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Registered On: October 18, 2020Topics: 49Replies: 1378Has thanked: 19862 timesBeen thanked: 5703 timesThose 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
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Registered On: December 7, 2020Topics: 16Replies: 562Has thanked: 1797 timesBeen thanked: 2622 timesHi Bridgette, sorry I didn’t see this days ago when you posted it. That is absolutely great news. Reading about your positive experience was a joy. I am so happy for you. I see nothing but good things for you and the family.
You go, girl!
❤️Clara
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Registered On: September 18, 2020Topics: 4Replies: 38Has thanked: 83 timesBeen thanked: 261 timesFirst, 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!
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- Registered On: October 18, 2020Topics: 49Replies: 1378Has thanked: 19862 timesBeen thanked: 5703 times
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
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- Registered On: September 18, 2020Topics: 4Replies: 38Has thanked: 83 timesBeen thanked: 261 times
I am truly blown away that Bridgette was able to meet the therapist in person. That is a WAY BIG step (in the vernacular).
Honey, I pray that you will find happiness, peace and serenity in this process. Love every minute of your life, for they are so precious.
Dee
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You are right – I feel much more comfortable and get more done when I am face to face with my terrific counselor.
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Registered On: June 14, 2021Topics: 24Replies: 1234Has thanked: 7572 timesBeen thanked: 6118 timesGood 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.
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- Registered On: October 18, 2020Topics: 49Replies: 1378Has thanked: 19862 timesBeen thanked: 5703 times
We’re planning to have at least a couple of joint sessions with my wife there also. There’s still things we need to sort that could use a bit of professional help, we believe. The therapist thinks it wise also.
Hugs,
Bridgette
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Registered On: February 1, 2021Topics: 7Replies: 249Has thanked: 711 timesBeen thanked: 1315 timesBridget,
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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- Registered On: October 18, 2020Topics: 49Replies: 1378Has thanked: 19862 timesBeen thanked: 5703 times
It was powerful today, I went as Bridgette, and had such a lovely time. She’s one of very few who has seen both versions of me. Her, my wife, and our nail stylist. My gp and pastor both know, but haven’t seen Bridgette in person, though they have seen pictures.
Bridgette
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Registered On: February 20, 2018Topics: 10Replies: 544Has thanked: 529 timesBeen thanked: 2174 timesBridgette 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.
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- Registered On: October 18, 2020Topics: 49Replies: 1378Has thanked: 19862 timesBeen thanked: 5703 times
Carolyne, Stevie, I agree with both of you. I’ve got such a great vibe from the in person one that today I went as Bridgette and had a really good session.
Bridgette
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Registered On: April 20, 2021Topics: 4Replies: 451Has thanked: 1417 timesBeen thanked: 1753 timesHi 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.
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Registered On: October 10, 2021Topics: 1Replies: 674Has thanked: 16793 timesBeen thanked: 2814 timesDear 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
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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
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- Registered On: October 18, 2020Topics: 49Replies: 1378Has thanked: 19862 timesBeen thanked: 5703 times
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
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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
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- Registered On: October 18, 2020Topics: 49Replies: 1378Has thanked: 19862 timesBeen thanked: 5703 times
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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