My First Appoinment

[Guest Midoe]

Yesterday I had my first therapy appointment. Well actually I had originally visited a local therapist on Monday, who unfortunately told me that she could not help me, because this area was not her specialty, and most Dr.s might not accept her recommendation. So I was pretty down afterwards. I was hopeful because she was in my price range (Yea I have to pay for everything my self now) and she was local.

However, after I came back from that, I was pretty down on myself, because I felt like this was going no were, but Sarah, being the wonderful person that she is, gave me the encouragement that I needed to try again. Well I found on who is 44 mins away, (thanks to Laura's playground) and gender confusion is her specialty. When I called she was very cheerful and excited. She has 2 other MtFs who are my age, and three other trans, who are much older. The biggest thing that surprised me was, when she was asking for my general info over the phone, to make an appointment with, she said ok so ******* is your birth name, but what is your real name. I was shocked by that, so I told her the name I decided on and she called me Kari through the rest of the phone call. It made me feel so good and I was smiling a lot.

So anyways I went to my first appointment yesterday (Sarah and Ashley came too which was a BIG help, as I was so nervous) and it went great! She gave me the ok to find a endocrinologist and begin HRT, but first she wants to help me in some areas, like some wight loss and stuff. She says that its very clear to her that this is how I feel. She also was not shy about telling me that this was going to be a LONG process and not cheep. She says that she will require at least two years of going full time before she will ok SRS.

But that's a ways away, but for right now I'm just so happy that I'm really starting. Really doing something about the way I feel. It felt so good to have her talk to me as a girl, and use the feminine pronouns and even use Kari. She has encouraged me to start referring to myself as Kari and using the feminine pronouns, and to encourage my family and friends to do so too just so when I begin to go full time It wont be as big of a shock that it might be, but not to force them too.

So yea theres a big update about me, and I just want to finish by saying thank you to EVERYONE here at Laura's playground. I may not post a lot, but I do read A TON here and it really helps.

[Guest Ashlee]

Kari,

WOW!! What an awesome feeling it must have been for you!

You must still feel like your flying on your personal cloud 9.

Isn't that first appointment (with a great therapist) a strange one? I mean, you go in very uneasy and scared, you come out feeling like you hit the lottery jackpot!

Being called by your real name - how great is that!

Sounds like you found a great person to help guide you on your journey.

{{BIG HUGS}}

Ashlee

[Sally]

Congratulations Kari,

You've found a great therapist and have a new best friend - that's how I feel about mine!

She can't remember my male name - she has never used it, it exists in her office in the paperwork file and briefly as the name on the bottom of the checks - after they are deposited only that first paperwork exists.

I am Sally to her, even when I have an appointment right after a session and have to go as masculine, I'm always Sally to her.

Enjoy this special relationship, you will have her for a long time now.

Have a big hug!

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest leo]

congrats

everything is going on the right track and going in the right direction

good luck

[Guest Donna Jean]

Keri...

How wonderful that is, Sweetheart!

Doesn't it feel super getting called by your name! My therapist first did it and I was taken aback....I loved it, but it was as of yet unfamiliar...

It's all he will call me now...and he refers to "Him" (My past self) as an entirely different person.

He separates us apart....that is so awesome for me...

Congratz to you, Hon....you've taken some major steps on your journey....I'l bet that you feel incredible!

I'm so happy for you

****BIGG HUGG****

Donna Jean

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Kari? Oh baby - a beautiful name - I guess I haven't paid attention.

You are on your way! Isn't it a miracle the difference between the average therapist and a gender dysphoria trained therapist?

We are so HAPPY for you!

you must post more - now that you are happy happy happy! We need good news here!

WOW

Lizzy

[Guest Jackson]

Congrats! Sounds like everything's falling into place.

I like your name. Kari is my cousin's name too.

[Paula ult]

Congrats Keri, i still remember my first one and after it felt like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders bet you did too. My therapist asked me how i wanted to be addressed and of course i said Paula, looks like you found a good one.

Paula.