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Those of you who know me are aware of some issues I’ve been going through, lots of different stress sources, difficulty dealing with all of it some of the time. I’ve started seeing a counselor, and yes she’s trained and experienced with gender issues. I got a really good solid vibe from our first meeting, and have scheduled weekly sessions through into the new year and beyond.
She seems really good, and managed to get lots of mileage out of few questions. She also asked if she could meet Bridgette at some point, and of course I said yes. Being trans is one of the big reasons I’m there anyways.
Leaving after my first session, it felt like we’d covered so much ground, but if course I realize we haven’t even scratched the surface yet. It did feel really good to get started though. It took a long time to get in to see her. There’s just so many people needing help, and few available to be the help. I feel better just knowing I have one more person whom I can talk to, even if only weekly. One more person who knows.
I actually saw two different people, because it was hard to get in anywhere, and I wanted to see if one or the other was going to be the right one, and after first visits, I think I know which I’ll pick, but my gp advised giving them 2-4 appointments to see how it goes. The other is only doing virtual meetings, and I’m just not sure that really gets the job done, you know?
Anyways, now that I’ve started, I’m really hoping to find more ways to cope, and deal with at least a couple of the issues that are plaguing me.
The support I’ve gotten here has been great, and I’m deeply grateful for all the kind words, pm’s, and texts. Thank you all very much.
Bridgette
HI Bridgette first of all congrats for starting the Counseling. A step in the right direction. As for the one that wanting to do virtual my opinion would be a No rather see someone in person. You know myself and rest of girls here are here to give you all the support needed.
Hugs
Donna
I agree about in person being better, and I know I get support here. I could never have come as far si have without you and all the other girls here!
Bridgette
thank you Bridgette feel same way too on my journey since being on the site everyone here actually better on support then therapist. And cost is lower. giggles. WIshing the best for you
Hugs Donna
Dear Bridgette ,
I don’t have any experience with a counselor , but I think the
person that feels right to you will be the one to choose.
If possible , I would choose a Lady over a man counselor , for obvious reasons.
Also meeting someone in person for something this important would have my preference.I hope you will soon benefit from these meetings , to relieve some of the stress that you are experiencing.
Love Sylvia
Hi Bridgette,
This sounds wonderful, I am really pleased for you. I hope this positivity continues and helps you on your journey in life.
Love,
Tara x.
It’s been really great so far, but only two sessions in. I saw her again today, dressed as Bridgette. It was wonderful.
Bridgette
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Bridgette I just can’t see the ability of the counselor using video conferencing to connect. So many of the verbal and non verbal cues are lost. Much like telling a joke via email/text the context of the comments may be lost or misconstrued and you definitely don’t need that. I wish you the best and hope the outcome is positive and productive.
🍷C That’s wonderful Bridgette, I so hope you can get the help, and work through things to find peace,
You now we are all here for you,
Hugs, Regi💕👸
Bridget,
Good on you! I’m so pleased that you’ve found a good counselor and can totally appreciate how difficult that is to do. It took me over a month to find one with the specialization I was needing, and who had availability – it is MUCH harder than people think to find a counselor, even after you’ve found the inner personal conviction to go see one – which is another significant hurdle itself. I’m so glad you’ve achieved both!
I also understand how important it is to have someone who ‘knows’ this about you. My counselor is the only person who has ever seen Marcellette face to face in real life, and the only person I’ve ever interacted with when dressed (and it was only one time) – the impact of that on me was profound.
Again, I’m so happy for you Bridget!!
Marcellette
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Good luck Bridgette. You’re on the right path. Counseling is hard and takes time. Long ago the wife and I went through counseling and at that time I couldn’t be honest but one thing I learned is that you will know if its a good counselor by your own thoughts after the session. If it makes you think and question yourself then its working.
First, thank God you ARE doing counseling.
OK, so I am a physician. And I have a fair practice with CD and trans patients. AND, I am trans too. As much as I thought initially that I didn’t really need to do counseling, I heeded my own advice and did it too. It truly made me a happier person with who and what I am. I can’t say it really changed anything for me, but it was so energizing to hear, think, process, and feel about these issues. A side benefit is that it made me better at what I do professionally. We are all so vastly different inside and out.
I fully agree that there is no substitute in this area for eyeball-to-eyeball contact. Maybe I’m too much of a dinosaur, but I cannot see all of the facial expressions and body language with patients over the computer as I do in person. What we do often speaks more than what we say.
My advice (your mileage may vary) is in person with your counselor.
Dee
BTW, I’m a REALLY happy dinosaur!
Agree, as with the others. I’m going to stay with in person counseling. Today my counselor met Bridgette, and it was great. I felt empowered, strong, confident, and alive. I left feeling good. I still feel good.
Bridgette
Thanks, Grace. I appreciate it. I think sometimes it’s easier to talk to a stranger, no preexisting notions, and a trained professional. I made sure to get someone with training and experience with gender issues.
Today I went back to the in person appointment, this time as Bridgette. It was cathartic, empowering, and wonderful. The receptionist said I looked beautiful (knowing who I was even), and the counselor said I moved well. After, I went and did a spot of shopping for things my wife asked for. It was a truly wonderous day!!
Bridgette
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