Where to begin?

[Kaltia_Atlas]

So I'm curious about where y'all started your journey into transition. I have thought about finding a therapist first, but then I have my family Dr has recommended seeing someone in the medical field... I'm just not sure where to start. Any suggestions?

[KathyLauren]

I would recommend seeing a therapist or counsellor who specializes in gender issues.  You are likely to need a recommendation from one before anyone in the medical field can help you, so it's the logical place to start.  And of course, the benefits to you, in terms of understanding yourself and what your goals are, are valuable in themselves.

[Susan R]

44 minutes ago, KathyLauren said:

I would recommend seeing a therapist or counsellor who specializes in gender issues.

KathyLauren’s recommendation, imo, is a very good idea.  35 years ago, I was in college and was cash poor with no credit and therapy was not affordable for me.  When I was in need of support, I looked elsewhere.  While reading through an alternative newspaper called The Weekly here in the Seattle area and found a local support group serving TS/TV individuals.  I called the organization up and got info about the group and then showed up for a meeting a week later.  It was the best decision I had made for myself up to that point.  I met several people that eventually became friends, allies, and I considered part of my extended family.
If you can afford a therapist, you might also take advantage of that option too.  I’d try to make sure they have some experience with gender issues.  During my second go around with my gender issues, it proved to be a great help in discovering myself and getting me going in the right direction for my life.

 

Susan R?

[Timber Wolf]

Hi Juelie,

A gender therapist can help you make the decisions that are right for you. This should always preceed medical transition.

 

Lots of love, 

Timber Wolf ?

[TommieAnne]

A gender therapist has made all the difference in the world for me. I strongly recommend that as a starting place.

TA

[Charlize]

I had cross dressed on and off all my life and had started to live as a woman outside in the "big world" without therapy or medical help.  When i found this site it was recommended that i get a GT and i did that as well as talking to my Doctor.  The therapist helped me a great deal and i was full time well before starting HRT.  I'm glad i went to the therapist!  She helped me get through self acceptance and the fears of loss and hurting my family i had lived with.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[ShawnaLeigh]

Definitely agree with all these women.  100%

This is how I started my own journey at age 52.  Best thing I have ever done for myself.

Like mentioned you really need to have this in place before seeing a regular doctor if you have any intentions of going further to transition.

Seeing your family doctor is not a bad idea but they most likely will recommend this as well.  Depending on their knowledge of Trans health care.  Not all doctors are well versed, or God forbid, not accepting of Trans individuals.  You may need to find one once/if you start down this path.

 

[Jackie C.]

The first thing I did was find a therapist. She isn't specifically a gender therapist, but she's an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. She also sings in a LGBTQ+ choir and identifies herself as bi. Though we've been talking for a while and eventually settled on Androsexual. In other words, what you have downstairs doesn't matter so much as you look vaguely masculine so "butch" looking women and males are all OK by her.

 

Despite not being a gender therapist, she helped me through the steps I needed to take to continue my transition alongside lots of independent research from me. If they're available in your area, I also recommend getting in touch with Trans Legal Defense (TLDEF). They can get you a pro-bono lawyer to help you through the legal stuff.

 

While I was seeing my regular therapist, I've had appointments with gender therapists, but they're not weekly like they are with my regular therapist. They've all been lovely people and I wouldn't mind seeing them more often, but they're at least twenty minutes from my house. I much prefer the video-chat format I have with my regular therapist. Less gas and wear and tear on the car too.

 

Hugs!