1st Visit to My Gender Therapist Tomorrow!

[Guest Janice Lynn]

Tomorrow I will be driving 100 miles for my first session with a gender therapist. It will be

my first session with a gender counselor in over 15 years, but my wife and I both agree

that this is a step we need to take together. Not only is she supportive, she wants to come

with me to calm my nerves as I meet this person for the first time. She will not, of course,

take part in the session or even be in the office suite, but just knowing she wants to hold my

hand going there and coming home means more than I can express. We've even talked

about stopping at an outlet mall for some shopping afterwards.

I don't know what will happen tomorrow. Perhaps the GT and I will chat and she or I

will decide we are not a "match" for one or more reasons. Or perhaps we'll click and we

can begin to find ways for me to give my femininity its fullest expression without transitioning

all the way. I've read and listened to those who have found such a place in their lives and

hope I can do the same without asking too much of my incredibly wonderful wife.

I know I am going to have trouble sleeping tonight. I am scared and incredibly excited at

the same time!

[Guest Krisina]

It is good that you have a supportive wife and that she will be coming out on the trip to the GT with you. I hope you can find some peace with your life and continue to have your wonderful wife with you too.

All the best for your GT appointment.

Krisina

[Cyndee]

It's an awesome feeling to go to the GT, I just had a session myself earlier this week, I felt so good, I am so lucky to have her around. I hope your 100 mile trip is fullfilling and useful Janice.

Let us know how it went

Hugs

Cindy -

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

Good luck, Hon......

Remember...transitioning isn't for everyone....there are plenty of other comfort zones.....

Good luck!

Huggs

Dee Jay

[Guest John Chiv]

Janice,

Keep us updated on how it went today.

John

[Guest Mia J]

It is great your wife wants to go and "hold your hand". That means a lot. My experience with my current GT is fantastic. I have never left her office without feeling better than when I went in.

If or how far you transition is of course going to depend on where you can find a place to be accepting and happy with yourself. Many have found that place without having to completely transition. Let us know how it goes.

Mia

[Guest Janice Lynn]

Thank you for all your kind words! It was nice to now there were others thinking about my

session with the GT.

I was delighted with how everything went. I had at her request written some introductory

material that would allow us to move forward more quickly, given the 3 hour round trip.

She was prepared with questions and put me completely at ease. I may have blushed a

few times and a couple of times there was a lump in my throat and some tears, but it was

exactly what therapy is supposed to be ... therapeutic. She is a caring, compassionate

woman who accomplished a lot in an hour and a half (didn't charge for extra 40 minutes)!

We agreed that the goal, given my circumstances, will be to transition as much as possible

without putting our place in our business and community in jeopardy. I should mention

here that a couple health problems would prevent a full transition in any case, so I've

accepted this limited transition as a reasonable goal.

I must have presented myself well because she offered to give me "the letter" that would

connect me with one of two doctors nearby who are supportive of transsexuals and others

with issues like us. I deferred, asking that we have another session in order that she can

be sure it is the right thing to do. Perhaps I should have agreed then and there, but if

anything I do not want to appear overeager and I want the therapy relationship as much

as low levels of estrogen. So we will have another session in two weeks.

Thanks again for your cares and thoughts today!

Jan

[Guest Robin Winter]

Glad to hear it went well Starting with a GT was a pivotal moment in my life, too.

[Cyndee]

Excellent Jan, best wishes on your journey.

Hugs

Cindy -

[Guest Amanda Whyte]

Wow, I never dreamt that you could get your "letter" in your first visit. I am very scared now!!!

Congrats though.

[Guest Janice Lynn]

Amanda, please don't be scared. I think you misunderstood the meaning of "the letter,"

which may be my fault. Maybe I didn't make myself clear.

"The letter" I posted about referred to my GT's readiness to sign off on the fact that I

am transsexual, which will allow me to gain access to a LBGT doctor who will, after

meeting her physical criteria, prescribe hormone therapy designed to help me transition

to the degree I have asked of my GT. She is 100% comfortable with a regimen that will

meet the needs or desires I have asked for.

This is not the same "letter" as the one you would carry in your purse verifying that,

should you be "apprehended" by the authorities (whoever they are), you are now living

your life as a woman in preparation for surgery. That is an entirely different letter than

the one my therapist is providing me.

Please don't be scared because my GT is providing me with a letter that concludes that

I am, after written correspondence and personal counseling, a transsexual needing

assistance by a person qualified to render a medical judgment.

You are you. Don't be frightened. Just be open and honest. And yeah, you don't need

to bring your own tissues.

Love ya, Jan

[Guest Donna Jean]

This is not the same "letter" as the one you would carry in your purse verifying that,

should you be "apprehended" by the authorities (whoever they are), you are now living

your life as a woman in preparation for surgery. That is an entirely different letter than

the one my therapist is providing me.

Love ya, Jan

The letter of which you speak here is known as a "Carry Letter" and kept with you throughout your transition....

(I also call it the "Get out of jail free" card...)

I've had mine for over 3 years and never took it out of my purse....

Good luck

Dee Jay

[Guest Amanda Whyte]

Oh, my first visit to the GT is thursday so I was meaning the letter to get the hormones. I figured there would be several visits first to work things out. I am scared, excited, apprenhisive, inpatient, and nervous all at once for my appointment. I get "high" with excitement and then start thinking about all the problems that will arise and get SO scared. I just didnt think they could diagnose you so quick. Well, I didnt mean to hijack your thread. I will go panic in my own thread.

[Guest Janice Lynn]

Amanda, you are not hijacking "my thread." This thread is intended for all of us. It is

not about me except to share some positive things that have happened in my life.

Too often we fail to share the joy or exhilaration that comes with even the smallest of

"victories." I'd be sad if you felt unwanted or appreciated here. I need all the voices

I can right now.

I sure understand your emotions about going to your GT on Thursday. I cannot recall

any moment in my life that brought about the confluence of all the feelings you expressed

than the first time I sat with a GT and bared my soul. It was tough, but worth every bit

of fright, pain, sorrow, joy, ..... you get the idea. When your first session ends I do

believe you will come out feeling physically lighter having tossed so many burdens off

your back.

Please get back to me here about how your session goes on Thursday. I will be thinking

and praying for you. Its a little bit like being reborn when someone looks at you and

accepts you as a transsexual.

[Guest John Chiv]

Jan,

Thanks for the update and wishing you all the best.

John

[Guest Janice Lynn]

Thank you so much for your support, John. I really appreciate it. I already

feel I am receiving the best. My wife has finally come to accept me for the

girl or woman. No one in my position could ever ask for more.

[Guest Amanda Whyte]

Dont worry, I dont think you guys could get me to shut up even if Chuck Norris brought the duct tape.

[Guest Janice Lynn]

Amanda .... my thoughts are with you today as you visit your gender therapist! Have

yourself one fine day!

[Guest Amanda Whyte]

Thank you Janice and thank you for remembering. Trying not to obsess over what I want and just be happy to get some answers.