Has Therapy worked for you?

[Heather Shay]

I've seen probably 5 therapist over the years and they treated me for depression and anxiety, anorexia and panic attacks but my symptoms always came back. My current Therapist was the first Gender Identity Specialist I've seen and the effects have been so refreshing and helpful. I notice the waiting lists for GI specialists and the lack of coverage and lack of available therapists, specially when you get out of major cities. Zoom helps but in person meeting so much more beneficial.

 

How about you? Have you found a therapist that has helped you become YOU?

[AmberM]

I have found therapy to be useful over the years, however, there was always this one thing that kept coming back that I didn't know how to deal with. After finally getting after my gender identity, I have noticed a lift in my mood, and improvement in several symptoms. What is hard though, is this time of year, normally my mood naturally increases. So we have to wait until October time frame to see if it dips down super low again. It isn't that I don't get dips week to week, because I still get some dips, just they haven't been as low as they were in the past. I think therapy has been pivotal to my success and will remain to be key to my continued success.

[Heather Shay]

@AmberM I agree that I do go through cycles but with HRT and my GI therapist - the cycles aren't as extreme nor last as long and I am thankful for that AND because I am getting at the root cause of my depression and anxiety, those pains are less severe.

 

Getting the right therapist is a godsend.

[Stefi]

My regular therapist has been great for me as I wait well looking for a LBGTQ therapist. Problem is She just went on maternity leave and I miss her already. I see a LBGTQ "doctor" tomorrow and am very anxious.____

 

 

Hugs

Stefi

[rainflower]

There isn't really a therapist that specifically works on transitioning or anything like that around me. I was lucky that my current therapist understands these issues and has been very helpful. I would say a bulk of my therapy appts are dealing with my autistic issues tho, but I am able to talk about things like surgeries and dysphoria with him. So I would say therapy has been very helpful.

[Beatriz]

I just started therapy, so I can't say much except that I'm very relaxed with him being an LGBT+ therapist. I was very worried about ending up in the wrong hands - some therapists over here are transphobes! So I managed to get one through a local LGBT+ association.

[LusciousTheLock]

I'm on my third counsellor. She's admitted to taking a different approach to me as we come from similar backgrounds and we have a scary way of understanding each other. She reminds me of the little lady in the film Poltergeist!  Cow, can read minds!!! Knows everything about me, what I'm thinking or if I'm lying. I've spent sessions where I've been shouted at for an hour, and others where we've chatted about random stuff, laughing like old friends.

 

Its been three years and I can honestly say I wouldn't be here without her pushing me along when I've faltered and opening my mind to new ideas and learning to accept who I am.

[Jackie C.]

7 hours ago, Shay said:

How about you? Have you found a therapist that has helped you become YOU?

 

Yes. I see my therapist every week and we talk about my issues in general. While she's not specifically a gender therapist, she's an ally. With her help, I've made great strides in going from an angry bung-hole to, well, me.

 

Hugs!

[Heather Shay]

@Jackie C. always get a smile with your verbiage.

[Maddee]

I'll be soon looking for a therapist, and have worked with a few before.  Usually it seems that they believe I happen to have the exact same problem that they are specialized in.  Whatever that happens to be. So we work on that for a year or two. Spinning wheels.

Very recently, l attempted contact, and my last two therapists don't want to see me anymore!

They got paid, and I always showed up.  I must be a challenge for them. Unwelcome feeling.

 

Also looking for a place to live, surgeons, and someone to hang out with on a day off. 

 

Keeping eyes open.

[Heather Shay]

@Maddee you have a good attitude and a good heart. Even in the relatively short time I've known you I sense a change for the good and it's just a matter of time before all the pieces fall into place. My experience with therapists over the years has been similar to yours but my current one isn't a know it all and is dare I say human and compassionate and lead me to places I needed to go.