Community Conversation => Transitioning => Therapy => Topic started by: EllieJune on February 08, 2018, 08:25:59 AM Return to Full Version

Title: Starting therapy!
Post by: EllieJune on February 08, 2018, 08:25:59 AM
I have really bad social anxiety and I am horrible with personal interactions. Yesterday I checked my health insurance and spoke with rep after rep tip toeing transition. So after all my nervous giggling, jumping up and down, and finding a secluded area at my work's break room. So I found a very friendly therapist who specializes in gender dysphoria and identity. After I spoke with the rep I had a small happy cry, lol. Its so sad, I know.

Then! Later that day my therapist called me to confirm things and she was awesome! Still nervous about opening up to someone. But my foot is in the door!

I know I am rambling but I'm super excited!
Title: Re: Starting therapy!
Post by: Faith on February 08, 2018, 08:34:03 AM
Congrats!  I had trepidations when I first went. Just a little slow getting the vocals going but the therapist did a little prodding and away we went. Think of it as having a conversation, not therapy.
Title: Re: Starting therapy!
Post by: Jessica on February 08, 2018, 09:58:43 AM
Congratulations EllieJune!  Talking to someone face to face is very rewarding.  It will help you find your balance and goals.
Title: Re: Starting therapy!
Post by: ChrissyRyan on February 08, 2018, 03:57:47 PM
That therapy pursuit sounds good EllieJune!   Good for you!

Chrissy
Title: Re: Starting therapy!
Post by: Laurie on February 08, 2018, 09:38:45 PM
Hi EllieJune,

   Congrats one beginning therapy and on taking this step. You are supposed to be excited and a bit nervous about it. That's just the way it works Hun, and you will get used to it quickly. Opening up is just what you want to do if you are wanting them to help you. Open and honest, that will be what will work best for you. They need to know what makes you tic to know how to help you. You should be able to trust your therapist and tell them anything. It's a trust that you develop over time with them. If you cannot feel that trust then that one is not the right therapist for you.
  You will be fine girl.

Hugs,
   Laurie
Title: Re: Starting therapy!
Post by: Janes Groove on February 08, 2018, 10:59:55 PM
Congratulations on taking this step to discover your true self.
It took a lot of guts.  Give yourself a lot of credit for this.
Title: Re: Starting therapy!
Post by: JeanneQ on February 11, 2018, 08:41:37 PM
Quote from: EllieJune on February 08, 2018, 08:25:59 AM
I have really bad social anxiety and I am horrible with personal interactions. Yesterday I checked my health insurance and spoke with rep after rep tip toeing transition. So after all my nervous giggling, jumping up and down, and finding a secluded area at my work's break room. So I found a very friendly therapist who specializes in gender dysphoria and identity. After I spoke with the rep I had a small happy cry, lol. Its so sad, I know.

Then! Later that day my therapist called me to confirm things and she was awesome! Still nervous about opening up to someone. But my foot is in the door!

I know I am rambling but I'm super excited!

Is your health insurance through one of the national health insurance companies ?  Can I ask which one ?
Title: Re: Starting therapy!
Post by: EllieJune on February 12, 2018, 07:17:59 PM
I was dumb to elect a lower level tier so I have a 20% copay with Cigna. I found a nice facility that specializes in gender issues. My therapist is so nice over our first phone sessions, but there are some facilities that will help the best they can if insurance doesn't cover behavioral health. Talking to different offices made me realize how compassionate these specialists are.
Title: Re: Starting therapy!
Post by: EllieJune on February 25, 2018, 01:06:53 AM
Therapy update.
So my therapist was ok... was not exactly what I thought it would be. It was just an introductory sessions so we could not get into the meat and potatoes of things. We spoke about family history and my travels from state to state. Military background. And I felt kind of attacked for being of Hispanic decent but not knowing nor wanting to learn Spanish. There was so much I want to get off my chest about my dysphoria or explain certain things. It was very dry and bare bones. Hopefully next session will be better.
What I decided to do for next time is write down a list of topics I would like to talk about, no matter how thought it is if it's on the list it must be spoken. My next session will be in a week and half.