LDS Therapist: "You aren't really trans because you aren't a sexual deviant."

[Ultimus]

So my church sent me to a LDS (Latter-Day Saint, or Mormon) therapist who works for the church. I expected it to be a huge waste of time. I expected to be told that I was engaging in immoral activities and that I should try to endure being a man because that's what God wants. Something like that.

Actually it was the exact opposite. She was one of the most open minded therapist I'd ever been to. She showed me in the official church handbook how I wasn't doing anything immoral or out of lines with our religion. She said that there was even a transgender woman who goes to the local ward and that she would let me meet her. I was really shocked. She went on to explain that I would only face disciplinary action (excommunication) if I did SRS or acted on homosexual inclinations. I don't plan to do either of those things, so I'm good to go! She even wants to help my mom learn to accept me (my biggest opponent) using scriptures!

So I thought it was really super. But then she asked to speak to my sister in private. She told my sister that I wasn't "really" transgender because I didn't fit some checklist of criteria she had and because I wasn't sexually deviant. She said if I was really transgender, I would be promiscuous or something like that. She said that she thinks I just have gender identity disorder and that I'm trying to figure out who I am.

So I just wanted to let you all know that you aren't allowed to be transgender unless you are sexually deviant.

[supremecatoverlord]

I hope the conclusion you're making here is based off of facetiousness...because otherwise your perception is totally skewed and I don't think I would be out of line to ask that you got a second opinion. Also, opinions on these issues seem to vary from church to church as the Bible is something to be interpreted and very few things it dictates are seen as concrete. Basically, another church may view your situation entirely different.

In my opinion, psychological approaches (which is usually viewed as more scientific) and religion never really mix all that well though, because there is usually a conflict in ideology.

[Ultimus]

I hope the conclusion you're making here is based off of facetiousness...because otherwise your perception is totally skewed and I don't think I would be out of line to ask that you got a second opinion. Also, opinions on these issues seem to vary from church to church as the Bible is something to be interpreted and very few things it dictates are seen as concrete. Basically, another church may view your situation entirely different.

In my opinion, psychological approaches (which is usually viewed as more scientific) and religion never really mix all that well though, because there is usually a conflict in ideology.

No I was being facetious, I think it was a ridiculous statement for her to make.

[ByeBye]

What a jerk. She seems like a nice lady but I don't believe transsexuality is an issue of sexual deviance, unless it's to be believed that transsexual women are really men. There are actually conservative women trapped in mens' bodies as well.

Transsexuality is a MEDICAL disorder, NOT a mental disorder.

I believe medically, transsexuality comes from a level of hormones in the brain and nervous system.

This is what people need to understand.

[0451]

Not only is that an absolutely ignorant, bigoted, and erroneous characterization of GID, but she committed a severe breach of doctor-patient confidentiality.  She could lose her license for that, I think.  Extremely unprofessional.  Even if she didn't hold the views that she did, this sort of behavior would make me run for the hills.

[Tazia of the Omineca]

I would punch that therapist in the face with words.
Seriously... also Psychology has to be secular. o_o

[King Malachite]

I would punch that therapist in the face with words.
Seriously... also Psychology has to be secular. o_o

My thoughts exactly.

[Tazia of the Omineca]

Non-secular psychology is like non-radioactive uranium, it doesn't work.

[imogen]

From reading your other recent posts it sounds like you are still trying to work it out -  but also have this need for your issues to be "answerable to" by your church. Still, you expect  "it to be a huge waste of time". Surely that there tells you something of your regard to their ill-informed judgement, professional knowledge of GID..

Still, it sounds like you've had a small breakthrough - the LDS therapist's acceptance of transgender (but on her terms), her letting you meet a trans woman in the ward.. But, it sounds as if you don't mind that the therapist (part of your church) control the proceedings..

[batgirl]

Therapists are the devil

[kelly_aus]

Therapists are the devil

Really? Mine's been nothing but caring and helpful..

[Rabbit]

I would get away from that environment... it seems like it can only be harmful to be around.

And, side note, why are religious folk so focused on sex? Playing around in the bedroom in creative ways isn't worth all the drama they seem to make it ...

[Ultimus]

I forgot the most enraging part....she told my sister that 'it was just a phase!' like I'm some kind of little kid.

[Tazia of the Omineca]

Oh yes, I've been feeling like a female for 10+ years, but maybe it is just a phase. :U

[Isabelle]

Put simply, faith is the denial of observation so that belief can be preserved. Religious minded individuals are by definition suffering from a type of complex and deeply held delusion. If GID is viewed as a mental disorder, it seems irrational to expect help from someone who is also clearly in the same boat. The phrase "the lunatics are running the asylum" springs to mind.

Patient: I believe I'd be happier if I changed "x" about my life.
Religious Therapist:  based on the assumpion there is a great skydaddy with opinions on the matter, I believe you'd be happier if "x".

...... see my point?
Check out www.exmormon.org for help and information on how to escape.

[heatherrose]

An openly transgender woman attends a Mormon church?
Really?
And she'll let you meet her?
Really?
This woman is disgracefully unethical.
Is she a therapist or a counselor?
Because I can legally hang up a shingle
and counsel anyone on anything.

...acted on homosexual inclinations.

Now there's a sticky wicket.
You're "MTF", right?
Do you like women?
If you do, then you're a lesbian.
Let her wrap her head around that one.

I was told it was just a phase nearly forty years ago
it obviously is not.

Find a NON-Momon therapist on your own and
read Cindiana Jones' book "Squirrel Cage".

[V M]

Sneaky and unethical Mormons?    Now that is a surprise 

Find a NON-Momon therapist on your own

Good advise

read Cindiana Jones' book "Squirrel Cage".

Cindiana Jones

That's an awesome name    I think she should use it

[Annah]

She went on to explain that I would only face disciplinary action (excommunication) if I did SRS or acted on homosexual inclinations. I don't plan to do either of those things, so I'm good to go!

And that makes you happy?

This is exactly why I am in Seminary. I am so sick and tired of churches brainwashing people through fear. She basically told you that you would go to hell if you went through the whole process.

That's like a church saying "you can be gay but if you have gay sex you'll go to hell."

JD, you have the knack of picking the worse therapists I have ever heard of.

I'm concerned for you.

[Annah]

Not only is that an absolutely ignorant, bigoted, and erroneous characterization of GID, but she committed a severe breach of doctor-patient confidentiality.  She could lose her license for that, I think.  Extremely unprofessional.  Even if she didn't hold the views that she did, this sort of behavior would make me run for the hills.

Yes. She could lose her license in a heartbeat for doing what she did.

However, I seriously doubt she is Licensed. She is LDS. Their Bishops do not even require formal religious education.

[heatherrose]

Sneaky and unethical Mormons?    Now that is a surprise 

I have worked for and have had business dealings with three different Mormon organizations,
in three different parts of the country and all three times I have ended up royally SCREWED.
A Mormon frigging president? Ya, right. Watch the flock out, infidels.

Cindiana Jones

That's an awesome name    I think she should use it

She did, back in the day.