First Session

[Radar]

Well, I had my first session with the psychologist today. It went quite well. He is very knowledgable on transgender issues (I was told he was). He was very respectful and seemed to understand where I was coming from. I go back on 29 May to take two psychological tests- each lasting about an hour. I think he requires this of most patients, to make sure something else isn't going on. I suspect it's protocol. I don't know the details of the tests. Then I meet with him on 2 June to go over the tests results and go from there.

In the meantime he has some books on ->-bleeped-<- he wants me to read. He also wants me to meet in person some transpeople. I did research and found out there was a transmen group in the area, but you had to e-mail them for the time & place of the meetings. No answer. Their website also hasn't been updated in years. Seems like they've disbanded. I told him this and he has several of them he'd like me to meet- if they agree to it. He said he would contact them, so I'm assuming they're current/past patients of his.

I still feel like I have alot to do before going on T- which I'm quite looking forward to despite my fear of syringes. But, I'll need to get used to them and doing it myself- so I'll have to be a man about it and get over it. I feel like I have a long way to go, but at least I'm moving forward.

I do have a question... after you went on T how often did you have to still see the psychologist/therapist?

[Mister]

Never again.

[NicholeW.]

I do have a question... after you went on T how often did you have to still see the psychologist/therapist?

If your surgeon requires an authorization for surgery at least until you get that.

N~

[Mister]

or instead of spending time and $$ in therapy, you can find somewhere that does informed consent. 

[Chamillion]

I do have a question... after you went on T how often did you have to still see the psychologist/therapist?

I don't think you have to keep going at all. As for the surgery thing Nichole mentioned, at least with my therapist, I wouldn't have to keep seeing her. I could just call and schedule one appointment before the surgery, meet up with her & get the letter. I only just started T and my therapist still wants to meet but it's a lot less often. Like once every other month or so, simply to see how I feel about being on T and such. I don't mind it cos I like talking to my therapist but continuing to talk to one isn't a requirement.

[myles]

I am going to get a top surgery letter, he already said he would type it and a letter to change the sex on my drivers licence, my therapist is authorized to write that. I currently only go once a month, twice if I can fit it in, so I will probably continue to go through the end of the year. I use my therapist to navigate the transition through the system as well as the fact he has transitioned in the community I live in so he helps a lot on local issues.
In the end I will go once a month through the end of the year then reevaluate.
Myles

[Radar]

or instead of spending time and $$ in therapy, you can find somewhere that does informed consent.

I don't mind the therapy part. It will help me with the massive changes which will happen in my life. It's all covered by insurance so it's not horribly expensive for me.
Post Merge: May 19, 2009, 02:59:52 PM

I am going to get a top surgery letter, he already said he would type it and a letter to change the sex on my drivers licence, my therapist is authorized to write that.

Yeah, he's authourized to do all that stuff too. I'll need to get all letters and red tape papers from him.

[myles]

Since it's covered by insurance and you don't mind it I would go until you think you are ready to be done.
Myles

[NicholeW.]

Since it's covered by insurance and you don't mind it I would go until you think you are ready to be done.
Myles

Agreed. You can cut back the frequencies as I have yet to meet a therapist who demands once a week or even once a month for the duration. If they do, then they are highly unusual. But go at your own pace and as far as seeing one goes, ignore all advice except your own experience and well-being. This is for you, not for any of the rest of us.

N~

[Lachlann]

Right on, looks like you found a good one!

[Hector]

If your insurance covers therapy I think you should continue to go until you feel ready.
Better for you.

[Jay]

I have to keep going. I have to see my gender counsellor once every 6 months now so w00t!

But its free for me so no real problems.

Jay