OK I'm scared, I think I'm a girl =(

[Jennygirl]

+1

I'd also default to the therapist

[DrillQuip]

Hello there, and welcome

A therapist who has lengthy experience with transgender patients is best. Other therapists who dont specialize in this sort of thing usually end up having their own patients teach them about what transgender is and such, so thats no good. You want to find someone who understands transgender people (some therapists are themselves transgender!) and will guide you toward finding your true inner self and will support your self exploration.

Remember to be gentle and non-judgmental with yourself. Observe your feelings and let them guide you. We will be here to support you in any way we can. This is a great forum to find people who understand your situation and will help you.

Good luck, and try to enjoy the journey!

[A]

A therapist who has lengthy experience with transgender patients is best. Other therapists who dont specialize in this sort of thing usually end up having their own patients teach them about what transgender is and such, so thats no good.

I only partly agree with this. Indeed, a therapist who has a lot of experience with, or specializes in, trans issues is the best. But if you don't have someone like that, I still think most properly trained therapists can help at least some. The only therapist that I would consider truly "no good" would be one who is no good as a therapist to begin with. For example, those ecclesiastics who see people of their religion for "guidance". Even if they're good-willed, without proper psychology training, they can take the wrong way.

[Jamie D]

I still am a little worried about what she meant by "This should be fun to watch."

i'm a little put off ;-; this is a reallllly delicate issue for me

Некоторые люди не обидела. Не беспокойтесь об этом.

[tomthom]

I would find a therapist that is well educated on trans issues, but is not a specialist. specialists generally have deals with others in their profession to acquire deals with prescription dealers. That and most have tunnel vision and tend to attribute very common symptoms from a variety of things to their specific specialty.

I'd simply recommend this as general for advice in anything medical. except surgery. you want a specialist there.

[sailormoon6]

I'm seeing both my psychiatrist tomorrow and my therapist next sunday then. The therapist is from San Francisco, so he has a lot of experience with this stuff, I just asked him. And my psychiatrist is the best psychiatrist in the southeast United States, so I'm happy I have a good support team. We'll see!

[sailormoon6]

Saw my psychiatrist today. He's had plenty of experience with transgender people. I was worried that 25 was too late, and he reassured me that he sees many people older than me. On top of that, he told me it's not as uncommon as I thought to have these thoughts and feelings. He is referring me to a transgender specialist. I am also going to talk with my therapist about it too. He's from san francisco, and has a lot of experience as well. I'm lucky to have a strong support network. However, at this point in time, I'm still EXTREMELY CONFUSED!!!!!!! What do I do in the meantime to prepare for these sessions?

[Jennygirl]

Saw my psychiatrist today. He's had plenty of experience with transgender people. I was worried that 25 was too late, and he reassured me that he sees many people older than me. On top of that, he told me it's not as uncommon as I thought to have these thoughts and feelings. He is referring me to a transgender specialist. I am also going to talk with my therapist about it too. He's from san francisco, and has a lot of experience as well. I'm lucky to have a strong support network. However, at this point in time, I'm still EXTREMELY CONFUSED!!!!!!! What do I do in the meantime to prepare for these sessions?

First of all... Don't worry! Everything is going to be fine. And yes, your psychiatrist is very right... 25 is not too late at all. In fact most would say you caught it very early on!

In the meantime, here, you could read this:

http://web.uvic.ca/~ahdevor/14StagesBLOCK.pdf

It was part of the homework my therapist gave me after our first session together.. I gained a much better understanding of myself and how I fit into the overall trans* picture. Maybe it will put some ease to your uneasiness. I know exactly how you must feel right now!

fly fly!

[A]

In the mean time, you can... well... reflect? Look up some information?

But really, I don't think you have much to do. You're in good hands. Relax.

[sailormoon6]

Saw a transgender specialist yesterday. A good one too, referred by the best psychiatrist in town! She's mentioned in newsweek!! Anyway, I felt extremely awkward but you know, told her "where I'm at" and how I feel. She recommended I get laser treatment for my facial hair. Heh. Also told me to try crossdressing. Hmmm. Anyone know any place to get cute stuff?

[A]

That vastly depends on your tastes...

If you're still not quite up to shopping in public, and if you're thin, there's this:
http://www.yesstyle.ca/en/home.html

Asian clothes. A lot of awful things, but a lot of awesome ones, too. Though yeah. Asian. If you're not thin, you'll have a hard time finding anything that suits you in there. (A while ago I found a ton of cute shirts I wanted, and then I discovered they just weren't cut for me at all. :c)

[Anna_81]

Seriously, don't worry about not passing if you do decide to start HRT, you will be fine 
I have seen tons of before and after photo's of peoples HRT journeys, and you'd be suprised at the amount of masculine guys I have seen turn out to be really attractive petite women.

[sailormoon6]

Well I saw a really good transgender therapist in my area who has been featured in Newsweek. Anyway, I've had 2 sessions already and I'm going to a free support group on Thursday.

Meow.

Still haven't told parents, but they're footing the therapy bill...

[Jennygirl]

Well I saw a really good transgender therapist in my area who has been featured in Newsweek. Anyway, I've had 2 sessions already and I'm going to a free support group on Thursday.

Meow.

Still haven't told parents, but they're footing the therapy bill...

LOL

I like your style, but I looove cats. Meow indeeed!

Congratulations on what seem to be two positive therapy appointments!

Might want to tell the folks soon.. I feel like they are usually more willing to help when you keep them in the know! But I dunno, every parental unit is unique