It Seems Like Therapy May Be Right Around The Corner

[Guest sleeping chrysalid]

It looks like I'm going to find a therapist soon because I have been given some specific places to start looking. There are two clinics nearby that offer therapy and I have started thinking about the kind of therapist I want. I do not know what to expect. I do not know if it will be interrogative and probing or if it will address my thoughts and feelings in a relaxed way. I am wondering if it matters whether I see a male or female gender therapist. I have wondered if a female therapist may be more understanding. I remember Roxanna mentioning that she met with a therapist that happened to be a transwoman. I don't think I can count on that but it would be nice to make an appointment with a therapist that is both professional and empathetic. I think there should be a connection but I also realize that it should still be proper therapy. Now that I can see it in the near future it doesn't seem as far but my state of mind makes it seem a lot more distant. I need it so much that waiting a few months feels like eternity. I am normally very patient but I have never been so desperate. There is a person that I can see in the mean time but I need to be careful. His name is Louie Chang and if I look and I find that he is qualified I might be able to see him for more immediate care because he works with Youth Beyond Barriers and my friend Kevin can help me get in touch with him. I still need to be careful because I don't want the experience to be traumatic instead of helpful but I have somewhere to look and I am heading for an established destination.

[Guest Emily Ray]

This is wondeful news! I myself see a lesbian woman who has over ten transgender clients. She is wonderful and I knew the minute her door closed that she was someone I could trust my deepest secrets. In that first meeting it just kind of all came out. From what I have read of others experiences on the site with good therapists it happens that way. I don't know what would be a bad experience because I don't have one to judge. A bit of advice for you and others who read this. The despair that you are feeling now waiting for you therapist is only a precursor to events of the future. Please work on your coping skills now because in the future you will need every last one of them. But, all is not doom and gloom! There will be truckloads of good days ahead and they are unbelievable in the joy they will bring you. But, there will be days where you will need the skills and social supports that you are developing here and in your life that will be able to carry you through. I wish that I had better prepared myself for the days that I am presently in. Yes! I wish someone had told me how to do this. But, like growing up we each need to find our own path through the forest. Take as many brushes in the makeup bag as it will hold going in because it is a wild night and that horse shoe shaped brush will come in handy when you need it most!

Huggs

Emily

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Emily nails it!

And let me say my therapist is also Lesbian, and has had over 100 trans-patients (she is older like me). It isn't that important - the therapist, if gender dysphoria trained, will guide you to the truth. And it's so simple... just relax and be brutally honest in what you say!

Don't worry - be confident. It's going to be a wonderful experience.

GRAND GRAND GRAND

Lizzy

[Carolyn Marie]

Chrysalis, try not to overthink it, hon. You'll stress yourself out for no reason.

Good therapists come in all genders, straight, gay, trans, married, divorced, you name it. My G.T. is a middle aged married woman with

a teenage kid. She was absolutely wonderful. She also happened to be very experienced, being in the field for 20 years. The experience

part seems a lot more important than everything else.

If they are good, you'll be OK. Trust me on that.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie