More often than not people want to improve on their lives. To some extent they are willing to make changes, so long as these don't interrupt what is already comfortable. Let's face it together, the human species generally tries to avoid preventative care when it requires a lot of work. Why do that when a quick fix from a therapist or a band-aid at the outpatient clinic patches up most problems?

As the years advance many people don't particularly like their birthdays, however for transgender folks birthdays can be a little different.

Our first and last names are interesting in that in many respects they seem to have a life all their own. They follow us around from day to day, and are regularly used as an introduction and references.

Over the years I have read many good articles about the process of coming out. Some of these articles advise caution when disclosing. Others advise kicking down that closet door, coming out, and yelling "I'm a transgender person" to the whole world.

Most of us have experienced it at one time or another. It starts with a sense of uncertainty and can grow exponentially into a major debilitating attack of self-doubt.

I remember years ago when I began my transition that there were days when the whole world seemed against me. After adopting my new identity, people who had never visited my office before stopped by to socialize.

First time experiences are typically more important than most people realize. First time out of the closet. First trip to the department store. First time disclosing to a friend or family member.

Have you run into the gender mirror lately? What happened when you looked at your reflection? Did you see a man, woman, transgender person? Sometimes looking at our reflection can be disappointing, other times exhilarating.

Suicide is probably the one subject that people most dislike talking or thinking about. Yet, it is also the one activity which can elicit a dramatic response when it happens.

Have you ever attended a group or encountered an individual who made every effort to point out that he or she was more beautiful, more bright, better off financially or more experienced in life? Perhaps, are there occasions where you feel like expressing that you are doing better than others.

Have you ever stopped to consider the different types of people who make up the transgender community? There are individuals of all ages, backgrounds, personalities and lifestyles. Most of these individuals have different attitudes, beliefs and behaviors when it comes to their sex drive or libido.

For men and women dealing with gender issues, and particularly those facing hardship because of others prejudices, there are so many reasons one can be without hope.  Being abandoned and rejected by friends and loved ones, losing one's job, struggling to explain our story to medical providers who at best seem skeptical. The list goes on and on, and we ask what is the meaning?

This article focuses on the mechanics of managing fear itself. If you are dealing with coming out to important people in your life or another serious situation, in addition to what you read here, you should read material on that particular subject.

Common sense dictates that decisions about disclosure must be of an individual's choosing, because a variety of consequences can arise from sharing gender issues with friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even strangers.  What remains a constant theme about such choices is that having a transgender identity also calls for learning the distinctions between sharing basic information, telling all details, or saying nothing.

Most people have several or a few things that they wish they had (or not) done during the course of their lives.  Stop and ponder for a moment.  Do any regrets come to mind for you?  After finding the wholeness that comes with redefining one's gender identity, having transitioned earlier in life often ranks extremely high among such wishes.

Do you feel constantly pushed to join the transgender bandwagon? Do you crossdress and just want to stop? Would you like to put transition questions behind you as if they never existed?

One of the more common reasons a person may seek the opinions of a therapist, counselor or other related professional is to bring clarity to gender questions.  Am I a transsexual?  Is my desire to crossdress psychotic?  Is it possible to fulfill my fantasies without destroying others or myself?

People have a variety of angry feelings at different times during their lives, and transgender men and women are no exception.  What is particularly fascinating about this feeling, is it is the most misunderstood, yet, the energy behind it holds the most promise for change.

Depression is the leading mental health issue faced by transgender persons. However, unless a client or reader's depression has progressed to crisis proportions it is the subject I am least likely to receive questions about.

I will be the first to admit it. I make a specific point to avoid watching the circus of television "talk shows" and other media featuring transgender persons and issues. Although I have a host of colleagues, clients and friends who keep me apprised of any production containing quality education or human interest material.

Crossdressers, trangenderists, transsexual, and other transgender persons frequently experience deep feelings of guilt. This article will briefly cover the dynamics of guilt as well as propose solutions for reshaping guilt into a healthy medium.