I wasn't sure where to put this, so mods, feel free to move if it's in the wrong place. I was initially going to post it in the Transsexuals forum, but I figured that anyone under the 'Transgender' umbrella could relate etc.
Anyway, I got some advice a while back from a guy who runs an e-mail group for transsexual men in Australia regarding my various problems with starting transition, and he suggested a good place to go would be youth services or a youth worker if such a thing exists in my area. At the time I didn't think one did, but when I was out on my 'OMG-Ted-You're-Fat' bike ride the other day, I noticed that there is indeed a place run by the local council where one aged between 15 and 25 (I think) can go for youth related services. I'm not entirely sure how trans-friendly they are, as their website only lists that they help people with problems related to body image, depression, self-harm, relationships, housing, work etc, although they did also mention sexuality. I'm thinking they only mean sexuality in the sense of who I am attracted to, not my gender identity.
So I'm wondering, has anyone had any experience with youth workers, or is anyone a youth worker? I'm thinking of wandering down there on my day off because I'm so damn overwhelmed with all this and my various psychologists/psychiatrists don't actually seem to be much help with the main problem keeping me from moving forwards and causing me to drink, cry and think things everyone would probably regret.
I'm just not quite sure what else to do, and my latest experience with a psychologist was awful, so if they're anything like that I'd rather stay away.
Any ideas awesome, wonderful members of Susan's?
Thank you for your time,
Ted
Tell you what since no one has responded and I have no clue as I have never used a youth services organization... I can just offer some direction which might help. I figure you may not want to out yourself if the are none t-friendly. So call them and ask. If they say no ask for a referral. They may be obligated to find someone for you.
Asking can't hurt.
Let us know - Good luck!
Daisy
Probably you'll just have to check it out for yourself. Just keep it in mind that these people are not law enforcement officials, they are providing a service and you are a client and you can walk out. You can walk right in and say, "Hey, do you have any experience with or understanding of transgender issues?"
Shrinks vary. Some suck and some don't. The thought of a young transman seeing a 'Youth Counsellor' sets my teeth on edge, because all the child-psychologists and 'youth counsellors' I saw as a kid and a teen (a tediously large number) were sure that what I needed was 'strong independant female role models' to show me that my version of 'womanhood' is a valid and desirable one. And the former youth-counsellor that I know is the person I'll call if I ever want to talk about my gender indentity with somebody who is completely ignorant about gender identity and bigoted against the gender I identify with, and would no doubt inform me that I'm trans because I was sexually abused as a child and have forgotten it but subconsciously believe that it wouldn't have happened if I'd been a boy.
However, as I said, shrinks vary, and you're not even in the same country as I am. I get the impression that people in general are more understanding about trans-issues in Australia than they are here, so shrinks might actually know it. Plus, the aforementioned counsellors and psychologists were all practicing around fifteen+ years ago, a practicing shrink who keeps up to date, even in the US, might know better.