I don't wanna sound like some stuck up, bratty, obnoxious, arrogant person but yeah I was able to get my letter earlier this afternoon. I mean the letter of recommendation for HRT. All I did was follow some advice I saw here about asking which topics I need to address before I am eligible for this letter. I was shocked (a little) by the response from my therapist which was, "I'll give this to you right now." And he did just that. I suppose this is the first time out of the few sessions we already had where I asked him about it so directly (yet politely). I let him know, right of the bat, that I do know what I want. And he sure gave it to me. I still want to attend his appointments even after beginning HRT (if possible especially when taking many of my health conditions into consideration) to help sort out all this heavy baggage a lifetime of gender dysphoria has unforgivably left me with.

I told my therapist that I'm not sure, nor expecting things to become a whole lot better for me. And my witty therapist followed that up with a very realistic-sounding response, "Well, they won't get worse."

I am so excited, but do not want to fall into that temptation of having highly unrealistic hopes.  I look forward to having my initial consultation with my endocrinologist on February 3rd of next year.....and hopefully begin HRT either on this day or shortly thereafter.

So bring on The New Year!^^

Congrats! I bet you feel a lot better now!

My advice would be to take the time between now and then to make as many positive changes in your life as you can. I remember you mentioning your social worker was trying to help get you control over your income again - focus as much as you can on making that happen and getting independent. I think HRT is going to be a positive step for you. Getting out and away from dad will be another.

It sounds like you're going to have a great new year man

Thanks, Max.

I wouldn't have gotten this far if it weren't for you and everyone else here. You're all superstars.

I definitely will request whatever aid I can get in helping me take control over my own finances, even if its from the government because it is on my behalf after all. Yeah, I will communicate this with my social worker and my therapist (whom seems legitimately concerned about this) also. I just need a letter from a health provider stating that I am mentally stable enough to manage my money now, bring it to court and have that verified. On my next therapy visit, I plan to discuss this in more detail and probably will discuss this with my social worker tomorrow.

Yup. That's my goal, man. To get control of my finances and get away from my father.

This is indeed a start to a great new year!^^

Heck, I'm even working on moving out from my old man's abode right now as I type this. I have gained acceptance to a waiting list for income-based housing. If this goes through, it'll be a huge step to independence. Something I've wanted for so long. A concern of mine though, is my dad wants to keep being involved in my life. But I want him out of it. I even tell him to his face sometimes that once I move out, I want nothing to do with him. Yet he pressures me into telling him everything concerning the housing situation. I honestly do not want him to know where I will live. He knows which apartment complex I want to stay in, but I don't want him to know the exact apartment number or anything, if I am able to obtain some vacancy there. God forbid, but would I have to put a restraining order on him if such a thing were to occur? I mean if he tried to make unauthorized visits to my home? I don't wanna look too hard and far into the future on this. But I just wanna be as ready for this as possible.

Hey Phoenix,

I'm going to send you a PM with some advice about the potential stalking and restraining orders. Don't want to derail your thread

Congratulation, you should take the time to celebrate your achievement. I know for me, therapy has helped me deal with a lot of baggage.

Well done 

Hi everyone. Just wanted to say thanks alot for all of your help and continued support in this.

Max, thank you for the PM. Really appreciated it.

huge step forward, congratulations!

Yes, yes, yes! Congrats, man. You deserve something for good to happen for once.

*
King Phoenix:

Another few words from the 'other side' giving support and well-wishes to you.

You have much to do between now and February.  Stay busy.  Stay focused.  Starting your own household will be exciting.  It will be your own space.  All yours.  Your responsibility to make all the decisions as you choose.  'A huge step to independence' - indeed.

The counsellor letters, doctor / endo appointments, and prescriptions are all great milestones.  Sometimes  with a sympathetic doctor all you need is to ask what you want from them.

Sorry to read how your father and you are a bit tense.  I won't use the words to you that I would use to a cis-female, but maybe he really cares for you and is worried for you.  As strained as my dad and I were, I think deep down he had a certain level of concern for me.  He lost one daughter and then I was becoming his only child / daughter.  He did not want to let me go because that meant letting go - tough for a parent to do for their child.

*

Congrats Phoenix!

I'm glad its looking up for you. Baby steps is all you need to push forward, just keep going to improve yourself. I hope from here everything just keeps going forward, may be a slightly bumpy road, but you will achieve greatness, I know it!

Kate <3