I am phasing myself out of providing therapy services to clients. My last client session will be Jan. 27, 2012. I have had some health problems that need attention, and find I just can’t continue as a therapist. I am going to devote my time to writing, and doing trainings as I’m invited to do [...]
Pre-Order: Transition and Beyond: Second Edition
Pre-Order: Transition and Beyond: Observations on Gender Identity, Second Edition by Reid Vanderburgh, MA, LMFT
Available July 2010.
Team-Reid
“Normal” is a statistical term represented by the following graph:
This kind of distribution can be found along many dimensions of human experience — height, weight, intelligence, etc. The people at either end of the graph, the 2.5% people, are called outliers.
I have heard a number of comments over the years along the lines of:
“I [...]
Team-Reid
There is a growing number of trans-identified therapists and psychologists, which I find an exciting development in the profession. Over time, this will lead to a substantial body of literature de-pathologizing trans identity, which will in turn lead the therapy/psychology professions in the direction of being more helpful to trans clients than has traditionally been [...]
Team-Reid
Dysphoria is a pervasive feeling of discomfort, discontent, or dissatisfaction with life. “Gender dysphoria” is a term that has been around for a couple of decades, specifying gender as the cause for the feeling of dysphoria. Some of the ways people describe the experience include: “I just don’t feel right in a female (or male) [...]
Team-Reid
What are some of the general characteristics of a healthy relationship? It all boils down to communication and boundaries. Do you and your partner/spouse communicate honestly in a non-judgmental style, do you each “own” the patterns and idiosyncrasies you bring to the relationship? And, do you treat each other with respect, and yourselves with self-respect? [...]
Team-Reid
A few years ago, I met a transman who began taking hormones the year I was born, 1955. He’s now 75. I was the second trans person he’d met face-to-face (that he knew of); the first was in 1956. This man is so used to secrecy and hiding, it has become second-nature to him. He’s [...]
Reid Vanderburgh MA, LMFT
Trans Day of Remembrance
The Trans Day of Remembrance was created to honor and memorialize those trans people who have been killed just for being themselves. Honoring the dead keeps us mindful of the need for further work. However, we also need inspiration to keep our hopes high as we continue that work. I would like [...]
Reid Vanderburgh MA, LMFT
Holiday Self-Care
In my ten years as a therapist, I’ve noticed a pattern among my trans clients, based on the time of year they begin facing their true selves and taking steps to change their lives. Those who come to see me during late summer/early fall bump up against the fact that by starting their process [...]
Reid Vanderburgh MA, LMFT
Need another reason to quit?
Everyone knows the usual reasons for not smoking. “It’s bad for your breathing.” “You’re much more likely to get cancer.” “You stink.”
But if you are a transwoman taking oral versions of estrogen (pills as opposed to the injectible variety), there is another reason as well. You will probably find you have [...]
