Question on therapy

[togetherwecan]

I realize the confusion and pain of going through so much of this is detrimental to the psyche and that therapy can be great just as a launching pad of organizational thought. In other words, a step in figuring it all out and voicing what's inside ones head. But, I have read a lot and understand that this is NOT a psychological problem so I wonder if therapy can also harm?
Discuss....

[LynnER]

I think it totaly depends on the theripist....  Some theripists throw up more roadblocks which add to the stress rather than actualy helping.... Which is why its allways a good idea to try and find a theripist thats had experiance in gender issues... or atleast one thats understanding rather than a gate keeper or one out to "cure you"

[carol_w]

I'd like to add to this thread, too.  Some therapists can be a detriment because they won't help you to truly figure out everything.  I call them "conversationalists" because that's all they do.  They allow you to stagnate instead of moving forward.  Some people need a more goal-oriented therapist. 

Carol

[togetherwecan]

That's what I was thinking. I mean this isn't something to be "cured", so I can only see a therapist as a means of maybe helping with opening the appropriate doors along the way and again they need to understand the issues or doors will only be shut. Seems almost like it is a means to an end however, if the wrong therapist is chosen there will be no end in sight and with no end to the trauma of just figuring it all out there can be no beginning. What a catch 22.
Brooke hasn't begun therapy yet. I want to make sure she finds the right one for her. There has been enough pain and confusion in her life I want to help make the rest of it easier and just happier. I hope that whoever it turns out to be is not only educated in these special issues, but is also just a cool person because I think Brooke would really open up to someone who she thought was cool as a person; safe and non-threatening.
It's hard because we live across country from one another. We met online and have known eachother for years as a guy and a girl, and when we met in person the dynamic was about the same wrt a guy and a girl. I knew a few things about her she said were "odd" and there was definitely a familiararity to her mannerisms. I didn't grasp it when we were together, just that I was really comfortable with her and we were so totally in love already. It wasn't til after I came back home that she told me the truth. Then of course everything made sense.
I have to keep reminding myself she doesn't really need much help from me as she has been living with this her whole life. I can just be me, be the friend that I am and show her every day how much I lover her and want to be with her.

[HelenW]

...But, I have read a lot and understand that this is NOT a psychological problem so I wonder if therapy can also harm?

Therapy is a tool and all tools can harm as well as help.  There really are no good alternatives for TS people, though.  The standards of care are followed by almost all reputable therapists, endocrinologists and surgeons so therapy is a required first step.  Without a therapist's referral, getting medically supervised HRT is nigh impossible.

That said, it is critical that she find an experienced therapist that specializes in gender issues and transsexualism.  If not she may end up educating her doctor more than the other way around, or as you suggested, she may end up being harmed more than helped.

hugs & smiles
helen