I having trouble getting over my fear of therapy.  I know I should go, but for some reason I can't bring myself to do so.  I always am afraid that the therapist won't believe my story since I haven't always believed I was a girl.  When I was younger I really was a man.  My life is rather mundane with nothing going on and I am kind of a bum is some aspects.  I fear that they will just tell me that I need to "live life" or something.  Has anyone had similar fears as well at one time or another?

The therapists job isn't to make judgments on you. I know the fear you speak; before I went I worried they'd reject me like a nut. But if they are a good therapist/counselor, they won't do that, they're there to work with you, and to put you in the seat to think and get to the heart of your matters.

Hi Lauren. From my limited experience of having had two gender therapists, I'd say that they take their cue from you and what you tell them. If you are transsexual and you know this, and you know exactly what you want to do, you shouldn't have too much problem. The days of gatekeepers requiring uber masculinity or femininity and affected dress and manners are gone. I was up front about everything, and had no problems.

Usually they mail you a bio and have you fill out your life story, then on the first session they give you their opinion on it.

Good thread...and by no means a baseless concern. Good luck with your decision and experience if and when you choose to go, Lauren.

My fear was that I would find out stuff about myself that I didn't want to know, but in some ways that's the point of therapy. 

The therapist isn't there to judge.  (Early on I was very disappointed that she didn't say either "You're fine, what are you doing here?" or "You're a real nutcase." )  Now I know that the therapist is there to help me find myself, to help me accept myself, and to help me through the rough spots.

We all fear change and self-revelation, but we benefit from it in the long run.  Go for it!

*hugs*
Kate

I remember when I went to therapy a while ago (not currently in therapy at the moment), and I had a similar fear. I was nervous and anxious, but after a while the fear of trying to prove who I was went away, and we started focusing on issuing pertaining with the transition ahead.

Now that I'm moving all the way across the country to Texas, I'm going to have to find a new therapist and start the same process all over again. Hopefully, the second time around it will be a lot easier.

Anyways, be yourself and try to communicate how you feel - my original therapist was very understanding.

Quote from: lauren3332 on June 07, 2009, 10:00:54 PM
I having trouble getting over my fear of therapy.  I know I should go, but for some reason I can't bring myself to do so.  I always am afraid that the therapist won't believe my story since I haven't always believed I was a girl.  When I was younger I really was a man.  My life is rather mundane with nothing going on and I am kind of a bum is some aspects.  I fear that they will just tell me that I need to "live life" or something.  Has anyone had similar fears as well at one time or another?

Hey i know where your comming from, we differ in ive always felt female but instead of living that way in my youth i was a hidden kid fighting an inner battle but the fear oof therapy was there because of what they might say, like im such a tomboy girl in my mind, scared the therapist would say live as male for another 3 years and come back later. though after the first appointment I almost cried in relief, hell i did, cause she was so helpful and supportive, the therapist just wants to listen toy our side and try to rule out other things, if this is truely how you feel then that is how the therapist will see it, like with my she mentioned just seeing how i light up with a happy tone and all when i so much as mentionthe times my friend accidently refered to me as she, felt so great just to hear, etc. They know what to look for, and if you have a bad therapist who does try to control your decision then simply look for another one

Therapy is so awesome. I'm introverted quite a bit, so talking with someone really got me to open up and discover a lot more about myself. I would have never discovered I was trans if I hadn't seen a counselor.

It's sort of like....expecting to walk into a minefield but finding a bed of flowers instead.

Quote from: lauren3332 on June 07, 2009, 10:00:54 PM
I having trouble getting over my fear of therapy.  I know I should go, but for some reason I can't bring myself to do so.  I always am afraid that the therapist won't believe my story since I haven't always believed I was a girl.  When I was younger I really was a man.  My life is rather mundane with nothing going on and I am kind of a bum is some aspects.  I fear that they will just tell me that I need to "live life" or something.  Has anyone had similar fears as well at one time or another?

I've had so many by now I just blurt everything out in a fountain of tears. I saw a new therapist today and my only fear was she would not want to deal with me again. You have nothing to fear and might be breath of fresh air to deal with and actually give them a break from dealing with people like me.

Quote from: Kara on June 16, 2009, 10:09:15 PM
It's sort of like....expecting to walk into a minefield but finding a bed of flowers instead.

Nicely put, Kara.   

- Kate

 I think most therapists are there because they want to be. They are much better about not judging than other health professionals, much better. If you meet with your therapist and just dont feel like they are being honest or listening, then feel free to get a second opinion.