First therapy session today

[Shennae]

Today I had my first therapy session. It felt so freeing and wonderful to finally be able to articulate my story to someone. She asked questions and listened. Even went way back to when these feelings all started. Then near the end of our session I asked her if she thought I was trans and she said without a doubt. She said you are definitely trans. Then we talked about the next steps. She talked about hormone therapy and asked if I was thinking of GRS, which I said yes. Just before I left she gave me paperwork to contact a hormone therapy clinic in Fargo and encouraged me to get going on it right away. She said I've been dealing with this condition for too many years, why continue to put it off. She also told me she was sending my referral letter to that clinic. So I guess this means that I am definitely trans and should be starting hormones soon. Yippy skippy. I'm excited.

It was a great day!

Shennae

[DawnOday]

I am so happy for you. The difference you will feel almost immediately will be so life affirming. Keep it a positive experience by finding a support group to share with. For me finding others was such a great feeling. To know that others like me actually existed. Here is the facebook page for TriState Transgender.  https://www.facebook.com/TristateTrans/   https://www.->-bleeped-<-.com/r/fargo/comments/2vchsu/transgender_in_fargomoorhead/
1105 1st Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103  Pride Collective

[pamelatransuk]

Hello again Shennae

I am delighted that your first therapy session went so well and that like me you are an open and shut case as transgender.

It appears you should soon be on HRT and that's something to look forward to very much.

I repeat what I said on one of your previous threads such that:

1. After you inform your wife about your therapy and HRT at the time you feel is right, that she accepts it. She may or may or not and you will know when to pursue the matter with her.

2. After you inform your Church about your therapy and HRT at the time you feel is right, that they continue to accept you as their pastor.

Wishing you success and happiness on your journey.

Hugs

Pamela

[Virginia]

I am proud of you, Shennae, for taking a difficult and important first step. And I am happy your first therapy session went so well. The important thing to consider here is that you "have" been dealing with this for many years. Understanding the reasons for your feelings and determining the next step deserve more than a 45 minute talk.

Sexual fantasies about becoming women, a need to dress as women, extreme guilt related to masturbation, gender confusion, sexual confusion, and/or dysphoria about their genitals are all quite common in cisgender males for a variety of more common reasons than being transgender. It is alarming that any therapist would jump to such a drastic conclusion, let alone give a client paperwork and encourage them to get going on hormone therapy, without taking more time to get to know them. You deserve better than that.

[Fadeuhhway]

Congrats, that's amazing! And for you to get a refferel so quick, you're lucky! I didn't have to wait long, but when I called around for therapists, they all told me they didnt take insurance, charged about 200 USD a session, and that it would be about 6 sessions or so before getting a letter (plus paying for the session for the letter). I was lucky enough that one therapist I called was trans herself, and pointed me to a clinic specializing in LGBT (mainly the T part) and took insurance and have letters the first session. But this is a great step on your wonderful journey of becoming YOU. The doctor wil tell you the pros and cons of HRT (not every trans person does it) and make sure youre ready health wise, but it'll be great! I remember starting testosterone weekly shots and getting all excited when a new little spike appeared on my chin heck, I still get happy when I see darker/more facial hair and its been 5 years! (Granted, I stil have barely a beard but meh) I'd recommend staying in therapy if you can afford it or if you need to find another that takes insurance, is cheaper, etc, do it. I know hormones are different but having different ones than what your body produces will be a dramatic mood change  i was encouraged to stay in therapy for 6 months because of my history of depression and anxiety. Depending on how often you take the hormones and how you react, at least at first, it'll be an emotional rollercoaster, so make sure you stay around supportive people and have support systems in place. Besides for that, good for you, and you will be happy once it all starts kicking in. Its a wonderful feeling to know you're even an itty bit closer to becoming the person you feel you really are.

All the best,
Adam

[CarlyMcx]

I am so very very happy for you Shennae!  If I weren't still sore and tired from having an ear nose and throat doctor anesthetize me and shove a scope up my nose and down my throat (nothing wrong Thank God and it looks like I am finally cleared for FFS) I would be doing the happy dance around the room for you right now.

It only took two sessions for my therapist to tell me that I am unquestionably transgender. 

I cannot speak for anyone other than myself, but for me, HRT was a God given miracle.

Please keep us posted about your progress.

Hugs, Carly