Hi Natkat

I believe that you as the patient should lead this line in investigation.  My psychologist asked me to lead the sessions rather than respond to her prompting me.  I freely provided the key information, as it was in my interest to be honest and direct.  But if you're not comfortable answering some questions this is your right.

A good therapist is trying to build up a strong picture of the patient, but some form of doctor-patient confidentiality should exist, and you should ask about this and discuss your concerns.   As you become more comfortable you can open up and discuss your more sensitive subjects.

Julia

I don't remember if or how my therapist asked me about sex. I know she knew I was dating a guy at the time, and that I was sexually active. I was vocal about my ongoing attraction to men. I do remember that my therapist was very secretive about my gender orientation, and didn't want me to tell any of her other clients about it. After saying she'd give me a hormone letter after a certain number of sessions, she then changed her mind and said that her boss told her that they "don't do that," but I threatened her with legal action and then she gave me a letter. She asked me to never show my face in her office after the hormones took effect.

Sometimes I think our therapists have more issues than we do.

Erm, I don't know if I feel I'd be able to go through with hormones if I get asked these questions - especially if they want me to actually... you know... do the hanky panky first *shudders* do you think all of them ask these questions? Some of these therapists sound.......... unpleasant.

My therapist didn't initiate ANY questions about my sexuality or sex practices. Anything I felt like sharing was fine, but he recognizes that one's sexual orientation and sexual experiences do not dictate gender identity.

Quote from: AnomalyEternal on June 23, 2014, 02:36:23 AM
Erm, I don't know if I feel I'd be able to go through with hormones if I get asked these questions - especially if they want me to actually... you know... do the hanky panky first *shudders* do you think all of them ask these questions? Some of these therapists sound.......... unpleasant.

it depends on your area. I ask here because I wanted a more worldwide view on how normal it is.

Quote from: Natkat on June 25, 2014, 07:55:26 AM
it depends on your area. I ask here because I wanted a more worldwide view on how normal it is.

I think the questions about trying sex first may simply be a very clumsy way of seeing whetherthe patient is trans or maybe gay.  One of my therapists very actively tried to persuade me down the gay route.  Yes, I tried it.  Yes, I really like men.  No, I'm not gay - I am trans. 

But all my therapists were female and I never was asked or suggested to me to go and have sex.  NatKat, it kind-of feels like your doctor/therapist is male, maybe you've said this?  That would make some difference I think.

Quote from: Julia-Madrid on June 25, 2014, 08:35:27 AM
But all my therapists were female and I never was asked or suggested to me to go and have sex.  NatKat, it kind-of feels like your doctor/therapist is male, maybe you've said this?  That would make some difference I think.

no its a female like most of the doctors in the theam she is part of, but I don't see her gender to be a jugdement on whenever she is good or bad or allowed to ask these questions or not.

I'm not sure what to expect in therapy, but if it doesn't come up in going to bring it up. As bi-gender, my 2 halves both have their needs, wants, and desires. Orientation might not be related to gender, but sexuality certainly is, or at least it is for me.