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New path


Chrissy

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Hi all,

It's been awhile since I've been able to write - very busy at work, and outside of work (the outside part is all good, but tiring).

In a prior post I wrote about an "exit strategy" from my current job, and that point has advanced substantially.  Several weeks ago I had breakfast with my electrologist (her appointment after me had cancelled). I was telling her about my job issues and half-jokingly asked if she knew anyone who was hiring. She replied that I was asking the wrong question, and that what I needed to ask (myself) is what is my passion, and how can I make a career out of that?

It took virtually no time at all to figure it out once I had that question in mind and I've decided to try to pursue an MSW (Masters of Social Work) and try to become a therapist. Long ago I had thought about pursuing that career, but never followed-through. Looking back now and realizing the impact of gender dysphoria, I think that it was impossible (or at least improbable) that I could have figured out what my passion was, much less follow-through on it, until I came out as transgender (which, BTW, was a year ago this month).

Earlier this year I started volunteering with Identity House - a group that provides peer counseling, support groups, and therapy referrals for LGBTQ people in the NYC area. I've never done anything that has given me as much personal satisfaction as this! So at this point I've applied to 2 MSW programs, that might be about it, I had to choose based on some logistical constraints - but one of them is Rutgers University, which has a well-regarded MSW program.

xoxo

Chrissy

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Christie,

Sounds perfect for you! I've thought about what it would mean to be a therapist.  I think it takes a combination of patience, empathy, and ability to be vulnerable. It's so easy for me, as the client, to sit across from my therapist(s) and expect them to have the answers which, of course, they don't. What they can and try to do is facilitate our coming out with it, with their guidance and support especially for whatever those such as us bring along for the ride. 

Really, I think it's a fantastic calling and I wish you the very best.

Emma

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In my work with Identity House, the very first time I did the peer counseling, the client we had was a person who came in to discuss "concerns about transgender thoughts" - he (he still identified as he) seemed very positive about the interaction (we spoke for about an hour and a half), which felt really good :-)

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