were diagnosed with GID and given estrogen

[Stephenie S]

Not quite a year, more than half a year. I can't remember exactly.

One day my therapist said, "Well, you're done, I can do no more for you and I am recomemnding you for HRT".

It was a bit of a surprise as I had not been actively serching for HRT. It turned out to be the right thing though. I have never been happier.

A year later I had to find another therapist as my original guy had moved on. My endo told me I had to be in therapy for him to continue my HRT program. I see another therapist now probably once every 4 or 5 months.

Lovies,
Stephenie

[Sharon]

I was diagnosed as TG immediately, either in the first or second session. Another couple weeks, I had my note.

[xexoticx]

well thats good to hear then, i would hate to have to waste endless hours of talking (and money) just for him?her to tell me what i already know, but i guess thats life. i will have to look into it i would have to drive a couple hours to see one unfortunatly but it would be worth it

[Sharon]

Don't get me wrong. While my therapist agreed with my own self-diagnosis of being transgendered, it was only the beginning of a nearly one year process of figuring out how to adjust to the realities of it -- how it affects not only me, but my loved ones -- how I could become comfortable expressing myself as female after so many years of trying to hide it -- and how to shut off the negativity I always felt about myself.

Seeing a gender therapist is so much more than just getting a letter for hormones.

[CaptLex]

Seeing a gender therapist is so much more than just getting a letter for hormones.
I second that! My therapist diagnosed me right away - first session, but I'm still seeing him almost two years later. The physical transition is the easy part for me - it's the mental transition that's been a lot of work. All very much worth it, though. :happy:

[xexoticx]

it seems like everyone has mental problems to overcome no doupt about it. i know for a fact from my parents before i was born they were told i was a girl but not sure if they would understand all of it. i might wait and see what the therapist says before i go and tell everyone first. did any of u dress up at all for ur therapist sessions?

[Stephenie S]

For my first therapy sessions, with the fellow who sent me to HRT, I went entirely in drab.

After starting HRT, I began to dress pretty much full time and now I have no more male clothes left. So I go to my second therapists sessions as me.

Stephie