Question On Gender Therapy And Hormone Slip

[Andarta]

 I've been reading that some trans individuals have had troubles about being asked questions about sex by therapists, the issue with me is i'm a virgin an this isn't a problem for me I have not had the urge to have sexual intercourse with anyone due to my own gender dysphoria an will not feel comfortable with wanting to until after srs. Is this something therapists can use against me when trying to obtain my hormone slip? are they going to try an pressure me to have sex before I can be considered for one?

I understand that 3 months of therapy is the minimum to be eligible for the hormone slip, so if such question came up an I stuck with the sessions could they still be dicks an hold me back from obtaining the slip?

The therapist i'm eyeballing to work with is Dr.GRAHAM L PEVELLER who conducts therapy online an I have heard both good an bad things about him, even from users on this site however I saw a post in an old thread that sparked this anxiety.

I really hope I can get some good advice here, I have no options for therapists nearby an i'm sick of self medicating so I would like to get this done an over with as soon as possible an he seems like the best option given the situation.

[kariann330]

I don't think it can be used against you. If it could then i think a lot of people who transition would end up not getting there letters.

[evecrook]

gender Identity is a lot deeper issue than who your having sex with. If sex was an issue they wouldn't be treating high school students with hormones.

[Sarah Louise]

No "good" therapist will decide this issue on the basis of a single question, it is the overall depth of your answers to all questions and your honesty that will determine getting hormones.

[suzifrommd]

I understand that 3 months of therapy is the minimum to be eligible for the hormone slip, so if such question came up an I stuck with the sessions could they still be dicks an hold me back from obtaining the slip?

The three months is outdated. Therapy is no longer required for hormones, according to the WPATH standards of care (http://www.wpath.org/uploaded_files/140/files/Standards%20of%20Care,%20V7%20Full%20Book.pdf). Of course they're only guidelines, so doctors can choose not to follow them.

Bottom of page 28 to top of page 29:

A mental health screening and/or assessment as outlined above is needed for referral to hormonal and surgical treatments for gender dysphoria. In contrast, psychotherapy—although highly recommended—is not a requirement

The SOC do not recommend a minimum number of psychotherapy sessions prior to hormone therapy or surgery. The reasons for this are multifaceted (Lev, 2009). First, a minimum number of sessions tends to be construed as a hurdle, which discourages the genuine opportunity for personal growth. Second, mental health professionals can offer important support to clients throughout all phases of exploration of gender identity, gender expression, and possible transition—not just prior to any possible medical interventions. Third, clients and their psychotherapists differ in their abilities to attain similar goals in a specified time period.

[Andarta]

No "good" therapist will decide this issue on the basis of a single question, it is the overall depth of your answers to all questions and your honesty that will determine getting hormones.

So after doing the 3 months of therapy they can deny me a letter stating that I have done such to prevent me from obtaining hormones on certain grounds? how often does this happen an what are the things that typically cause those type of dilemmas?

[Rachel]

Therapy is a great idea to help sort out if you should consider HRT as a method of treatment.

If you live in a place that allows informed consent then contact a LGBT center for a recommended medical location. There you can obtain HRT under doctors care. 

I can count the times I had sex this year on one hand and I am married.

Be honed and disclose all to the therapist.

[WFane]

When I said I wasn't interested in sex, my therapist wrote it down. I'm not sure what that means, but I still got scheduled to receive hormones the following week.

[JillSter]

are they going to try an pressure me to have sex before I can be considered for one?

Only if they want a lawsuit and their license revoked. That would be so far beyond unprofessional, it would be borderline criminal.

No "good" therapist will decide this issue on the basis of a single question, it is the overall depth of your answers to all questions and your honesty that will determine getting hormones.

This.

There are no "right" answers. We're all individuals and GD comes in many forms. A decent therapist should know that nobody is going to fit the mold perfectly. That mold is just a guideline. Be honest and try to share as much as you can, no matter how embarrassing or painful. It will help you in the long run.

Good luck!

[Andarta]

 Thanks for all responses, I've come across another option that i'm going to check out monday, I got recommended to a place that helps with anxiety etc. for low income individuals by my voc. rehab counselor that believed there may be help there an when I went yesterday and asked about gender therapy they said they have a woman who is certified an specializes in it, I was clear I want the letter after a 3 month time period an the assessor said she does that so I have an appointment with this gender therapist on monday @10am and hoping everything will go well.