So I had my first appointment with a gender therapist this morning, and it went VERY well!
I saw this particular therapist once when I was 12, but my mom got scared at the mention of puberty blockers and never brought me back.
But now that I'm 18, I decided to go back. I'm fully responsible for my own medical decisions, and after so many years, I know it's time to start my medical transition.
The woman was very kind, and even though I had a slight anxiety attack as we spoke about my trauma, the session went very well. She informed me of the risks involved in testosterone treatment, and we spoke about future decisions (top surgery, hysterectomy, etc.) that I will make during my transition. She was lovely and assured me that I'm not any less of a man just because I interrupted my social transition by living as a female for a year. In fact, she told me it was actually a mature and wise decision, because now that I know living as female doesn't work for me, I'm much more solid in my identity.
We brought my mom in towards the end, as I wanted her to be involved. My mom was worried about visiting this particular therapist again, but the therapist was kind to her and reassured that her fear for my safety and grief over losing a daughter was valid, while at the same time informing her that she had no reason to fear and that my transition will benefit me in many ways.
In a few weeks I'll have a referral to an endocrinologist, and I'm super excited!
Congrats Maksim on taking this step on your chosen journey.
Hugs,
Jeanette
Quote from: JeanetteLW on February 27, 2017, 12:45:25 PM
Congrats Maksim on taking this step on your chosen journey.
Hugs,
Jeanette
Thank you, Jeanette! :^)
That's great news, both about getting into therapy and your mom's willingness to be at least somewhat open minded about the process. I hope your therapists words were reassuring for her and that she'll be able to support you through your journey. I'm 39 and it's been a tough pill to swallow for my mother but despite her grief she's really trying to be supportive. Your mom sounds like she's headed in a similar direction.
I hope all continues to go well and that you're able to get started on the medical portion of your transition very soon.
That sounds like it couldn't have gone better...brilliant glad your Mum could be there for you
Liz
Thank you Lisa and Liz!
Great news!
Thanks J!
Just an update for everyone, I had my second appointment yesterday and my therapist informed me that I'll be getting my referral to a good endo at my next appointment. I'm excited!
Quote from: maksim on March 14, 2017, 03:19:43 PM
Thanks J!
Just an update for everyone, I had my second appointment yesterday and my therapist informed me that I'll be getting my referral to a good endo at my next appointment. I'm excited!
Well you certainly can't complain about that!! Congrats! Sounds like you have found some good help.
Jeanette
Quote from: JeanetteLW on March 14, 2017, 04:16:49 PM
Well you certainly can't complain about that!! Congrats! Sounds like you have found some good help.
Jeanette
I have! Thank you!
That's great news, I'm really happy for you! How is mom processing it all?
Hugs, Devlyn
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on March 15, 2017, 02:24:17 PM
That's great news, I'm really happy for you! How is mom processing it all?
Hugs, Devlyn
Thanks Devlyn!
My mom is still kind of in shock, she mentioned a few times about how when I was younger it seemed so far away, but now that it's here she's really anxious. She's not so much worried about the fact that I'm trans as much as she's worried about my mental health, but I always assure her that T seems to help stabilize anxiety and depression in a lot of guys. Regardless, she's my mom and as long as we're together on this earth she's going to worry about me :laugh: Overall she seems to be accepting the fact that I'm trans much better than she did even just two weeks ago!
Just as an update for everyone: Therapy has gone very well and I'm going to be starting T next week! I'm so happy!
Congratulations again Maksim. I really hope it helps you achieve the results you want it too. Keep us informed on how you and you mom are doing.
Hugs,
Jeanette
Quote from: JeanetteLW on April 21, 2017, 05:44:49 PM
Congratulations again Maksim. I really hope it helps you achieve the results you want it too. Keep us informed on how you and you mom are doing.
Hugs,
Jeanette
Thanks so much Jeanette! Will do :) My mom is a little shaken up, but she's still very supportive. My dad is a whole other story, he's incredibly on board, so much so that when I told him I'd be doing injections he said: "I'll stab you if you need me to. I'm here for you!"
Go Dad !!!
Another update: I'm officially on T as of 2:15 today! I'm so happy!!
You will be doing the Happy Dance today congratulations great milestone
Liz
Woohoo. Good for you. Having support is monster. Without it we doubt ourselves, which does not help anybody. Therapy is so crucial in trying to find out why we have chosen/were assigned this path for ourselves. It does seem sometimes that nobody else understands. Misti, my therapist was crucial in helping me come out from under the fog of my imagination and reinforce the reality that I am trans and have always been trans and my future is as a transwoman. Last time I saw her I gave her a big hug and we both ended up smiling. After years of self loathing I am now confident in saying I finally know who I am. You are on the right road
Journey started? -- Check
Seat belt fastened --Check
Holding on for the ride of your life-- Check
And away he goes......
Hugs,
Jeanette maybe Laura Maybe both
Thank you all so much. :) I'm very happy and I feel like I'm ready for anything life could throw at me!