Gender Therapist Vs Non Gender Therapist.

[Guest tiffany_marie]

First off I love my therapist, she seems to know her stuff and is very open minded. Most everyone else in this area would try to 'cure' me... like there's really anything to cure in the first place. My therapist is originally from a larger area in Kansas City and has more of an open minded big city vibe about her.

Having said that from minutes into our first session she told me that while she's had a few trans clients in the past, she didn't consider herself to be a gender therapist per say, nor did she consider herself an expert on the subject.

I found out about this therapist from a friend, who sees her for a completely unrelated reason... that's how I found out that she's had some trans clients in the past.

I feel completely comfortable with my therapist, again she may claim to not be an expert on the subject.. but she sure seems knowledgeable to me.

My question is this:

Would I be even better served seeing an actual gender therapist, or should I continue seeing the lady I'm seeing now.. since I feel so comfortable around her?

For the record the only real option with a gender therapist right now would be online via skype.... as I know of a few that offer sessions that way and I don't really have the means to travel for regular sessions.

I'm leaning toward sticking with my current therapist, as she's one of the most knowledgeable 'non experts' on a subject that I've seen.

Any feedback on what 'you' would do?

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Ask her? She should know if she is qualified to help you.

Lizzy

[Guest Donna Jean]

My question is this:

Would I be even better served seeing an actual gender therapist, or should I continue seeing the lady I'm seeing now.. since I feel so comfortable around her?

Well,I have a few questions for you, first...ok?

Where do you need/intend to go with therapy? Is it strictly for gender purposes or are you working on other issues?

If it's all about gender, you'll need to ask her if she will be willing to write you a HRT letter when you're ready.

If she's not good with that you might be wasting your time and money....

Being comfortable with your therapist is a huge plus...it makes it all flow much more smoothly...

For the record the only real option with a gender therapist right now would be online via skype.... as I know of a few that offer sessions that way and I don't really have the means to travel for regular sessions.

again, what's your goals, timeline, etc....?

An online therapist is a perfectly viable option, but most prefer eye to eye...

I'm leaning toward sticking with my current therapist, as she's one of the most knowledgeable 'non experts' on a subject that I've seen.

You need to weigh what she can do for you and your goals and timelines...

If you are working on a number of issues, you may be fine just where you're at....

Any feedback on what 'you' would do?

Huggs & Luck

Donna Jean

[JenniferB]

Tiffany, does your therapist know about and follow the WPATH Standard of Care? IMO that is very important. The SoC is set up for our own protection and it would be a disservice if she does not have the knowledge necessary.

Jenny

[Carolyn Marie]

Tiffany, the other ladies have given you excellent advice, and offered good questions you should ask you therapist.

All I will add is that you could have a terrible G.T., or a great general therapist. There isn't a guarantee either way.

Ask the questions, evaluate the answers, and make a informed decision. All the best to you.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest tiffany_marie]

Thanks girls, will broach these topics with her on Wednesday.

You all are the best!

[Drea]

As with many things where we would like to think there is a nice and simple answer, reality is a bit more muddier.

"Gender Therapists" tend to vary hugely. Some provide therapy in a traditional sense dealing with all the other issues (shame, guilt, self esteem, insecurity, whatever it may be) as well as providing some transition guidence as well as the referral letters. Others verify the client has no major pathologies basically point to the standards and say have at it and just monitor progress and provide referrals and some guidence. In this latter case, rather than regularly weekly sessions the therapist might see the person once a month or once every few months. That is not therapy. In some instances those who take the latter approach will suggest client sees a regular therapist.

What can be said for gender therapists is that they are more aware of the issues that trans folk encounter as well as potential solutions. Also they are clearly willing to provide referrals for hormones and/or SRS and that is something a general therapist may be very reluctant to do. I do know cases were people have had very good experiences, gotten referrals for hormone and SRS, from a therapist who doesn't specialize in gender.

For the record the only real option with a gender therapist right now would be online via skype.... as I know of a few that offer sessions that way and I don't really have the means to travel for regular sessions.

Such online therapists can be more affordable and practical alternatives and have been known to provide referrals. I can only say that as far as the benefits one can get from therapy, such is far more restrictive than face to face weekly sessions.