Community Conversation => Transitioning => Therapy => Topic started by: kyril on June 28, 2010, 10:05:19 PM Return to Full Version
Title: First session on Thursday
Post by: kyril on June 28, 2010, 10:05:19 PM
Post by: kyril on June 28, 2010, 10:05:19 PM
I finally came to the top of the waiting list, and I have my first appointment for therapy this Thursday! :):)
But I'm kind of nervous. It's an intake appointment where they'll be deciding what kind of services I need and who I should be seeing. Now, I'm really only going to get my letter, but the truth is that I do have issues with depression (monthly plus seasonal) and I have a past diagnosis of PTSD. I don't necessarily want to work on those issues right now if it will delay the gender-related stuff (I really need my hormones to be straightened out before I consider depression meds again).
But I don't like lying, either. If I'm upfront about the other stuff, is it likely to cause a problem? I'm going to an LGBT-specific counseling center and they know I'm going specifically for trans stuff.
But I'm kind of nervous. It's an intake appointment where they'll be deciding what kind of services I need and who I should be seeing. Now, I'm really only going to get my letter, but the truth is that I do have issues with depression (monthly plus seasonal) and I have a past diagnosis of PTSD. I don't necessarily want to work on those issues right now if it will delay the gender-related stuff (I really need my hormones to be straightened out before I consider depression meds again).
But I don't like lying, either. If I'm upfront about the other stuff, is it likely to cause a problem? I'm going to an LGBT-specific counseling center and they know I'm going specifically for trans stuff.
Title: Re: First session on Thursday
Post by: Janet_Girl on June 28, 2010, 11:53:46 PM
Post by: Janet_Girl on June 28, 2010, 11:53:46 PM
I would be up front about what it is you want. They can not say no we will do this first. You are in control of your therapy.
Title: Re: First session on Thursday
Post by: kyril on June 29, 2010, 01:08:40 AM
Post by: kyril on June 29, 2010, 01:08:40 AM
That's unfortunately not the experience I've had with past therapists. I'm not very good at confrontation/asserting myself (especially not against a middle-aged woman) so I don't tend to be in control of much of anything.
Title: Re: First session on Thursday
Post by: no_id on June 29, 2010, 05:27:12 AM
Post by: no_id on June 29, 2010, 05:27:12 AM
Hey Kyril, first off; gz on getting that appointment. Now part of the waiting game is finally over - no more staring at your inbox. ;)
As for what to do (what to do, what to do...)... I guess the fact that you're pondering about it (the depression issues) do make them important, but I suppose the question is also if dealing with the gender-related topics would relieve the depression issue as well.
Of course there's no easy bet on this one and you can break your head over it but that won't do much. I'd say just go there and see what questions are asked. Likely you'll know what to do then (one question will provoke more emotion than the other of course). Good luck. :)
As for what to do (what to do, what to do...)... I guess the fact that you're pondering about it (the depression issues) do make them important, but I suppose the question is also if dealing with the gender-related topics would relieve the depression issue as well.
Of course there's no easy bet on this one and you can break your head over it but that won't do much. I'd say just go there and see what questions are asked. Likely you'll know what to do then (one question will provoke more emotion than the other of course). Good luck. :)
Title: Re: First session on Thursday
Post by: Nero on June 29, 2010, 05:43:28 AM
Post by: Nero on June 29, 2010, 05:43:28 AM
Hmm. It really depends on the therapist. I think to be on the safe side I'd try not to get into the other stuff the first session. Especially anything pretty heavy. You know, sort of set the tone for future sessions. You can always get into the other stuff later when you're making progress on the gender stuff.