What Happens?????

[Randommaturetransgirl]

What exactly goes on in a regular session with your gender therapist because once i come out i plan to go to the one nearest me and want to know exactly what goes on and what to expect. So i would like to ask you to share some of your experiances and possibly advice?

[suzifrommd]

What exactly goes on in a regular session with your gender therapist because once i come out i plan to go to the one nearest me and want to know exactly what goes on and what to expect. So i would like to ask you to share some of your experiances and possibly advice?

All therapists have their own style. First, make sure your therapist is competent. Second, make sure it is someone you can trust and connect with. Start with the assumption that the answer to both these questions is "yes" but keep your eyes open to the possibility it might not be.

My therapist generally lets me guide the session. Asks me what's been going on, and lets me choose what issues I need help with. She'll make suggestions if I need them, but allow me to come up with my own ideas if I can.

IMPORTANT: If you haven't read this thread, you need to read it:https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,162266.0.html

Good luck. I hope you speak to someone who really helps you.

[Zumbagirl]

When I transitioned I figured I would lay all of my cards on the table and see where I landed. No matter what was said, I was going to transition, with or without therapy, with or without letters. Nothing was going to change that. That being said it's not like I didn't have some baggage that was worth taking care of, so I let it all out. Truthfully I am glad I did. It helped me sort out the things that were holding me back from the things that would propel me forward. For me honesty was the best policy.

I personally don't believe that it's a therapist's job to determine who is or isn't trans. That's the patients job. Our jobs are to say what we intend to do about it once we say that we are. For me that meant a full transition to full time living and eventually surgery. For you it could be just the simple act of saying it, to the whole banana, that's your choice.

For me the transition experience enabled me to kick the skeletons out of my closet and get a fresh start in life. It worked brilliantly.

[Randommaturetransgirl]

Thanks for replying it will help alot.

[ImagineKate]

My experience with my therapist has basically been a "talk it all out" session.

She has been most helpful with coming out to friends and relatives. She also tells me how to deal with people and deal with the public.

She also gauges my progress. Today I expressed anxiety about passing and she said from what she sees I really should have no problems whatsoever.

I frequently cry in her office. Tears of sadness and tears of joy. These days more joy than sadness.

She also can be counted on to care if I face rejection. Sure, I'm paying her but she definitely seems to care.

For some people it's different. They need a therapist mainly as a gatekeeper to refer them to an endo to get hormones. Not in my case since I did informed consent.