Theropy Session #1

[Guest April]

Well my first theropy session went well I guess. It was not as I was expecting, mainly went over things I already knew. But I guess that there is reassions for that.

Somethings I like about Dr.Bushong is that he was really easy to talk to and seemed to really love to laugh ( really lightens the mood and really made me feel more comfortable ).

Somethings I did not like as much was manly somethings he said like " don't tell nobody because they will not understand you." which I can see to an extent. But that is why we can help educate them. He also said "stay away form chat sites" but then agine I can partialy understand what he might have been thinking. He was probly refering to miss information or being mislead.

Over all it was a really good experance, not what I wanted , but then agine I don't think any would give hormones on first session ... lol.

[Guest Isobelle Fox]

Hey April,

Thanks a lot of telling us your first impressions. I was just terribly curious about this.

It sort of reminds me of my first session with my therapist a few months back. I was actually kind of upset for a couple of reasons. One, I didn't know that the first session is typically an orientation session. Where is what this costs, here is how this works, here is some background about your therapist. I wondered why we didn't get around to much about the reason I was there. Apparently thats not atypical though. It was better the second time as we actually moved on to talking about the issues.

I also had a problem with my counselor being a little on the manly side. I had been lead to believe, by a well meaning friend, that he was experienced with gender issues. When I told him I was a transsexual, he frankly told me that he had only had one experience with such a person before, and that only very briefly. He referred to this person as "flagrantly nelly." That was almost enough to make me get up and leave. He turned out to be a nice and sympathetic person. I genuinely believe he wanted to help me, though I don't know precisely what he thought "help" would look like in my case. He never again expressed himself in that manner in my presence, either, for which I was grateful.

He never told me not to speak to anyone, but it wouldnt have mattered. I had already talked to several people, and I am tremendously glad I did. Seeing that others were willing to accept me helped me to accept myself. Apparently, I wasn't the hideous beast I thought I was. I will say though, that I think almost no one I have spoken to really ever understood. Only one person attempted to clarify his admitted ignorance of the subject. The rest have never asked a question or bothered to speak of it again. So, while I would personally say speak to people if you need to, Bushong might be right about the degree to which people are capable or willing to understand.

I don't understand why he would tell you not to seek chat sites. My counselor actually recommended it and was surprised when I told him what a hard time I had had finding other TS people to talk to on-line. He seemed to think, as I do, that its a good idea. As far as I can tell, we are the ONLY people in the world who really have any CLUE at all what we are going through. I think even the most well meaning doctors and therapists are in the dark to some extent, so talking to and learning from others in the same situation seems important to me. This site already probably saved me from hurting myself by self administering hormones, for instance. And too, this site offers a great place to find potential therapists and to hear about how people feel about them. That seems invaluable to me too.

I dunno... therapy takes a long time, I think. I was terribly frustrated by the pace myself, though I understand it to some degree. That has me frustrated right now, too, because I can't afford to go back yet, and I know I need help, but I also know that that help tends to come very, very slowly while the avalanche of my problems seems to approach with ever greater speed. But I would still say, stick with it if you can afford it. The rewards are there, but like all good things you have to work for them and wait for them.

Keep us posted if you don't mind. I am still thinking about saving up and trying to consult this same person.

Hey, actually, if you don't mind, and if I haven't totally worn you out already, can I ask a question? My counselor wanted two sessions a week, which was impossible for me financially. He seemed pretty resolute that anything less that once a week was a waste of time, which is why I haven't gone back. Even with his generous concessions to my budget, I can't afford 4 sessions a month. Does Dr. Bushong have a normal regimen of sessions? I mean, does he expect a regular meeting- once a week, twice a week, or what? I suppose I could call and ask, but you already know! ::laughs::

[Guest April]

I totally agree with all you said, even more so about the chat rooms. The one about telling people, well I have came out to 3 people and they all accept me for me and have worked hard to learn about this and give me 100% support. I know this is rare and I am very, very lucky. I do have intentions to tell some others like family but the rest will be on a need to know bases. As far as the appointments go he told me that most people do 1 a week for about the first 3 and then tapper off to 1 every 2 weeks. Then he told me that he knew that it did cost allot so I could also go by what I could afford.

[Guest Wendy]

Hey, Isobelle Fox, if I remember right April told me that the doc told her that her next appointment wil be for when ever she makes is.

[Guest Sherri]

I am so excited that you have finally had your first therapy session! It will get better, it just seems they all start out with the basics which the majority already know. Hang in there, it will get better!

[Guest Isobelle Fox]

April and Wendy,

Thanks for the information. That actually sounds promising in a way.

I didn't understand why my original counselor wanted me to come so often until I got started...

I went in and filled out a sheet that was supposed to help him assess my level of depression and that kind of thing, and he seemed surprised: I was a happy person. : P

But the reality of things was that I was a _happier_ person. After battling depression and regret and self-loathing for years, it just felt good to have some of the burden off. Once we got to talking, though, a whole lot of things began to come out that were hard to deal with. Regular sessions then seemed like a good thing, because keeping the momentum and staying on track made sense.

The problem is being able to afford it. Two sessions a week at 120.00 a session was just impossible, so we cut it back to once a week, and that worked for a little while. Then I had to go to the doctor a few times and my budget caved in and never has quite recovered ::laughs:: So, much as I would like to be able to attend more regular sessions until I get some things straightened out, finding a counselor that will allow for more intermittent sessions would be a big help to my money situation. Better some help than none, too, I think.

Anyway, thanks again for the answers. I hope it continues to go well for you and that you will keep us updated on your progress!