... people who are TG/TS etc. becoming gender therapists/specialists?

I'm sorry if this is not in the right forum, I just wondered where you all stood on this issue. When I've sorted myself out I plan to study psychology and eventually practice as a psychologist. It's been a passion of mine for a long time and I happen to think who else is best to help people who are in this situation themselves, than someone who has known similar and not simply out of a textbook. I've had some pretty bad experiences with therapists in general who don't seem to understand as well as someone who has say been in that particular situation. I'm aware of the fact it may be 'too raw' and 'too close to home' for a career, but I know from reading, especially in the UK, that there aren't nearly enough specialists and people have to make do a lot of the time with those who aren't as experienced. It's true that a lot of those who aren't as experienced in gender issues are willing to learn, and that's important. It just seems that the waiting list for these services is high and people who take an interest in the subject (like me) would be more than beneficial those in need. I don't know how the situation is in other countries, however. I agree it would mean somewhat emotionally detaching myself somewhat in order to be objective in helping others. I think if it is doable, then it is certainly worth a try. Even before I had come to this realisation about myself I had intended to study psychology with a view to become a gender therapist, it just happens to be that I'm thinking of it somewhat more seriously lately.

Well I'd welcome your thoughts

Thanks

I am not trying to squash your strawberries here, but I don't think I could go to a TS therapist. Each of us have our own expectations of our gender journeys that it would be way too hard for any one us to be objective with someone else's journey. If you could manage to keep YOUR story out of it then you might be able to pull it off.

Yeah I can see where youre coming from... I think that will most likely be the general opinion. But I thought I'd see what everyone thought anyway. I do agree going to a TS therapist, even for me would be somewhat daunting if not avoidable for some, perhaps even me if i were given the option. I reckon it is a double sided thing where experience may go in favour or not...

it could be beneficial to some degree but i don't think that a therapist needs to have experienced your gender issues to understand them.  i'd imagine that the approach taken by mental professionals during gender therapy is the same regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation or personal issues

Yeah I totally agree with that - It's their job regardless to do so and learn about the people whom they are helping. I've researched the issue and can't find much on it actually. I didn't mean it would be 'better' more that it would prove to be a different perspective somewhat on the issues...

The therapist I saw was FtM. I liked going to someone who'd at least experienced living in the wrong body. That feeling is so hard to describe. But I'd have gone to someone who wasn't TS too. It just happened that he was the nearest therapist who specialized in the area.

Dennis

Quote from: Dennis on May 25, 2007, 06:34:58 PM
The therapist I saw was FtM. I liked going to someone who'd at least experienced living in the wrong body. That feeling is so hard to describe. But I'd have gone to someone who wasn't TS too. It just happened that he was the nearest therapist who specialized in the area.

Dennis

That's amazing, I've tried to research to see if there were any, but i guess there would be in the US if anywhere... I guess it would make someone feel better to have someone who 'knows' sort of thing... I know it's not as a preferential choice though - but I guess there are TS/TG people in every walk of life, so why not in therapy I guess...

You know, this is actually something I've wondered myself. I hear about similar things enough to wonder if being TS or TG may inspire people to learn more about themselves or help others through that difficult journey. While I haven't seen any TS therapists myself, it can be hard to really relate the experience to someone who isn't familiar with the feelings and emotions it evokes. The person I happen to be seeing now is gay, and in some ways it has helped a bit in relating to my problems, so the background of the psychologist can really make a difference. On the other hand, just because a therapist is TS doesn't mean they're necessarily good at counseling, so that's definitely a first priority.

It's something I've wondered mostly because I've had a more than passing interest in Psychology myself and took a few courses. At one point I really thought about majoring in it, but I decided to continue my current studies.

Though I think realistically, most of the work will probably be unrelated to gender identity unless you gain a bit of prominence in the field, enough to become a true specialist. I think its great you're making a go at it though!

Well yeah, the general consensus for me is that I'm good at what I do and yeah it's true that just because you have experience doesn't necessarily make you a good therapist. I think its an interesting concept that they seem to be few and far between however, or perhaps don't want to make themselves known, I'm not sure. I may go on the path to education and decide completely different but I'm considering it as an option regardless. If I did decide to go down that route, I would most likely graduate then specialise in whichever field I decide rather than just being a generic psychologist/therapist etc.

Quote from: Zombies on May 25, 2007, 07:27:57 PM
I kind of want to be a therapist eventually (or, alternatively, a lawyer), but I really have no interest in going into gender therapy.

I also didn't want a ts gender therapist. Haven't really dug for causation of that preference, though.

I have always wanted to help people in any way that i could, even in general therapy if anything. It's always been my desire to help people with any experience/wisdom i have gained from life so far...

Quote from: Judge Yourself on May 25, 2007, 06:15:15 PM
... people who are TG/TS etc. becoming gender therapists/specialists?

To be honest, I do not care. As long as they are both competent and experienced. ^*shrug* This sort of carrier choice is something I have pondered at various times in my life as how and why people think has long been an interest, but this said this is a lot of why I do not care what the past of the therapist is and why I stress competency and experience as factors I am interested in. A bad therapist is a really really bad thing. An this said I have not chosen such a carrier path as of yet because I do not feel as though I could be exceptional at it; An the world does not need more mediocre therapists. ^*shrug* Perhaps schooling would do wonders, I may never know


That said, the world does need MORE exceptional therapist types, so if you have the burring passion for it and you are approaching the subject with your eyes wide open, I think it is something worth considering.

My coppers for the wishing well

Thanks so much

Well i intend to try my best to be the best i can be, in everything i do and if this is the career i end up with then i intend to do everything i can to help people. ive had more than a few generic mediocre therapists in my time and i think that more than anything has spurred me on to 'not be one of those' I guess it comes down to passion and a willingness to learn, be patient and also be objective - qualities which i think i have as well as a great deal of life experience (for someone of only 23 i think i have a fair amount )

As well as that I wouldn't like to be classified as being a TG/TS therapist - namely a good one

All I am going to say is that it worked wonders for me.  It certainly helps when someone (who is a gender therapist)  has gone through the same agony as you have.

tink

I can see both sides. On one hand they might bring their transition into play and possibly critizise certain aspects of your transition, however, I can see the benefit of having someone who's gone through it be able to help you with the mental struggles and barriers that she/he had to go through, as well as a valuable resource for information and contacts.

Realistic or not, I want to pursue this as a secondary vocation.

I believe that i can do much good here.

JY

Do it.  Be what you want to be.  Be the best.  Send me your number when you set up practice!

Cindi

*smiles* thanks for all the replies people. It was really good to have your invaluable insight.. and yes I am a shameless flatterer