Woo Hoo Counselor appointment!!!

[TerryTerri]

Hey all,
The next 'big' step is in the works. I have an appointment on January 8th with a counselor for my transgender issues!!! I'm stoked!!! I have to travel about 200 miles for the appointment. I'm hoping the cost of gas doesn't go up too much by then.

I'll fill you in on how the appointment goes afterward.

[morgan51]

congrats. I would like to do the same I'm as far or further from any possibilities for counciling. probably billings or denver.

[Heatherx75]

I've got an appointment for the 6th, myself, but it's not with a GID specialist. I guess I'll have to get a referral or something for that. We'll see how it goes.
Congrats, by the way. :hugs:

[Beth-Lock]

I went for gender counseling a couple of years ago. The advice I mainly received was to continue doing what I was doing, but be careful to be physically and emotionally safe, when CD'ing in public. My counselor did not think I was a candidate for transitioning, though I had thought I might be at the time.
Later a helpful conversation with someone who had transitioned, locally, told me that whether you are advised to or not, depends largely on the counselor you consult, as some are biased one way and others, inclined the opposite. That was what I sort of suspected at the time, yet, it was a bit of a shock to find someone more experienced of the same view. I have no scientific way of verifying that of course.
I supsect that now with so many having money issues due to the economic problems of these days, a lot fewer will be able to afford counseling to help them transition, and a large number of us will find we are basically on our own and left to out own devices to work things out.

[crystalann]

congrats on starting this!! I started mine in October 08 and have been going weekly. she is out of town for the holidays and I miss seeing her. Its really nice having someone to help you on this. I enjoy it and I think you will too good luck

[TerryTerri]

UPDATE!!!
It was / she was / WONDERFUL!!!!!
First off, the 200 mile or so drive to the appointment allowed me some really quality time in my own head. I focused on memories and such so that hopfully during the appointment I could give her good history, behaviors, epiphanies, etc. I also got there a couple hours early and hung out at a diner journaling about stuff related to this. I realized some things that helped me during our appointment.
She was awesome, Very warm, accepting, I had no problems opening up to her, she has a warm nuturing aura I guess. Anyway, we/I am going to attempt to find a comfortable ground, with minimal conflict, without actually transitioning. Due to family and such, officially transitioning is a major overhaul of numerous lives. It may be needed. But, maybe it won't be. We are going to explore that first and that makes sense. She prodded me to try to bring my femme side out a little more on a daily basis. I'm still flushing things about my femme side out and it will be easier if I spend more time there, or focusing, you know what I mean I think. My phobia about all that is getting caught by one of the kids, especially one of the teenagers. But, that's a different issue. Anyway, while we are discussing all this I shared with her my desires and reasons for wanting to try hormones. The pros / cons etc. Amazingly it seemed to me, she agrees. I have to write up a biography/history of sorts regarding my "TG-ness" She gave me a list of questions about my behaviors and such and the different time frames. And, I have to take a "sanity" test. lol. Actually, for her it is a legal thing of sorts, it's an established test that shows I am competent and sane enough to know what I am undertaking. The test cost $125 and is not covered by my insurance. No big deal I guess and I can see for her how it makes sense. She also has a doctor where she is at who she is fairly confident will work with my local doctor. I have previously talked to my doctor about all this and she has no problems being involved in this endeavor as long as things are being done competently qualified persons.
Anyway, I can hardly believe it, I might be getting hormones much sooner and without as many hurdles as I figured I would probably have to jump through!!

BTW, before some of you start with red flags about me taking hormones, please understand the following regarding my specific situation:
1. I am 48, almost 49 years old. I have 3 biological children now. Becoming sterile is not a problem.
2. My wife and I have 'issues' that would actually be aided by having my sex drive diminshed.
3. Due to my age I am not concerned about 'man-boobs'. People's bodies start doing funky things as they age. Additionally, I know too many 'comebacks' to possible nosy questions. I really am willing to have this 'deformity' thrust upon me for the rest of my days. God, I've wanted boobs my whole life anyway! Well, at least sense puberty. It is actually the body sculpting effects on tummy and butt that I look forward to.
4. Besides the fact I'll be being monitored by doctors, I am in very good physical condition. I recently had my normal annual physical and my only abnormality is a slightly low iron level, which has been consistent throughout my life. I've always had lower than average iron levels.

Well, you get the point. Okay gotta go!!!

Peace Out !!!