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[Ashley_C]

Last year I began meeting with a gender therapist but unfortunately had to stop after two meetings for various reasons.

I just found out that my health plan at work now covers mental health like anything else which means there is no cap on how many visits I get, plus the amount of reimbursement I get is ridiculous.

I'm so excited because tomorrow I get to go back to my therapist! Woohoo!

[Stephe]

great news!!

[justmeinoz]

Great news!

[Ashley_C]

The most amazing thing is the almost entire year I've had to reflect. I never saw a therapist before so it was new experience.

The thing that I'm excited most about is getting to finally getting to open out and bring out who I feel I really am. I got cut off before but not this time.

[Jamie D]

The most amazing thing is the almost entire year I've had to reflect. I never saw a therapist before so it was new experience.

The thing that I'm excited most about is getting to finally getting to open out and bring out who I feel I really am. I got cut off before but not this time.

That's super.  Don't let anything stop you from finding yourself.

[Ashley_C]

Had my return session. I think it went well. We had a bit of catch up to do but we're moving onwards.

She made two suggestions, both good. One is joining a bi-weekly support group which I plan to signing up for tomorrow.

[Stephe]

One is joining a bi-weekly support group which I plan to signing up for tomorrow.

I'm on the fence about this one. It depends on the group. Some seem to be focused on "there is one path" and they believe everyone has to follow each and every step or they are a failure. I've also seen these groups tell people "You will never pass, so you should just accept you are a man" type things. Of course not all are like this but some do seem to be obsessed with -stealth is imperative- which just isn't the case for everyone. I guess my point is don't get upset if this "support group" is supporting some things you don't believe are true for you.

[Ashley_C]

I'm on the fence about this one. It depends on the group. Some seem to be focused on "there is one path" and they believe everyone has to follow each and every step or they are a failure. I've also seen these groups tell people "You will never pass, so you should just accept you are a man" type things. Of course not all are like this but some do seem to be obsessed with -stealth is imperative- which just isn't the case for everyone. I guess my point is don't get upset if this "support group" is supporting some things you don't believe are true for you.

It's run out of the same center that she works at by one of her colleagues. My therapist does not seem to believe any of what you said. She's open-minded (as a therapist should be) about any results, if any, from HRT and the whole transition process.

The worst thing that can happen is that I go and don't like it and don't return. I know I need to start using all available resources at my disposal, this being one of them. I'm not involved in any sort of community and I don't know any other trans-people in my real life.

I present as straight male to friends and family so I think this can also be a good place to learn from others. The group is kept to a small number, which I like. The other option was to meet in an open group at the LGBT center which I flat out refused to do.

[Stephe]

It's run out of the same center that she works at by one of her colleagues. My therapist does not seem to believe any of what you said. She's open-minded (as a therapist should be) about any results, if any, from HRT and the whole transition process.

It's not the therapist that would -be like- I posted, it would be the group members. I'm sure they all are not like that, I do know from experience + what others have posted in the past that some are. Being told by another trans people "You will never pass, I think you should just give up this idea of living as a woman" as one member on this forum explained she was told at a group meeting would likely CRUSH someone who is just coming to terms with this stuff..

I'm not involved in any sort of community and I don't know any other trans-people in my real life.

Neither am I. I was living full time for a couple of years before I joined a church where some trans people go. Before that, I didn't know anyone else in RL who was trans and even now I just know these people casually as church members. I know there is a LBGT center where I live, I have no idea where it is nor did I see any reason to go there. I never went to the southern comfort "trans con" or anything like that either.

YMMV but I see myself as just a regular women and never saw any reason to join in some sort of trans community or group. There are some seriously confused trans people and listening to some of them would just have made me even more confused I have done some local trans activism but not as part of any group.

[Ashley_C]

YMMV but I see myself as just a regular women and never saw any reason to join in some sort of trans community or group. There are some seriously confused trans people and listening to some of them would just have made me even more confused I have done some local trans activism but not as part of any group.

I'm not looking to join a community and go out protesting Prop 8 or going to pride parades or something like that. I plan on just continuing to live my life and continuing to keep my beliefs to myself. I do see it advantageous to know other like-minded people going through something as unique as this. I'm a smart person and also a pretty good judge of people. I can tell when people are being bitter a**h*l*s. The worst that can happen is I feel uncomfortable and don't go back.