First therapy session: got my letter! :)

[Joan]

So I had my first therapy session yesterday, for which I was veery nervous. Turned out I didn't need to be, as the doctor was very empathetic, listened to what I had to say, helped me clarify a few things, and gave me a letter of referral to an endo where I have an appointment in a couple of weeks.

The therapy continues, but it's so good to be doing both at the same time. Of course there is a long way to go, but it's so good to finally be getting there

[Ms Grace]

A one session referral... congrats! 

[TerriT]

Well, that was easy.

[Joan]

It surprised me, I can tell you

I am not, however, complaining in any way at all

[Kayla86]

Wow that's amazing. My therapist required a minimum of 6 visits (7 or more preferred) before she would write a letter.

I'm glad you've started your journey!

[Isabelle]

These stories amaze me... My GP gave me hrt. No therapy needed. Informed consent, I thought that was the norm these days??

[Sammy]

Congrats Joan

When I asked my psych, after having seen him for two months, when he will refer me to endo or prescribe smth, told me "But I cannot! And will not! Lets just sit down and talk for years - there is still so much to talk about" That was our last session
Turned out that my endo was willing to proceed on the basis of informed consent.

[Hideyoshi]

These stories amaze me... My GP gave me hrt. No therapy needed. Informed consent, I thought that was the norm these days??

Same here. He gave me a month to make sure, but no therapy required

[Lauren5]

These stories amaze me... My GP gave me hrt. No therapy needed. Informed consent, I thought that was the norm these days??

Lucky. My GP refuses to do it. Says I need to be in therapy for 3-6 months with a certain therapist (who isn't avalible for 4 months) to get on hormones. So I'm going elsewhere.

Congrats, though, Joan. Looks like all the nerves were for nothing after all. No need to get nervous.

[Joan]

Thanks Willow. I'm afraid I still get nervous at the drop of a hat. I'm told I hide it well though I hope things get going for you soon.

And Emily, good for you

There seems to be such a difference in how you get treated by the medical profession from place to place and county to country. I was expecting a very conservative approach and a minimum of 6 months so I'm very happy with how it turned out.

I hope it does for everyone else too.

[Mogu]

These stories amaze me... My GP gave me hrt. No therapy needed. Informed consent, I thought that was the norm these days??

Depends on where you live and who you go to. Therapy will be more required for getting HRT on your insurance.

I'm going to Fenway (in Boston) this Thursday, and one of my biggest questions is the time until I can start HRT.

[kathyk]

Great news.

[Joan]

I'm going to Fenway (in Boston) this Thursday, and one of my biggest questions is the time until I can start HRT.

I hope it's sooner rather than later

[Joan]

Thanks Kathy

[chibiStephy]

O.o well that escalated quickly

congrats

[evecrook]

congratulations and good luck

[Joan]

Stephy, didn't it just?

And thank you Eve

[Megumi]

Congrats! Where I live nobody will prescribe without a letter from a therapist. It took me close to two months of weekly sessions before I could finally get my letter and that's still no guarantee that i'll get HRT as the few endo's that do transgender work are very hard nose as well so basically you have to pass two tests to get in the club as they say....

[Andrea_LS]

Congratulations, Joan! 

Your post and all that followed are so encouraging for me, thanks!

[Joan]

Hi Megumi

That's kind of what I was expecting too. Local guidelines say two letters confirming the diagnosis of GID before referral for 'non-reversible' treatments can begin.

As my therapist explained though, there is a fair bit of 'wriggle room' outside the guidelines depending on the case. I'm certainly glad there is

Andrea

This site is a a big ball of help and encouragement!  Good luck to you on your journey too