Gender Therapy?

[tjyulick]

Hello, so I made a post about a week ago about how I was questioning my gender, and multiple people told me I should try going to a gender therapist. I talked to the therapist that I have been going to for the past five months or so, and it turns out that she specializes in helping lgbtq+ people with identity. This is super great to hear because I have never admitted to any adult in my life that I have been questioning, so it's super validating to have her support. I am nervous though, because i'm still not the best about talking about experimenting with my gender. For example, trying stuff with packers, which I have done alone but find it really hard to talk about. Does anyone have any past experiences with gender therapists where you were nervous then realized it was okay to talk about all the new things you are feeling? I would love advice on how to become more comfortable talking to them , like if there is anything I can work on on my own. 

[CD Rachel]

 

I view my therapist much the same way I view my family Doctor. My Doctor can not help me with problems that I do not make him aware of. I tend to be blunt with my therapist. Even if it is TMI it is still important for her to know how and what I think so she can help me become a better version of myself. My therapist and I laugh and joke throughout my sessions. I can be my true self around her unlike anyone else. I wish she could have been my BFF instead of my therapist but as my therapist she has been helpful in getting me to recognize things about myself that I never realized.

 

 

Rachel

[rainflower]

Therapists are there to hear our worst and weirdest stuff and give feedback and support, that's what we pay them to do. They also had schooling and training to deal with these things. Believe me when I say that whatever you tell your therapist, if you think it is weird or embarrassing, they likely heard worse from someone else. It is ok. I share a lot with my therapist, and yes sometimes I am uncomfortable doing so just because the things are tough to talk about, some of it is trauma, some of it private stuff that I never told anyone, but I know I am safe with him and I get the most out of our sessions when I give the details.

[Jackie C.]

I think it's important to remember that your therapist has heard just about everything. If they specialize in LGBT+ issues, they're certainly familiar with packers, packer problems and people positively pained by their packages. Unless you're clubbing baby seals with it when you're not wearing it (and maybe if you are, therapists get around) you're not going to shock them. You've got an advantage in that you're already comfortable talking to your therapist, that puts you ahead. Your therapist already knows you. This is just one more aspect.

 

Hugs!

[rainflower]

Oh, I forgot to answer your main question. Yes, there is something you can work on - plan your sessions. Before I see my therapist, I really think about the things I want to talk about, I will even write them down if needed. Then I will imagine having the conversation, saying what I need to say, working out the words. I imagine him being helpful and supportive. Hope that helps.

[tjyulick]

14 hours ago, AwesomeClaire said:

Oh, I forgot to answer your main question. Yes, there is something you can work on - plan your sessions. Before I see my therapist, I really think about the things I want to talk about, I will even write them down if needed. Then I will imagine having the conversation, saying what I need to say, working out the words. I imagine him being helpful and supportive. Hope that helps.

I was thinking this, thank you!  I have started to write down questions so that I have a direction during therapy

[KayC]

17 hours ago, tjyulick said:

Does anyone have any past experiences with gender therapists where you were nervous then realized it was okay to talk about all the new things you are feeling?

My biggest obstacle was finding a gender therapist then having the courage to walk into the office and admit to a total stranger I had gender dysphoria.  Once I got past that everything just gushed out like a garden hose on full blast after a long winter.  I felt such a great relief to unburden myself ... I told her things I had never told anybody else, and that was the start to my Self-Acceptance.
So, if that is your goal, then don't hold back.

Once you get past that point then as @AwesomeClaire mentioned, you might take a few thoughts or notes with you to each session with what you want to talk about that day.  If you can't think of anything, don't worry ... its your therapist job to help bring it out.
Enjoy your therapy .. you deserve to be Happy❣️