Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Yesterday, I had my very first appointment with my doctor and I told her about my dysphoria and everything. She will schedule an appointment with a psychologist in a few days and, honestly, I'm scared as hell but I'm also so happy to finally start taking steps!
I'm just a little bit afraid that the psychologist might think my problem isn't serious or doesn't require HRT... but I should be okay.
I know that the psychological therapy is a very important step in transitioning, but I can't wait to finally start HRT and start to become who I really am.

How was psychological therapy for you? Did you go through any? Did the psychologist help you?

 Hi Kiran,

  After telling my GP I was Trans one of the questions he asked me was did I want to talk to someone about my gender issues. I said yes and he set the ball rolling for me to get gender therapy. The first appointment I had was with a psychiatrist to make an assessment of my mental state. Yes, I was nervous and worried I would not be referred on to a gender therapist. You know you self doubts, am I trans enough?, do I have gender dysphoria? etc. I promised myself I would be open and honest with her and I did  just that. I answered all of her checklist questions honestly. Yes I said checklist. It was an mental health assessment remember? Well at the end she told me that she felt I was transgender and asked if I wanted to be referred to a gender therapist or possibly  have a couple sessions with her first. I chose the referral. I saw her report and saw she decided I wasn't a risk to myself or anyone else and had only minor issues other than gender dysphoria.  There it was in print. Not only was I transgender but I was officially suffering from  gender dysphoria! I couldn't have been more excited I had passed the test!
  I did get my appointment with my gender therapist and am still seeing his. In fact Monday afternoon  I see him again for the first tim in over 2 months maybe 3.  We have a lot of things to discuss.

  My advice to you is be honest and be open. These people cannot help you if you don't let them know all that is going on with you. Your first appointment maybe be an assessment like mine was and also a paperwork session all designed to get you started for the real sessions. Don't be discouraged, You are trans enough and they will see it.
Just tell your story when you get the chance and it all should be good.

Hugs,
   Laurie

Hi, I did some research and found an experienced, licensed professional counselor in my area who specializes in transgender therapy, is a WPATH member and supports the LGBT+ community. My first appointment with her is this coming Tuesday, and I'm very excited about it. I plan to present as female so she can see the real me. I actually shopped this weekend for a new casual outfit to wear.  :) I'll let you know how it goes. Best wishes!

Quote from: Tommie_9 on August 13, 2017, 05:35:47 PM
Hi, I did some research and found an experienced, licensed professional counselor in my area who specializes in transgender therapy, is a WPATH member and supports the LGBT+ community. My first appointment with her is this coming Tuesday, and I'm very excited about it. I plan to present as female so she can see the real me. I actually shopped this weekend for a new casual outfit to wear.  :) I'll let you know how it goes. Best wishes!

  Hi Tommie,

  That's great Tommie. Counseling can be of great help if you find a good one and you are open and honest with them. A good one will find things to get you thinking even when you think every thing is okay. Some of them are almost as good as Susan's Place.  LOL  ;D ;D

Hugs,
   Laurie

 

Thanks a lot, Laurie^^ I'll try following your advice.
I'm still stressed out but, yeah, it should be okay ^^
I can't wait to make the next step to transition !

Oh yes, Kiran, it can be very scary at the beginning, and even throughout, I've learned.  When you talk to your provider, it might be a good idea to have your thoughts put together on a piece of paper.  I found that the more I wrote down, the easier it was for me to remember during the actual conversation.  I had that same bit of nervousness that I wouldn't get the diagnosis of GD, and so I put together a list of all the instances that I could remember where I was unhappy about something related to being male.  Before I knew it, I had quite a long list of things I hadn't thought about for years!

Also, if the doctor doesn't ask if you want to talk about that stuff then make sure you let them know that you want to talk to someone about it.  This is where you need to start asserting yourself a bit because no one else will do it for you.  if you're expecting something to happen, whether it be a question, or a referral, or something, then don't be shy, and don't clam up.  They may be the medical professional, but they don't know what you need as much as you do, so speak up!

You got this!

~Love Ashley

Awh! Thank you so much, KageNiko ^-^ Those are very precious advice! I'll keep that in mind. I love the list idea!

Hi Kiran and everyone,
I had my first appointment today with my therapist. She is terriffic. It was awesome being able to share with someone and be completely honest without fear of judgement. She works with clients in the LGBT+ community, so she can help guide me through my transgender journey. This is really going to help. I can't wait to see her again next week. Don't be afraid. Be encouraged. Love is waiting for you.
Tommie

Quote from: Tommie_9 on August 15, 2017, 01:26:08 PM
Hi Kiran and everyone,
I had my first appointment today with my therapist. She is terriffic. It was awesome being able to share with someone and be completely honest without fear of judgement. She works with clients in the LGBT+ community, so she can help guide me through my transgender journey. This is really going to help. I can't wait to see her again next week. Don't be afraid. Be encouraged. Love is waiting for you.
Tommie

Hey Tommie that's wonderful news. I am glad your session went so well. Now that wasn't so bad was it?

Hugs,
   Laurie