So Cal help!

[Nicole Michelle]

Hi everyone. This is my first post so here it goes....

I've been researching and soul searching, but I need some help. Can anyone recommend a good gender therapist in the LA area? Money is kinda an issue, but I have been saving for some time and can hopefully afford therapy.

[Naturally Blonde]

Hi Nicole,

I do not live in America. I've never had therapy and we don't usually get therapy in England.

Hi everyone. This is my first post so here it goes....

I've been researching and soul searching, but I need some help. Can anyone recommend a good gender therapist in the LA area? Money is kinda an issue, but I have been saving for some time and can hopefully afford therapy.

[Nicole Michelle]

Thank you Beth. I had found them before but I was always shaky of places that I have only heard about online.

[V M]

Welcome Nicole 

You may also want to try http://www.gendertherapist.com/ Fairly reasonable pricing

[V M]

Oh WOW!!!  I've lived in Temecula, O.C.,L.A., and various parts of Calif. I was in S.D. before my sister brought me back up north due to injuries incurred 

[Nicole Michelle]

So I have my first appointment this Saturday. I'm a little nervous, but I'm happy I made the decision.

[V M]

Right on  Best wishes

[shanetastic]

Unfortunately I'm a little more north than LA around the Santa Barbara area but if you need help there I can def help you!

[Nicole Michelle]

I just got back from my session. I'm not sure how I feel right now. Boy did she talk with her hands a lot. hehehe not that that is a bad thing just though it was funny. I'm not giving up hope. I have scheduled another appointment.

I've been in therapy before, but I don't know what it's doing to help me. I'm being as truthful as I can, because I know if I'm not then therapy is a waste. But it's hard I don't know what's true anymore. My mind is in chaos about everything. What is right for me. What will help me be happy. Is my depression causing my gender confusion or is my gender confusion causing my depression? Has anyone else dealt with this thought before? How did you find out the truth for yourself?

All I've been thinking about for the past month is how to transition. Taking hormones, dressing up, practicing everything I need to help me be a girl and not a boy in girls clothing. The doctor hasn't changed my mind one way or the other, but is it too much to hope for for some closure? That I'm not just messed up in the head and going to make the worst mistake of my life?

[rachelanne]

I'm happy for you that you have started your journey.  As to the depression--my guess is that the depression is not causing the gender confusion.  I too am depressed and confused.  But, I think I realize that I am a woman and always have been.  The depression for me is twofold:  1)  If I'm the woman I have always been, why can't I be open about it around my family and co-workers?  2) What do I do about it? 

I suppose right now is a difficult time for me since my SO is clear across the country trying to settle her mother's estate.  I have been doing a lot of traveling and consequently, we have been separated for about 7 months.  My point to you is stick with the therepy and determine what it is that you really want above all else.  When you make that determination, tell you therepist and let it go from there.

We're all with you and knowing that all will work out the way it is suppose to.

Good luck!

[Nicole Michelle]

Thank you for your support Beth. I'll let you know how my next session goes.

[antarcticsake]

Hey!

Don't look at the gender center they're very very expensive!! I was looking to get counseled because I am super confused about things too and they are 100/hour, the lowest they can do is like 75.

I'm going to go to the gay and lesbian center. they can do very low priced and even free counseling depending on your budget!  They scale it based on your personal finances.

Good luck! I am also starting this journey, somehow...

[Nicole Michelle]

100 seems about normal for the places I've seen. My therapist before was charging 250/hr but when she found out I bought a house she dropper her price to 125. If things don't work well there I will definitely try the gay and lesbian center.

[V M]

The online therapist charges 25 - 35 per session if you pay in advance. Hmmm 25x4=100 for 4 sessions. Ding!!!

[Ms Jessica]

Always good to ask about sliding scale. 

And pretty much everything else that Beth said above.  Therapists shouldn't try to sway you one way or the other, it's good to ask yourself questions about why you feel the way you do, etc. 

I think you just have to look at yourself and your life.  Everyone's experiences are different, so no two people are going to approach the introspection process the same way.