Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Many on this forum have recommended to me to find a Gender Therapist. I already go to a family therapist who is easy to talk to and to whom I have come out as TS. Why would I want to go to a Gender Therapist?

A gender therapists specializes in gender issues. A family therapist doesn't always have that qualification though sometimes they do.

Since gender therapistd have gone through the training and have an intimate knowledge of gender studies and issues, they're qualified to diagnose GID and write letters for hormones or surgery. Another reason why a gender therapist would be a good person to see is if you feel you're dealing with gender identity issues. they can help you figure out these feelings and what they mean. For example, maybe you don't know if you're really transgender or not. A gender therapist can help you figure that out.

I had a regular therapist for 3 years who helped me with divorce issues, work issues, mother issues, etc.  When I came out to her as trans, she said she could work with me and was willing to educate herself on trans issues, etc.  Unfortunately she did not follow up on the resources I gave her and after the 3rd session (after coming out) she basically said I was ruining my life if I transitioned, I'd lose everything - family, friends, job, kids, etc.  While yes that does happen to a lot of people unfortunately she had no clue that it had come to the transition - or -die point in my life.

I found a good gender therapist (actually 2!) and dropped the first one.

I plan on going back after I'm fully transitioned and telling her how wrong she was.   >:-)

A general therapist can work out, but it depends heavily on the therapist being open-minded and willing to do a lot of legwork and self-education. For example, I'm lucky enough to see a therapist who's really gone the extra mile in consulting the literature and her colleagues and ferreting out local resources.

That said, as sneakersjay and Monty have pointed out, a gender therapist has a wealth of training and expertise that a general therapist may not. A gender therapist has seen dozens of people going through the trials and tribulations of gender-related angst, has seen what kind of obstacles can crop up, and has experience in developing strategies to navigate them. They may also have contacts for local trans resources and an understanding of your locality's trans-related laws.

In sum, I would say that if you're comfortable with your family therapist and you think they have the resources and resourcefulness to help you out, then no harm in sticking with them for now. If, however, you feel like you're not getting anywhere or figuring anything out, then it's probably time to go for a bigger gun.

There really is no such thing, at least in my state, as a Gender Therapist. There is a criteria by which a psychologist may call him or herself a sex therapist. It is taking a certain number of continuing credit hours. On the other hand, there are more than a few unlicensed, unqualified people who call themselves sexologists who do not have adequate training. The best way to find a psychologist is by word of mouth and reputation. Also, you are allowed to interview the psychologist. My suggestion is to ask if they are a member of The World Professional Association for Transgender Health, WPATH formerly known as the (Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, Inc.)   Ask the person you are thinking of choosing as a therapist if they are licensed, what degree they have and you should even ask what their opinion is regarding both gender identity formation and orientation are. Also ask what the therapist's clinical orientation is. Someone who is strictly cognitive behavioral might be helpful if you are trying to work through a phobia, but might not be as qualified or skillful helping you work through the relationship and identity issues in deciding to transition. Also, it might take a couple of sessions to get a feel for whether you and a therapist make a good fit. You are the only one who can decide if you are comfortable. On the other hand, forming relationships is not always easy, even a professional therapeutic relationship. There is real value in the therapy process once you find a psychologist who you feel you can work with.

Quote from: Dr.Lawrence.Levy on July 04, 2009, 09:37:34 PMAsk the person you are thinking of choosing as a therapist if they are licensed, what degree they have and you should even ask what their opinion is regarding both gender identity formation and orientation are . . . not be as qualified or skillful helping you work through the relationship and identity issues in deciding to transition.

Mr Levy, this is a very old thread but agree that unless one has a lot of time and resources to spend someone who is already familiar with gender issues is definitely best. Having had the good fortune to have two of the most preeminent therapists in the country (Swenson (http://www.erinswen.com/Counseling.htm) & Erhardt (http://www.virginiaerhardt.com/)) at my doorstep in Atlanta a lot of effort can be saved regarding diagnosis and one can skip directly to the chase of transition issues and what would be most suitable for them. Being older myself with much past history and experience behind me the "therapy" part in effect quickly becomes optional.

First post? Welcome aboard! Have been here at Susan's going on three years and have to admit first time I've seen a username preceded by "Dr". May I humbly suggest you drop that part lest you get swamped with query's and those seeking advise?

Cheers from Kiera (going on as many years HRT and, excluding spousal issues, not a "therapy" session yet!)

I constantly sought Gender therapists for years to go see. This time I specifically sought one out that didn't claim to be a "Gender Therapist" I wanted one to deal with PTSD. I don't think it matters really anymore. I've lost just about all ability to be male anymore and it shows. After dealing with PTSD/BIPD we are certainly going to deal with "transition". I was a little surprised about that. She has never really dealt with a TS and has made it clear that most of my issues now are due to fighting transition.

I guess a good therapist can recognize your problem no matter what and help you deal with it. So I don't really think there is much of a difference. I do believe there are better therapists than others. I love the one I am seeing now. She has me pegged.

An old topic but good info for newer people here who have the same concern.  I originally asked for help from my female psychology instructor in college.  She's a very open, friendly women who is also familiar with the GBLT community.  She introduced me to a psychologist friend, but indicated she didn't really have experience dealing with transgendered.  I agreed to see her simply because I had to talk to someone.  I worked with her for almost a year and felt we were getting nowhere.  Finally, I did find a transgendered therapist a couple hours away.  The difference was night and day, and such a great help.  She understood what I was going through and I felt very comfortable opening up to her.  The second session she even had a box of kleenex for me...
In my opinion, better to see someone who has the experience and credentials.

A gender therapist is specialized. I tried telling my general therapist about my gender issues. He had no clue. I even had to explain what G.I.D. is as best as I could. He then changed the subject and seemed somewhat uncomfortable  :P I understand that some general therapists are somewhat trained in gender issues. But others are obviously not

Hi Virginia, I had exactly the same problem with my first therapist, having to explain the terminology.  I even pointed her to the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, and brought in a document from the association for her to read over.  I felt like I had wasted a year of my time, not to mention the cost.

A general therapist might not be comfortable writing letters for HRT and surgery and such, too.

My therapist at the VA said that they don't  work with those issues and recommended that I go to the U of Mn for help.  Of course he also pointed out that I would not be covered by the VA and that it is very expensive.  I felt my visits were just a check up to see if I died yet.  I quit him last year.  Maybe I will go back to school to learn to be my own therapist.

Quote from: kephalopod on October 05, 2008, 05:31:38 PM
A general therapist can work out, but it depends heavily on the therapist being open-minded and willing to do a lot of legwork and self-education. For example, I'm lucky enough to see a therapist who's really gone the extra mile in consulting the literature and her colleagues and ferreting out local resources.

In sum, I would say that if you're comfortable with your family therapist and you think they have the resources and resourcefulness to help you out, then no harm in sticking with them for now. If, however, you feel like you're not getting anywhere or figuring anything out, then it's probably time to go for a bigger gun.

I'm seeing my third therapist, the same one who helped with through a terrible, multi-year period dealing with the illness, dementia, and death of my partner.  Although my therapist has little experience specifically with gender issues, she is very helpful.  There were a few times early on when I thought I was getting ahead of her, but she would be caught up and ready for me at the next session.

To me, bottom line is get a therapist you are comfortable with and who can help you.

- Kate

I saw a "gender therapist" for awhile doing phone consultations.  He helped to get me started but the connection wasn't there.  Then I found just a basic family counseler and her letter was acceptable to Dr. Brassard along with another letter of course.  Neither from a "gender counseler"

Audrey can I just add in this thread that I am jealous of your dog haha.

Quote from: shanetastic on July 13, 2009, 03:44:38 PM
Audrey can I just add in this thread that I am jealous of your dog haha.

Certain dogs can be very useful . . .

while feeding can be a problem at times the following is how i clean the "inner side" of 'me screens!

http://www.raincitystory.com/flash/screenclean.swf (http://www.raincitystory.com/flash/screenclean.swf)

My general therapist has been great.  I think it just depends on the therapist, and your relationship with them.  Unfortunately not all therapists are right for everyone, so shop around and find the right fit.