Therapist consult

[Trying to be me]

I called a therapist today. He does all kinds of therapy but his speciality is gender and orientation related stuff. Tomorrow morning I have a phone consult. They said it's to get to know each other to see if we'd be a good fit and so he can get an idea of why I want therapy. Are there any specific questions I should ask?

I've thought about therapy for awhile now just due to life stresses but this whole gender fluid stuff was the straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak. I just need to talk some stuff out. I don't know yet how long I'll be able to go to this guy since I'm broke. I'm thinking of asking my parents for help but not sure how I can get them to agree without telling them what it's for.

[Deborah]

I had my first therapy meeting last week.  Just be 100% honest about everything.  Be open and say what you think you want right now.  In my case I said I wanted 2 things.  One to rule out that I was crazy and two to get approved for hormones.  Listen to what the Dr says and decide if you are comfortable there or not. 

If your first consult is like mine then the primary purpose is for the Dr to decide if he/she can help you and for you to decide if you trust them enough to be entirely open and honest. 

At the end of the first meeting that's essentially what the Dr asked me.  "what do I think, can we work together"?

[Trying to be me]

So I had my phone consult with the therapist this morning. Seems like a good fit and we made an appointment for Tuesday. I called my mom to see if she'd help pay for it and she doesn't want to pay because I won't tell her why I'm going to this particular therapist. I could get cheaper ones through our church so she doesn't understand why I won't do that. I don't want to tell her it's because this guy's speciality is gender related. I need to figure some stuff out first before I tell her, or anyone, anything. I completely understand where she is coming from but it doesn't make it any easier. I know my dad in particular would be hard to convince to pay but not knowing why would make it impossible. *sigh*

Just the fact that I am admitting I need help is HUGE for me and I guess I was hoping that alone would convince my mom. I never ask for help and sort of hoped she'd see that I really need it. I didn't even ask for help, or tell anyone I had a problem, when I had postpartum depression.

I have only one other option for getting the money and I'm dreading it. Sweaty palms, heart racing, dreading.

[mrs izzy]

You can always ask for a sliding scale.

Most will have this available.

Wish you the best. Please, please stay safe.

Hugs

[Trying to be me]

I did ask and he did lower the price. Still something I can't afford on my own unless I only go once a month and that's a stretch. That's what I'll do if I have to though.

[mrs izzy]

Can you qualify for public assistance with medical?

[Trying to be me]

I have Medicaid but this guy doesn't take it. I think I may have figured something out though.