So, I've recently started specialized therapy with an amazing psychiatrist (in Easthampton). The moment I stepped into the room, I felt comfortable with him, and I have to admit I was a little nervous, because there hadn't been a lot of people (possibly none) who had mentioned him. But really, fantastic. The first thing he said to me was 'when it comes right down to it, no one can tell you who you are, who you identify as, except you. I am not here to tell you if you are male or female, or what you should identify as. I am here to help you feel comfortable in your own skin, whether that be with surgery, hrt, or just talking.' When talking about my past with bullying and repressing myself (because of my mom), he genuinely was concerned. He does have an idea of how he wants sessions to go generally, a game plan so to speak, but doesn't control it. He's let me know that when it comes time to write letters, that he writes them with me. I come out of every session feeling good, positive, and excited about the future.

I just wanted to know if anyone else has had some really remarkable therapists. You hear about so many bad stories, about therapists that already had their own ideals, or were phobic, or had no plans to write letters. I just thought it'd be nice to share really great stories.

It's always nice to hear about good experiences with therapists.  I truly lucked out with mine.  She had seen some trans people in the past, but never wrote many letters (mostly just carry) for them.  Together we developed letter templates for carry, T, surgery, and court.  She wrote all of my letters, read both the SOC 6 and 7, and is now seeing several other trans clients.  She is very open-minded, "gender friendly", and is totally against any form of gate keeping.

All of this from a marriage and family therapist in the southern US.  Couldn't have asked for better honestly.

I got so lucky with finding an absolutely amazing therapist. She specializes in GID, among other things, and truly has genuine concern for her patients. Taking time to help one with their GID (understanding or accepting) but also taking the extra time, as she phrased it, "help the whole person" not just the trans individual. She has helped me through so much in the years that I have seen her, and continues to do so as best she can. I even get a big hug at the end of the sessions when I'm about to walk out. She answers her phone directly, plus provides you with her cell phone as well as her email address.

I sing her praise every chance I get and would recommend her to anyone and everyone.

Dr. Carol Clark

www.Youtube.com/drcarolclark
www.DrCarolClark.com
www.AddictAmerica.net
www.SexTherapyTrainingInstitute.com

I have been having a lot of issues with my therapist lately, but I think that's about me and my hang-ups more than anything he has done. It's been rough the past few months, and I have thought about quitting.

But I don't because I am sustained by the way things used to be.

He made a point of using the male pronoun to refer to me in our first conversation, on the phone.

He has never slipped up on pronouns.

We have had the occasional pun battle.

He doesn't push.

When he wrote my T letter, he refused to mention GID because he felt that there was nothing wrong with me.

Last time I left his office, he said he liked the way my beard was coming along.

I see a wonderful psychologist. She is based in a youth center in the more "alternative" place in my city you could say. The youth center's target group is young LGBTQI people. Although I don't see her very often anymore, I have known her for roughly 4 years now and she has helped me through much more than just transitioning. She gave me amazing advice when I was being mistreated in two previous relationships, would make calls/write letters to my old school when I was having issues, etc.

But when I had finally decided to come out as trans (she didn't push to talk about it until I wanted to) she was over the moon happy for me. I gave my doctor her number and they arranged for my psychologist to send a letter of referral through to give me the go ahead for T. I am very lucky to have two supportive people like that for the more medical side of things.