Questions on beginning HRT

[Jaelithe]

So I have my first session with my therapist coming up in about a month(I seem to need to book everything way in advance), and I was curious about how long I am likely to need to meet with her before starting my HRT.  I realize that different people have different experiences with this, but I thought it would be a good idea to hear some from you folks before I write myself a wildly overoptimistic goal date....

[suzifrommd]

The WPATH Standards of Care (http://www.wpath.org/documents/Standards%20of%20Care%20V7%20-%202011%20WPATH.pdf) do not require a specific duration of therapy (I think for fear that we'll just get hormones from the Internet and self-medicate). The doctor I went to asked how long I'd been seeing my therapist. It had been about two months and apparently that was enough for him. I also think he would have accepted a letter from my therapist.

My favorite passage from the SOC (last paragraph on page 25):

It is important for mental health professionals to recognize that decisions about hormones are first and foremost the client's decisions

[Jaelithe]

That actually fits perfectly into my estimated timeline!  Thank you again Suzi, you're always so helpful.

[how-audrey]

My therapist told me she'd be writing my letter for hormones during my second session. I think it can generally be pretty quick if you are sure about what you want, and are realistic in your expectations for hormones. I see my therapist once a month.

[Jaelithe]

With the amount of time I've invested in research and planning I should hope I meet those qualifications, thanks for the information Evey!

[Heather]

I was in therapy about a little over two months before I got my letter. When I chose my therapist I wanted one who just wouldn't give me a letter straight away I wanted a therapist who would help me make sure I was making the right decision with my life. If I was you I wouldn't rush into hormones they are a huge step and they will completely change how you think and how you feel. 

[Jaelithe]

That's a big part of what I'm hoping for. Internal changes, like feeling more comfortable with my body, are my primary goal for HRT.  While I hope for physical changes as well, I know those tend very heavily into YMMV territory and I think going in expecting less won't leave me disappointed with my results.