Steps Towards Therapy

[ImSomething]

Hi again!

So I'm looking to keep moving forward (perhaps I'm a bit overzealous, but I feel very motivated by transitioning) and people have been suggesting I go seek out a gender therapist to sort things out a bit better. I'd like to make this step, but I'm not sure what qualifications or specifications I should be looking for in a therapist. Is there any specific kind of therapist/gender therapist I should be looking for? Any key terms in their qualifications as listed online? Any assistance on this would be appreciated.

Thanks!

xoxo
Renée

[Dena]

A gender therapist who has had experience treating transgender patients. If you are considering transitioning, you might want to as how many patients are in the process of transitioning or have transitioned. You should also feel comfortable with the therapist because you will be exploring a number of personal issues and it's difficult to do that when you are uncomfortable with the therapist.

[ImSomething]

I wonder if the LGBT club on my campus is still meeting. They might have good knowledge of therapists in the area. I live in a fairly well-developed, yet still semi-conservative area that seems to have very little therapists with specialty in transgender issues?

xoxo
Renée

[JoanneB]

A local TG support group, LGBT and especially T specific organizations are a good places to start your search. Nothing like first hand reviews. You might also look to see if there is a local PFLAG chapter. Many have a good trans outreach and would likely have a few recommendations. Best is if you are near a big city, there may be an LGBT or gender clinic.

When all else fails there is the Psychology Today Doc-Find used with a lot of caution. They do have a "Gender Issues" category. Many times the provider seems to feel just having a class one day about trans counts towards being qualified. If just LGBT, Gender Issues, relationships and anxiety/depression are checked, likely they are a for real gender therapist.

You may need to make a few calls before finding someone. Most therapist will spend a few minutes on the phone with you for some Q&A so both can see if the other is a fit