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Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: Tamika Olivia on July 17, 2015, 05:24:46 PM

Title: What should I expect from a visit with a gender therapist.
Post by: Tamika Olivia on July 17, 2015, 05:24:46 PM
I've got an appointment with a gender therapist next Thursday. I'm wondering what conversations should expect, warning signs I should look out for, and signs that the therapist might be a good egg. I know every visit is going to be different, I'm just looking for generalities. Any help is greatly appreciated. I've got pterodactyl sized butterflies in my stomach already!

-Tamika
Title: Re: What should I expect from a visit with a gender therapist.
Post by: Marlee on July 17, 2015, 05:44:48 PM
First session or so will likely be a lot of questions about you, your history etc.

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Title: Re: What should I expect from a visit with a gender therapist.
Post by: Mariah on July 17, 2015, 06:36:51 PM
As Marlee said it's mainly a lot of questions and just getting an idea of what you hope to get from therapy. Just be honest and open with them and you should be fine. Hugs
Mariah
Title: Re: What should I expect from a visit with a gender therapist.
Post by: Ms Grace on July 17, 2015, 08:01:16 PM
If they are a gender therapist you would hope they would be supportive and won't be judgemental. If they are really good they will try to make you feel at ease about the process. They might still ask some questions that challenge you - a therapist that goes along with everything you say is just as bad as one that goes against everything you say. They may ask about your childhood, how you are feeling now, your interpersonal relationships, etc. If you need to cry, don't hold back. Try to stay out of your head and avoid dishing up personal theories, just stick to how you feel and you should be fine.
Title: Re: What should I expect from a visit with a gender therapist.
Post by: suzifrommd on July 17, 2015, 08:37:43 PM
There's a list of red flags to look out for. Probably a good idea to read this thread:

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,162266.0.html

Title: Re: What should I expect from a visit with a gender therapist.
Post by: Serenation on July 18, 2015, 12:40:48 AM
I have no idea what a gender therapist is, probably one of the things I missed out on living in rural Australia
Title: Re: What should I expect from a visit with a gender therapist.
Post by: JoanneB on July 18, 2015, 12:06:24 PM
First time is generally an intake or Getting to Know You, session; primarily for the therapist about you. You'll likely be asked what your goals from therapy are.

Red flags? Well when it comes to your turn to ask questions experience and background of the therapist with trans clients comes foremost to mind. I doubt a for real gender therapist will want to "fix" you. That is assuming you are completely unsure of your feelings. In either case their questions will (should) be geared to making you think about things, even the things you are uncomfortable about
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