I've started therapy with what seems to be a nice female counselor.  We have had two sessions so far, in which she is getting to know me and my situation.  I have some reservations since she has not worked with transgendered clients before, though she has experience with gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients.  She is an addictions specialist and marriage counselor, but she believes that she can help me and after several sessions, provide me with a letter for hormones (though my new family physician may prescribe them to me before that).  I don't want to waste my money (could use it for electrolosis or voice lessons) but I'll give her a couple more sessions and see how it goes.  I felt like she was a little overwhelmed today, and I had to explain why I could not be happy with a gay man (and why a gay man would not be happy with me). 

It's great that you started therapy and the woman does seem to have an open mind!  I hope she works out for you and will be able to write your letters that you need.

I've started therapy with what seems to be a nice female counselor.  We have had two sessions so far, in which she is getting to know me and my situation.

Glad to hear that, Robertina.

  Looks good here, Robertina. 
  Joelene

What should I expect to get out of therapy, other than my letters?  A couple years ago I thought I needed a therapist to help me be sure that I was a woman, but I don't feel that I need that anymore as I'm 100% sure inside.  I'm just not so confident on passing, but just the other day I was again referred to as she and I wasn't even trying (jeans and a T-shirt), so that made me feel good. 

So far, though, I feel like I'm educating my therapist more than she is helping me, but I suppose we are still in the getting to know me phase.

Sometimes the changes that come with hormones (emotional; shifts in body dysphoria) are good topics for therapy, as can be dealing with other family members, stuff like that. And if you are planning on lower surgery in the future, when you do stop working with her now, leave the door open, so to speak, so you can come back to fill out any required time for another therapist letter.

However, there are plenty of opportunities for your therapist to educate herself on trans issues: books, conferences, online webinars, and that whole "internet" thing. 🙂

What you get out of therapy can vary enormously. If you have co-morbid problems it can help to discuss them and work on any past life issues you have problems with. Once you start on HRT and your testosterone levels plunge, people can get depressed from the sudden hormonal change, you can also get side effects such as nausea and headaches,  my therapist is used to seeing these effects in his patients and is quick to realise if you have an issue and can help with it.

Otherwise it can just be a person who you can talk to openly and honestly about any problems you face in being accepted in your society.

Oh Congratulations as well

Cindy

Its only been two sessions, but I don't feel that I am getting much out of the therapy.  I'll see what happens on the third.  I do have other issues that I could deal with that are probably related to my gender dysphoria (such as low self-esteem and depression).  I am very anxious to start HRT because I have been most of my life without testosterone due to my Klinefelters condition.  I'm hoping that estradial will help stabalize my mood, which my lady MD thinks will likely happen.

I don't think I'll tell my folks, though I would love for my mother to be able to accept me, but that is unlikely.