I've finally gotten in touch with a doctor who's helping me get on testosterone, and things on his end are going rather smoothly. He does require a letter of recommendation from my therapist, though, and when I talked to her about it, she told me to go ahead and write one up with pertinent information, and she would just sign it. I had been under the impression that it was the therapist's job to do that sort of thing, and while she's also helping me with other issues, I chose her because she specifically cited experience with trans issues. I've looked up a template I'm trying to fill out, but I don't feel like I'm qualified, and just filling in blanks makes me feel like I'm lying to the Endo, or worried I'll write the wrong things and not get accepted. Or, even worse, what if I get on T, regret it, and am blamed for everything because I didn't follow standard procedures? Since, y'know, one of the reasons you go to a gender therapist is to make sure you actually want to transition.
So, advice, should I just suck this up and fill out the letter, or would it be better to send the template to my therapist and tell her I'm really not comfortable filling it out myself? I'd be really embarrassed, but I could also ask the Endo to refer me to one of the therapists he uses, because on the practice's website they say they can do referrals if you don't already have a therapist. I feel like every step of this has been some covert test, and I really don't want to fail, and end up back at square one.
That is highly unusrual and imo kinda of unethical, or at the very least lazy. I guess you could give it a try? but its still bizzare
Every therapist who is familiar with trans issues knows the WPATH recommendations for what a HRT letter should contain. If your therapist cannot do this, then find another therapist, especially if there are any doubts or liability concerns. If your Endo cannot recommend a therapist, then internet is a possibility. Look for a therapist with proper credentials and sponsoring or involved with a trans support group.
What area do you live in? There are many of us here who can give our opinions from past experience.
Dear witchydigit
Welcome to Susan's
If your Therapist is serious about helping you then she should follow the WPATH guidelines. Having you write your own report is not the normal way things are done. You could provide your therapist a link to the guidelines which can be found below
http://www.wpath.org/site_page.cfm?pk_association_webpage_menu=1347&pk_association_webpage=4233 (http://www.wpath.org/site_page.cfm?pk_association_webpage_menu=1347&pk_association_webpage=4233)
I would provide her only with the guidelines and leave it to her to write the report.
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Hi witchy digit,
Personally, I would just go on and pen the letter for her signature. Considering the disparity in requirements depending heavily on where one lives, I feel like each competent adult person has to make their own decision. If he/she/they have determined that HRT is the appropriate path, why should a gatekeeper have the ability to stop it? Now, that's contingent upon one's ability to determine their own competence, which is generally the default for free citizens. Having a gatekeeper/psychologist as a requirement, just to protect the (probably) small minority of people unable to assert competence, seems excessive, again in my opinion. Others here have offered equally good advice for other solutions. It is nice to have choices though, isn't it? ;D
Erin