1st Gender Therapist app tomorrow. Advice?

[Guest Kaylee]

Hi everyone.

I think I have found a Gender therapist, and plan on seeing her for the first time tomorrow evening. I've read the post about what to ask before seeing them. She was the only local therapist the specified gender issues, most said equal issues. We chatted breifly, and she seems pleasant enough.

I'm nervous... This is my first real step. I was wondering if anyone had heard of her previously. Kelley Michelle Tapa in Winnetka California?

And so.... The ride begins

[VickySGV]

I cannot say exactly that I have met her or know of her, but I might have at some activity here in So. Calif. There in Winnetka though there is a good chance she will know her stuff and be able to help you. You are close enough to Cal State Northridge which has a definite Trans* element that makes things look bright. You will have to do some work, and there will be some time ahead, but you should do fine.

My only real advice is to be fully honest with her, and do not try to snow her with what YOU think will get you an HRT ticket or further the fastest. You need to have your other stuff cleaned out before those happen, so even if there is something you think is not Trans* going on with you, let it out so the whole you can be examined. You will make the decision whether you are ??? but if you fool yourself, you become a fool for sure.

There is a TG conference going on at CSUN in two weeks which you might look into as well http://www.lauras-playground.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=61066

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Hi Kaylee,

Congrats on getting yourself connected with a gender therapist!

I was/am going to write: Simply be completely honest!

Vicky has mentioned this and has added words of great wisdom!

Enjoy!

Brad

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Hi Kaylee,

I hope the meeting with a GT went well?

Please don't feel you must disclose any info here.

Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and am wondering, hoping all is well!

Warmly,

Brad

[Guest Kaylee]

So.... I saw my therapist yesterday. I say "my" now.... because I will see her again. Very nice... personable and friendly. She does have multiple trans clients.... none however that have transitioned. I'm not sure that concerns me at all.

As far as if she really knows her stuff... too early to say. First meetings are tough to read anyone.... let alone a shrink.

She did ask appropriate questions, and some I hadn't thought about.

I spilled my guts... kinda rambled... waved my arms like a crazy person ( yeah.... I do that when I'm excited or nervous)... but I think it went pretty well.

I'll see her again next week, and go from there. Since my whole timeline is out further than I really wish it could be, there is no urgency to seeing her every week, but I really just wanted to get started.

Now... to figure out how to tell my best friend of 35 years.

[Guest Carla_Davis]

Hi Kaylee,

I am happy to hear that your appointment went well with your therapist.

I would like to share some personal advice with you..

Be open and honest with her, she is working to help you not hurt you.

Also, don't be afraid or embarrassed to mention any feelings that you have or have had in the past, she is a Professional.

Also, in regards to telling your best friend of 35 years, again, these are GOOD questions that your therapist can help you with.

Nobody likes hurting anyone else, but you will find that being open and honest is usually the best thing to do.

Sometimes it goes well and sometimes it doesn't but you will feel relieved that you are no longer hiding your "Secret" and finally becoming your True Self.

Hugs,

Carla