I've met 2 different counselors over the years, both women. The first one was following a recommendation of my wife 25 years ago who never wanted me to start crossdressing in the first place. It helped me greatly, both reaffirming who I really was. The first one even invited my wife to join on the 6th session. The counselor mentioned to my wife that I was a beautiful woman inside & out and recommended that she supports me in my CD efforts and beyond. That created a crisis in our relationship that is still there today. But at least, it had the benefit of validating who I really am. The second one validated the findings of the second one, which made me even more secure.
