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Thread: Therapist Experiences

  1. #1
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    Question Therapist Experiences

    Hi everyone!!!! <3


    I was wondering how many people here have gone to therapy before to discuss their issues as far as gender identity or HRT and crossdressing.
    I have NEVER gone to therapy and I have never spoke to anybody about my issues on a professional level.
    Sooooooooo I am starting therapy sessions on monday and....
    IM SO NERVOUS :C. and a little scared too but mostly excited and happy<3

    What was your experience like?
    was it bad? did you have a crazy therapist?
    was it awkward at first?
    I can't wait to share experience too

  2. #2
    Adventuress Kate Simmons's Avatar
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    Just talk about anything you want for 45 mins. All therapists are crazy. They have to be analyzed themselves before opening a practice. They are a sounding board for you mostly, you make all decisions.
    Second star to the right and straight on till morning

  3. #3
    Member Brianna_H's Avatar
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    It's such a relief to talk to someone. They will ask questions to try and understand where you are coming from and to help you better understand yourself. It's very mundane, once you cross that initial Rubicon of fear. The real "problem" is, as Kate said, you still have to make the decisions for yourself and be the arbiter of what it best for yourself. The therapist is just a guide. If you don't get along with him or her, definitely try someone else. Therapists vary widely in skill, style, and school.
    *******
    I'm through accepting limits
    'Cause someone says they're so
    Some things I cannot change
    But 'til I try, I'll never know!
    - Defying Gravity from Wicked

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    LOL!! Maybe I was over exaggerating a bit. To me it felt like I was going to be interrogated by the fashion police or something.
    Thanks for the support
    Also the therapist I am going to see specialized in gender identity and transgender as well.
    I can't wait!!!

  5. #5
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    My therapist is great. I think you'll find it to be a very rewarding experience. They won't judge you, they can't, by law, repeat anything you say. It's one of the few places in the world where you can be safe no matter what you say.

    I think you'll find that you learn a lot about yourself if you are honest with your therapist.

    Best of luck!

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    Hi Paula!!! Thanks for your input I find that I've learned so much about myself since I have started being honest and it's good to hear that I can be safe and not have to worry about
    people harassing me and calling me a freak. It really clouds my mind..

    Thank you!!!!

  7. #7
    Member Jenelle's Avatar
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    I am currently seeing a gender therapist and frankly I wish I would have sooner. The first session was a bit awkward but after that it was/is very casual for me.

    At first I was going once a week so there was a constant flow while she got to know me. Now we are at once a month which is cool but at times I do miss have an outside party to talk with face to face so I might be changing the sessions to every 3 weeks.
    I really need to work on my signature...

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    HI Jenelle! I'm glad to hear that you are seeing a gender therapist! and yes!! I would have never even took the step if it wasn't for this forum to be so accepting and understanding. A huge part of it also comes from me accepting myself but although I am not sure what you mean by an outside party?

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    Let me submit that success I. Therapy is more about what you put into it than what skill or sanity level the therapist brings.
    Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.

    Eleanor Roosevelt

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    hmm... I"ll keep that in mind..
    thanks

  11. #11
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    Not sure...
    I kinda wish to do it and I kinda do not.
    I wish to do talk to a therapist in a hope to resolve this whole issue one way or another.
    And I feel like talking with somebody about my desires is like a commitment. To talk to a gender therapist means I would have to admit at least to one soul (other than myself) about THIS. But after that, the therapist would expect me to have that issue...

  12. #12
    Senior Member Princess Grandpa's Avatar
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    I'm a firm believer in therapy. I am highly suspicious of therapists. A good therapist can assist you in changing your life. A bad therapist at best will do you know good and at the worst mess with your head something fierce. One wants to be careful they aren't talking to, taking advice from someone pushing their own agenda instead of helping you discover your truths. I hope you find a good one. Remember to think objectively about your sessions and your councilor as time goes on.
    I wish you all the best and hope your councilor helps you find truth.

    Hug
    Rita
    A person should wear what he likes to. And not just what other folks say. A person should be who she likes to. A person's a person that way!
    ~Marlo Thomas~

  13. #13
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    I went to several therapists, although not 'gender' therapists, many years ago while in my 30's. It was more for depression than specifically my distress about crossdressing although the two were certainly related. Most of the therapists were nice enough people but not terribly effective. There was one therapist, though, who had a really good sense of the human psyche and made a long term positive difference in my life. I think I saw him for 2-3 years.
    In my first session with him he asked why I was there and what I wanted. I said, "I crossdress and I want to get rid of it". He looked at me, took a deep breath, and said "I wouldn't touch that with a 10 foot pole". Though I didn't quite get it at the time, I later realized that was one of the smarter things anyone has ever said to me. We eventually did get around to the crossdressing but as part of the whole package rather than as an isolated part of me.

  14. #14
    Senior Member MissTee's Avatar
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    I've been to therapist for other things, but not CD-ing. I found it very important to be able to connect with the therapist, and likewise to relate to them in a comfortable way.

    I haven't ever needed to talk about my CD-ing, and so what I occasionally wear girl clothes. No big deal to me or my supportive wife. Good luck and keep us posted.

  15. #15
    Aspiring Member marny's Avatar
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    I've been to see a therapist three times now. She doesn't see a problem with marny. My wife came for the last to sessions. it is about us both living with marny. since then my wife told our two daughters that didn't know ( the other one knew). and her sister visiting from Sweden. She is more accepting since we saw the therapist together. it helped me. I couldn't explain to her why I dress. I don't know. But i can say i am not going to stop. Our therapist wants to meet Marny. probably this fall.
    regent,

  16. #16
    Female Illusionist! docrobbysherry's Avatar
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    I've had mostly good experiences in counseling sessions. The last ones were joint sessions with my daughter and I felt that therapist was mostly a waste of time and money.

    My earlier ones asked enuff questions to find out what problems I had and if they could be either solved or mitigated? They quickly and easily let me find my own options and solutions.

    Dealing with my dressing took less than a 1/2 hour. But, back then it was such a minute part of my life. I wonder what she would say about Sherry now?
    U can't keep doing the same things over and over and expect to enjoy life to the max. When u try new things, even if they r out of your comfort zone, u may experience new excitement and growth that u never expected.

    Challenge yourself and pursue your passions! When your life clock runs out, you'll have few or NO REGRETS!

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    Quote Originally Posted by Wasia View Post
    Not sure...
    I kinda wish to do it and I kinda do not.
    I wish to do talk to a therapist in a hope to resolve this whole issue one way or another.
    And I feel like talking with somebody about my desires is like a commitment. To talk to a gender therapist means I would have to admit at least to one soul (other than myself) about THIS. But after that, the therapist would expect me to have that issue...

    Hi Wasia, I just want to let you know there is no rush .
    I like to work things out on my own time when I feel I am ready with whatever it is I am doing.
    For years I felt like that, I did NOT want to admit to anybody else other than myself but eventually I accepted and came to terms with the whole ordeal on my own TIME.
    It took me years to finally realize that there is nothing wrong with being myself.

    It's just people blow it out of proportion in my opinion and I think that tends to falter others and cloud their judgement when really
    it's all gravy just be yourself .

  18. #18
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    Hi Melodie,

    I have been seeing a therapist for some time mainly because I was so confused when Isha made her appearance that I was unable to cope emotionally. Luckily I hit the therapist jack-pot and she has been a wonderful guide on this journey and beacon of light to bring order to chaos in bringing me to a place of self-acceptance. IMHO therapy is never a wasted endeavour when it comes to this thing we do.

    The best advice . . . be honest with your therapist. Some of the questioning can be personal and potentially embarrassing. However, if she/he is going to help you make sense of your gender identity you have to be honest and therapy is not the place to stay in the closet. As well, many psychologists will deflect the questions you have back to you. It is not because they don't care but more a factor of them trying to get you to be introspective (so don't be put off by this approach). Last bit of advice, not all therapists are created equal, you only have to finish school, get certified and hang up a shingle. Do some background checking on this person (perhaps the local TG support community) and see if she/he is recommended.

    Hugs and good luck.

    Isha

  19. #19
    Aspiring Member LaurenS's Avatar
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    Intriguing. I think talking with a therapist would a good idea, and something I would like too try, but aim at the point that I am comfortable with myself. I think therapy is what everyone around me needs!

  20. #20
    Member BOBBI G.'s Avatar
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    My personal journey started about a year ago when I told my VA Prime Doctor I wanted to see a pshciatrist, concerning my feelings of transgender. My first Psyc within the first 5 minutes told me she had no expertise if this field, but would find me a gender specialist hon staff. Boy, did she. My Dr. Regan is the most helpful person I have even spilled my heart and soul to. As stated early in this thread I talk about just about anything I want to, or comes up. After just three sessions she made a statement that has changed my life, WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? Someday I will be the girl I have always known I was. Shrinks are a good sounding board.

    Bobbi

  21. #21
    Member KaceyR's Avatar
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    I'm in the mode of wanting to get out to a therapist myself...
    Mainly because of what I've done with Kacey..but the problem is while I want to do a gender therapist for the Kacey side.. there are other issues I need to discuss and I've really needed to do so for decades in general (for other anxiety a,depression issues and stuff).
    I've kind of stalled the process due to being unsure on who to go to to start the whole mess along with whatever insurance involvement,etc. A gender therapist or 2 I've looked up has no ties with the insurance side so I'm unsure where to go with this whole thing adding another anxiety..basically wanting to figure things out before I get too old to really do anything.
    And I'm a bit limited on budget too adding more mess to deal with.
    I halfway think that I'll have to go to my regular doc (which is also changing for me :/). And get a referral for psych first... Then that one will have to refer to gender specialist in order to really get any help from my United Healthcare ins... If I just went straight to the doc I want..I figure it'll be full cost to me w/o ins help. What a mess.
    Overall..should've at least done therapy for my other things at least 2 decades ago..but... :/
    Kacey Rhiannon - (FB Page) (Twitter)
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  22. #22
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    I've often considered going to a therapist. It would have done me good in the past but now I've worked a lot out for myself. But I think there's a more to be worked on. I'm really very isolated and could do with someone to talk to.

    But it's unaffordable I'm afraid. Maybe one day.

  23. #23
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    "The best advice . . . be honest with your therapist. Some of the questioning can be personal and potentially embarrassing,"
    YES, when I called her and as soon as she said I'd love to help you transition I froze up LOL!!! followed by a series of embarrassing questions
    Only because I've never heard anyone talk so openly and normal about it as if it wasn't even a big deal to her.
    I feel I can be honest with her because she has experience and she is also worked with the community in the longbeach area.

    Hugs thanks Isha


    Thank you so much Isha
    hug

  24. #24
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    Hi Melodie,

    I've been seeing a wonderful woman therapist for over 6 years. She is very knowledgeable in gender matters and I look forward to our visits and miss them when I am away with work.

    That being said, this was the only therapist who dealt with TG issues anywhere close to me. I drive almost 3 hours each way to see her so it makes for a long and full day in the car. While I hit a home run with my efforts I do know of other "sisters" in the area who have not been so fortunate. As there were no Gender therapists anywhere close they took what they could get. One therapist told the sister that he was going to "cure" her. Another knew nothing about TG matters and the sister had to educate him.

    In the end, you're the customer. If you are not getting what you need or want from this, try someone else. Yes, you might have to travel farther and see them less frequently but it would be worth it in the end.

    GOOD LUCK!

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by BOBBI G. View Post
    My personal journey started about a year ago when I told my VA Prime Doctor I wanted to see a pshciatrist, concerning my feelings of transgender. My first Psyc within the first 5 minutes told me she had no expertise if this field, but would find me a gender specialist hon staff. Boy, did she. My Dr. Regan is the most helpful person I have even spilled my heart and soul to. As stated early in this thread I talk about just about anything I want to, or comes up. After just three sessions she made a statement that has changed my life, WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? Someday I will be the girl I have always known I was. Shrinks are a good sounding board.

    Bobbi
    The question WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR is what I asked myself before I called my therapist. Although I am not sure I understand the term sounding board though?

    Hi Linda
    Wow 3 hours each way for a drive!! I can't imagine... it's really sad to hear about the "sisters" who have not been so fortunate too :C.
    I think now though there are more resources we can look into (at least in america).

    For example Mariehart says its unaffordable but there are therapists who work on a sliding rate which is based on no income or your monthly or weekly income.
    I have seldom money to spend since I run a guitar shop and I just started it and I told my therapist that.
    She told me usually services would cost about 160 or 200 around my area(which is true I called several).
    She gave me 80$ a session which was nothing compared to my self being.

    also.. thanks for those of you who are looking for therapy or interested I do have this wonderful resource I found.
    http://www.psychologytoday.com/
    You can look up therapists in your area read reviews and filter search by specific issues and topics at hand.

    I hope this will help some of you as it helped me a lot .
    Last edited by Katey888; 07-26-2014 at 10:12 AM. Reason: Consecutive posts merged - please use edit post to add to existing post rather than adding a successive post...

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