Wanting to go to college for gender/LGBT counseling

[ReubenIsTheName]

So, I think I've decided on being a counselor/psychologist that specializes in LGBT.  I know what it's like to be without a trans* familiar counselor (the one I'm seeing right now, for example.  I love her, but she's not trained in it), so I really want to be one, to help others from feeling so misunderstood by their therapist.

Other than the basic gender studies classes, there's not really any college courses on LGBT specifically, so I think that my best friend moving back to California on Saturday, as painful as it is, will be for the best, as there's a college quite near to him (Sierra College in Rocklin), and they offer both psychology courses AND an LGBT class.

What do you guys think?  Would I be a good fit?  Is this a noble goal, or should I just stick to my previous industrial and product design goal, and be able to move back home to Louisiana?  (Not saying that I can't move back there after college, anyway.)

[SWNID]

In my college, most of the professors who teach LGBT studies and gender studies are originally in English department, a few are in sociology and anthropology. Those are very interesting classes and the students discussion are absolutely fascinating. But these kind of classes are usually heavily writing based, which I am really bad at, if you enjoy writing, it can be a good choice.

[aleon515]

I tried to take gender studies, okay long story. The classes were in two departments at the University of New Mexico-- women's studies and American studies. I don't know if the classes are identical classes coded differently or rather different classes. (American studies is stuff like race, class, technology in society, urban myths, etc.)

At the University the LGBTQ Center has outlined classes which take on LGBT issues as part or all of the classes and has listed them. But it's not (yet) a real major. Also they have a list of teachers who are LGBT friendly.
This is a great LGBTQ center and very trans aware.

As for gender therapists. It's a great goal. I think though it's not one where you can actually get a degree in it. You might go to a school (if you can) where there is an interest in it but beyond that I don't know. I think you basically put your shingle out as a social worker, mental health counselor, or psychologist.


--Jay

[ReubenIsTheName]

As for gender therapists. It's a great goal. I think though it's not one where you can actually get a degree in it. You might go to a school (if you can) where there is an interest in it but beyond that I don't know. I think you basically put your shingle out as a social worker, mental health counselor, or psychologist.


--Jay

Thanks!

My counselor told me that your "specialization" or "experience with LGBTQIA" doesn't really come from classes.  She said, other than workshops and outside classes, etc., whoever you work with becomes your "specialization."  She said that she could say that she "specializes" in adolescents, as she only works with those in high school, but she didn't take a "class" on it, and doesn't have it on her degree, per se.  She said that you have to build up your reputation by working with LGBTQIA patients, and then you can claim "experience" with them.

In my college, most of the professors who teach LGBT studies and gender studies are originally in English department, a few are in sociology and anthropology. Those are very interesting classes and the students discussion are absolutely fascinating. But these kind of classes are usually heavily writing based, which I am really bad at, if you enjoy writing, it can be a good choice.

I was thinking about taking sociology, if I do decide to go for psychology.  I don't know much about anthropology, but I'll look it up!  Thanks!

I am very good at writing (or so I'm told......often told), and writing isn't really a problem for me.  I do online role-play, so typing up posts that add up to large research papers almost daily helps in that regard!  Haha!