So uhh, first time with a psychologist...

[lostandconfused]

My mom said she's found a psychologist... and I'm really really really reallyyyyy nervous >_<. I don't know if he/she specializes in anything, but she said the psychologist said "It's perfectly normal for a teen at this age. Not uncommon at all." I'm normally a shy and quiet person and I've never really openly talked to anyone about GID. Also, recently my need to transition has weakened (I cycle in and out :/). So uh, any advice?

[Elwood]

If she said GID is normal... she might not help you get hormones. But it's a place to start. She might be able to help you other ways, that is, if you're not after hormones. If you want to start transition, you might want to work with someone else.

Hmm. Your need to transition has weakened, so working with this psychologist might not be a bad idea. You could talk about other things in life that are bothering you.

[Alyssa M.]

If she said GID is normal... she might not help you get hormones.

Um ... if she said GID is normal ... HUH?? "Normal" in the sense of "millions of people suffer from it"; "normal" in the sense of "does not mean you're a hopeless freak"; but sure as hell not "normal" in the sense of "a common teenage affliction that most people just sort of get over."

I hope that she was just trying to reassure your mother, or that your mother just interpreted what she said to confirm her own point of view.

Getting into therapy is a great idea -- provided you know what issues you want to work on and are ready to talk about them, and that your therapist is good and supportive. I avoided therapy for years, because I just wasn't ready for it.

I hope it goes well for you.

[Elwood]

She could have meant, "All teenagers question their gender, it doesn't mean your trans." That's the approach my mom took.

HOPEFULLY that isn't what she meant. Best way to find out is to ask.

[Chrissty]

Hi lostandconfused,

Talking things through with somone face to face is always useful.

I'm not sure what your circumstances are, but try to avoid your mum being present at the the initial meeting if possible, as you will probably find it easier to be more open about your feelings and get more out of the session.

Good Luck... and don't worry, as no "conclusions" will be reached from just one meeting.



Chrissty

[otiose]

When I went to a psychologist I found the hardest part was being completely open and honest with both myself and her.  It was probably a trust issue and I'm not so sure I ever really got over it.

Give it some time.

[Dayna1975]

I have not been to a Psychologist yet.  I go to a MHC and it took me a few visits and her seeing right through me to get me to completely open up.  Due to a few reason currently I am unable to visit her, but the time I spent going to her helped me out immensely.  Also what is nice is that she can also sign off for my surgery with the consent of a Psychologist.

[Lukas-H]

I've never been to a psychologist/GID specialist, but I should probably see one at some point. I wish you the best and I hope that they are able to help you. Like Chrissty said, try to avoid having your mom there to begin with because I'm sure it'll be much easier.