Psychology of Changing Your Sex - Recap

Tuesday’s show was a small step in helping others who struggle with Transsexuality.

Healthyplace.com Medical Director, Dr. Harry Croft (psychiatrist, board-certified in adult psychiatry, addictions, and sex therapy), while in residency, worked in a program that evaluated individuals wishing to change their sexual orientation. During the show, he explained the emotions that a transsexual person lives with everyday.

Dr. Croft reminds us all that those who feel they are trapped in the body of the sex they cannot identify with often realize those feelings at a very young age. (Read Dr. Croft's blog post on the "Psychological Process of Changing Sex".)

Our guest, Maxime, a male-to-female transsexual, experienced her first transsexual feelings at around 6 years old. Growing up, she felt awkward and didn’t have much support from her mother who asked/warned her to never discuss her feelings.

Now that she is transitioned, she dedicates herself to sharing her experiences by making videos and posting them on youtube. You will have to watch our show to see how Maxime has overcome life’s obstacles and where she’s at in her life now.

Sex Reassignment

As you may know, there is a solution for transsexuals, but it is not an easy process. It includes undergoing hormone replacement therapy (also referred to as “post-op”) which helps to bring about physical changes to become more of a man or woman. Sexual reassignment surgery is the next step but can become so costly (and most likely not covered by insurance) that often times the individual doesn't go through with it. Whatever you decide, Dr. Croft explains this is a very long process and requires a huge emotional/psychological/financial commitment.

If you missed the show on the psychological aspects of sex reassignment, you are still able to catch it by clicking the “on-demand” button on the player. We encourage you to watch and gain insight into the world of transsexuals and hope you will share it with someone who might be going through this difficult process.

To see more of our guest Maxime and her personal journey with transition, go here to watch her videos.

Upcoming Show on Alzheimer's Caregiving

I hope you'll join us Tuesday, August 18, as we discuss the stress of being an Alzheimer’s caregiver. If you, or someone you know, would like to be a guest or share a story, contact me at producer AT healthyplace.com.