Hello everyone, hugs...
Ok, so I am a little nervous about my first visit with the doc; I haven't gone yet but just got an appointment. I have already figured out that I wanted to go as Brian and not Breanne for my first consult, simply so the doctor can see where I am coming from. And from there we can discuss who I am and where I want to go.
Obviously we all have our own story, but does anyone have any general advise as to what to expect from an initial 50 minute consult?
Thank you,
Breanne
Are there any questions I should ask the doctor?
Thanks again :-*
Well, on my first visit, we talked about the things in my current life that were seriously stressing me out, then she had me tell her about my past (she had previously had me write down a brief biography) and she asked questions about various parts of my story that she thought I wasn't exploring deeply enough. That pretty much ate up the first session. It was mostly about us getting to know each other. Following sessions started to dig deeper into why I felt how I felt, how my life so far has and hasn't affected my gender identity, and what I do and don't want for my future. Over a number of sessions, she ruled out various conditions that sometimes masque as tg/ts...much to my relief.
If you prefer to attend future sessions as Breanne, discuss it. My impression is that most therapists will say to come however you feel most comfortable. Even if you plan to continue attending as Brian, it would be useful for the therapist to know why.
Basically, ask anything you feel compelled to ask about and mention anything that feels relevant or important...even things that you don't think relate to your gender identity. If it is on your mind, it is worth talking about. The therapist will guide the discussion toward anything that needs more attention or explanation...especially if s/he thinks you are hiding something from yourself. Also, don't be afraid to let your emotions show if you hit an emotional landmine...which is sure to happen eventually.
Welcomen BreanneRose I just had this talk with my doc. yesterday swearer. new doctor and all I floored her when I told her I am a lesbian.
Just be clam get every question u want to ask in order. Above all make sure the doctor understands this is your chose. so be firm but polite
Pratice pratice before you go to see them.
Thanks Dana...
:)
tell them exactly how you feel, be upfront with him/her
Quote from: BreanneRose on October 21, 2011, 08:38:38 PM
Are there any questions I should ask the doctor?
Thanks again :-*
Consider writing down what YOU want to know and put it in a folder and take it with you...or post to your phone, iphone, etc.
Also ask your Doctor/Therapist what they can do for you, and if need be write them a letter and take it with you when you see them each time. The problem I ran into with my first Therapist was that I had to repeat myself way to many times the on the second visit, so I wrote her a 5 page "transition plan". On visit #3 I finally asked her if there was a problem with my communication skills...she told me no there wasn't. I'm glad I moved to another city after that, and have already spoken to my soon to be Therapist, she sounded very different from the first, which sadly was a waste of time and money. The only thing that came out of those sessions were things that I did for myself.
Each Therapist is different I do believe, so don't rely entirely on them, do some of your own homework. Checkout this site, its the site of Dr Anne Vitale, she's a TG/TS Psychologist that specializes in Gender Issues, its been a help to me.
http://www.avitale.com/ (http://www.avitale.com/)
I have just had my first session with a new therapist after moving to a new city, and basically we spent the time going over my life story, and where I saw myself going. It will take a few sessions before a degree of trust is established, but that is understandable even though I have been seeing other therapists for a while now.
It seems to be standard procedure to refer to the client by their preferred name, and it would be worthwhile asking if they have ever had any trans clients or LGBT previously.
Karen.
Thanks everyone for the support. ;)
I met with my Dr. today and it went very well. You know, I was excited to finally do something about my feelings but now I can't wait for the 12 weeks of therapy to go by so my HRT can start; provided it gets approved. :)