I want everyone to know that the following is not a condemnation of the process of therapy. I feel that for those who need it counseling and therapy can be very beneficial. Understand that this is a personal account and is not intended to sway anyone for or against.
I just want to vent.
So anyway, I went to the doctor to begin HRT. The doctor had no issue with recognizing the truth of my request, and was very kind. My understanding when I left that day was that if my labs checked out OK I would be prescribed medication. My labs did check out, but unfortunately the head of transgender care, who is transgender herself, 'feels it very important that I have formal counseling before starting hormones'.
Now, I understand that this comes from an experienced person, but it makes it no less a bad course of action. This is part of what I wrote in response:
>start quote
I have to say I am extremely disappointed. While I understand the 'The Standards of Care' may require counseling, I was hoping very much to be able to move forward without it.
Having to see a counselor was my biggest worry, not because of any fear of what may come out in a session, but because it represents another failure within society of the recognition of my person. For me it is just another obstacle imposed and waiting for recognition from yet another is quite frustrating.
While I still have strong emotions regarding my past and future they are in no way debilitating. I have been in the process of 'transitioning' for years, my desire to start HRT is an absolute, the decision is already made. The only thing I am missing are the medications.
I have researched and experienced first hand the emotional and physical effects of 'transitioning', and I have plenty of contact with people who have been and currently are going through the process. As a matter of fact I disagree with the term 'transitioning' as the connotation is that I am becoming 'something other' rather than finally letting my true self show. I prefer the term 'emerging'.
I will of course accept any information about the effects of the medications, but as far as being informed about the personal and societal impact, I am very well aware. I am an adult and of sound mind and did not come to this realization lightly.
While I do desire the resource of a counselor, it is for after I have have started medications and more for the purpose of being able to help others with my emotional and physical changes.
>end quote
The thing that really makes me angry is the assumption that I would not be informed, or that I have come to the conclusion due to some misconception on my part. What would have been far better would be simply asking me if I felt the need to see a therapist.
Now I have the added stress, expense and waste of time while I have to wait around for yet another person to say 'yes, you should be on HRT'. No S--- Sherlock.
ARG, ARG, ARG!
