Looking for therapists

[MyWorld08 (imported)]

Has anyone here heard of, or had experience with the Gender Dysphoria Program of Central Ohio, in Columbus Ohio? From their website, they specialize in transgender issues, and helping people begin their transition from Male to Female or vice versa. I'm wondering if they also might help someone such as myself, who simply has interest in castration and would like to try chemical castration first before the REAL thing.

Am seriously beginning to think about talking to someone (professionally) about this process. I live in Southwest Ohio, so Columbus wouldn't be too far away. Anyone have any recommendations?

MyWorld

[JesusA (imported)]

I know nothing of the gender counselors available in Columbus, though I might be able to get information from some of my colleagues should

the Gender Dysphoria Program of Central Ohio

not prove useful to you.

Your major problem will be that most gender therapists have a vested interest in maintaining a strictly binary view of gender – there are two, and only two, pigeonholes of male and female into which everyone must be stuffed. There are some who, when pushed, will admit that the situation is more complex than that. I always start my public presentations by discussing the ways in which sex and gender may vary, ending by pointing out that there are more possible combinations of sex and gender than humans alive today. There is no reason to expect that any two people share the identical combination.

You will also run into the problem of the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnostic ... tal_Disord ers)), the standard operating bible of most counselors, which does not clearly indicate the desire to become a eunuch as any valid category. The closest it comes is “Gender Identity Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified” (GIDNOS).

The next edition of the DSM is not due out until 2012, and a group of us are working to add both Male-to-Eunuch GID and a Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) seeking removal of testicles and/or penis as categories deserving appropriate treatment (which may include removal of the relevant parts). We will be presenting a proposed Standards of Care document at the meeting of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health next summer in Oslo.

In the meantime, some of my colleagues and I have published four academic papers in medical journals describing and analyzing voluntary eunuchs. I would be happy to send PDF copies of them to anyone who sends me a <Private Message> requesting them which includes an OFF-Archive email address that will accept the articles as attachments.

I would recommend that you take copies of the articles to your counselor at your first meeting. He or she may find the information useful in talking with you. I would also be willing to communicate directly with your counselor, either by email or telephone (though I would need to know your real name so that could talk about your situation).

[Danya (imported)]

I am sure I do not have as many connections as Jesus to provide information on gender therapists in your area who would be helpful to you, should

the Gender Dysphoria Program of Central Ohio

not pan out. Nonetheless, I have contacts at the University of Minnesota Program in Human Sexuality. Therapists there are very open to folks who feel they are neither male nor female. They may be able to recommend a good therapist in your area. Please PM me if you would like me to get their advice.

Good luck!

Danya

[MyWorld08 (imported)]

Thanks, Dana. I am seeing a therapist now, though not sure where this is going. I have only seen her one time, and not sure how many sessions she requires before writing a letter of recommendation to an endocrinologist or a urologist. I wonder if I could just call an endocrinologist and make an appointment? Do you think they would just start me on Depo Provera if I asked? I most certainly want to try chemical castration before doing anything permanent.

Also, for anyone reading, how often do you have to get Depo shots? Is it like women on birth control every 3 months? Or, is it more often?

[Danya (imported)]

Hi MyWorld08,

I cannot be certain, but I very much doubt that you will be able to locate an endocrinologist who will start you on an anti-androgen without a therapist's recommendation. Although it may be difficult for you, some patience with the process may pay off. Why not directly ask the therapist for a time estimate for a recommendation?

Take care,

Danya

[MyWorld08 (imported)]

Ok, I have found a therapist in Cincinnati and have gone twice now! She is a psychologist, so of course really wants to explore the deeper reasons for my interest in chemical/surgical castration (appropriately so, I might add). She has also suggested that at our next visit she will discuss referrals to a psychiatrist and/or endocrinologist in order to take the next step. I am still considering an antidepressant to suppress my sex drive, though I must admit I am more interested in chemical castration. I will probably go to both, hear what they have to say, them make a decision. It's a slow process, but at least I feel that I am moving forward.

For those of you who have chosen chemical castration, roughly how long does it take to really feel the effects? The same goes for antidepressants. I'm guessing I will go 6 months to a year with one of these options before I make a final decision as to whether to be surgically castrated. Does that sound about right?

MyWorld

[mrt (imported)]

Frankly I hope she does not put you on an Antidepressant. I think its possible it will "veg" you out and whatever your core issues are these will make you not care...

Going on a drug that castrates you will (I hope) give you an idea what it is your really getting by going that route. Its a lot more then shutting off your sex drive. And even more then just turning off the male switch. Expect a lot of the same symptoms you would get from real mental depression.

I applaud your talking to a doctor about this. I think you will find a lot of good answers and that it will help you! I know talking to one has helped me with some family issues.

MrT