Support Group

[justchillin]

This post is gonna be fairly short. In every article I read about beginning to transition they mention support group. I'm not the open type and I'd much rather participate in forums and individual therapy. I guess my question would be is this a good mind set is it okay to not go yo in-person support groups.

[Arch]

I don't see why you should force yourself to do something you are not comfortable with. On the other hand, I was terrified of IRL support groups, but I made myself go, and I'm glad I did. There were disadvantages, but they were far outweighed by the advantages. And I wasn't all that open, either.

Unless the group is weirdly militant, you don't have to talk (other than introducing yourself). You can go a few times and see how you like it. No long-term commitment.

The other thing is that such groups can be a great way of making one or two friends. If people go to coffee or dessert after the meeting, you might like that better. You could meet someone who has other things in common with you besides being trans.

[justchillin]

You make a good point no long term commitment. I guess the most difficult part is the first step it's like that for allot of thing lately. Wish me luck : )

[Antonia J]

I agree with Arch. I attend a local group and am pretty quiet.  However, by listening to others I have learned about local doctors, resources for my SO, and been able to see firsthand the effect of HRT, and surgery.  I consider myself an introvert, but the group has been a good part of my transition.