You And Your Therapist

[Guest angie]

I see that there are no posts here soo,i thought i would say something to the girls just starting out.

When and if you decide that a therapist is in your future,either for a reference or just yourself.

Take the time to find a Good Gender Therapist.One whom will support you,and Not Try To Change You.

It is a business,shop around,some will ask if that is what you are doing.Be truthful,tell them yes,i want what is best for me.A good therapist,once you learn to trust her or him,will feel like an old friend.

One that you will look forward to seeing,if only to unload.

Some girls never feel the need to search one out.I myself had many issues that i needed to address,

to make it all right in my mind to go ahead with the path i have chosen.And in the end,you may want a relationship with a therapist for a reference letter for your surgery.

I came out in "02",since i have seen five.Three were excellent,one we didn't click,and one tried to "cure"me.But all in all my experiences have been positive.

Hope this helps someone maybe thinking about looking for help,or just someone to talk to.

One whom is compassionate and understanding.You Are Not Alone.

Angie.

[MaryEllen]

This is a list of gender therapists listed in Laura's Resources.

http://www.lauras-playground.com/gender_therapists.htm

MaryEllen

[Guest Jenny]

Thanks for the advice, problem is the selection here is so limited. None in the town I am living in and only a couple in the nearest city of three million. I would have expected a lot more in a city that big.

[MaryEllen]

Hello Jenny,

This is only what we have in our lists. There are probably more but we're not aware of them. You could try going through the yellow pages for therapists and start calling and asking if they are trained in transgender issues. Just a suggestion. Good luck.

MaryEllen

[Guest angie]

Jenny,

It has been my experience,that gender therapists can not/do not advertise.Can bring down some unwanted/or needed attention on their clients,is how it was explained to me.

Mary Ellens advice is sound,call and ask.You don't have to reveal your identity.

Just ask if they treat gender disorders.If they don't they will tell you right off the bat.

Angie.

[Petra Jane]

You don't have to reveal your identity.

Just ask if they treat gender disorders.If they don't they will tell you right off the bat.

And if they want your name or other details BEFORE they will answer, my recommendation is to hang up!

[Guest angie]

RIGHT ON PETRA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Guest Jenny]

I have gone through the yellow pages and not a lick. But I found one or two on a website that I posted.

I never thought about the fact that they would not advertise, for those reasons. That gives me some renewed hope. I also stated somewhere before that I was going to call the city and ask if they know of any in my town as well.

I don't think if someone wwanted my name first, that it would be a thought to hang up, it would be instinct, I would be too scared as it is.

[Guest angie]

Hey Jenny,

You might try to find a fairly local support group and ask the members as awhole group.

Someone is bound to have a name and number to call.

Ask if they will see you on a sliding scale also,will save you a ton of money...and get you the therapy you need.

Hugs woman,

Angie.

[Guest Jenny]

Two of the websites I had listed was from two local groups and neither had any listings here, one said that the only person who was doig it retired. I have other resources now I think anyway. Well see this week, I plan on calling the military asistance one and see what they come up with.

[Guest Bethany]

What about the initial interview? the process isnt over till you find someone that can give you what you want/need.

How do you weed out those that will just waste your time and money? What I've done in my past is hold onto a masters level therapist, who I got along with very well, and used her as an my advocate for letter writing specialists at the phd level.

I was able to spend a whole session on why I named my kitten Fuzzymae spazbud fargincat, with the time counting as establishing a history, and without it costing me $120 for 50 min. per session. I got lucky on finding that one, but now I am about to interview another.

Bethany

[Guest angie]

Good Girl Bethany,

Perseverance will pay off in the end.

And from reading your Blog,i can see real change all ready.

Finding acceptance of yourself is crucial.

Getting out of your comfort zone and exploring life is tough.

I got a real kick out of you kitties name...Mine is Princess Lea.

My little fuzzball,sweet and a butthead all in one package.

Keep up the good work my dear...You will win in the end.

Oh Yes,congrats about reconnecting with your brother.

Big Ol Hugs Woman,

Angie.

[Guest Nadeest]

You can try drbeckyslist as well. Here is the link: http://www.drbecky.com/therapists02.html

[Guest Phaedrus]

You can try drbeckyslist as well. Here is the link: http://www.drbecky.com/therapists02.html

I've looked at drbeckyslist and Laura's Resources and found some transgender-experienced therapists in my area. Two questions.

Does anyone know of any other therapists in the central and/or western NY regions other than the ones listed below?

Of these therapists, does anyone have experience with any of them and would you recommend any of them or have particular positive or negative comments about any of them?

Joanne Zager (Ithaca, NY)

Pamela Walker (Fairport, NY)

Margot Smith (VOICE THERAPIST, Rochester, NY)

John Wadsworth, MD (Buffalo, NY)

Lisa Willis (Rochester, NY)

Thanks!

Be well, all.

Ellen-to-be :-)

[Guest Gwendolyn]

The most important thing I learned when I was searching for a therapist was that you need patience and you may have to go through a few of them before you find the one you like or is the best match for you. It is important that you can become comfortable talking to your therapist because they are going to be with you through your transition. I had 3 therapists prior to finding the one helping me now.

The most difficult part of the whole process for me was finding a therapist that would fit into my schedule. I finally found one that not only worked nights but calls me at home when it is convenient for me. It has been the best experience ever! If you do enough research then you are bound to find the right person to help you!

Gwen

[Guest Ellen]

The most difficult part of the whole process for me was finding a therapist that would fit into my schedule. I finally found one that not only worked nights but calls me at home when it is convenient for me. It has been the best experience ever! If you do enough research then you are bound to find the right person to help you!

Gwen

Thanks! I'm going to see Dr. Zager next week and hope that we are compatible, as she is the closest to me from that list and has many years experience with transgenders. Once (if) I've established a good therapeutic relationship with her, I hope visits don't have to be too close together! Already seeing one weekly and another occasionally. I'll report my experiences with Dr. Zager after we've had a few sessions.

Be safe, be well all.

Ellen