Some guidance please...?

[NintendoMaiden]

Hey everyone... I'm Millie and im a bit lost so to speak. I'll spare you the whole... "I always knew something was different..." speal and get right down to it.

I've always felt like I've been TS (I can always remember wanting nothing more than to be a girl. And this feeling as not subsided.) and the past 6 months or so have been really difficult. I've scoured the internet for anything I can find on the topic and feel rather confident about what I am. I've told a few of my close friends, my mom, and the girl im seeing. All are very supportive. A good start I suppose...

So I was thinkin' It's time for some thearpy... as the depression I feel some days is quite a burden...but I can't find specialist in my area. Is a general theaperist a good place to start or not? I don't feel it is, as I'm lookin' for help and not to educate anyone on what it is to be TS, but I guess beggers can't be choosers...

Any tips or advice would be nice... its quite lonely up here in the Rocky Mountains.

[Jessicaparkson]

I personally looked at this site: http://www.drbecky.com/therapists03.html

And found one near my location. I wanted someone who had experience in the matter. It's a hard and long road, so when you meet your therapist make sure you can stand them.

[NintendoMaiden]

Thanks I took a look at that... Everyone is so far away... :sad:

And living in a Mountain Town in the winter makes travel a little scary....

[rebekahm]

One option could be to contact several reputable therapists and see if they will do sessions remotely via telephone or Skype or another communication program. While it does not provide the same level of interaction as doing therapy in person, it could give you a good starting point until you can travel or locate someone in your area.

Just a thought.

[tgirlinva]

I personally believe a therapist is better than no therapist. Besides, he/she may refer you to someone more qualified. But letting everything build inside is not a good idea. It will eventually blow up.

[crystalann]

I was in the same boat as you I made a few phone calls to some therapists in my area and just asked if they worked with transsexuals. I got no a few times but then I had one tell me of one and found out she is only a few miles from my house. I was thinking I needed to be in a big city to find someone that's works with gender issues. Looking back I wish I would have started looking sooner make few calls to any therapist and just ask..

[NintendoMaiden]

Sessions over the Phone hadn't occured to me... Thats something. Im starting to think anyone is better then no one. I've always had problems letting my issues build up inside... Im gettin' better tho... As I found the courage to ask others for help...

[Carole Cross]

Hi NintendoMaiden, I have always felt the same about wanting tobe a girl and have also spent the last six months searching the internet about the subject.
Over here in the UK things are alittle different. To see a gender therapist we first have to speak to our GP (Doctor) to get a referral. Maybe as you are so remote it might be a good idea for you to speak to your doctor as they may know a more local therapist. Another place to try may be your local hospital. Hope this may be of some help.
I wish you well on your transition if you decide to go through with it. :hugs:

[NintendoMaiden]

Thank you tons! I don't think its a matter of if... but when. Tryin' to figure out all this... the lack of funds and insurance could make this a bit troublesome.

[MarieTS]

Hey everyone... I'm Millie and im a bit lost so to speak. I'll spare you the whole... "I always knew something was different..." speal and get right down to it.

I've always felt like I've been TS (I can always remember wanting nothing more than to be a girl. And this feeling as not subsided.) and the past 6 months or so have been really difficult. I've scoured the internet for anything I can find on the topic and feel rather confident about what I am. I've told a few of my close friends, my mom, and the girl im seeing. All are very supportive. A good start I suppose...

So I was thinkin' It's time for some thearpy... as the depression I feel some days is quite a burden...but I can't find specialist in my area. Is a general theaperist a good place to start or not? I don't feel it is, as I'm lookin' for help and not to educate anyone on what it is to be TS, but I guess beggers can't be choosers...

Any tips or advice would be nice... its quite lonely up here in the Rocky Mountains.

Millie--let me try and simplify things. What gender you "want" is nearly irrelevent. The operative point is, what do you FEEL or BELIEVE you really are? Therin lies the true anwer to your questions and feelings.

[gagirl1]

t-vox has information about therapists that might be in your area. not sure how up-to-date the information is, but it's worth checking out.
http://t-vox.org/index.php?title=North_American_Therapists

[NintendoMaiden]

I got in touch with someone... opted for some Phone sessions... but im currently in the middle of passing some kidney stones... JOY!

Anyway as soon as this ordeal is over Im gunna get in touch with her.

[TerryTerri]

Good luck with that. I also don't have any therapists in my area that deal with transgender issues. I am having to drive about 200 miles to get to mine. I've only had one session with her so far, I've only recently felt I had gotten to the point that I NEED transgender counseling and help. Anyway, she rocks!! At some point we may do long distance sessions somehow. But, right now I think I need to see her face-to-face and since gas prices are not so crazy right now, it is affordable for me. Once gas doubles in price again, we'll see. Also, I found the drive and wait ( i got into her town a couple hours early) very theraputic also. Allowed me to spend quality time in my head preparing for the session. Plus I was able to shop a little and underdress a bit more daring than normal. Overall, the drive was worth the time and money for me.
Anyway, I found her through the link given above and I cross referenced this list with a list of providers from my insurance provider. Viola I found her.

Anyway, my next appointment is in 2 weeks and I'm looking forward to it!!

Keep this in mind regarding therapists. They can not answer your questions. They can only help you to ask the right questions to yourself that will allow you to cipher through it all and figure out the honest answers for you. It also like peeling an onion. It comes in layers and there's usually tears involved (they can be tears of joy too, not just of sadness).
Peace Out!!

PS. I used to use your avatar. It's a good avatar! But, Shania is my reference standard for female beautiful!!