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Tomorrow, I am scheduling my first appoitment with a gender therapist.

Discussion in 'Gender Identity and Expression' started by BradThePug, Sep 8, 2013.

  1. BradThePug

    Full Member

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    Location:
    Ohio
    Gender:
    Male (trans*)
    Gender Pronoun:
    He
    Sexual Orientation:
    Bisexual
    Out Status:
    Some people
    So, tomorrow, I am calling the gender therapist at my college. I'm pretty nervous about it, because scheduling this appointment is the next big step in my transition. I've also never been to a therapist in my entire life. So, calling a therapist is a pretty big step for me. I'm most likely going to be put on a waiting list, but I'm hoping that I will not be.

    So, I guess the point of this thread is what should I expect at a therapist? Since I have never been to one, I have no idea what to expect..
     
  2. BradThePug

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    Location:
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    Male (trans*)
    Gender Pronoun:
    He
    Sexual Orientation:
    Bisexual
    Out Status:
    Some people
    Well, I did it. My first appointment is on the 24th of September, so I got put on less of a waiting list than I thought that I would.
     
  3. transqueer

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    Well since you're starting off with a gender therapist instead of starting off with a regular therapist and them referring you to a gender specialist - you should already be confident in your therapist's knowledge of gender identity. You can ask all the questions you want when you get in. Like ask if theyve seen people through transitioning before, ask whatever you need to feel like you can trust them in helping you transition.

    All therapists have their own way of doing anything, but dont be surprised if the first appointment is just like family history, childhood stories, basic getting to know you stuff.
    Your therapist might also just jump right into the gender subject, so just be ready for that too.

    Don't be afraid to be open and honest. They need to know everything you feel like sharing so they can help you figure out the best way to transition. Also! Ask for local resources! There should be some support groups with other trans* people, or just info about how to get binders, name changes, etc.

    I waited two months before talking about gender with my therapist. That was two whole months I could have spent transitioning but I was too shy at first. So just dont be afraid to be like I AM TRANS* AND THIS IS WHAT I NEED. You know? Good luck!!

    OH AND MAKE A LIST! If you make a list on your phone or on a paper of major things you want your therapist to know or want to ask, you wont get nervous and forget.
     
  4. FightingShadows

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    I started gender therapy in June and I like my therapist very much. I'm a very quiet and timid person and she's trying to help me with my assertiveness and confidence at this point. They'll definitely point you in the right direction and help you in your process. Good luck!
     
  5. Oddish

    Oddish Guest

    I've been with my gender therapist since February and it's honestly the best therapy experience I've had thus far, and she's the best therapist I could possibly imagine.

    When doing intake, I basically let everything on my mind out and ended up going 30 minutes over my set time frame, because I was so in-tune with her and actually knew I would be comfortable discussing the thoughts and notions I had that I couldn't talk about with my parents or my previous evangelical therapist.

    She was really inquisitive of my family history and my background for the first two months, which is standard practice because your therapist really needs to get to know you before they can possibly prescribe hormones or know where to exactly start with you. I didn't mind at all, it was basically an interview with a trustworthy person and I always felt my mood lift nearing the end of each session, being able to get all of that depressive and introspective gunk out of my mind.

    It's best to keep in mind that being straight-forward and confident of your gender will be helpful if you plan on starting hormones, getting information on legal stuff and whatnot. Tell your therapist be aware of what you need, because that's their job.

    I guess brining a list of topics or questions you were curious about would be helpful too, though I never did such a thing and kind of wandered into the clinic and hit it right off the bat.

    Best of luck, and let us know how it goes!