talking to an ED therapist about my sexuality?

[Guest Varje]

So

I've been working and suffering and recovering of anorexia, I've relapsed and I have psychiatrist time next week booked for me, last time I saw one I was a kid and I didn't even want to recover so I wasn't truthful. But I do believe my eating is because of the fact I ain't satisfied with my gender and I ain't happy with the way I look, and I really don't know how a therapist would react to that. Like I know I should talk about how I feel and what I think but I'm not sure... I don't know if they'd be able to help? And if I go to see gender therapist they ain't trained to work with EDs right? I'm not just sure at all, I don't know what to think.

Any thoughts? About anything really, I'm so freaking scared of therapy ;w;

And I know I'll cry, I'm going to be so embarrassed.

[Charlize]

Please be as truthful as possible. I know it is hard and these issues we hide due to fear and shame. Please know that when i opened up and talked openly about my gender concerns it was like a weight was lifted from my shoulders. Let us know how it goes.

Honesty and openness can help. I did for me.

Hugs,

Charlize

[tracy_j]

If you are truthful Var the therapist may understand but if you are not you could not expect the therapist to work out a satisfactory plan of action.

I find being truthful and open makes me feel a lot better. Generally it is not sensible but as the therapist should treat things confidentially you can let it out and feel better with far less worry! Don't be scared. You may worry but it can help to cry. When I do I am amazed at how it relieves tension. If the therapist has been around a while they will be used to emotional reactions. That is what they are trained to handle. Just be yourself.

Hope it helps

Tracy x

[Guest Ky_Ki]

My therapist specializes in eating disorders and that was one of the reasons I chose her over a gender therapist as that was the more immediate issue. She has been nothing but kind and understanding and helpful when it comes to being trans - although it did take a little bit of time before she focused more on it than the eating. I'm sure an actual gender therapist will be able to ease doubts and give more info as it relates to transition (my therapist knows little about the transition process and I've had to educate her) but that's not to say mine hasn't done a perfectly fine job of it either. Ideally you'd fine someone who has experience in both ---but that's not likely. I'd say you're better off talking about it than not regardless of the specialty.

[Guest Carla_Davis]

Hi Varje,

Welcome to Laura’s Playground

I am sorry to read that you are suffering again from Anorexia

Your feelings are very valid.

This article may be of some assistance to you.

Eating Disorders in LGBT (Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender) Populations

http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/sites/default/files/ResourceHandouts/LGBTQ.pdf

This link may also be helpful for you.

Defining characteristics of Anorexia Nervosa:

http://www.edreferral.com/anorexia_nervosa.htm

At the bottom of the page, this information may also be helpful for you.

Things that can increase your chances of getting anorexia are called risk factors. Here's a list of some of them. (From the British Medical Journal)

I DO believe that your Therapist would be very Professional and Understanding.

Finally, Do Not be embarrassed, your Therapist is a Professional, and only trying to help you.

Please be open and honest with them so that they can help you the best.

Please keep us updated about your progress,

Hugs,

Carla