After reflecting on my experiences, I would definitely say that I am a firm believer in therapy. By seeing a therapist to help you sort out your issues and problems with yourself, you will be improving your overall mental health. Being a crossdresser is one thing but coming to terms with it is quite another, and has historically been extremely challenging. Counseling has played a large part in building my self-confidence and moving towards full acceptance of who I am.
However, if you or someone else in your life thinks that counseling will be a magical cure-all that will rid you of these desires, it’s probably best to check that at the door or at least scale back your hopes. In all of my years of understanding myself and other crossdressers, there is no known method that will stop you from feeling this way.
If you’ve decided to go, be sure that you explicitly state your reasons for going if possible. Be aware that the first counselor that interviews you may not necessarily be the one who treats you. Also, please remember that you are under no obligation to stay with a counselor that you feel is not helping you make progress. These people are supposed to be working with your best interests in mind so it is important to keep that in mind.
I have also learned over the years that counseling may cause some feelings of sadness and confusion which may make you want to discontinue your sessions. Generally, this means that you are experiencing some progress. If you do ever feel this way, I think it is best to discuss it with your counselor before quitting all together.
You will most certainly be asked “How does that make you feel?” about one million times or so. I think that counselors say this to get the most out of you, and some jot down notes at breakneck speeds. Great sessions always seem to be short, during which I always find myself peeking at the clock hoping that I have plenty of time left. Your counselor may also give you weekly exercises and/or readings to help you along the way.
While your experience will vary, all three of my therapists have been extremely accepting and willing to help. This is their job of course, but I’ve never felt that any of them were phoning it in during my sessions. They are almost always passionate about assisting you in getting to a better place in life.
In summation, if you feel that you can benefit from this type of help, I say go for it. If nothing else, counseling provides you with an outlet for venting your frustrations or speaking without fear in a safe zone and confidential place. Good luck in whatever you choose to do or are doing, and I wish you all the best.
JessicaWhoHD
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I think counseling is a must for any confused crossdresser. I think that the confusion is generally caused by society’s negative treatment of transgendered issues and reinforcing the idea that the desire to crossdress is wrong/bad/immoral/perverted, etc.
A good counselor or therapist can help one work through the *realities* of crossdressing and assist in the realization that there is nothing wrong with someone *because* of their desires.
Without counseling, it is likely that the confused crossdresser will stay confused for a longer duration, and needlessly so.
Should “every” crossdresser seek therapy? I’d say only if they need it. If someone is confused, feeling guilt, hates themself, or otherwise has negative feelings about this aspect of their life, it’s a good idea to seek therapy. Thanks to our wonderfully accepting society (yes, sarcasm) most of us do end up in a state of confusion for many years.
Tell me about it. I thank God for the opportunities I’ve had in counseling if only for a friendly face to tell me that not only am I not crazy, I am also perfectly normal. I’ve read accounts of people being forced to attend counseling sessions by a “loved one” in order for the crossdressing to be “cured”.
Unfortunately, I was once under that same false assumption. I hated myself for how I dressed and thought that there was a good chance of a cure through therapy and sheer willpower. Well, now I know better and I hope that my experiences can help out those who may be in a similar boat.
Looking back, I wish that as an undergrad I would have taken more advantage of my opportunities in counseling. I can’t say that I regret it, because I don’t like using that word, but something tells me that I might have accepted myself sooner had I done things differently.