First therapy visit

[Marieee]

Hi everyone,

Hope all is well, it's been a little bit but sill here. So I went to my first therapist appointment yesterday. I got to her office, did the paperwork  which were like "pre-tests", handed it off to her and we proceeded. She asked why I was there, and I got to the point rather quickly.  Didn't necessarily smoothly say it but hey, these visits are expensive even with state benefits, so time is crucial. She then asked me about some things she concluded from the pre test, saying at worst I have a mild depression.  She spent some time explaining how she's somewhat familiar with trans things, but more or less in a matter of 10 minutes said she couldn't help me, she didn't seem to want to say it instead kinda handed me brochure after brochure of LGBT communities near me which I already know about. ftp://

Sighh, So yeah, feel like that was a huge waste, however I will meet with her one more time, and I'll ask if I can get the letter. She is not a transgender specialist in psychiatry so maybe that's where I went wrong? It's just hard because they are few and far between round here. I didn't ask her if she was familiar with WPATH, big whoops. But I'll have one more go at it, I'll move on if need be.

If there was any benefit, it was just getting to be honest and open with someone who's there to just listen and support you.

[Ms Grace]

Well, it's a start - so congrats. And good luck for next time but it might be she needs to send you to someone who can actually help you.

[Spiritwlker]

Yes, you should feel proud that you have taken that first step at least! Try not to be discouraged. In my rural area there are no gender specialists. I just asked around until I got the name of a counselor who was open to LGBT folks. I wish you luck in finding someone who will be helpful in your transition.

[helen2010]

Marieee

Well done on making your first appointment.  It was a big step.  From here it gets easier but you do need to find the best gender therapist in your area.  Their help will be invaluable in helping you chart your course and help you to understand and to express yourself.

This is an exciting time and I wish you all the very best.

Aisla

[Jessi Lee 1970]

I went to my first appointment a few days ago and even if she wasn't an LGBT therapist I think it helped me just to say the words that I've been trying to say for 44 years. That being said I did specifically look for transgendered therapists and drove 60 miles to see her. it was worth the drive.

[gennee]

Congratulations on taking the first step.

[JoanneB]

Congrats on taking this very big step.

I know how frustrating it can be to find a therapist that knows anything about TG and only a bit easier for one who is TG friendly to help sort out the ton of emotional baggage you accumulated. I lived in a rural area when I tried. I spent a lot of time looking around and calling.

If there is a TG support group nearby, which is usually easier to find, someone there might give a lead for you.

An alternative is to ask for a good time to talk to the therapist on the phone for a 5-10 minute call. You can think of a few good TG experience questions to ask and find out that way. I haven't had a therapist yet not make the effort of a call

[Rachel]

Starting is half the journey, congratulation!

I hope things work out with her or you find a good gender therapist.

The feeling when you let it out is fantastic!

[Marieee]

Thank you all so much , so I think your all right, just have to move on, even though it was nice talking, no second appointment.

Instead I'll keep looking around. Trying and find somebody who can work with through medicaid will be challenging however. I'am taking a little trip to Colorado to visit with family soon, and they know people that can help so I'am keeping my fingers crossed!

I should have known it wasn't going to be easy, after reading some stories here about finding the right therapist, can't happen soon enough, I'm just ready to roll.

In the meantime I do know a T group downtown maybe I'll give them a call and stop in, I'd like to meet some new people anyways.

Thank you all for your support and good wishes!

[Jessica Merriman]

Go online to Psycholgytoday. They list providers, specialties, cost's and everything else. It might help you find a better one. This one will probably not help at all.

[Marieee]

Oh nice! I'll take a look Thank You Jessica!

[TheQuestion]

Yeah, I had essentially the same experience about two weeks ago on my first therapy visit.  Therapist was listed as a sexual dysfunction doctor, but also had trans checked off.  I went in and filled out my paperwork, no pretest or anything, just asked for my insurance and contact info... and now I sort of feel robbed, lol, I'm a little upset that I didn't get a pretest.  Anyway, he brought me in and things went well enough.  I feel that I articulated everything pretty well.  He just asked and said totally obvious things which I've already asked myself.  He kind of seemed lost to be honest.  I don't know what the hells going on right now, and he really didn't seem to know either, so it was just like, what the hell.  At the end he told me that he "might not be my guy," and said there were other places I may do better at.  I scheduled another app with him, but I canceled.  He was decent enough to tell me that I'd be able to schedule again in the future, but I guess I'm looking for a new one.  Hopefully you get your letter if that's what you feels best, good luck.

[Marieee]

Yeah, I had essentially the same experience about two weeks ago on my first therapy visit.  Therapist was listed as a sexual dysfunction doctor, but also had trans checked off.  I went in and filled out my paperwork, no pretest or anything, just asked for my insurance and contact info... and now I sort of feel robbed, lol, I'm a little upset that I didn't get a pretest.  Anyway, he brought me in and things went well enough.  I feel that I articulated everything pretty well.  He just asked and said totally obvious things which I've already asked myself.  He kind of seemed lost to be honest.  I don't know what the hells going on right now, and he really didn't seem to know either, so it was just like, what the hell.  At the end he told me that he "might not be my guy," and said there were other places I may do better at.  I scheduled another app with him, but I canceled.  He was decent enough to tell me that I'd be able to schedule again in the future, but I guess I'm looking for a new one.  Hopefully you get your letter if that's what you feels best, good luck.

I'm sorry to hear it didn't go well for you either, lol my therapist tried to make some convo about trans things, like a movie she saw, an endocrinologist she knew far, far away and a woman she knew that worked in the building across that went through transformation, didn't give me a name though it would have been nice to chit chat with her. Also shceduled another appointment, though canceled my last appointment and now I'am looking elsewhere. I may be going to Colorado soon to get a fresh start, there has to be somebody there that I can find, well I hope. Thanks for replying TheQuestion, I hope you can find yourself a better suited "professional" soon too!

[EmmaD]

Even though it can be very difficult to get out at the start, it can be worthwhile when making a booking to actually lead with something like "I want to consult you about my Gender Identity issues.  Is this something you can help me with?"  If they say "no", then move on.  If they say "Yes", then you might have a chance  - they still may not be right for you.

I did it the other way - spent years circling the issue until I had identified exactly who I needed/wanted to see.  Then, finally, jumped in.  Went to those I wanted on my team and things just progressed.  referrals when needed went to the people I wanted.

Remember, this is about you so you need to own and drive the process.

[Emily.T]

Congrats on your first appointment I really hope that you can find a good therapist that can help you, it will be easier next time.

[Marieee]

EmmaD, That is a great idea, never considered that even though it makes perfect sense. Probably save some money this way to I can only imagine. Yeah no crap next time around even though I was straight up with my therapist, I really should have asked for a little interview session as JoanneB stated. Thank for the advice lovelies! and Thank You Emily T.!