Introduction
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Depending upon whose statistics you read it is generally accepted that
somewhere upwards of 10-15% of the male population, along with a slightly
lower number of females, practice regular or intermittent crossdressing
for a wide variety of personal reasons. Additionally there is a smaller
percentage who choose to crossdress for professional reasons related to
the performing arts or entertainment fields. Estimates of the number in
transsexuals the general population are even as high as one in 40,000.
The significance of these statistics is that they cover only those whose
transgenderism is NOT considered pathological in origin (i.e. related to
a specific medical cause). This deserves mention because there are indeed
both medical and psychological disorders which can cause transgendered
behavior. |
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While the incidences involving a true medical disorder as the origin of
transgender behavior are extremely low they do exist in rare cases. Somewhat
more commonly it can be associated with the psychological concerns of Obsessive
- Compulsive Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, or even Gender
Identity Disorder (previously known as Gender Dysphoria). We mention this
strictly because should these factors be involved a persons ability to
rationally consider the issue of gender may be impaired, and in such a
case only a competent professional therapist may be able to determine the
proper course of treatment. |
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Crossdressing in and of itself is NOT a mental illness, it may be a fetish,
but it is certainly not a sickness. Casual crossdressing is often used
as a recreational means of relieving stress or depression, and can even
be a valuable empathetic tool for gaining insights into opposite gender
behavioral roles. For a transsexual individual it may be the means through
which they first begin to explore the feelings about themselves that they
previously kept internalized. Used as such, crossdressing might even be
considered healthy and beneficial, if unorthodox. |
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However, regardless of whether you are CD, TV, or TS, at one time or another
in the lives of almost all transgendered individuals there comes a point
where they have to cope with self acceptance issues with regard to their
lifestyle. Unresolved these issues can often lead to a wide range of emotional
problems, including anxiety, severe depressions, family conflicts, even
suicide. Quite often these issues are combined with feelings of confusion,
shame, guilt, and fear, leading to a sense of isolation and loneliness.
Making a connection with a peer group through an organization like TGE
can be a good start, having a friend or two that understand can go a long
way towards dispelling that sense of being alone. Yet if your cross gender
activities are causing problems in your life you should consider therapy. |
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The two most commonly expressed reasons that one might avoid therapy are: |
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Fear of
rejection, having the therapist think that you are crazy, or not the person
you think you are.
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Concern
that therapy amounts to an "admission of guilt" that their is something
wrong with themselves or their lifestyle.
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This reasoning in itself can be a reflection of the self acceptance issues
involved. Because when a person does not accept themselves, or their own
lifestyle, it is very difficult them to believe that anyone else would
either. Thus they fear opening their life up to the scrutiny of another.
But it is not a therapist's place to judge you, or your life, any competent
professional therapist worth seeing is only going to help you discover
the answers for yourself. |
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The third commonly expressed reason one delays seeking therapy is: |
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Financial
concerns that therapy might not be affordable.
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Athough not all do, most therapists will work on a sliding fee schedule.
This means that the fees charged are based on a clients income, those that
make less money pay less than those with higher incomes. This is a very
common practice, do check with the therapist before letting such concerns
hold you back. |
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Being transgendered doesn't automatically mean that you need therapy. However,
if crossdressing, other cross gender thoughts, or activities are causing
you problems, therapy can help. Please note, we said causing YOU problems,
not the others in your life. If your spouse or significant other has a
problem with your casual recreational crossdressing you might need a marriage
or relationship councelor. Although your spouse might, it doesn't necessarily
mean that you need personal therapy. |
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Forums
Contributions
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While all of our site is open to your contributions and suggestions, the
forums area in particular depends upon them. If this area is to become
the source for information and support that we know it can be, then it
is all of our transgendered sisters & brothers that will make it so.
Your input might be just what someone else needed! If you have something
to share here E-mail us: TGE@tg2tg.org |
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