It's a Start-- Counseling on Friday

[Crow]

So, I have an appointment with a counselor on friday. It's just through the free short-term counseling services at my college, nothing fancy, but it's a start. I've fudged around with the counselling services at my school, before, but this time I actually have a solid goal. Previously I'd been wandering around trying to figure out what I was trying to figure out, so of course, no one could help me much. Now I'm going in with a plan and a lot more confidence. Here's what I'm aiming for:

A.) I eventually want to transition towards physical androgyny using testosterone. I know a free, short-term counselor whose area of expertise is not in gender identity (though he aparently is, if not experienced with trans issues, at least open to trans patients-- that's good news) probably can't do much directly about that, but I'm hoping he can point me in the right direction and help me find the resources that I can't seem to find on my own.

B.) I want to find ways to cope with my mom and, perhaps, help her to better understand, as she is clearly not comprehending or accepting my gender identity at the moment. I'm very close to her, and she's generally a very accepting person-- but my gender seems to go completely over her head, so even though she isn't making any effort to "change" me or "punish" me, she's been been rather... difficult to live with here of late due to the onslaught of skeptical comments regarding my identity. Knowing my mom, I'm sure over time she'll adjust... but for the time being, I'm hoping this counsellor can toss some advice my way for dealing with the "I've failed you as a parent-- now my daughter is messed up and mentally ill and will never have friends of a stable relationship or a good job oh woe is me!" rants.

SO. That's the plan. Let's hope that since I have a solid game-plan, I won't pull my usual therapy-anxiety routine and lose track of all my words the second I walk in the door. Wish me luck?

Also, does anyone have any suggestions for specific things I should make sure I ask this counselor while I'm there, based on the two aforementioned goals? I know what I'm looking for, but I'm not sure what specific questions I should be asking to best get the answers I need.

[gennee]

I trust that all will go well. Tell us how it went.

Gennee

[no_id]

Hey D, for starters I'll give you some purple flavoured, banana coloured kuddos for deciding to talk with a cousellor. It's a good start and seems one you need at this point in time.

Secondly; breathe.
I know, it can be a very challenging thing to do at times, but give it a go.
After all; you don't need to squeeze all info -full monty- into your first appointment with this guy. Going 'This is my sh** *dump*' tends to make the human 'err'.
But, if you're worried about blackout situations then simply make a list of what you want to discuss during the first appointment. It's not odd, especially not if you're anxious, and even though you don't have to use the list - it's there as a (placebo) safety net.

Best of luck. 

[Rock_chick]

My sessions tend to go all over the place, but always have a positive out come. It's best just to go with the flow, tho of course keeping in mind the two points you raised

[Crow]

Thanks! Okay-- breathing and making lists. I can do that. I make lists like it's my job, so that shouldn't be too hard. x3 Starting with the basics and going from there.

(Also, I may just have to comandeer the phrase "purple flavored, banana colored kudos", because I am a fan of using rediculous strings of adjectives to make my sentences less boring.)

[no_id]

Thanks! Okay-- breathing and making lists. I can do that. I make lists like it's my job, so that shouldn't be too hard. x3 Starting with the basics and going from there.

(Also, I may just have to comandeer the phrase "purple flavored, banana colored kudos", because I am a fan of using rediculous strings of adjectives to make my sentences less boring.)

You'll be fine D. Good luck with the list (and the breathing of course)...
As for the kudos; it does have a nice ring to it doesn't it?

[Anthrogal]

Best of luck to you! I have seen a therapist for my schizophrenia for the past two and a half years now. Over the past year I've begun discussing gender dysphoria issues. I'm studying in France for six weeks this summer beginning the 7th, and I'm going to use that period to grow my hair out and decide if this is really what I want to do.

[Crow]

Good for you, Anthro. Thinking-space is always good. <3

Tomorrow's the day! I finally finished filling out the silly paperwork, tonight-- I tried to behave myself and fill out the paperwork properly, but there were a couple places that just HAD to be edited. ("Severity of problems" to "importance of situation" and my usual routine of changing that infamous "gender: male or female" section to "sex" and add a "gender: androgyne/genderqueer" category to the side for my actual gender.)

...did I mention I have a bad habit of mutilating paperwork with alterations? 8D; I tried to behave myself, though, I really did. And I'm sure they'll have seen far more confusing paperwork than this, before.