I've been seeing a therapist for like 3 years after my divorce. She's helped me through a lot of things. But it's never come up, this issue of gender identity. Overall I'm really happy with my life though I'd love a partner. Anyway, I have an appointment next week. Do I just drop the bomb on her?? LOL? Or should I find a gender identity therapist? My therapist is also a licensed APRN. She may be a lesbian (gut feeling) but I've never asked.
Thoughts??
Jaye
Yeah, I'd do it. A good therapist will tell you if she's unable to deal with it. And if she's one who won't admit it, it'll become patently obvious.
My doctor had never dealt with a guy at the beginning of transition before, but I'd done some research, so was able to provide the resources for her to refer me to, and she's been great. Even if your therapist hasn't dealt with the issue before, if she's willing to educate herself and be non-judgmental, she should work out fine.
Dennis
I did find a group locally; they primarily deal with people right before hormone therapy and getting the letter, but their website also said they did provide counseling for gender identity issues. I'm just so not sure about transitioning. On the one hand the thought excites me that I can be my true self and not look like a freak (getting past stereotypes I grew up with; seeing lots of before and afters, and everyone turned out to be hot men!! and not men-wannabes), otoh coming out to the world scares me to death. The questions, the looks. In 3 years I want to quit my job and travel; i have an online job, maybe that will be the time?? When nobody really knows me?? Anyway...thanks for listening.
And thanks, Dennis, for your answers. nice to know I'm not alone in this at my age!
Jaye
just drop it. that's what i did. after several months of it blasting around in my head wanting to tell her i finally dropped it in the last five minutes one session. her eyes got really big and said "oh, this is bad place to end."
eventually when i was ready to find a gender therapist she was able to call her colleagues and was able to find me a great one.