First therapy appointment

[prbc]

So I have my first therapy appointment on Tuesday. I am trying to put together a pro/con list about being female versus male. Is this something I should bring to the session, or should I just let the professional do her job?

[Case]

I don't really see how taking initiative could be a bad thing.. if anything it just shows her whats on your mind, thus helping her to do her job.. I say go for it, and congrats on taking that step 

[cindybc]

If you are going to a gender therapist I would let him/her ask the questions, beginning with what will likely be among the first:  "Why are you here today?".  You supply the answers. If they wish for you tell a condensed version of your story as to what makes you think you are transsexual, give them a brief accounting and history as to what makes you suspect you are transsexual. There will be further questions as the therapist needs to know you better.  The first visit will be for an evaluation and after that it will probably be weekly or monthly visits to determine your state on mind and and how you are progressing. 

At the first meeting you should ask the therapist to assure you that all that is said is kept in the strictest confidence.  When you have established that, please, don't hold anything back.  No therapist can assist you if they don't know what's going on inside of you.

Cindy

[prbc]

Thanks for the advice Cindy and Chelsea! Well, I went to my first therapy session this morning and I took your advice. My head is still spinning from the experience. I did a lot of thinking about my history, and tried to remember somethings that happened in my childhood (things like playing with my mother's dolls at my grandmother's house when i was very young etc). I went to a gender specialist who I had been referred to by the therapist I went to last November. I feel like a lot came out because I have kept so much in me, it was almost like a catharsis.