I'm pretty convinced that I'm an MtF transsexual, but since I don't know this for a fact I'll probably be seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist some time soon to get a diagnosis and confirm this. My main concern is that I'm worried he/she may dismiss it as a phase, or even refuse to tell me that I'm transsexual no matter how true it may be. Does anyone know if this happens often? Also, does anyone know how many sessions it usually takes for them to come to a conclusion? Any replies would be much appreciated

It can not very well be a "phase" if these feelings and dyphoria have been with you for some time.  Many of our member report gender incongruities from the time they entered puberty, or even as children.

I am of the opinion that the TG/TS person knows themselves better than any therapist or psychiatrist could; however, a good therapist will help you focus on what your issues really are.

I suggest that you see either a psychiatrist or psychologist who have experience with gender issues. They provide the knowledge and serve as a guide so you can focus on your issues and you can make an educated decision. I agree with Jamie D - you already know yourself what you are, and just need help in reaffirmation.

Goodluck

Yeah, I feel like the confirmation would be really great to have, it would make me feel a lot more secure if I decide to transition. I just don't feel like I could comfortably transition without a diagnosis, and here are a few of the reasons I feel this way:

• I feel like with a diagnosis, the risk of changing my mind isn't as great. It would be very odd to begin transitioning and all of a sudden deciding to de-transition. I know that being diagnosed won't necessarily guarantee that I won't change my mind, but I would feel a lot more secure if I was.
• Some procedures like SRS and HRT require a diagnosis I believe
• It would make me feel better about myself, if people think I'm weird, they would have their prejudice, and I would have solid, confirmed facts

A good way to prevent that is go to the link i posted (i sometimes do it for fun when i can't sleep lol) and print off your result. Also the more research you can do in advance and the more informed you are in advance will only help

http://www.hemingways.org/GIDinfo/sage/

Quote from: AgendaDysphoria on June 20, 2013, 01:22:58 AM
I'm pretty convinced that I'm an MtF transsexual, but since I don't know this for a fact I'll probably be seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist some time soon to get a diagnosis and confirm this. My main concern is that I'm worried he/she may dismiss it as a phase, or even refuse to tell me that I'm transsexual no matter how true it may be. Does anyone know if this happens often? Also, does anyone know how many sessions it usually takes for them to come to a conclusion? Any replies would be much appreciated

You're the only person that can really answer that question. The only thing a therapist can do is give you their opinion. The diagnosis is important to get into the process within the system, but don't base who you are on someone else's diagnosis. That's how we ended up where we are in the first place.

But anyway, the first time I was diagnosed, it took them 1 session and I didn't go in there to discuss it at all. I was just in for anti-depressants and never even mentioned the topic. When I walked in the door for the second session, they gave me the diagnosis. This may have been a circumstantial diagnosis though, because I was in the military and most people that end up in Mental Health there tend to be people looking to get out of the service and the most popular method was being trans since you weren't allowed to be gay. My second therapist did confirm it though.

This is actually a worry I had too. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense when I think things through, since if I was truly convinced about my own gender, and the therapist was adamant in the other direction, I wouldn't have to continue to treat with them. But it would definitely not be my ideal outcome. No one wants to waste time treating with the wrong doctor for them. It really depends how convinced you are. I would imagine if you're convinced or become convinced, it would be rare to be told otherwise.

That's my hope anyway! I have my first appointment tomorrow!

Fyi, a psychologist cannot prescribe medication, and a psychiatrist can. (The mnemonic for me is "O = no"). This is important, because sometimes a psychiatrist--like many doctors--like to prescribe meds over what one needs (therapy or HRT).

Quote from: kariann330 on June 20, 2013, 06:36:59 AM
A good way to prevent that is go to the link i posted (i sometimes do it for fun when i can't sleep lol) and print off your result. Also the more research you can do in advance and the more informed you are in advance will only help

http://www.hemingways.org/GIDinfo/sage/

Thanks for that link kariann. I actually like taking those little tests for fun.

I've been to so many therapists that I have lost count. None of them were explicitly for my trans-ness and none of them ever mentioned it. On the other hand, like 50 percent of people I that meet me think I'm trans given enough time. And I never told them I was trans so if therapy was 100 percent science wouldn't they have figured it out somehow? IDK. Maybe I'm not trans lol jk if there is one thing I am it is this. What I do know is that therapists may be helpful and are necessary for SRS but I wouldn't hang all of my hope on their approval or disapproval. Ultimately, they are going to go with what you tell them and if you tell them you are a transsexual, they will probably agree.

I mean how many genetic males go to therapy and wonder if they are trans? Probably not many. This just isn't a thought for most genetic men and I have asked my friend and my BF. I do think therapy is good but it's just I have just been to so many I am worn out. Point: I wouldn't put all my capital into one stock. I guess I'm lucky in that I have always felt this way so it's never been hard to accept it. I really feel for people who become trans after childhood. It must be hard. I don't know if that really qualifies as lucky lol

A therapist is supposed to guide you into making your own self discoveries. But what you do is completely up to you. They can suggest things and prod you along but they shouldn't tell you pointblank anything. I know this because I ask both all the time if I am crazy and all I get from them is " I don't think so". A  psychologist has a degree in psychology. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and and can presribe medication. Psychiatrists go through the same process as any medical doctor. They go to med school, do a residency, most if not all have worked in the field of nuerology or at least mine has, and so on. A psychologist is strictly mind and a psychiatrist is mind and brain. Either or will leave all decisions up to you and like Beth said, give you their opinion.

I'm with you Joanna, I know exactly how you feel when it comes to therapist.

Quote from: kariann330 on June 20, 2013, 06:36:59 AM
A good way to prevent that is go to the link i posted (i sometimes do it for fun when i can't sleep lol) and print off your result. Also the more research you can do in advance and the more informed you are in advance will only help

http://www.hemingways.org/GIDinfo/sage/

I like things like this because they show me how, in a fun/for laughs kind of way, I have been slowly shifting to reflect who I really am. My "score" keeps increasing over time and I'm sure once I start on HRT it will go a lot again.

But yeah as for therapists I don't think you're going to get a slip of paper that says "You're a certified transsexual" but they can certainly look to eliminate any other possible causes and at least in my case help to find the words to better describe what you feel.