Advice on therapy?

[Guest OutOfSorts180]

Hi...I just introduced myself in the Introductions forum.

In my intro, I mentioned that I reached out to a therapist via email. Asked him what his approach was with MTF transgenders and he said he works from a "cognitive-existential perspective." Does anyone have experience with this type of approach/therapy?

Thanks.

OutOfSorts180

[Guest Mia J]

I am not sure what that is. One of the things you want to make sure of is that your gender therapist follows the Wpath Standards Of Care.

You are taking the correct action in seeking a therapist. No matter how long we have "known" who we are the re-affirmations we get from a good GT do a lot to take so much of the burden off of us.

Mia

[Guest Shari]

My GT also uses that approach. I can't really say what it means. We talk. She follows my lead and has a unique ability to explore with me, my thoughts and attitudes.

I hope you have a good connection with your therapist like I do with mine. After a lot of years of keeping things bottled up, it felt great to finally talk to someone who could help.

She has helped me to learn who I really am, and to love myself again. The experience has been wonderful.

Shari

[Guest OutOfSorts180]

The therapist I found was in the list of therapists from this site. He's got over 5 years of experience (maybe not a whole lot) and he says he's currently treating one other MTF who is also in the late 50's.

In any case,I liked his email response to me...so...we shall see what we shall see.

And Shari, thanks for sharing that your GT also uses the same approach as that comforts me. And like you, I know I'm really looking forward to finally getting a chance to talk about all of my pent up feelings and thoughts.

[MackenzieB]

Sorry, perhaps no great answer here. I've burned through 4 therapists in my journey. I have no idea of their ideology of treatment. Just see somebody. What do you really want from them anyway? To tell you (perhaps) what you already know, or is it help you sort through a collection of thoughts within yourself? Or to get a letter?

What matters most to you? Is it the type of method which they adhere to, or the final outcome?

In my opinion... if YOU are really at ease with discussing your most secret parts of your life... (those which you only trust unto yourself) with that person, STAY THERE!

The particular "method" perhaps may not be the best way to judge that person.

The best therapist I've ever seen in my journey was this wonderful Lady in Seattle. Was she the most experienced? Perhaps not... BUT... She by far was the MOST endearing and caring person within that profession who I've ever met! And initially I had to explain to her what needed to go into a hrt letter. (She did follow all of the procedures of the SOC with that darn book on her lap!) Gotta LOVE somebody with that kind of passion!

Myself, I'm driving to the most Awesome Sunset I've ever seen in my life! I'm gonna get there. And I don't care if that road is blacktop, concrete or a damn dirt path I have to walk up. There's an end to that path and it's happiness, fulfillment and peace of mind.

I KNOW that in the end, all of the pain, frustration and sadness of the journey will be behind me.

KICK IT! START YOUR JOURNEY. Do you really want to stop and take the time to smell the daisies that will be there again next year?

Girl, don't question the map.

Start the Journey.

[Carolyn Marie]

Hon, what treatment philosophy or approach your therapist uses is not nearly as important as how you interact with him. Do you connect, do you feel at ease, is he familiar with the needs and issues of transsexuals, have any of those he's treated gone on to successful transition, does he know endocrinologists, voice therapists and other professionals to whom he can refer you? Does he have or can he connect you with a support or therapy group, so you can meet other trans-folk?

To me, those are the important questions, not whether he prefers the cognitive, existential, humanistic or some other approach to therapy.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest OutOfSorts180]

Hon, what treatment philosophy or approach your therapist uses is not nearly as important as how you interact with him. Do you connect, do you feel at ease, is he familiar with the needs and issues of transsexuals, have any of those he's treated gone on to successful transition, does he know endocrinologists, voice therapists and other professionals to whom he can refer you? Does he have or can he connect you with a support or therapy group, so you can meet other trans-folk?

To me, those are the important questions, not whether he prefers the cognitive, existential, humanistic or some other approach to therapy.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

Hi Carolyn Marie:

All very good points. I will be calling on Monday to make my first appointment with him for Wednesday. I will definitely be asking him a lot of questions and seeing if I feel comfortable with him or not.

As for him being aware of the needs of transsexuals, per his website, he is. Plus when I was searching for possible GT's I found his name on the "Playgrounds" list of therapists. Also, he has treated both MTF and FTM transsexuals I believe to full transition. In his initial response to me, he said something to the effect that once he felt I was comfortable with what would happen to those around me, he would recommend hormones and help me with how to inform my family. Similarly for any surgeries, he would recommend them when he felt I was essentially ready.

In any case, I really appreciate your concern. I am excited as well as anxious for Wednesday to get here.

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Caitlintg: I also appreciate your response. I agree, the outcome is more important than the method.

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You have all been great so far to me. Many many thanks!