I have my first therapy appointment with my first therapist in a little under two weeks now. I initially contacted her with an email detailing out where I am and what I'm looking for (transgender and just beginning the process) in order to find out if she had experience working with transgender clients (said she does).
I was asked to come in earlier than the appointment time and I'm assuming it's going to be for a questionnaire prior to us actually meeting, but I was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions for things that I can do ahead of time or things that I should do during the first meeting.
~Riko
I would go into it with high hopes but with my eyes open.
My gender therapist is wonderful, but before I found her I had to suffer a lot of fools masquerading as a gender therapist. Make sure you read through this thread: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,162266.0.html
A lot of it depends on what you're looking for. Some folks know what they need and they want a therapist's recommendation. Others are pretty sure but want to know for certain (that was me). Others still don't know and want the therapist to help.
Hope this helps.
Going in open and honest is the best thing. As far as preparing you could always right down anything you would like to communicate during the session. Your goals, fears, needs, and the like. Good luck and Hugs
Mariah
I'm planning on going in perfectly honest and forward. I already kind of detailed out where I am and what I'm looking for in my initial contact email, but I'm actually really excited about the appointment. It'll be the first time I've talked to someone in person about being transgender and I feel it'll be really nice to talk.
I think my biggest fear right now (and one I hope to address in therapy sessions) is telling family/friends and whether or not they accept it. I think it stems from me not being able to be the real me in person, but I'm rather shy so I have a limited number of people I interact with. I'd rather that pool of people not get smaller, but I'm not going to stay as I am just to prevent that. I'm tired of lying to everyone around me and myself just to fit in socially. Luckily all my friends are rather open to gender differences, but it hasn't ever come up within my family so I'm not sure how that'll go.
Quote from: Rikosa on May 25, 2015, 02:52:22 AM
I think my biggest fear right now (and one I hope to address in therapy sessions) is telling family/friends and whether or not they accept it.
Hi Rikosa
Of course the friends and family angle is a major issue, although only you can decide when would be the moment to involve them. Some people want to get fairly advanced in their process before telling the world; others want them involved from as early as possible. I believe that involvement from friends and family from early on is very positive, as you can draw on them for support and feedback, two things that are really valuable during your transition.
It might help that you use your initial therapy to reach a 100% decision of what you want to do, and then involve friends and family. Family in particular are often very incredulous, and will question your reasons and motives in detail, which I believe is a good thing. You'll get support, and I'm sure it will be support, when they see that you are decided, realistic, and have a plan for yourself.
I am something of a believer in self-fulfilling prophecies: if you think you're going to have a difficult time, it's quite likely that you will. On the other hand, if you go forward with strength and optimism, you're probably going to find transition both rewarding and fascinating, fun even :D.
Good luck
Julia