sexual questions are these too much to ask, or normal in gender therapy?

[Julia-Madrid]

Hi Natkat

I believe that you as the patient should lead this line in investigation.  My psychologist asked me to lead the sessions rather than respond to her prompting me.  I freely provided the key information, as it was in my interest to be honest and direct.  But if you're not comfortable answering some questions this is your right.

A good therapist is trying to build up a strong picture of the patient, but some form of doctor-patient confidentiality should exist, and you should ask about this and discuss your concerns.   As you become more comfortable you can open up and discuss your more sensitive subjects.

Julia

[Felix]

I don't remember if or how my therapist asked me about sex. I know she knew I was dating a guy at the time, and that I was sexually active. I was vocal about my ongoing attraction to men. I do remember that my therapist was very secretive about my gender orientation, and didn't want me to tell any of her other clients about it. After saying she'd give me a hormone letter after a certain number of sessions, she then changed her mind and said that her boss told her that they "don't do that," but I threatened her with legal action and then she gave me a letter. She asked me to never show my face in her office after the hormones took effect.

Sometimes I think our therapists have more issues than we do.

[AnomalyEternal]

Erm, I don't know if I feel I'd be able to go through with hormones if I get asked these questions - especially if they want me to actually... you know... do the hanky panky first *shudders* do you think all of them ask these questions? Some of these therapists sound.......... unpleasant.

[Arch]

My therapist didn't initiate ANY questions about my sexuality or sex practices. Anything I felt like sharing was fine, but he recognizes that one's sexual orientation and sexual experiences do not dictate gender identity.

[Natkat]

Erm, I don't know if I feel I'd be able to go through with hormones if I get asked these questions - especially if they want me to actually... you know... do the hanky panky first *shudders* do you think all of them ask these questions? Some of these therapists sound.......... unpleasant.

it depends on your area. I ask here because I wanted a more worldwide view on how normal it is.

[Julia-Madrid]

it depends on your area. I ask here because I wanted a more worldwide view on how normal it is.

I think the questions about trying sex first may simply be a very clumsy way of seeing whetherthe patient is trans or maybe gay.  One of my therapists very actively tried to persuade me down the gay route.  Yes, I tried it.  Yes, I really like men.  No, I'm not gay - I am trans. 

But all my therapists were female and I never was asked or suggested to me to go and have sex.  NatKat, it kind-of feels like your doctor/therapist is male, maybe you've said this?  That would make some difference I think.

[Natkat]

But all my therapists were female and I never was asked or suggested to me to go and have sex.  NatKat, it kind-of feels like your doctor/therapist is male, maybe you've said this?  That would make some difference I think.

no its a female like most of the doctors in the theam she is part of, but I don't see her gender to be a jugdement on whenever she is good or bad or allowed to ask these questions or not.

[awilliams1701]

I'm not sure what to expect in therapy, but if it doesn't come up in going to bring it up. As bi-gender, my 2 halves both have their needs, wants, and desires. Orientation might not be related to gender, but sexuality certainly is, or at least it is for me.