My first Appointment

[Dena]

You don't need luck, you will ace the appointment and be back here tomorrow telling us how great it was.

[SammyGirl]

OMG!!!  I was so worried about my first appointment but after a hour session with my therapist I found myself not wanting to leave.  I decided not to dress for the occasion, maybe some other time, but I wanted to feel comfortable.  I shared my details about my past and how I've felt for as long as i can remember.  Dr Thor was very understanding and I thought the best part of the session was when she pulled what she called the 'bible' (some medical journal I can't recall the title) on GD and started to list one by one the diagnosis point of being transgendered.

Finally when the session was at a end I asked the question that has been on my mind for over forty years.  "Am I suffering from Gender Dysphoria?"  Naturally she said that while she is not ready to give me the "Letter"  which I expected she said that I'm showing many of the classical signs of being transgendered.

Can't wait for my next appointment.  Though I still have a long road to travel yet I can can say that I'm a woman!!

Thanks everyone for your support.

Samantha

[Anne Blake]

Hello Samantha,

I just love to hear the excitement in your words. We have all gone through it and we know that nothing we could say would calm you down before your first appointment. But hearing your realization that you are on the right path is joy to our ears. And, it just keeps getting better. There will be times of frustration, times when nothing is going quickly enough and sometimes when it just seems to be going too fast. Enjoy the ride and keep remembering that you own every step. And please keep letting us in on your progress.

Anne

[SammyGirl]

Anne

I feel like I'm on cloud nine right now, but thanks you for reminding me that I need to keep my feet mostly on ground.  "If life were easy than what would be the point of living?" Just a old saying from my deceased grand mother.  It just feels so good to talk to someone about my GD face to face and not feel ashamed of who I am.  I do feel bad that after over twelve years or marriage to my best friend and the mother of my child I couldn't tell her.  She has known of my dressing in fem for nearly as long as we have been married and were still together.

Still in was a very good day,  here is hoping that there are more good days versus the bad

Samantha

[Veronica J]

well i got the best advice from my parents.. well 2 pieces really that i hold dear.

1.) Whats the worst that can happen? and then what will you do about it.

2.) What are you willing to give up to get what you need?

no matter what may come in the future, good or bad you will succeed. dont fear the bad, you are strong enough to make it thru it all.

[Steph Eigen]

I'm about 5 sessions into therapy.  The first one was mostly recounting my personal circumstances and history as wll as that of my fairly crazy family as a kid.

Sessions 2-3 were a massive catharsis, much like Michelle_P described.  So much so in planned weekly session 2 that my therapist scheduled another session for the day to follow.  I barely slept the night after the second session anticipating the third.  After the third, I was emotionally exhausted went home and collapsed in bed for a 12 hour night's sleep.  I can't tell you how much my life has improved just having this stuff out on the table finally for analysis and discussion.  Just the process of moving forward toward addressing gender issues has made all the difference even thought ti is still unclear to me what the ultimate solution will be for me.

Therapy is so important to understanding your internal state and  forming a rational plan to move forward.  Stick with it.  The goal is not simply to get the coveted letters for HRT, GRS, etc. even if you are absolutely sure of your transgender status and need to transition.

Steph

[SammyGirl]

My first appointment with Dr Thor went very well and have already set up another appointment with her for this upcoming Friday.  Does anybody have any suggestion on the frequency of counseling sessions?  I was thinking that every other week perhaps.

Since I'm just starting what can I expect from the other sessions to follow.  I was very fortunate to find someone that specializes in transgender issues and doesn't overlook the spiritual side of GD.

[Virginia Hall]

My first appointment with Dr Thor went very well and have already set up another appointment with her for this upcoming Friday.  Does anybody have any suggestion on the frequency of counseling sessions?  I was thinking that every other week perhaps.

Since I'm just starting what can I expect from the other sessions to follow.  I was very fortunate to find someone that specializes in transgender issues and doesn't overlook the spiritual side of GD.

Frequency of appt is typically a week, but times may vary. In my opinion you are wise to take account of spirituality and it is great your therapist looks at the spiritual side too. You are not the sum of your chromosomes and as second wave feminists pointed out: biology is not destiny.

We are on the verge of a new wave: Gender Liberation. Best wishes on your path forward. If there was one unasked for piece of advice, journal after each session, even if it's only a short sentence or phrase. Many of us find the changes we undergo are worth recording. insights worth remembering.

[Dena]

I would agree with a week at first until your issues have been pretty well addressed and then talk with your therapist about how often you should receive therapy. If the therapist feels you still have issues to addressed it would be best to deal with them now so your letters won't be delayed in the future.

[kaitylynn]

Frequency varies according to individual needs.  I am at about a month or two between face to face sessions anymore, but I can contact Lynn (my primary therapist) through skype or messaging at any time.  I have been at this a while...Lynn and I came to a point where the frequency of IRL meeting could be spread out some.  We also know that things come up and she is always available to 'emergency sessions'.

Go at the frequency your therapist suggests at first and then see how you feel.  As you begin to acclimate to who you are uncovering, you will likely find that you can shift things accordingly.

[Donna]

I start therapy on January 5, for the first time.
I do not need it for "the letter", because I already have informed consent from my physician to start HRT.
However I want this to have someone to talk to about marital issues. My wife and I do have a wonderful marriage, and she has known for decades about the fact that I cross dress. She wishes my need to be a woman would just go away. We are deeply in love and I do not want to lose this love if I go to her and press my case that I simply must transition.

So, I am looking forward to therapy not to validate myself as a transgender woman who really wants HRT, an orchiectomy, and full transition. No, I want therapy to help me guide myself to make the best choice that is both healthy for me, and at the same time my wife may be able to live with.

My fantasy: a Wife and Wife marriage instead of a Husband and Wife marriage.