Military one source a safe place to go with my concerns?

[Riven]

Well you mentioned feeding them a bunch of crap to see if you trust them, but how can I expect them to believe it when I don't even believe the things I'm saying myself? It'll be hard for me to know when the time is right. My friend suggested someone by name, can you ask for specific therapists?

[Jess42]

Well you mentioned feeding them a bunch of crap to see if you trust them, but how can I expect them to believe it when I don't even believe the things I'm saying myself? It'll be hard for me to know when the time is right. My friend suggested someone by name, can you ask for specific therapists?

No. That's not the BS that I was talking about. When I throw around the BS its because I'm kinda' going in circles because I am trying to let things out but just can't. I use depression and social anxiety issues to deflect from my gender identity issues to lead the therapist away from that area. Yeah, I'm really screwed up when it comes to that. I'm not really scared to bring it up or even admit to it but I'm very protective of it. It's mine and I really don't know if I want to share it. Once it's out there then people will know for sure instead of making assumptions in the way of looks, actions and so on. Now I can be either or fairly easy. When it's out there I will have to be one or the other. I know, it doesn't make sense to me either.

In the beginning just ask them questions about their background. What they think and or how they feel about this or that. Policies on what they can share with the military and so on. Once you establish the trust you should feel more at ease and comfortable then you can open up enough to see what gets back to your chain of command. 

[Riven]

I've decided I'm going to atleast talk to a therapist. I just need to figure out what I'm really looking for from it.

[Kaitlin4475]

Air Force here, I am currently being seen by an off-base shrink under the guise of marriage councelling, She also said that military one-source is a decent resource to go to because they don't make roports to your chain of command but... you only get 10 or 12 sessions a year and once a month one hour session to vent is not enough, off-base shrink unlimitted, mine is so amazing, she is really understanding

[Riven]

Thanks for the advice, it's good to know that there is someone who is for sure doing what I've been planning about. I've come to realize that this feeling of mine doesn't just switch on and off, I get so used to feeling wrong that I forget there is something wrong until I'm reminded by something. I live in my own place now so I'm much more free to be myself. Unfortunately I'm being deployed this week so I won't be able to be me for a while again. I like to confide in one of my friends that works with me and even talk to his wife, but there isn't much either of them can offer me in terms of help, so I think even an hour a month to help me figure out my direction is more than what I've got now. Thanks again. Lastly, I want my mother to know what I'm going through but she seems to be the biggest opponent of what I'm feeling. She's the type that gets upset when there is something she doesn't understand and this is definitely one of those things. Any advice?

[skin]

Best of luck on deployment.  I am now out.  Once both my Navy therapist and I agreed that I was ready to move forward she wrote the recommendation to my CO that I was diagnosed with GID and that it's disqualifying.  He terminated my contract for the convenience of the government due to a condition not amounting to a disability.  He looked at my record and gave me an honorable discharge, which I was expecting, but a general was possible.  I am now about to use my GI Bill to go to school, and just started my care at the VA.  I guess all things considered, the process of being discharged for GID was much smoother than I would have imagined, though I still wish it would not have happened.

[Riven]

I would be all for that, but knowing my luck and the way the USAF is, I would be looking at a general. I really want to get college out of the way before i speak to anyone because there's no telling where it will land me. The more I think about it the more it upsets me. The whole thing is ridiculous. There is zero, literally zero, evidence proving that transfolk are unable to comply with and excel at what their job demands of them. How can we boast to be the greatest military on this planet but can't figure out social reform without any sort of drama or political intervention when four of our closest allies did it without any sweat or blood involved. It leaves me speechless. Enough ranting tonight, I'm going to bed.

[skin]

I understand.  I know it is of no help to you, but I do sense that our military's stance on it is shifting.  Certainly not quickly or soon enough, but it is. 

[LiamB]

This Thread just makes me so sad. I'm A Full Time Serving Member of The Royal Australian Airforce and I'm FTM. I have received some of the most incredible support from my CO and medical staff here on Base. They pay for Psych and some medical bills associated with transition including hormones. There's quite a number of currently serving Trans members in Army, Navy and Airforce here in Australia and I just Feel terrible that there are members of the American Military, proudly serving their country, that are still discriminated against like this. It really is just such a travesty. 

Much Love,

Liam x