Hi my name is Dustin but recently I've been calling myself Danielle and on Thursday I have my first meeting with a therapist to talk about my gender identity and stuff it's my first time ever seeing a therapist and let alone talk about how I'm transgender. I'm really scared and nervous and was wondering what I could expect. And tbe therapist specializes in gender issue so I guess that makes me more comfortable.
Hi Danielle, if I may. Therapy can be a scary and new world. Where you get to talk about yourself. You are there for yourself and so will your therapist. Talk about what is on you mind, your hopes, your fears, your life. A gender therapist can help you find the direction you want and need to go. They are a tool for your health. Use that tool wisely.
My suggestion is when you go, own who you are.
Jessica
Hi Danielle,
I am Laurie. A little over a year ago I was feeling the same way as you are feeling now. Do you know what I did about it? I came to Susan's Place, made an account and asked for a little help just like you are doing. So far every time I have needed support whether I asked for it or not I found it here with all the good caring folk here. It works Danielle. This place gives us the information we need, holds our hands as we go through difficult times, and shares our joys when things are good. You join a family here. So welcome to Susan's Place.
As Jessica said Therapy is scary at first, but then you get to know your therapist and should begin to trust them with anything after a short time. They are there to help you. The best advise I can give you it to be open and honest with them. They need to know what is making you tick in order to help you. They don't bite. You will be okay. The first visit is pretty much a get to know each other.
Hugs,
Laurie
I have had issues with therapists, I am not sure how old you are, but me I am 19 now and I came out as trans ftm when I was 11. I have not gotten any help with my transgender situation yet, but I am working on find a new therapist after 4 years of not getting any therapy. I don't mean to scare you more, but I am trying to say don't have vary high expectations when you go in, and if you are going purely for your transgender situation make sure they say on topic about the trans stuff and don't go off on another topic that is not as big of an issue. Don't give up like I did, if this therapist does not click with you keep looking for one that does. Also never let them tell you who you are, if you know your transgender and never will change your mind then they have no right to try talking you out of it. Another thing that you should keep in mind is that they are judging and analyzing the minute you come in, so if your like me and want to just talk before getting into the deep stuff which could lead to crying then make sure they know, then they should not analyze what you say when you first come in until you actually start talking about your issue. If you ever need any support from other trans people, we are here for you. Good luck!
Well congrats on your first session!!!! I had mine recently too! It was my first ever in life. I didn't know what to expect or know what is to happen so it's all new to me. I just want to further my journey with transition and feel fully whole!! Here's to therapy and working for us!!!!
Thanks for all the replies it has been helpful. I feel overall good about Meeting with my therapist I asked about her experiences with trans people and she's deals with an average of 6 trans clients at a time which was reassuring to hear and I think she does informed consent so hopefully I can start hormones soon. Thank you all <3 <3