So I have my first session with my therapist coming up in about a month(I seem to need to book everything way in advance), and I was curious about how long I am likely to need to meet with her before starting my HRT.  I realize that different people have different experiences with this, but I thought it would be a good idea to hear some from you folks before I write myself a wildly overoptimistic goal date....

The WPATH Standards of Care (http://www.wpath.org/documents/Standards%20of%20Care%20V7%20-%202011%20WPATH.pdf) do not require a specific duration of therapy (I think for fear that we'll just get hormones from the Internet and self-medicate). The doctor I went to asked how long I'd been seeing my therapist. It had been about two months and apparently that was enough for him. I also think he would have accepted a letter from my therapist.

My favorite passage from the SOC (last paragraph on page 25):

QuoteIt is important for mental health professionals to recognize that decisions about hormones are first and foremost the client's decisions

That actually fits perfectly into my estimated timeline!  Thank you again Suzi, you're always so helpful.

My therapist told me she'd be writing my letter for hormones during my second session. I think it can generally be pretty quick if you are sure about what you want, and are realistic in your expectations for hormones. I see my therapist once a month.

With the amount of time I've invested in research and planning I should hope I meet those qualifications, thanks for the information Evey!

I was in therapy about a little over two months before I got my letter. When I chose my therapist I wanted one who just wouldn't give me a letter straight away I wanted a therapist who would help me make sure I was making the right decision with my life. If I was you I wouldn't rush into hormones they are a huge step and they will completely change how you think and how you feel. 

That's a big part of what I'm hoping for. Internal changes, like feeling more comfortable with my body, are my primary goal for HRT.  While I hope for physical changes as well, I know those tend very heavily into YMMV territory and I think going in expecting less won't leave me disappointed with my results.