Starting therapy soon. Help?

[alexx]

So I'm starting therapy soon (regular therapy, unfortunately), for my gender/body issues lately. Of course, if I told my mom why, she would kick me out so I'm getting a regular therapist.

However, I'm not sure how I can bring up being trans to my therapist when I meet him/her. First, I suppose I should find out there feelings on transgendered people in the first place.

I'm not how I should ask that either though.

Will they tell my mom why I wanted to go to therapy? Because I can't tell her or she most likely will kick me out. And my biological dad who doesn't take anything I say seriously is going to think I'm a freak as well and will yank me out of therapy if he finds out why I'm going to one and he's the one paying for it in the first place because my mom and I don't have enough money.

Help, please? Thank you.


Edit:// My mom thinks the reason I want a therapist is because I have social issues (which I really dont, she just seems to think I do). I plan to talk to my therapist about that a little bit too. So...yeah. Anyway, once again, help and tips are appreciated. 

[Epigania]

Hi.

Everyone is different, but I would just come out and talk to the therapist.   Tell them how you feel and what your concerns are.   That's why they are there.

The likelihood of your therapist telling your parents something you consider very confidential is minimal to none.   They are under no obligation to tell anyone anything without your consent.

That being said, if the therapist feels you are in danger or there's a potential for abuse or other harm/illegal activity, they may inform authorities.   (At least they will in Washington State.)   

Therapy is supposed to be a "Safe place" for you.   A place where you have someone to talk to to help you get through the rough spots in your life. 

[lilacwoman]

[quote author=alexx
Edit:// My mom thinks the reason I want a therapist is because I have social issues (which I really dont, she just seems to think I do). I plan to talk to my therapist about that a little bit too. So...yeah. Anyway, once again, help and tips are appreciated. 
[/quote]

even though you seem to be a teenager the therapist should maintain confidentiality so feel free to open your mouth and say you are concerned about your gender.

[alexx]

[quote author=alexx
Edit:// My mom thinks the reason I want a therapist is because I have social issues (which I really dont, she just seems to think I do). I plan to talk to my therapist about that a little bit too. So...yeah. Anyway, once again, help and tips are appreciated. 


even though you seem to be a teenager the therapist should maintain confidentiality so feel free to open your mouth and say you are concerned about your gender.

I am a teenager.

[alexx]

Hi.

Everyone is different, but I would just come out and talk to the therapist.   Tell them how you feel and what your concerns are.   That's why they are there.

The likelihood of your therapist telling your parents something you consider very confidential is minimal to none.   They are under no obligation to tell anyone anything without your consent.

That being said, if the therapist feels you are in danger or there's a potential for abuse or other harm/illegal activity, they may inform authorities.   (At least they will in Washington State.)   

Therapy is supposed to be a "Safe place" for you.   A place where you have someone to talk to to help you get through the rough spots in your life.

Thank you.

[JennaLee]

Ask the therapist about confidentiality.  You can trust them to be honest with you.

[Farm Boy]

Ask the therapist about confidentiality.  You can trust them to be honest with you.

Yeah.  There are certain things they may pass on to your parents (or the authorities) if you're a minor, so I would just ask first and make sure.  For example, when I began therapy my therapist warned me that if I was having sex with a minor (I'm an adult) and I told her about it she would report me to the police.  So just ask them what the rules say they must tell your parents about first.  If GID isn't one of them, they have to keep it confidential.

[long.897]

The following link might be helpful to you; it covers the particular instances in which your therapist will be legally obligated to break confidentiality.  Otherwise, HIPAA says that (s)he needs to keep it private. 

http://www.guidetopsychology.com/confid.htm