I have had experience with Ts of both genders. However I did go to therapy with my female T about 10 years ago (and stayed with her for about two years) so I have a completely different understanding of the therapeutic relationship now.

I did not really pick my 1st T. She was suggested to me by my primary doc, and my mother actually saw this T (she had terminated by the time I started). So I didn't really even entertain the thought of choosing a T-- the problems I had at that time came on very suddenly and intensely-- so I just wanted to start treatment as soon as possible.

When I think of her (and I learned about 6 months ago that she passed away) it with the most tender feelings. Not only did she set the foundation of skills which helped me to overcome my panic disorder, but she was the person who I wanted to model myself after by becoming a therapist myself.

I wanted to be her daughter. It was natural, as a lot of my problems centered around my relationship with my mother.

As I got older, I gravitated towards men so much that I refused to see any female professional (I have all male doctors, and I am disappointed when I find out that the professor for a class I am taking is female). It seems obvious that this would happen, as I was continuously disappointed by my mother and intensely bonded to my dad.

When I moved to Philly and decided to start therapy again, I called up an agency and the intake person asked if I had any specifications. "Just make sure the therapist is male," I told her.

I cannot even fathom the idea of opening up and connecting to a female T. A big part of my therapy is playfulness and banter, which I could never see doing with a woman. I also know that I have negative views towards women in general, so I'd rather talk about that with a male T than end up having those feelings as a barrier to connecting with a female T.

Part of me has opened up a little bit to women-- my marriage therapist is a woman (I thought it would be much better this way) and my therapy mentor/consultant is also a woman.

I still refuse female doctors or psychiatrists. I created, and run, the Men's Group at the outpatient facility in which I work.