I am scared to try counseling as I am not even sure if I want the FtM surgery yet. But I'm confused. I've never really thought about it until now, but I am starting to want to be a boy. When I was a kid in elementary school/middle school, I was teased for being a lesbian even though I was straight, I was ust trying to make some friends but I wasn't very girly that much. All in all, making friends was/is hard. Anyways, I never really liked Barbie dolls. I was more into dinosaurs and hot wheels cars and video games. you know. Guy stuff. Even now, as a teenage girl, I prefer my hoodies and sweatpants over my skirts and dresses (even though I do enjoy dresses, makeup, and getting my hair done for special occasions like weddings). I don't wear any make up. I picture myself in my head as a boy instead of a girl but I am afraid to give up this life as a girl. I am also attracted to men. I think I am possibly Bi, though I have never had the courage to experiment with a girl to be sure. I am not afraid of my family rejecting me; I think they are very accepting and I have a good chance of keeping them. My questions: does it sound like I need counseling? How does it work? What kind of questions do they ask you? Do you hae to have someone there with you?

Oh, but I still look like a girl now. People see me as a girl and identify me as a girl, however sometimes I wish I was a boy. I don't know. I'm just so confused!

Counseling can be used to figure things out. It's not just to get someone to approve surgery or hormones.

I'd look for an LGBT friendly therapist and talk to them about it.

Josh, you might find some good advice on the therapy forum: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,52.0.html. You might have to do a lot of reading, though.

I agree with Lachlann. If there's an LGBT center in your city or in the nearest big city, call or e-mail and ask if they can help you. My center, for example, has an on-staff gender therapist (huge waiting list, though) and a list of gender therapists in the general area. You can also try a Google search. Type in your city and a useful phrase like "gender therapist," "gender therapy," "transgender counseling," or something like that.

Also try the Reference Library section here at Susan's. There's a link to the TG Portal, where you can find a list of therapists. It's not complete, but it's a start. Here's the list: https://www.susans.org/Transitioning/Therapists/.

If you strike out, you can also post a query in the therapy section. You'll see such queries--"Therapist in Podunkville?" and the like.

One warning, though. A general therapist, even an LGBT-friendly one, might not have the knowledge and expertise to help you navigate trans-related issues. Some can and some can't. Some really can't but won't admit it. Some will try to "fix" you if you feel male or androgynous. That's why your best bet is usually a therapist who specializes in gender. Usually. I've heard a few stories about non-helpful gender therapists. You might have to shop around to find someone who is right for you. That's not at all unusual.

Good luck, and keep us posted.