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So How Do We Approach Counseling?  by Ellen Warren

Making Your Selection

Last month a number of professions with different disciplines were described.

The type of counselor selected must be mutually agreeable to both.

Above all else the one selected must have practical experience in dealing with couples with TG and CD issues and concerns.

Also, there must be a mutual decision on the gender of the counselor who could include a TG individual.

The counselors who have graduated from larger, more highly competitive accredited universities have received a better education due to better faculties. They are better trained and they have achieved a higher degree of selective admittance and selective retention.

As stated before they should be at the doctorate level (Ph.D., D.Ed., or M.D.) and have at least ten years of experience.

They should be licensed and/or certified by their state and local municipality.

A plus is that some are covered under Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare or other health insurance plans.

They should belong to one or more professional associations.

Some places to look include the Yellow Pages (let your fingers do the walking), University Counseling Centers, Departments of Psychology, Medicine or Social Work, state professional societies, the internet (www.ren.org, www.tgnow.com, www.cdspub.com), Transgender Community News.

If you call to make an appointment be sure to ask if the professional you are calling for has experience with couples with TD/CD issues and concerns?

If the receptionist says, "Huh, what’s that, I think so, the Doctor sees everyone", say thank you and go to the next one on your list. If the receptionist says "Yes" ask if he/she is seeing couples at the present time and if so how many?

If you had to find a surgeon who did transplants you would ask the same questions.

Last but not least, referrals from your sisters in CES are also a good place to start.

Next: Preparing For Your First Meeting