Susan's Place Transgender Resources

So, I may have stated before that I've managed to get an appointment with a counselor ("Therapist" doesn't sound right at the moment).  Now, I'm a little nervous at how she answered my question pertaining to her having worked with people suffering from gender identity issues.  Mainly the "Uhhh, yes, yes I have" made me feel like I may want to look for someone else.  And I don't mean like she was distracted, it almost sounded like she was dumbfounded at my question.
Regardless, I find myself counting the days until the appointment and thinking of how best to explain my situation.  Also, should I keep it short, sweet and summarized or should I just blow the whole hour telling her everything, pausing until the next session, then give her "My Gender Confused Life: The Conclusion?"  Also, before she went back on her word of being supportive, my mother suggested I bring up how I had a pink baby shower and my earliest onezies (sp?) were pink.  This came up shortly after I told her my female name and she quickly blamed herself for me "being this way."
That's another thing though and I've stated it before: My mother said the other night that this whole "really a girl thing" is all in my head and I don't really have Gender Dysphoria.  Now, I've realized just how much of my own suffering I've hidden from my family, so I probably shouldn't have been so quick to take offense.  But, there were nights that I'd actually cried myself to sleep over how nothing felt right, especially after I entered puberty.  The fact of the matter is that when she said that to me, it hurt more than almost any discomfort or unfamiliarity I've felt in my entire life.
To make things worse, my self-doubt is leading me to consider her words as truth.  At times, I wonder if I have a serious mental illness like DID and how much of a negative shift that could have on my own life.  I know I'm just overthinking things again, but I tend to do it at work (had to work three hours over schedule because of my useless coworkers...).  The last place I needed to be today was in the dark corner of a warehouse, sorting loose freight and being alone with my thoughts.
I plan to let the counselor choose the verdict, however.  Worst case scenario, I have a really bad condition like Dissociative Identities or acute Bipolar.  Best case (and basically a fantasy), she says I am a girl physically and have always been and I just lied to myself to think I was a guy.  But then this would be the Matrix, as directed my M. Night Shyamalan...  I dunno.  Just been having funny thoughts lately.
Sorry for the vent, meant for this to be more hopeful.  Just sweating the little things, like always! :P

Morgan-Kate, if you don't feel they are the right therapist for you then please do look for another therapist. You need the one that is right for you so if your already uncomfortable with them that don't go back. This qualification is something you could easily ask them over the phone or by another contact method long before a session too. A therapist needs to be the right fit. They give us a huge foundation to work from during our transitions which so important to a successful transition. Hugs
Mariah

The role of a therapist is not to tell you if you're transgender or not. The therapist helps you understand yourself, and when you're ready you tell them.

I guess I worded things wrong.  Tend to do that when venting.  Also may have exaggerated the therapist, too.  She may have just been caught off guard by my question.  Though therapists are a dime a dozen in my area, the problem is they almost never have a focus.  My best bet is to find a jack of all trades who's in-network.  I'd found a therapist who specialized with sexuality and gender identity disorders, but he wasn't in-network and my co-pay would have been $70 minimum.  This therapist may be good for me, though, as I've found she works out of a notable university (Duke University, though she's only there on the weekends).
I think the reason I'm looking for agreement is to ask for something.  Is it possible for me to have her write a note for my mother specifying my situation?  She's a nurse with a psych minor and rarely agrees with anything medical unless she sees a written note from a professional.  I'm really hoping I can ask for that because it's been really awkward at home and she knows I cringe when she calls me by my male name.  I know I can't force acceptance, but I'd like for our mother-daughter relationship to have a good start.
That aside, I am looking into other therapists constantly.  I plan to drop this one if she shows any red flags at the session, but I'm at least going to give her a chance.  Here's to hoping I'm overreacting! ^-^