No, no, no, no....I'm still all straight and annoying and everything, BUT...
The psychiatric nurse practitioner came to me today with the story of one of our clients who has finally told his therapist he has gender identity issues.
All on the flip.
He cannot be himself
Practitioner came to me today and told me she has been referred a client, as follows: male,mid-20's, African American man in the greater Atlanta area. He has been treated for sometime for anger and in the 'mecical model' description of things, he's Major Depression without known psychoctic features. His main issue is "anger". He generally denies "mental illness" but takes his meds routinely.
He's bright and should be working and getting on with his life; he's in fine physical condition.
Long story short and to preserve identity as much as possible, and couched in therapy-speak - he cannot be himself.
He's not really certain he really wants to be a guy or if he wants to be gay or what - he's so pent up the issue hasn't been able to develop without secrecy and frustration and endless repression. See? it's no wonder he's angry and depressed and at the end of his rope.
And we are wanting to help him and do it right. The FIRST time.
I am asking for your help because I am out of my league here. I haven't really ever dealt with such issues much in the past. I have not seen that many transgender people and this seems like a completely different issue than 'basic homosexual awakening". It really seems to be gender identity and I want the guy to get the best help ASAP.
I would greatly appreciate feedback in the comments as follows:
- Atlanta-area folks - if you know or can recommend a good community PSYCHIATRIST who is competent with this issue, please email/PM me.
- In general, feedback that YOU think would be helpful to a therapist unfamiliar with the topic but would bend over backwards to get it done right
- Also, in general, your thoughts or a few sentences about you gender ID issues, how you came out, what helped you - that sort of stuff
- And last - anything I should AVOID saying or doing lest I stick my foot in my big mouth? Now's your chance to tell me because I am all ears.
I'll be in and out of the comments this evening.
Thank you very much, in advance.
Doc