Need some help choosing a therapist.

[Lucid]

Hey everyone.  I recently decided that now is the time that I simply have to get started on my transition.  I've been looking up therapists who have experience with trans issues, but am now having trouble deciding which one to go with. 

Here's the listing I got for the closest ones to me:
http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?sid=1363085095.3367_9583&city=Bozeman&county=Gallatin&state=MT&spec=187&tr=BackResults

I know that ultimately it's up to me, but it would help me out a lot if I got some input from the more experienced of you all.

Thank you.

[Jamie D]

I have had two therapists in the past two years.  Both said that they had "transsexual" experience, but it seemed I was having to give lessons to the first.  She was nice but sort of clueless.

Sometimes, it is a matter of developing a rapport with your therapist.  With both of them, the first words out of my mouth (or more properly, in a contact email) was, "I have gender issues."

[brainiac]

I'd suggest emailing both of them and asking if they are taking new patients and about their experience working with trans people, and describe yourself a bit and ask if you think you'd be a good match. That way, you can get some idea of who they are before the first meeting, and I think you'll feel more comfortable going in.

[JoanneB]

I'd suggest emailing both of them and asking if they are taking new patients and about their experience working with trans people, and describe yourself a bit and ask if you think you'd be a good match. That way, you can get some idea of who they are before the first meeting, and I think you'll feel more comfortable going in.

A beter approach is to email and ask to arrange a quick 5-10 minute call. Never trust email for anything private or warrants security. Remember, it's not paranoia when you know they can monitor it