Seeking The Help Of A Social Worker

[therisa]

During one of my support group meeting, this was brought up, about having a social worker, to help, in the navigating the local health system for help, as a transgender person. Myself, I find trying to access the local health system, frustrating, as many of the therapies offered, are group based, which is one of my major triggers, given my past history of physical and psychological abuse. I will be, asking my nurse practitioner, about getting a social worker, during my next appointment, on Thursday morning. Who will be, more aware of type of programs, I can access, to help in my recovery. Has anyone had any experienced working with a social worker, in getting themselves, the proper treatments needed, to deal with their PTSD?

 

[cherryblossom]

I only had a short encounter with a social worker, but they did help me to find out what help might be available to me based on my needs etc.

They should know what might be available to you, and if not, they should have the right contacts to find out. It's good to have someone you can turn to and ask for help. Someone who will advocate for you. I say, go for it! You don't have anything to lose by giving it a go.

 

[therisa]

Thank you, @cherryblossom . This social worker works, at the same training hospital, which my doctor's office, is one of it's satellite clinics.

 

[Britt.f7]

I had one when I was inpatient. They suggested EMDR, but there is no one who practices it close to me. Unfortunately, I think. It's good to have someone on your side navigating the system. He really helped me understand my depression too.

 

[Spiderallis]

I'm not well versed in how the Canadian health care system works, but that sounds like a great plan. The health center I go to set me up with what they call a 'patient health navigator', basically a social worker without the degree. She helped me a lot. I don't have a gender issue in the mix though, just some chronic medical stuff to go with the mental. Not sure how common they are, but in my area there's a LGBT community center. Maybe the social worker will know if there's something like that near you.

Group settings bother me too, I had to take a break from the one I was attending.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

I don't have much dealings with social workers but when I was in the hospital groups were given by social workers. They were helpful then. A bit more simple then a physiologist, less in depth IMO though it was in a group setting.

Take care Therisa. :)

 

[therisa]

Thank you, everyone, for your suggestions and support.

, but in my area there's a LGBT community center. Maybe the social worker will know if there's something like that near you.

I do attend a peer support group, for Male-to-Female, every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, at a local community centre, which serves the Greater Toronto Area, and beyond, for southern Ontario.

As for, my Thursday morning appointment, I have a lot to process and think about, before I share with the forum, what my nurse practitioner said, to me. I feel like, I am caught, in the middle, too healthy for some supports and too ill, for others.

 

[Spiderallis]

I'm glad you've already found a support group. The challenges and emotions brought up by transitioning seem like something one couldn't comprehend without going through it themselves. As much as I've tried to understand, the best I can do is being aware that I've got no clue.

It sounds like you're facing some tough decisions about which therapy options would be best for you. I hope you have a trustworthy place to lean while you try to find balance in that middle ground.

 

[therisa]

Thank you, @Spiderallis , for your honesty and support. Every transitioning person's experiences are different and unique, from each others. As for my therapy options, I am still trying to figure out, which direction is, the best one for me. I do have very supportive friends, whom I can lean on, during the dark periods. And I do trust my nurse practitioner, having been with her, for seven years.

I got confirmation, for a meeting with a social worker, at my doctor's clinic, on November 18, 2013, at 2:30pm.