My Therapist

Midnight_Nicole · October 11, 2013, 01:36:50 AM

So I saw a therapist... she's been seeing an FTM for the past ten years. She told me I needed to go full time for 2 years and have an irreversible surgery before I can start hrt. I live in Utah, USA and that seems really wrong. Does anyone know the actual "rules" to start hrt?

Cindy · October 11, 2013, 01:39:19 AM

She is totally wrong.

Go to www.wpath.org and download the Standards of care v7.

Then give her a copy!

Midnight_Nicole · October 11, 2013, 01:42:56 AM

Thank you so much, Cindy

My therapist seems reasonable and understanding, I just figured she was probably a little behind on the rules or something. I can wait for hrt, but not 2 years

Cindy · October 11, 2013, 02:32:46 AM

I have to say that I am a believer in RLE, the idea of having surgery and then finding out that it was a big mistake is a tragedy for those that do it! At least getting hormonally and socially reassigned lets you be comfortable with your new life. I'm totally comfortable and happy being me and surgery is now being looked forward to with excitement.

Oh 2 years is a bit weird as well, under informed consent here it takes three therapy sessions, as long as there are no co-morbidities then you will be on HRT in about 3-4 months, depending when you can fit in the therapy sessions.

My original psychiatrist is very experienced in gender issues and told me later that he knew I was transgender after the first 10 minutes. The additional sessions were so he was happy that I understood the consequences of my decisions.

Midnight_Nicole · October 11, 2013, 02:46:24 AM

I guess I should've been clearer, she didn't mean srs she just meant ffs or an orchie. Still the same difference really :/

Midnight_Nicole · October 11, 2013, 04:02:37 AM

Quote from: -Emily- on October 11, 2013, 02:47:35 AM
I might be wrong, but it smells like the second criterion from the ICD-10 (F64.0): "2.The transsexual identity has been present persistently for at least two years."
I have read about shrinks getting wrong ideas what does is mean and what is required - and honestly, I have no idea either. But what I have seen may equates to:
"You need to come and see me on a weekly basis for two years and then I will pass my decision if You have the F64.0 or not. We will talk about hormones afterwards"
"We might need to start the RLE for two years as of X date (hormones might be or might not be present)"
"I need to establish when this all has started for You and how persistent Your urge is" - IMO the most reasonable, but also the most difficult for the medical person, because the person concerned might lie.

Just my 2 cents.

Ewww... since when their opinion is needed for the FFS? Now, orchi might be a different story, but do cis-women need to see a psych before rhinoplasty (the second popular plastic surgery among women) or boob-job (the first one, lol)?

Yeah that seems about right, but fortunately, like I said, she seems reasonable so I'm sure if I give her the information she'd be fine with following those criteria. Yeah I was confused by the ffs as well, I've considered it but really I only think I need a nose job... maybe.

Erin Brianne · October 11, 2013, 04:42:57 AM

Hi Nichole. .
2 years and all that? Umm, I dont think that is what the standards say at all. I received my letter yesterday and it was my 3rd visit. I do recall her saying something about having this feeling for 2 years and nothing about rlt or ffs to get started on hrt. I think I would find another therapist if thats possible. Good luck to you and hope everything works out.

Midnight_Nicole · October 11, 2013, 07:29:12 AM

Quote from: Erin Brianne on October 11, 2013, 04:42:57 AM
Hi Nichole. .
2 years and all that? Umm, I dont think that is what the standards say at all. I received my letter yesterday and it was my 3rd visit. I do recall her saying something about having this feeling for 2 years and nothing about rlt or ffs to get started on hrt. I think I would find another therapist if thats possible. Good luck to you and hope everything works out.

I definitely will if she insists on that, but I have a good feeling she'll be fine with going with the actual standards.

kathyk · October 11, 2013, 07:52:50 AM

Nikki, you're paying for help with a transgender issue, and you want a qualified therapist. Just because you saw this woman once doesn't mean you need to continue with her. Utah has an LGBTQ Afffirmative Therapists Guild and here's their web page that allows you to search for transgender therapists who follow WPATH v7 and are members of the guild. I checked the list for Salt Lake, and considering it's Utah I was surprised at the number of trans therapists that popped up in the search. So find some new and qualified help.

http://www.lgbtqtherapists.com/search.php

Good lluck in starting your journey.

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