Im most probably getting upset over nothing but all through my counciling Ive never had the request of me today as what my speech therapist suggested "Can you come in dressed next time as this will influence the way you talk". This could not be further from the truth. Ive always tried since I started transitioning to train my voice in all aspects of everyday life and have merely sought her advice on how to improve my voice. It has made me feel as though Im an actor in her eyes and not a woman. Coupled with her comments that I can spend (dollars) as much as I like with her in grooming and deportment I feel that she is just taking advantage of me.

Sorry to rant just feel down.

Krissy

Did your speech therapist meant dressed up or just dressed as you're living? Some speech therapist won't work with (trans)women until they're fulltime and will always come to the sessions as women. They feel it helps with the authentic voice the client is trying to develop. It's not just how you see yourself but how you present yourself and relate to the everyday world. So, they're reluctant to work with a (trans)women who presents as male.

While you can argue the issue, it's your choice if you want their help or not, to abide by their requirements or not. Granted it's not necessarily fair or right, after all an actor may seek a speech therapist for a female(-like) role and want the voice, or some such situation. But in the case of (trans)women, it's about the everyday world we live in that matters to them and they simply want to make that clear.

And yes, mine, when I went, made the same rule. I left because of the cost didn't fit my budget at the time. I'll go back when it does, and the requirement doesn't mean anything anymore.

Where is the famous no complaining Australian spirit i have read about??

seriously though i would not take to heart, RLE is just that and all it may involve. Try it and you may well find your therapist has a point...im sure they are just looking for for your best interests and smooth transition.

Did you ask her why? You are right it is your choice to how you look and anyone is entitled to her services unless stated otherwise which is rare I'm sure.
I guess from her point of view she may feel it will help you get into the headspace of the real you/the fem you. I consider it to be important myself. And easier. Dressing fem only helps to find that headspace.. maybe that was her point?

Krissy,
she is who she is, a speech therapist, and if you feel her services are helping
then she isn't taking advantage of you

you can entertain her opinion and you may enjoy it... I would.
and I would aggree with the others that she had your interests in mind.

If your upset cuz she had the nerve to ask this of you...think about it...

...how else is she going to test her 'theory' then to have you participate.

...It could be a lesson in itself....

*Hugs* Nicole

I had the exactly same thing with my speech therapist, the first time I met her she asked me to come dressed in role the next appointment.

My main issue with this was I had only ever been out dressed with friends in places that I felt comfortable in. However  when I thought about it I knew she was right, part of the development and a natural progression in me entering the world as Rebecca.

It did help my mindset of being in role and actually gave me confidence in what I was doing.

However... next appointment I got lost and had to go and ask for directions twice (which was scary) and when I turned up in her office, there was a posse of trainee student speech therapists who had been invited to attend the session as part of their training (that was just as scary).

Looking back it was good for my development to start attending those sessions in role, even if it was before I went full time.

Rebecca

Quote from: Buffy on February 11, 2009, 02:59:22 AM
I had the exactly same thing with my speech therapist, the first time I met her she asked me to come dressed in role the next appointment.

My main issue with this was I had only ever been out dressed with friends in places that I felt comfortable in. However  when I thought about it I knew she was right, part of the development and a natural progression in me entering the world as Rebecca.

Rebecca

Strange thing is as I was driving to the appointment I was thinking its going to be kind of difficult for me to talk while dressed as a man so I sought of knew that the request would come. Its basically because Im scared of what the future has for me. I leave my wife of 15 years and 4 wonderfull children next month and atm Im really struggling with the desicions Ive made so far. I know I cant go back to the person I was b4 and I guess the reality of the request has made me realize that I need to get out  this limbo.

Quote from: Buffy on February 11, 2009, 02:59:22 AM...
However... next appointment I got lost and had to go and ask for directions twice (which was scary) and when I turned up in her office, there was a posse of trainee student speech therapists who had been invited to attend the session as part of their training (that was just as scary).

Now that's unethical. She had the responsibilithy and obligation to inform you and allow you to decide if that's acceptable, even if it's stated in any contract, which should be noted verbally by the therapist that she has the right to conduct sessions with trainees or observers.

Personally, I would have left and later had a long conversation with her about who's writing the check and who gets to say who else is there.