intake at gender clinic next Friday

[PolarBear]

Last week the gender clinic called; if I was available this Friday for an intake. The intake consists of an hours worth of tests, and an appointment with a gender specialist.

After that, they will decide if I am at the right place there, and either refer me to someone else, or take me on as a patient. (Is patient the right word for this? Perhaps client is better.)
If I am a candidate for hormones and surgery, I will first have to have sessions with the therapist for 6 to 9 months, after which they 'decide' if I am truly transsexual and get "green light" to go ahead and get testosterone and all that jazz...

I'm really nervous... I've taken the whole day off work so I won't have to go to work after such a nerve-wrecking morning.

Anyone got any words of wisdom for me?


The mighty PolarBear, shivering in his (snow)shoes.

[Feever]

Be honest with yourself, and them. 

[PolarBear]

Will do Feever, will do.

[Feever]

I go for my first one on one with a counselor a week from today.  So, I intend to heed my own advice as well.

[tekla]

I would imagine that its a lot like computers in terms of GIGO - you get out of it what you put into it.

[Feever]

Yeah, I imagine so.

[PolarBear]

That's a given, Tekla. I think that is true for most things in life.

Good luck on your appointment as well, Feever.

[FairyGirl]

just try to relax and remember this is what you've been waiting for... be honest and open and be sure to tell the counselor exactly how you feel about things. They aren't going to know how you feel inside unless you tell them as best you can. Try to include those things that you think are relevant to your situation, and don't hold back. I know it's sometimes difficult to open up to a stranger about your innermost deepest feelings, but that is what you need to do in order to get the best care possible for you. And just remember they are there to help you. I wish you the best of luck! 

[nathan]

It's honestly no big deal.  If it's anything like mine, they'll ask you a ton of questions, have you sign your name on a billion forms, and say that they'll get ahold of you soon.

Bummer about the 6-9 month wait, but it's probably for the best.  The SOC says that there should be a minimum of 3 months, so 6-9 sounds a bit excessive.  *shrug*

Good luck! 

[PolarBear]

Bummer about the 6-9 month wait, but it's probably for the best.  The SOC says that there should be a minimum of 3 months, so 6-9 sounds a bit excessive.  *shrug*

Yeah, what I understand from it is that the SOC require about 9 therapy sessions, and the clinic schedules one session per month, so that adds up.

I'm rather calm about it at the moment, which is a good thing. Helps with sleeping at night.
Saturday I'm visiting my parents, who will probably want to know how it went. They are still getting used to the idea of me being unsure of my gender. That's okay, it took me a while to come to terms with it as well.


PolarBear, off to answer a questionnaire I have to have filled in and return to the clinic tomorrow.

[nathan]

Yeah, what I understand from it is that the SOC require about 9 therapy sessions, and the clinic schedules one session per month, so that adds up.

One session per month?!?! Holy hell, I'm impatient enough with only a week between sessions.  You must have some serious zen to wait that long.

[PolarBear]

Oh Nathan, it seems that I need way more zen than I have....

The intake went well, they will discuss me and I have to call back June 19th to hear if I can enter the diagnostic phase. (which means therapy). The counselor I spoke with told me that I shouldn't have to worry too much, it's pretty much certain they will take me on.

However.... The waiting list to even begin the sessions is around 4 to 6 months from the call on. 
Which means that I will enter the therapy part a whole bloody year after I was put on the waiting list, the first time I called. In January.

I thought the waiting would be almost over. Now they tell me I am not even halfway. And I'm not even mentioning hormones.  Or surgery. 

Please excuse me while I go feel sulk in a corner for a bit.

I has a sad. 

[Mr. Fox]

 

I'm so glad I'm not in the UK.

[PolarBear]

I'm so glad I'm not in the UK.

Thank you for the sentiment. However, I'm in The Netherlands, not the UK.

[LordKAT]

My first appointment with a gender specific counselor is June 8th. I'm scared to death I' only hear what I've heard before but on the phone she said wear what is comfortable. I never heard a counselor say that before. Not that it matters I'll wear what I always wear. The a day testing seems extreme tho.

Good Luck with the jitters, mine just keep growing. I hope you let us know how the appointment turns out.