Working On My Problems

[Guest Christina S]

Hello everyone,

After a long, long time without a post I'm finally forcing myself to talk more about my gender issues.

I guess I should start by sharing a little about myself, since its been such a long time. Well I'm a 25 year old genetic male and very confused about my gender (and life in general actually). I've been crossdressing since I was maybe 10 or 12 (my memory of the exact time is a little hazy). I've also wished I was born female for at least the same amount of time. At the same time I don't necessarily feel my mind is female...or male. More like somewhere in the middle. Of course as you probably already have guessed, this causes a very confusing situation in my mind.

I've told my wife, and she is supportive of me and my issues. I haven't told anyone else. Recently I've been in crisis mode. I've been very sad, possibly depressed, about my issues and a lot of change that has happened in my life recently. And I can't seem to fix the sadness.

These problems have made me decide that I need help to work through my issues. I've been looking for therapists in my area, but I'm having trouble finding someone that will be able to help with gender issues. Does anyone have any suggestions of therapists in the Southwestern Ontario? Most of the therapists I've found are in Toronto, but that is kind of far for me to travel to for an appointment. I was hoping for someone more in the London area.

Anyways, I think I've ranted enough for tonight (and who really wants to hear me complain even more)

[Guest Cris]

Christina,

Gender is a very broad spectrum as compared to the more binary view that most have on it. We all land somewhere within that spectrum and not necessarily at either end. That is so great that your wife is supportive of you. Thats definately a plus in your life. Good luck on the therapist hunt. I have cycled through several throughout the years.

Cris

[Guest Donna Jean]

Hey, Christina......

You are doing it right....

I know that you have issues, but, you're on the hunt for a therapist and that, right there, is one HUGE step!

This is what you need to do to help you sort out how you feel about things and start putting everything in some kind of order...

And all during this...please look to us as a support group, because that's why we are here...

Come and talk, rant, chat or just have a little fun once in a while to help take the edge off...

We can be a big help...we care...

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[Carolyn Marie]

Christina, I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling down. But you are on the right track in trying to find a G.T. Have you tried looking

through the list of therapists that Laura has here? If there aren't any, you can try Googling one. If that turns up nothing, you always

have the option of seeing a general therapist and educating them, or they can use their own resources to ask colleagues for advice and

assistance.

Its great that you have a friend and ally in your wife. That makes everything so much easier for you.

Good luck, hon.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Christina S]

Hey ladies,

Thanks for the words of support and encouragement. Its definitely what I need to hear.

I've googled about gender therapists till the point where I convinced myself I have OCD. Even took one of those online tests for it...it came back negative for OCD, but on my wifes orders I'm banned from any of those self diagnosis tests from now on (it's amazing how many disorders I found I have ). Anyways, maybe I'll try getting into contact with a local transgender support group and see if they have any suggestions. I'm very very shy, so I'm not sure I'd be very successful with the whole educating a therapist part. Its going to be hard enough for a fully trained gender therapist to pry the necessary information out of me.

Christina

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Hey ladies,

Thanks for the words of support and encouragement. Its definitely what I need to hear.

I've googled about gender therapists till the point where I convinced myself I have OCD. Even took one of those online tests for it...it came back negative for OCD, but on my wifes orders I'm banned from any of those self diagnosis tests from now on (it's amazing how many disorders I found I have ). Anyways, maybe I'll try getting into contact with a local transgender support group and see if they have any suggestions. I'm very very shy, so I'm not sure I'd be very successful with the whole educating a therapist part. Its going to be hard enough for a fully trained gender therapist to pry the necessary information out of me.

Christina

Hi Christina

For the most part, you want to stay away from the self diagnosis tests. Only trained professionals can diagnose you properly.

There is no prying with gender therapists They talk to you to get you to talk about... well... everything

Just be yourself hon. They are there to help you, not judge you.

Love

Brenda

[Guest Girl Emily]

Christina,

Though you are in a dark place right now, you are being proactive in reaching out for help and that is a big step.

Have you considered an online therapist using video conferencing software. I don't have any personal experience, but I have heard it is an effective way to go.

Huggs,