Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I'm getting an initial consultation with a therapist tomorrow. It's only half an hour and I'm worried about spending most of it going, "Um.. uh..." while I think of how to word answers to her questions. I have been known to have a problem with that. What kinds of questions can I expect?

No advice really cause I've been wondering the same thing. My first appointment is this Saturday. I've seen counselors/therapists before, but never one that was going to specialize in helping my take the next step in my transition. I can't really say that I'm nervous really, just don't want to stumble or not be able to get everything out right.

If your therapist has an intake form, be sure to fill it out before you go if you can. (I am allergic to intake forms, because they give you one line to answer questions that would take me a week). If they have a form, they will probably spend the first session getting to know you and going over what is on the form; if not, then they will be asking you similar questions: what name would you like me to use to address you? do you have favored pronouns? what is your goal (goals) from therapy? do you have suicidal thoughts? are you depressed? are you anxious? have you seen a therapist before? are you on any medications? have you ever been treated for mental illness? do you have other medical conditions I should know about when treating you? what is your marital or relationship status? do you have any problems or issues you would like to work on? have you suffered trauma? child abuse? sexual abuse? car accident? death of a loved one? do you have symptoms of PTSD? Why did you come to see me? How are you doing? How are you feeling right now? ....
that sort of thing! A gender therapist may also specifically ask you if you are on hormones, what gender(s) do you feel apply to you, do you need someone to write you letters, and questions that would bring out dysphoria about your body or your gender.

And be honest!  That is probably the most important thing.

This is interesting. My therapist always has an extended session the first time.

I don't really remember the first session. I was too stressed out. I know that we talked about my lifelong feelings of being male; that, of course, would be expected. And my thoughts about transition. I'm sure we talked a bit about my family and my partner.

I know that it was pretty free-form. My therapist doesn't go through checklists or an agenda or anything like that. I did fill out an intake form before I went in, but it was a general intake, not trans-specific.

Thanks, Madeline.
Of course, Ms. O'Brien. I'm not going to get anything out of seeing her if I'm not honest. :laugh:
I hope she doesn't expect me to tell her my history in only half an hour. :laugh: