My parents are on board on me going to a counselor but they only think it's because I'm sad and such. I'm not sure what to expect- how will I bring up my gender identity issues?
Make sure you open up to the counsellor. The faster you make a connection with them, the more open you'll be to talking about things with them. They'll likely ask what kind of things upset you, and that gives you a pretty clear window to say something like "well, I don't really feel comfortable being seen as female". Make it clear that it's a serious issue for you, and they'll definitely want to talk further with you about it. I like to remember that the therapists having almost always seen or heard crazier things than what you're planning to tell them. Nothing will come as a shock to them, since this is their line of work. They're trained to help people through these things.
That was actually really helpful, Tetra. Thanks. For some reason, I felt before like at the session I was going to have to self-diagnose myself (I guess because I do it so often) but in reality the reason I'm going is so that I don't have to do that and can just be honest. I'm excited. This has been a long time coming. Plus, the psychologist my parents are requesting an appointment with apparently is gay so LGBT ftw!
What if a counselor is not trained in gender identity issues? What would happen if I brought them up?
They'd tell you they don't know much about it, but would probably research it or refer you to someone who is.
I don't have a regular counselor yet, but the people I've spoken to reacted fine when I told them. It was one of the first things I said, and that was really helpful for the rest of our conversation.
^ That. Also, when I started seeing my therapists they both actually asked me what brought me in to see them. I was open and honest with them and it was all downhill from there Really as long as you feel comfortable with them being honest with them is your best bet. If you don't feel comfortable with them though there's always asking to be referred to another therapist as well. You have to do what's best for you in the long run
Shall I update here? I had my first session today (which was really a freebie so I was just supposed to give background information). A little while into the session he asked me, "if you were to wake up in the morning and all your problems would be solved what would it look like. For example: how would people treat you" (something like that), I sat there in apprehensive silence for a few minutes before saying that I'd like to be a guy. It's funny how most of the session he was just saying things like "right" when I spoke about my problems but as soon as I say something as off-beat as that he acts like he completely gets it. :lol: Well, that's a relief. Apparently he has a 2-month long waiting list but he'll try to get me a spot if anyone cancels before that.
Speak of the devil I'm at my therapist waiting right now. Even though I'm out to a few people this is actually going to be hard confronting my inner feelings...
Way to go man. It's great that you were able to be open and honest, and you'll definitely benefit from that. Now that you've brought it up, everything should get easier from here. That was the hardest part!
Aw, that's great, Kasey! Hopefully it's nice to have these things out in the open? It seems weird that I've talked to someone about my transgender feelings in real life, as brief as it was. Pleasant, but weird. It suddenly feels a lot more real and like I might actually do something about this. Wow.
