How to start going to therapy.
If you have AIS or are Intersex, chances are you have some trauma. It’s hard growing up in a society believing that there is only male and female, and then one day finding out that you have traits that are both male and female. It’s confusing, and there’s a lot to work through. That’s where therapy comes in, but how do you start going to therapy?
(I’m an American, so I will discuss the process of how to begin therapy in the american healthcare system. It may be different for you in another country.)
The first step of going to therapy is admitting that you want to change, or that there is something in your life that you want to change. For me, this was admitting that I was depressed, that I did not like being depressed, and that I did not want to be depressed any longer. For those who suffer with anxiety and depression, acting on making a change in your life is really difficult.
The healthcare system in America does not make it easy to receive mental health counseling, either. You can not have someone advocate on your behalf, it has to be you who schedules your own appointments with a healthcare provider to see a therapist. Often, this initial appointment will be weeks or months in the future. Do not expect to see a therapist right away if you are a new patient.
Once you see a therapist, you begin the process of them getting to know you and what is troubling you. Unfortunately, this also means having to vocalize your traumas and triggers in order to have them accurately be able to help you.
Is therapy worth it?
ABSOLUTELY YES!
Everything about starting therapy in America is hard. Managing to get the courage to make that first call, scheduling appointments, meeting new people, and telling your story is all very difficult, but oh my goodness is it worth it. In the beginning it is just hard work, but over time it becomes the most important work you will do that week or month. You watch yourself change and grow and become the person you want to be through counseling and medication. It is not a fast or glamorous process, but it is a rewarding process. If you were waiting for a sign or a signal, this is it. Make that appointment. Please begin counseling. You deserve to live your best and happiest life.