Community Conversation => Transitioning => Therapy => Topic started by: Terra on January 29, 2009, 12:35:54 AM Return to Full Version
Title: Jumping hoops
Post by: Terra on January 29, 2009, 12:35:54 AM
Post by: Terra on January 29, 2009, 12:35:54 AM
Well my therapist got mad at me today as she feels that I am only doing therapy for getting my letter, which I am. Honestly, I have gone through three years of crap, and been living full time for a year now. Would I go through all that if I wasn't sure that this is what I wanted? So yes, i'm just doing this to dot my 'i's and cross my 't's.
Problem is, she won't see me anymore unless i'm serious about counseling, since I get it for free through the school I can't really argue it. I could see another one in the department, but probably the same problem will recur. Anyone been in a similar situation? How should I handle this? I'm not to keen just making up stuff to talk about.
Problem is, she won't see me anymore unless i'm serious about counseling, since I get it for free through the school I can't really argue it. I could see another one in the department, but probably the same problem will recur. Anyone been in a similar situation? How should I handle this? I'm not to keen just making up stuff to talk about.
Title: Re: Jumping hoops
Post by: katherine on February 02, 2009, 03:54:27 AM
Post by: katherine on February 02, 2009, 03:54:27 AM
Hi Terra. Kiera brings up a good point. If you can afford it, there are probably other therapists you can see. I truly hope this works out for you...
Title: Re: Jumping hoops
Post by: Monique Martinez on February 02, 2009, 04:07:05 AM
Post by: Monique Martinez on February 02, 2009, 04:07:05 AM
maybe this school therapist has a particular view on younger people in that they're 'all' going through a confusing time of their life and the thought of having people come up to her one day saying "you gave this child hormones? what were you thinking?" is in the back of her mind. I dont know. But if she hasn't done so after 3 years.... sshheesshsh... move on!
Title: Re: Jumping hoops
Post by: Terra on February 02, 2009, 08:19:12 AM
Post by: Terra on February 02, 2009, 08:19:12 AM
No, no, I've been on hormones for the last few years, and been FT for the last year. She is balking thinking i'm just trying to get my letter through her, and it seems that if I even can is a grey area.
Problem is that nobody here in my town really is willing to write such a letter, but I was was told that there was someone at the school who might be able and willing. This is the point i'm getting stonewalled.
Problem is that nobody here in my town really is willing to write such a letter, but I was was told that there was someone at the school who might be able and willing. This is the point i'm getting stonewalled.
Title: Re: Jumping hoops
Post by: MMarieN on February 02, 2009, 10:34:54 AM
Post by: MMarieN on February 02, 2009, 10:34:54 AM
Terra, it seems to me that the therapist is exploiting you to get cash. She is hanging the letter in front of your face, just out of reach, until you agree to do more work with her. Remember that the therapist works for you and you control your transition. It's time for her to put up or shut up. IMHO you should consider finding a new therapist.
Title: Re: Jumping hoops
Post by: NicholeW. on February 02, 2009, 10:41:03 AM
Post by: NicholeW. on February 02, 2009, 10:41:03 AM
If the therapist is working at the school she's prolly not "exploiting anyone for cash." Instead she's employed by the school and is paid a salary and drew you as caseloads were distributed.
However, there may be better options for you. Contact Dr. Swenson as Kiera suggests or contact your state Trans org for a listing of therapists -- many work sliding scale and most do take a few non-paying clients as pro bono work which is encouraged by all licensing and professional orgs in their respective professions.
However, there may be better options for you. Contact Dr. Swenson as Kiera suggests or contact your state Trans org for a listing of therapists -- many work sliding scale and most do take a few non-paying clients as pro bono work which is encouraged by all licensing and professional orgs in their respective professions.
Title: Re: Jumping hoops
Post by: MMarieN on February 02, 2009, 10:46:36 AM
Post by: MMarieN on February 02, 2009, 10:46:36 AM
Sorry, I missed that detail. Free counseling is good, but she is not being helpful to you at this point. Dr. Swenson is one option. You may also try the local LGBT community center if one is available to you. School LGBT groups may also have resources that you can reference.
Title: Re: Jumping hoops
Post by: chrysalis on February 23, 2009, 02:01:50 AM
Post by: chrysalis on February 23, 2009, 02:01:50 AM
I don't think it would harm you to take therapy seriously. She may not be the best for you but it sounds as though you haven't tried up to this point and therapy is most effective when you cooperate.