Going to make an appointment

[JohnAlex]

I'm kind of feeling unsure.

I'm going to make an appointment with a gender therapist tomorrow.  Because of the way it works with my health care, I'm going to call and go through an "intake" (whatever that is) over the phone and they will decide what kind of therapist I should see.

So, I'm never see a therapist before.  I'm not sure how this works.  I need to visualize stuff. 
Even though I have no idea what the "intake" is, I think I could get through it, I think it's just them asking me questions about what I want help with.  I think I just tell them that I want to see someone who deals with gender issues. 

And then if everyone goes well and I get an appointment with a gender therapist, what would that be like?   I've never been to a therapist before.  Do they just ask questions?   I fully know what therapist are for and what they can help with.  I just don't know what an everyday meeting with one will look like.
I'm also a really shy person, I'm not very open.  I'm not sure how this will all work.  what if the therapist asks me questions I don't feel comfortable asking because it is so personal.  Idk.

[Randy]

I was the same way when I first started transitioning. REALLY shy, and terrified at the very idea of therapy. Fortunately for me, my fear of what my life would become without transitioning was greater than my fear of therapy. It does get easier with time. If I remember correctly my first session was just a lot of background info. Basically I told him my life story in relationship to me being transgender, and all the instances I can remember of feeling like I was born in the wrong body. Don't worry if you don't feel like you don't have a lot to say, and don't be scared that they won't think your "trans enough". A good therapist won't be deterred by either of those scenarios. Their job is to help you, not make things more difficult. Also, you are not obligated to answer any question you don't want to answer. Remember, you are the client, and they work for you. And if things don't work out, you can always just take your business elsewhere.

[JohnAlex]

Well I made the appointment.  The date is set for next month.   The intake person on the phone seemed really nice and understanding.   I hope my therapist will be the same way.

Thank you for what you said, Randy.   That is something good for me to keep in mind.

[JohnAlex]

I'm going to rephrase my question since I no getting replies 



Can anyone tell me what therapy will be like?  Especially what will the first day be like?  What kind of questions will he ask me?
I definitely am hoping that this therapist will help me get on hormones.  When and how should I tell him that?

[Robert Scott]

I had never been to therapy and had no idea what to expect.  Now, two months into things I actually kinda enjoy going to the therapy.  It's somewhere that I can express my doubts and concerns and she assures me that it's normal and doesn't say things that make me doubt more.

At my first appointment -- she asked what my goals were with therapy - I said I want the letters for hormones and surgery.  Then she did a bit of history with me - have you ever been diagnosed with any mental health disorders - after I said I had never been to counseling ever she said - well okay then I can skip a bunch of questions.  Then she asked a bunch of get to know you questions - what did I do for a living, how many people were in my family,  where I felt my comfort level was with my transgenderness.  She also spent a bit of time talking about her philosophy on counseling and how she approaches problems etc. 

Hope that helps.

[JohnAlex]

Hm, that's very good to know.  thank you, Rob.

[Tiff]

I have been seeing a therapist for 3 months now. The most important thing you can do is be honest to them. I hate that insurance is so messed up when it comes to gender identity. I am not on hormones yet but from what I have read some insurance companies won't cover anything related to GID.

[JohnAlex]

I have been seeing a therapist for 3 months now. The most important thing you can do is be honest to them. I hate that insurance is so messed up when it comes to gender identity. I am not on hormones yet but from what I have read some insurance companies won't cover anything related to GID.

Oh that's too bad.

What was your first therapy session like?  What did you talk about?  what kind of questions were you asked?