New counselor

Comment by Jenn on February 28, 2012 at 5:57pm

Hi Stacy.

How could you hope to know if you have chosen a capable therapist if this is also your first experience with one?  You really have to know what to look for going in.  This becomes a circular near impossibility.  

My therapist, Sandra Samons, who has worked with the transgendered for well over a decade, has written a book , "When the Opposite Sex Isn't," aimed at the therapist who encounters a transgender patient for the first time.   I have read it and sense that it is also useful for the transgender patient who needs to know what to expect from her therapist.  The book is at Amazon.  It isn't cheap but certainly worth it in terms of giving you the discernment you need to "qualify" your therapist.  You can also give it to her to read.  

Hugs, Jennifer

Comment by Erin Detty on February 29, 2012 at 1:35pm

I had to really shop around to find the one I have. Most will tell you they can help but their not really qualified or have the experience to see you thru your  transistion. You really have to ask alot of questions. I had one tell me she had 3 kids and its really hard for her to answer her phone calls at times, I waited 3 days to hear this. I liked her honesty but no thank you. Another one said ( Yes I think I could write a letter). I talked to alot of therapist on the phone before I found the one I have  now. She specializies in LGBT needs, and she is wonderful. Anyway I hope this one will give you what you need. 

Comment by Kiara L. Hudson on February 29, 2012 at 3:21pm

My new Christian counselor that I just started with was one that my parents (mom) looked into. Unfortunately I think their goal is to ultimately tell me that being TG is ... not good. :(

*sighs*.. I dont want to be a downer but on the other hand Im very happy your counselor is one that you like. Im going to BLOG in a sec.. please check it out when you get a chance.

*God bless* and hugs

Kiara

Comment by Dal Maxwell on February 29, 2012 at 6:22pm

Stacy - The hallmark of a REALLY good counselor is not whether (s)he tells you either that whatever you do is a good thing, or nothing you anticipate is a good thing; it is whether or not said counselor has you looking deep within yourself and helping you work out ALL of the kinks in your psyche

Comment by Erin Detty on February 29, 2012 at 11:09pm

The first counselor that I went to was a Christian based counselor. A friend thought he was a good person that my wife an I could see together. That turned out very bad. He told me I  was the devil and my wife should run and that being trans was a big sin and that staying with me would take her to hell too . We got up and said, Good By! and were still together. God is good as long as he is not my counselor.

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