Some Questions Regarding Gender Therapists/psychologists.

[Guest Janessa]

I recently checked Laura's website for Gender Therapists to look for a Gender Therapist near where I live, but I was unable to find any near where I live(which is a town near Springfield). So I was wondering, would any therapist work, and would a psychologist work too?

If a psychologist will work too, what's the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

Also, since I can't visit any of the suggested therapists on the website, is there much of a chance of my therapist/psychologist being untrustworthy? I think I've heard before somewhere that some therapists may be prejudiced against transgender people, but I may very well just be paranoid.

Even though my parents are paying for it, is the therapist/psychologist required to keep my secret from them if I want it kept confidential? I'm turning 18 in November, if that makes any difference.

I haven't told them yet, but I think if I have a professional to confirm to them I'm not just a pervert it would be a lot easier to come out to them. So far I've just told them I'd like to see a psychologist or therapist.

[Guest]

A gender therapist uses the WPATH Transgender Standards of Care http://www.wpath.org/Documents2/socv6.pdf . You could print out a ccopy and give it to any therapist. If a therapist feels out of their league they usually refer you to someone else who can help. As part of the interview process ask how they feel about transgender people. If they have objections pick someone else.

Laura

[Guest Janessa]

Kay I'll have to remember that. *just read through the wpath thing*

Hope a good one isn't too hard to find, though; hoping they'll help me tell my parents in a way that will worry them as little as possible. =x

[Guest Janessa]

Apparently my mom signed me up to see a male therapist, most likely because she thinks I'm a guy. I'm not sexist or anything, but I just feel like women understand me better and that I can open up more to other women a lot more easily than I can to men; sorry if that sounds sexist, I am really not sexist D:. Plus he's not a gender therapist in the first place, so does anyone think there's even a point in seeing him? =\

I'm really lost as to what to do. It may be impossible to find a therapist that is qualified to help transgender people in my area; there are definately not any suggested on Laura's and after hours of searching I still couldn't find one. I also can't tell my mom so she probably assumes I am just going to a therapist for relationship problems, bullying, or something that really doesn't pertain to me in the slightest. >.<

[Guest Joanna Phipps]

My therapist isnt a gender therapist either but she has been willing to learn and is working with a few of us here. Take your gender questions with you and ask them. I dont find it sexist to want to see a femal, if that is who you are most comfortable with, my gp and therapist are both women and of great help to me.

[Guest Donna Jean]

Apparently my mom signed me up to see a male therapist, most likely because she thinks I'm a guy. I'm not sexist or anything, but I just feel like women understand me better and that I can open up more to other women a lot more easily than I can to men; sorry if that sounds sexist, I am really not sexist D:. Plus he's not a gender therapist in the first place, so does anyone think there's even a point in seeing him? =\

Sweetheart....

Many in our place (MTF) feel that a woman therapist is more understanding and less likely to harbor a prejudice against us....also many consider thema better listener....

But, my therapist was a male and he was quite empathetic and caring about me!

Yes...there is a point in seeing him...if he's not up to the task,,,he may give you a referral to someone who is!

Good luck, Baby!

Donna Jean

[Guest Janessa]

Thanks for the posts both of you. I was really nervous as this was the first time I had ever seen a therapist/psychologist for any reason, but things turned out a lot better than I thought they would. Your posts really helped make me less nervous. =p

He did not really understand, but he said there is a therapist in the building that has had a patient with the same problem as me. So he is going to see if he/she would feel comfortable taking me on as a patient. So by the looks of it I am going to be referred to someone else, but that is a lot better than what it could have been; I was worried there wouldn't be anyone for him to refer me to.

Not sure how legible it is since he didn't really seem to understand why I feel I should be a woman and I wasn't really sure how to explain it, but he looked through this big book thingy and said he thinks I have Gender Identity Disorder. Well I'm scheduled for my next appointment on the 25th of November, I hope it goes well. =x

[Guest Joanna Phipps]

Gender Identity Disorder is the medical/Psychiatric name for our condition. The book he kept looking at was probably the DSM IV-TR (a name you will hear alot in refference to transgender issues. It is the bible of North American Psychiatry). What he means is tha he can see the problems that your gender dysphoria is causing you and wants to refer you to someone who has more experience with gender cases (this is a good thing). Dont worry about all of the jargon, over time you will get used to it and bandy it around with the best of them.

I might recommend that you get a copy of the Harry Benjamin Standards so that you have a refference as to what to expect and approximately when.

hugs and welcome to the journey

[Guest Janessa]

I'm seeing my therapist again tomorrow, but by the looks of it I'm in for major disappointment. He never got back to me about being referred to someone else, so most likely I'll just be seeing the same therapist again. =\ I barely understand this myself, so I really do not think I'd be able to teach him on the subject; for that reason I would prefer someone with experience, but I don't know what I'll do if the only available therapist understands even less on the subject than I do. >.< (Basically all I know is that I am supposed to be a woman; I have no idea how to even explain why I feel this way, I just do.)

Well wish me luck I guess, I hope it turns out better than it seems like it's going too.

[Guest Donna Jean]

Well Honey, You're going tomorrow so there isn't much to do about that now...just go and see if anything is breaking loose..

If this isn't working out with him ask for a referral to a gender therapist!

Good Luck., Sweetheart!

Donna Jean

[Guest HaidyBearxx]

I read the WPATH. Somewhere in there it talks about starting the therapy (for me T) says "as early as sixteen" so does that mean i hae to wait another year?!?! I cant do that