So I need therapy. Straight up my brain won't stop spinning so I need to figure this ->-bleeped-<- out. Anyways, there aren't any 'gender therapists' where I live but I found a few that list transsexual issues (along with GLB issues) on this one website. I emailed one of them. And she said she's had many GLB but only one transgender client. Who else has an experience like this? Should I check it out?

I am using an inexperienced therapist now. So far, it's been okay. I have had to do some educating, but overall I am happy seeing her. My issues may be a little different. I am on T, but don't identify as male, but rather andro. I go to see her just to discuss primarily the stress that comes with the social reactions to my decision and my concerns about the loss of the one side of me but the happiness about the other. I personally believe that a good therapist is someone who doesn't judge you. Maybe they don't have the most trans experience, but it doesn't mean they can't help you.

We have one gender specialist in my area. When I went to see her, it was only for two sessions, then she wouldn't see me anymore because I have been diagnosed in the past, INACCURATELY, with being bipolar. She doesn't deal with anyone with prior issues??? and would not treat me, which I found odd being a therapist with years of experience and insane amounts of schooling and credentials. Besides the point, she pretty much told me that if I didn't recognize the difference between gender at a very young age (around 5) and envy males at that point, that I must not be trans. That's the specialist. Now my therapist, who is trans friendly, asked me about why I feel the way I do. I explained, she listened. I told her I am not 100% sure transition is right for me, being gender variant but not male, and she listened. We walked through it. I didn't get a "well you are wrong about your feelings" type of response. Now, I am on T, and I talk to her each session about my concerns, and she is a huge support for me.

It doesn't hurt to try this person out. You may find you need to try out a few different therapists before you find one that works for you.

I would be willing to give her the chance.

If she turns out to be a flake or a screw up you can move on. If she turns out to be a good therapist we can always use more therapists that are up to speed on gender issues.

I agree with the others.  They all start somewhere and the fact they are open to the GLBT community is a huge plus.    Like Cynthialee said, there is always room for more therepist who can help the community.

A lot of the time people who are inexperienced, or just starting, try a hell of a lot harder than the long-time pros.

I would give her a try. If part of the reason you want to see her is to get a letter for hormones/surgery/etc., you should probably ask her in an email if she would feel comfortable writing a letter at some point. No use wasting your time if that's one of your concerns and it ends up being something she won't do. Good luck 

Quote from: cynthialee on July 24, 2011, 10:50:58 AM
I would be willing to give her the chance.

If she turns out to be a flake or a screw up you can move on. If she turns out to be a good therapist we can always use more therapists that are up to speed on gender issues.

This and

Quote from: tekla on July 24, 2011, 11:57:56 AM
A lot of the time people who are inexperienced, or just starting, try a hell of a lot harder than the long-time pros.

this.  My therapist is a general marriage and family therapist.  She had counseled a few trans people before, but hadn't written any letters and wasn't familiar with the WPATH SOC.  So I "educated" her.  Now, she has the SOC printed out, has written several letters for me, and is now seeing more trans people.  It's still not her specialty, but she's very open-minded and willing to learn.  I'd give this therapist a chance.

try her you never know

Any therapist that is willing to take us should be given a chance to help. Keep us posted with updates.

Randi