Questions for Transguys from other Transguys

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Galahad

I'm starting therapy so I can get T and I am wondering what kind of questions does a therapist ask. I'm extremely introverted and talking to a stranger about personal things is worrying. Does anyone remember?

Are you going to a self identified gender therapist?

Then they will ask about your gender dysphoria. The specifics of it.
They will ask when it was you first realized you were transgender. Your "journey" so to speak of discovery. One thing to know that you shouldn't feel like you have to have the traditional story of "knowing for as long as I can remember". It is not like in the old days. Gender therapists know that everyone is individual and even if you just figured it out last year, that doesn't mean you are less trans than the guy who knew at age 3.

What goals do you have in transition? It sounds like you already know you want testosterone, so I assume you want to be seen as, and live your life as male.

The person will be interested in what emotional supports you have in place to help you through transition. They will want to know if you have any people in your life that will make it harder, that you care about (like parents, spouse).

How will your job respond?

Another thing they should decipher is if you have any mental health problems that may not have anything to do with gender dysphoria ... Depression? That may just be due to dysphoria, but it could also be a "stand alone" sort of problem. Trans people are just like anyone else (they could have mental health problems). The only difference is that they have gender dysphoria, on top.

You will be fine.

Let us know how it went.

[Galahad]

Thanks for that and answering the other question. I was hoping that was about all. I think just getting to talk to someone will help, but even if this one doesn't work out I will keep working through the lists. No appt until the 4th. I will post back here though.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Galahad

Thanks for that and answering the other question. I was hoping that was about all. I think just getting to talk to someone will help, but even if this one doesn't work out I will keep working through the lists. No appt until the 4th. I will post back here though.

The usefulness of a therapist longer term than just the letter is support, planing, and trouble shooting while coming out in the various areas of your life. It can be helpful to have someone help you navigate the process. Just my opinion.

Also the MOST important thing (which I suggest you ask before the appt), is if the therapist is willing to write a letter for testosterone (assuming your T provider requires one). Non-gender therapists often are uncomfortable with this.

[Galahad]

First therapy session went great. She was very supportive and thought I needed to go ahead with getting t right away. She didn't think starting at my age was a big deal and she encouraged me to start and at least live my last years as authentically as possible. I will see her at least until I get approval for any surgeries I can get. She sees many transgendered teens and young adults now. It was a happy surprise.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Galahad

First therapy session went great. She was very supportive and thought I needed to go ahead with getting t right away. She didn't think starting at my age was a big deal and she encouraged me to start and at least live my last years as authentically as possible. I will see her at least until I get approval for any surgeries I can get. She sees many transgendered teens and young adults now. It was a happy surprise.

This is fantastic! Seems to me it couldn't have gone any better!

Congrats!

Keep us updated here, or make your own thread to share your journey!

I'm no spring chicken either, so it was great to hear that your therapist considered that and understood it was important that she not "require" therapy in order to write you a letter.

[JDeere]

Any of yall had weight loss surgery?

I'm looking into it, just wanted to see if anyone else has.

[Vincent]

Originally Posted by JDeere

Any of yall had weight loss surgery?

I'm looking into it, just wanted to see if anyone else has.

No
I just changed my lifestyle and lost weight,then I was told that on T you can eat and not get fat,not true for me.
I have an eating disorder,and put on more weight after I started T.
I decide after having a tumor removed from my head/neck,I would get fit,I was 52,it took time but I got super fit,unfortunatly in 2014,I got cancer and a bone disease,but now I'm on a get fit again,I'm 59 in 8 weeks.

JD just start slow,I used a overeaters annonymous group food plan,but mainly just ate small amounts,but really just stopped sugar and processed foods.
I hope this helps
Also exercise,Tetosterone will build muscle,like crazy.
I never had shoulders,now I have that square look,really broad shoulders,but I swam for years the T just seems to have made them big.