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Tips for first meeting with with a therapist?

Discussion in 'Gender Identity and Expression' started by IsItElise, Nov 27, 2016.

  1. IsItElise

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    Hi everyone! I'm new here, so be patient if this isn't the best place for a question like this... anyway, I (MtF) just set up my first consultation with a therapist who specialises in gender and sexuality. This is totally exciting obviously, but I've never seen seen any kind of mental health professional before. So I was wondering if anyone has advice on how to approach the first session, to get the most out of it and make sure it's a fit for me? Specifically, how to best express/introduce the reason I'm there -- do I come right out say that I'm transgender early on, or is it better to wait until another session? For anyone who has seen a therapist, how did you know that they were the right one for you? I only have vague ideas of what to look for.
     
  2. Irisviel

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    Every therapist has their own style so it's hard to say. Best to have a pragmatic approach - their job is to help you so you can let yourself not give a damn about their judgement and just be open. And of course the sooner you adress your main concern the sooner you get the help you need.
     
  3. Chiroptera

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    At least here in Brazil, most therapists have a comfortable office, with paintings and stuff to give you a "home feeling". Also, most of them are quite nice, because it is their job to help you to adress what's troubling you, so they want you to be comfortable. And i think it is expected that the patient will be a bit nervous in the first session, so don't worry too much about that. :slight_smile:

    As for talking about you being trans, i think it comes down to your comfort level. In my opinion, i think it is a good idea to tell that to your therapist (and, as he/she is specialized in gender and sexuality, it is unlikely that you will have any problem telling that to him/her).

    I have seen some therapists in my life, and i never had any problem with any of them. They all "gained my trust", so to speaking, and i feel quite comfortable talking to them. I like the experience, because they helped me to understand myself and the relationship "world-me" better.

    In resume: If you could tell that to him/her at the first session, i think that could be helpful. But, if you aren't comfortable, don't pressure yourself. Your therapist is there to help you, you don't need to rush anything. :slight_smile:

    And let us know how it goes! :thumbsup:
     
  4. Rickystarr

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    Just be honest and if you get a weird feeling, remember you can shop around. If they specialize in gender no reason to not start with that if that's what you're there for. Good luck!
     
  5. IsItElise

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    Thank you for your advice everyone! I think I'm ready emotionally and mentally to confront my gender early in my interactions. I have a couple of different therapists scheduled, so hopefully I can find the best fit for me. First one's tomorrow!

    ---------- Post added 27th Nov 2016 at 10:13 PM ----------

    They're not all gender therapists specifically but all have a lot of experience working with it. I'm kinda curious to see what different perspectives they have, but they are all trans-positive. I'm not sure if a "gender therapist" is a super specific title or licensure, or if it just means that it's a special interest. I'm curious to learn more about the whole field.
     
  6. JessicaWolfess

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    It depends on the doctor tbh. Some require you to be super girly, like rediculously so. Some are just fine with the littlest hint of gender dysphoria. Just be yourself and be honest, tell him you're their to proceed with hormone therapy and possibly surgery (What ever path you want to go down for YOUR transition) tell him stories of possible dysphoria in the past and don't be scarred or anxious about telling your feelings