How important is it to see (specifically) a gender therapist?

[OnThePath]

I've been doing regular therapy for a few years now, I've been seeing therapists who are MFT trainees/interns, and recently I saw an MFT intern at the LGBT center I go to, she's more focused on transgenderism, but I don't think that qualifies as a gender therapist per se. I had to stop seeing her too, because it was too difficult dealing with the ethical conflict of seeing two therapists. Should I definitely see one before I go the route of seeing MD's about this? I've been looking up the center in LA that provides health care for trans, I suppose they might have therapists there, right?

[Guest Denise007]

Most of us seek online help and support because it's free and full of people telling us what we want to hear.

We hesitate seeing a professional because we are afraid someone will break our bubble or crack our rose colored glasses.

TG and CD are escapism activities.. we alone should know our minds and stop feeling we need to, or have to be something we are not just because it feels feminine for a short time. The real life of living female is quite far from the fantasy and only living in the role will bear out proof to yourself.

Anyone.. even me, can or should be happy not transitioning it can be fun without that the hell we go through with life love and work. No one has to be anything but safe sane and happy. When a person finally arrives at a safe sane happy life then it's time to think about if she really needs to go about the activities of becoming a full time female in life.

What you don't see very often in online forums is this; IT IS OK, TO NOT, TRANSITION

[Carolyn Marie]

What you don't see very often in online forums is this; IT IS OK, TO NOT, TRANSITION

Thank you, Denise. I could not have said it any better.

Carolyn Marie

[VickySGV]

No U.S, state has a special license procedure for Gender Therapists and any person licensed by their state as an MFT, LCSW and a few other can practice Gender Therapy. At one time in their careers, every Gender Therapist was just a garden variety therapy intern as well. I did not get my HRT or GCS approval letters from a Therapist or M.D. who specifically hung out a shingle claiming to be Gender Therapists, but who never the less had the skills and training to know that my Gender Dysphoria was, persistent, consistent, and insistent for me to change. (They also consulted colleagues in their medical system who had significant experience with Gender Dysphoria issues).

All of that said, Gender Therapists, or Gender Issue Experienced therapists have experience and personal comfort in dealing with gender issues that their colleagues do not. Therapists are human beings too and some are not comfortable or knowledgeable of the emotional or practical issues that will face us during transition and the beginning of a new life which in the beginning is frankly terrifying. Gender Therapists (GT's) are aware of the source of our internal turmoil and can more readily pin-point the source of our distress, and not go off on ideas that are old and disproven. GT's have experience dealing with our families as well as us, and have a wealth of ideas on how we can navigate a public transition to our preferred gender with families and friends. Marriages can survive with the help of an experienced therapists if you are married. As said above, someone with experience can also help you find out IF full transition is NOT NECESSARY for YOU. It is a matter of finding out who YOU are and what YOUR needs are.

On the other side of the coin, GT's can and do also handle the more ordinary types of Behavioral Health such as stress and anxiety, early childhood issues, school and career stress management and addiction matters as well, not too many get their meat and potatoes paid for by Trans* clients, but it can be a nice dessert a few days of the month. (If you get my meaning.)

[MarcieMarie12]

Hi, I'd say if you are considering transitioning it would be a good idea to get a GT. If you're not for various reasons, it might be good to get one to help you with any dysphoria or other issues you may have.

[Cosmo]

What you don't see very often in online forums is this; IT IS OK, TO NOT, TRANSITION

Thank you, Denise. I could not have said it any better.

Carolyn Marie

Yup, exactly. Be open to surprises you may discover on the journey and be willing to accept them. When I started this journey about 8 years ago I was "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" I will transition 100%. Last year I discovered while o still had a desire to transition, I had lost the drive behind the desire to transition. Transitioning now would be equivalent to elective surgery. I could do it or not.

Just be prepared for a once in a lifetime journey and open to the infinite degrees of transition, not just the ones discussed here or anywhere else.