well, I'd be pretty wary of anything anyone wrote about trans people around the turn of the century, especially those not specifically dealing with trans people
to be honest, I don't know much about psychoanalysis or Freudian theory, but unless you know for a fact said psychoanalyst is informed about modern trans theory/issues, I'd shy away (same for most therapists). I can just imagine the kinds of commentary about penises and mothers and sexuality that would ensue, otherwise *shrug*
I've never really heard much about the intersection of freudian and trans theory. they don't seem terribly compatible...
"Generally the Freudian explanations of transgender behavior assumed that the male cross dresser as a boy or young man somehow had seen his mother's genitals and realized she lacked a penis. The realization created horrible anxiety for him because he feared losing his own penis, and could result in not only transvestism but other sexual pathologies." (http://www.symposion.com/ijt/gilbert/bullough.htm) I know that neo-Freudians see things a bit differently nowadays (the don't think about sex as being our driving factor, they see our desires stemming from wanting relationships), but I personally would steer clear of psychoanalysts if the only reason you are going is for HRT or SS letters. If you want to go to uncover some deep stuff about yourself, they can be good. However it is usually expensive and they also usually meet with you 3-5 times a week, adding to the expense. If you do go, please let us know what it's like.
They're still often just as horrible, though. The treatment of transsexuality in France until recent years kind of doesn't show the mixed effects of rigid civil law systems and predominant psychoanalytic discourse in a very good light, at least for our issues. From what I gathered, there are psychoanalists in France who are very transphobic on the basis that, really, when you deconstruct what they say about us (of all possible variations), comes down to them being literally afraid of us.
Seconded. Go to http://www.t-vox.org/index.php?title=Therapists to start looking. If there aren't any near enough to you, call the nearest ones and ask if they can recommend anyone closer to you, and/or if they do phone sessions.
Not unless said openly gay psychoanalyst understood and was sympathetic and helpful around Trans issues. Being openly gay does not make someone any more likely to understand or respect Trans issues. If ze gets it, give it a shot. If not, don't waste your time and money.
It's worth noting, too, that choosing a therapist is not like choosing life insurance. You can fire your therapist and get another at any point, including after one session, if you don't feel it's a good match.
My parents had forced me to see a Freudian therapist (one that they chose, of course, not a trans friendly one), when I first came out to them. At least the guy I went to wasn't completely horrible, but he wasn't any real help transwise, and didn't really think much of transness anyway.
I can't remember the philosophical viewpoints that he was saying, really, though.
Comments 18
to be honest, I don't know much about psychoanalysis or Freudian theory, but unless you know for a fact said psychoanalyst is informed about modern trans theory/issues, I'd shy away (same for most therapists). I can just imagine the kinds of commentary about penises and mothers and sexuality that would ensue, otherwise *shrug*
I've never really heard much about the intersection of freudian and trans theory. they don't seem terribly compatible...
Reply
I know that neo-Freudians see things a bit differently nowadays (the don't think about sex as being our driving factor, they see our desires stemming from wanting relationships), but I personally would steer clear of psychoanalysts if the only reason you are going is for HRT or SS letters. If you want to go to uncover some deep stuff about yourself, they can be good. However it is usually expensive and they also usually meet with you 3-5 times a week, adding to the expense.
If you do go, please let us know what it's like.
Reply
From what I gathered, there are psychoanalists in France who are very transphobic on the basis that, really, when you deconstruct what they say about us (of all possible variations), comes down to them being literally afraid of us.
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
It's worth noting, too, that choosing a therapist is not like choosing life insurance. You can fire your therapist and get another at any point, including after one session, if you don't feel it's a good match.
Reply
Reply
I can't remember the philosophical viewpoints that he was saying, really, though.
Reply
Leave a comment