Counselor Experience

[Jen682]

Recommendations to see a good gender therapist are common in many threads, especially Introductions.  I fully agree.  A good therapist can work wonders.

But how many good ones are out there?  For me, a good therapist will help you find what is right for you and help you get there.  Therapist training, personality, and experience all contribute to a "good therapist". 

My question is when searching for a gender therapist, how much experience with gender dysphoria do these therapists have?  Were you their first patient or have they had hundreds?  While each of us is unique, I can't help but think that a therapist that has worked many cases should have a better basis for helping each individual.  I have read many encouraging positive support for their therapist.  But are there any horror stories until the right counselor was found?

What were your experiences with a therapist, good or bad.

Jen

[Andreja Silvija]

A big thing in general is to do research and find someone in your area that has had experience helping men and women transition into their correct gender, not your family therapist (which, I guess some people have). Another thing to look at is also their treatment approach so you know what to expect. Also look to see if they take your insurance~. I found my therapist on Psychology Today looking for psychologists specialized in Transsexual issues.

Anyway she, Dr. Morse, is like a super supportive mom that I wish I had. She's been really helpful and is all sorts of awesome. The only bad thing is that I talk way too much and the sessions only typically last 50 minutes, sometimes I get lucky with a full hour. I also work nights so I can't go to her group therapy sessions. I am totally missing out on meeting some other rl transwomen and men that are in the process of transitioning.

I honestly can't tell you why I exactly chose her out of so many in my area. But I do feel like I made the right choice. That first appointment just clicked. I spilled my beans about everything and I am moving forward in my transition. The biggest thing I guess, is just to find someone you are comfortable talking to.

[immortal gypsy]

In Australia we are slightly different Medicare pays a set fee. Now if the therapist accepts that fee 'bulk bills' or has you pay more 'the gap fee' is up to them. My psychologist was referred to me by the Dr at the clinic I went to for a referral for GID so yeah go figure.

My psychologist himself I don't think we saw eye to eye a lot of times (but I do know others who have after their second session been approved). With any therapist it is a two way interview process, you're interviewing you while they're interviewing you so maybe it was just personalities on our part. 

I did have problems with him continually asking why I didn't frequent trans* friendly clubs. As a former bartender with 10yrs experience sweat and stale alcohol is not my idea of a good time. Sometimes I felt like holding him outside his window and asking him to see the world from a different perspective occasionally . (the world is not pure black and white, there is a whole lot of grey plus a few other colours involved).

Once I had my neurologist speak to him and he realized that my support system is not what most people have,  but they have been behind me 110% from the beginning, things did change for the better. His first words at the final session where
"You know what they say about girls who wear red boots." So yeah mine was a mixed experience, and he did tell me to come see him if I have any trans* related issues, something I will take him up on that and my surgery letter (if) will be all. While he can be good I probably wouldn't recommend him for someone who has a similar personality to me

[suzifrommd]

What were your experiences with a therapist, good or bad.

Two bad, one good.

The first therapist I went to told me she had had many transgender patients but I seemed to know a lot more than she did. Looking back, I think her representations to me about her experience amounted to fraud - she got three visits out of me in a field she claimed to have expertise but basically had none.

The second therapist was WPATH certified (now I know that merely means he paid his dues) but did not seem to understand me emotionally. He got hung up on convincing me that hormones would do nothing for my body hair or for my facial tissue and that my transition would be traumatic for my daughter. All three proved to be wrong.

My current therapist (I say current, though I haven't seen her for a few months) has been great and really gets transgender people.

[Destiny Marie]

I am on my fourth therapist in a year. The first one was just way to passive and I did not feel as though she was helping. Then I went to the local LGBTQ Center where I a woman who thought I would be better served with one of her colleagues, so she set me up with him and I started to feel as though I was being lead down a path that he wanted me on and not the path I felt I should be on. I ran from there after about eight meetings with him. Now I am with a wonderful woman who is really helping me deal with all aspects of my life and walk down the path I want to go while holding my and reassureing me that what I need to do for me is what I should be doing.

My suggestion is to shop around untill you find one that works for you, that may mean you have to start over several times but it will be worth it to find someone to suit you.

Good luck and happy trails on your journey.

[kira21 ♡♡♡]

I can't say I have had or been offered any therapy.

[Rotika]

The bad stories are my biggest worry. I have social issues. In general it's easy for me to talk to ppl. The problem is That people usually misinterpret my meaning. I live in tx in the ft hood area. Theres a lot of very judgemental folks here. Especially doctors. They just want your money. Anyone know of any therapists in my area? I'm so scared they wont listen to me like the doctors havent. I'm sadly expecting the therapist to say "you're perfectly normal. Take these pills and you'll feel better about it." Omg.. I'll scream.

[h3llsb3lls]

We have a trans group here that has a resources list for medical services including therapy, endos, family doctors etc. I meet with my new therapist next and she came from the list provided. I am hopeful for a great experience.

[Sosophia]

i v had a therapist whom on first session i talked of theses issues told me all he saw in front him is a guy, it must have been because ionly wore sowhat androgynous clothing and wasnt on hrt yet, he didnt last long, then i had for 3 years , every 3 month , a psychiatrist at a hospital that coulndt call me with right pronoun until after a while on hrt and looked somewhat feminine , a friend latter told me that many girls who ended up going with them suicided , i realized later that its still a mental illness in their mind, i only got a psyy with some experience and for whom its not amental illness 2 years ago, also got another psychologist way before who hadnt much experience who still could call the right pronoum and whom ifelt cconsidered me a girl and who helped me with a lot of childhood issues unrelated to gender

[Rotika]

i v had a therapist whom on first session i talked of theses issues told me all he saw in front him is a guy, it must have been because ionly wore sowhat androgynous clothing and wasnt on hrt yet, he didnt last long, then i had for 3 years , every 3 month , a psychiatrist at a hospital that coulndt call me with right pronoun until after a while on hrt and looked somewhat feminine , a friend latter told me that many girls who ended up going with them suicided , i realized later that its still a mental illness in their mind, i only got a psyy with some experience and for whom its not amental illness 2 years ago, also got another psychologist way before who hadnt much experience who still could call the right pronoum and whom ifelt cconsidered me a girl and who helped me with a lot of childhood issues unrelated to gender

Jesus.. Yep that's exactly what I'm afraid of

[Sosophia]

i m in france not the US

[Rotika]

i m in france not the US

Ive never been to france. But it's been my understanding that europeans are generally more accepting of trans and such no? Just curious.

[Sosophia]

i do not know

[Jen682]

It looks like there are some good counselors and some great ones.  There are also plenty out there that would be happy to take your money and learn from you, but that probably can't help you.  I guess the best option is a referral from someone you trust.

Jen