I've been out as being transgender for about a week now and am looking into what should be my next step. I think now would be a good time to look into therapy, but I would like some advice on what to expect from this.
My first major hurdle to overcome is the cost of therapy. I've heard of costs of $100/hour which I can't come anywhere near affording and I don't think health insurance would cover this type of care. I've heard that gender therapists are flexible with costs so I would hope I could get by on what I can afford which I figure right now to be about $40/month of therapy.
Also, how long does it generally take to move on to the next step in transition? I figure that the timeline of events can vary from person to person, but about how long on average could I expect before a therapist would possibly decide to put me on hormones?
First thing, you got over the biggest hurdle already; coming out to yourself and admiting you need to change.
I would suggest that you contact the nearest LGBT center and find out if they have any local services. For instance my local LGBT has qualified gender therapists that work with the center to provide the T members pychological services on a sliding scale. They can and do also write letters for our various needs. Perhaps there is a similar set up in your area.
Get in contact with the local T population. They will know the local doctors and therapists that will work with you and they will know which buisnesses are friendly to T people.
It will take a varying amount of time before your therapist is ready to write a letter for you. Some of us get letters within a very short amount of time (within 3 months) others might have to wait and work on co morbid issues and it could take longer. I have known girls who got letters from my therapist within 3 months and I know a girl who had to wait a year.
Transition is a unique thing for all of us. No two transitions are the same.
I'm just now starting to get in touch with the T community in my city. I got invited to attend the support group meeting in a couple days. So you think there is a good place to start looking for help with the next step of my transition? I know I'm gonna have quite a few questions and personal fears to voice before this group.
Yes I think that your local group is a great place to start.
Keep in mind that chances are you will not be like any of the others in the group. Each T person is unique and has a unique experiance.
Don't let this put you off as it would be a rather boring world if we were all the same.
;)
Oh yeah I almost forgot!
rules of transition to live by:
show up
don't worry
bring your sense of humor
all else is gravy
I will also admit that I am very nervous about the idea of transitioning. It feels so surreal to think that I could be a girl someday soon. Part of me wants to go back to before when I came out but a bigger part of me keeps saying this is what I've always wanted and is for the best. Is it normal to be this nervous about transition?
these are normal feelings
you are going into unknown territory for you
Doubt is good, so long as you use it to ask yourself the tough questions and not let it be a barrier.
Well, first time to see the support group is tonight. I was expecting to be nervous, but I'm actually quite calm. I figure for the first time it will be mostly about the group getting to know me.
Let us know how it went.
The first meeting went well. There was one other m2f there that shared a lot of the same interests which helped me to realize that I'm not really all that different from other trans people. I've also got contact information for a therapist which I'm hoping to try tomorrow after work.
Excelent.
Sounds like you have made good solid steps today.
Pat yourself on the back, it is rather tough to get ourself to that first support group.