So, I'm off to see the head shrinker in a couple days (she takes some Saturday appointments) and was wondering if there was anything I can do to present myself as a better candidate for HRT etc.?

I have a binder, but I only wear it on pccasion due to back pain issues that supercede chest dysphoria. In other words, I'd generally rather let the jugs hang out than screw up my back more, but I can wear it for the appointment. I also have Mr. Limpy I can shove down my shorts.

Aside from those two items, any suggestions on what I should do to make a good first impression?

Thanks!

I started going to a therapist about a month ago. That very first session I was given the diagnosis of gender dysphoria. I didn't do or say anything special, just told him my story, honestly, and didn't even try to sugarcoat the fact that I've only started this journey about a year and nine months ago--I wasn't one of those kids who knows they're trans from an early ago (I'm 38 now). I didn't stick to a script or anything, I was just honest. And in fact, I don't think I said the word "trans" once because I felt super awkward about it in the moment for some reason.

Good luck to you!

Try to be relaxed (easier said than done, I know) and be as open about your feelings around your gender as possible. The sooner you can get to the core of that matter, without going off on tangents, the sooner you'll get that sorted out with her. Wear the packer if it makes you feel comfortable but I hope she won't be checking out your crotch as "proof" or otherwise.

Wear whatever makes you comfortable. I did online sessions at 4:30 in the morning, so my sessions were mostly done in pajamas from bed

Just be honest. Try to give some thought to your personal history and make a mental timeline that you can reference. Maybe think of your answers to some common questions. When did you start feeling this way? What related to gender makes you comfortable, uncomfortable, etc.? Who in your life knows? Do you have a support system?

I don't think the shrink will care much what's in your pants or under your shirt. They'll be much more interested in what's inside your head.  Do what will make you comfortable (sounds like that might not be the binder), and be yourself. Be honest, be open with your feelings, ask questions if you have them, and remember that you don't need to have all the answers -- that's why you're there.

I hope it goes well for you!

Honest outpouring of feelings of how you feel about your body.

Window dressing is good but they judge your readiness on the understanding of why you wish to cross gender hormones.

If you do not trust your therapist they can also feel the same back.

Relax,  breathe and just be honest with your feeling.

Lots of Hugs to help

Thanks for the advice folks. Appointment was had earlier today (followed by MLS matchup, home team won) and I feel it worked out fairly well, the Psych "conceded" that I am indeed a complex case (chronic pain bungs up the works again!) and so we might go an extra session or two to work on that, but I don't think there will be any issues getting an official trans* diagnosis.

Great to hear.

The best advice I can give is just be yourself. I was definitely nervous my first appointment as well but after you're around the same therapist for awhile you get comfortable with them and its easier to open up. At least for me it was, congrats on the session!

Your best bet is just to be you. Pyschologists and psychiatrists ask questions that are "testers", questions that are mean to see if a person is answering honestly. When I took my written test and had my 7 hour interview, I was told by the psycologist afterwards that they do this. Its better not to try and second guess them or wonder if you have answered the way you think they want you to answer.

If your psych has worked with transgenders, he or she will be able to tell if you are a good candidate. I won't tell you not to be nervous, because that would be impossible, but just be upfront and honest, even if you think the answer is not what they want.

Good luck. I really hope you are passed as a good candidate.

sam1234

Ive been in some sort of therapy since i was 10, although i have yet to see a gender specialist.

All i can say is to be yourself and be completely honest.

I dont know where you are located and how gender therapy really works,  so i dont have much advice..

just know its only scary for a little bit.