Regular therapist for gender dysphoria

[Anthrogal]

How important is it to have a therapist that's trained specifically for gender issues? I know they can prescribe hormones, but for the actual therapy part itself, how important is it? I have a therapist that I love and trust who I talk to for issues relating to my schizophrenia and depression. My parents are willing to pay for her services, but not for a gender therapist, and I don't have hope for a job until the fall when I can tutor French and work in the anthropology lab at my university. I'd like to save money just for hormones if I could, but if a gender therapist is really necessary, then I would be willing to spend money on one as well.

[Asfsd4214]

It's as important as you feel it is.

You generally need a therapist to recommend you for HRT before a doctor will be willing to prescribe you it, once you have that though. I guess it's as necessary as you feel it is.

As for getting one who is known specifically for gender issues... all 3 that I have seen have been, 2 of them SUCKED, the third is a bit of a nightmare, but recommended me after I self medicated out of frustration.

[LordKAT]

A therapist you can relate to is best. If you have one who is willing to learn or knows about  dealing with gender issues, that is even better. Therapists don't prescribe drugs as a rule, they give you a referral for a doc to prescribe them.

[Michelle.]

I have a therapist that I love and trust who I talk to for issues relating to my schizophrenia and depression.

Anthrogal,

Thats a fairly heavy diagnosis to begin with. Its probably best to confide all your issues with one therapist.


Maybe your current therapist can even "code" your "gender" therapy using the current ones. That way Mom and Dad will be none the wiser...for now.

[lilacwoman]

In England we've never been fond of seeing therapists as we see such things as either worthless of proof that we're not right in the head. so even today very few English people will voluntarily go to a therapist. 
for sexchange though it is essentail to be seen once every so often 3 months perhaps to discuss anything that might be troubling about the whole transition.
however our national health service is inundated with people needing help for drugs, alcohol and behavioural problems that are very modern and I'm sure are due simply to lifestyle and television.
Massive amount of valium and similar are prescribed daily.