Question About Begining

[Guest penumbra]

So far I have opened up to everyone, cross dress, etc., including talking to my doctor (psychiatrist). He wants me to see a psychotherapist for my issues, but I don’t think that’s the best route. I figured it would be best to just go straight to a GT. In any case, I did try to schedule to see a psychotherapist and the lady at the office asked if I prefer to see a male or female therapist. I told her I have a hard time talking to men and would prefer to see a female therapist and I would prefer to see one most suited for my situation. I found a GT that is actually covered by my insurance, but I am wondering if my psychiatrist will reject the referrals I have for her. Additionally, is there a possibility that one may be rejected by a GT for treatments such as HRT and SRS even though I am adamant about my decision to transform? I don’t think I can keep going on if I don’t transform as I know I should. Just a scared little questions. And what reasons, if any, would they have for rejecting someone?

[Carolyn Marie]

Here are a few answers and suggestions, Penumbra.

He wants me to see a psychotherapist for my issues, but I don’t think that’s the best route.

I agree. While its possible a psychiatrist would be experienced with, or trained in gender issues, its a bit of a crap shoot as opposed to a G.T., who you know will be.

I am wondering if my psychiatrist will reject the referrals I have for her.

I don't have an answer, but you will only find out if you ask.

Additionally, is there a possibility that one may be rejected by a GT for treatments such as HRT and SRS even though I am adamant about my decision to transform?

A G.T. has to evaluate more than just your level of determination. Anything is possible, of course, but barring issues unrelated to your GID, I can't see why a G.T. would not approve HRT. But speculation is pointless, hon; you can't know in advance what a G.T. will or won't do, and a therapist won't tell you before they even see you. In addition, a recommendation for SRS comes at least a year and probably longer after you start HRT. You know, I'm sure, that you must complete a year of RLE before most G.T's will do that. Just hope for the best and see what happens.

And what reasons, if any, would they have for rejecting someone?

I suggest you review the Standards of Care if you want to know what might cause a G.T. not to recommend HRT or SRS. What will happen in your case can only be

guessed at.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

Those are some tough questions and any answers we could give would be strictly speculation...

The very best thing to do is approach them and ask...

It's just that there are so many variables...

Good luck...

Donna Jean

[Guest miss kindheart]

Dear Penumbra,

<<<< hug >>>>

It is always so nice to see you posting, I do hope that you one day get your chat problem figured out, I would so love to see you their

Carolyn gave you great advice when she mentioned the Standards of Care.

It is something all trans need to read and take to heart, as it is the guidelines for treating Transsexualism.

Here is a link to it (SOC) http://wpath.org/Documents2/socv6.pdf

If it won't load , just do a search " Standards of Care "

What you will find is that most all therapist are qualified to help you.

I personally used a LPC Licensed Professional Councilor, and she help me as well as any one could, and wrote me a letter for HRT.

I then took the letter to a Medical Doctor for treatment.

As for a Transsexual being turned down for treatment:

One reasons would be for Medical issues where there might be a health problem involved.

Another is for those that take matters into their own hands and do things like self administering hormones.

Read the SOC it is all their, And I would recommend that somewhere during your therapy take a copy of it to one of your sessions and ensure that you cover everything required for what it is you need.

vanna

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Additionally, is there a possibility that one may be rejected by a GT for treatments such as HRT and SRS even though I am adamant about my decision to transform? I don’t think I can keep going on if I don’t transform as I know I should. Just a scared little questions. And what reasons, if any, would they have for rejecting someone?

The very reason for a Gender Therapist is to help you find out if you are truely in need of transitioning (I put it really simply). If you are clearly not ready for HRT or SRS you will not be given any letters of recommendation for such. The fundamental reason why one would not be recommended for such therapies is that they clearly demonstrate adverse behavior and psychological conditions whereby their transgendered issuse are over shadowed by more immediate and compelling issues.

To be sanctioned for HRT one must be of sound mind and sound physicality. Failure to meet these two criteria will result in denial.

Please keep in mind that transitioning is very serious. HRT and SRS are very important steps. One MUST be sure!!!! A gender therapist helps you to understand this...

Any other questions?

I will answer them.

Brenda

[Guest Mia J]

The first time I started transition I went to a therapist that we had used before on some issues. She did not have a clue as what to do as she had never worked with someone with gender issues although she had worked with gay and lesbian clients.

I found another therapist through the local Gender Identity Center who did work as a Gender Therapist. She made all of the difference in the world as she was able to work through my own confusion. I would highly recommend seeking out a therapist who has worked with gender issues as a main part of their practice.

I have also heard that there are a few therapists out there that advertise as being a gender therapist but from the perspective that they cure you of this disorder so that you will stay happily in the gender you were born to. They are not going to be able to help you truly find out who you are as they have an agenda to make you "normal".

Mia

[Guest Donna Jean]

They are not going to be able to help you truly find out who you are as they have an agenda to make you "normal".

Mia

Yes......

THEIR version of "normal!"

Careful....'

Donna Jean

[Guest Amanda joan]

WOW Miss Penumbra,

You have a lot on your mind, welcome to the club.

I must start with you were someone wise started with me. If you are not sure about transition them don't do it. It is the hardest thing I have ever taken on. I have had many pains inflicted on my heart that I would never had seen coming. You need to be sure this is something you are ready for, it's a big step!

Now if you still want to do this I have some advice for you.

First you need to focus on just a few things right now, First you need to find a good counselor, one you can trust and open up to. Know this if in the first meeting or two they are trying to talk you out of the feelings you are having you have the wrong therapist. Second you need to educate yourself like you have never educted yourself about anything before. Many people here have done this and they are dealing with their lives much better than the ones who think they already know it all. Read some good books like "She's not there" by Jennifer Boulan ( I think that's how you spell it) or "Gender Worrior" by Kate Burnstein. These books opened my eye to many issues I had never considered. This Website is filled with test, artical, definitions and blogs that will educate you. Last thing you need is to work out your time line. I did this and it took away to feeling that I was not making any progress.

I want to pass on something I was told by my GT, transition is like getting on a train in New York that is bound for California. You may decide to take the train all the way to it's final destination, you may also get off and back on several times before you get to the final stop. You may also get off in Denver and decide that that is as far as you want to go.

When I was were you are now I had a hard time appling everything I read to my journey. I read it and thought Oh that makes sense and then I would do what I had initually set out thinking I should do and I was very unhappy. Please trust me take the time now to prepare yourself for this journey. This is going to be every bit as hard to do as climbimg Mount Everest, you would not attenpt that without perparing for many months to insure you could get were you intended to go without getting killed.

There is much for you to do and you have a lifetime to do it, so do it well, do it in a way that will bring those you love along for the journey, you will need someone to lean on. If you don't have any trans friends talk to a gay friend. They know all about the fears of coming out to family and friends.

OOOOPS I did it again.

We can talk more sometime soon.

Peace & Love Amanda Joan