On the Couch with Dr. Angello

A Guide to Raising & Supporting Transgender Youth

By: Dr. Michele Angello

Narrated by: Kathy Bell Denton

Length: 4 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

When a single child comes out, their entire family will transition, along with their community. On the Couch with Dr. Angello is an eye-opening guide to navigating social spaces when most don't quite understand the process of changing genders. Dr. Angello offers emotional help and unwavering support as parents with trans identified children ride the waves of grief, acceptance and eventual healing. After years of televised appearances this audiobook comes at a time when the sensationalism of transgender identity has calmed - a time when hearts and ears across the nation are daringly sympathetic and finally able to aid and uplift the transgender experience.

In this fascinating examination of budding identity all audiences have something to gain as Dr. Michele Angello uncovers the behind the scenes journey parents, teachers, pastors, children and medical professionals will take in order to support gender variant youth.

Grappling with the real life situations of transitioning in public, coming out to school principals and dealing with family dynamics, Dr. Angello leaves no topic unturned from faith and spirituality to hormone therapy. On The Couch With Dr. Angello might very well be an undercover Trans 101 course. Camouflaged by its diligent storytelling, this would-be self-help book is a reassuring response to youth who are yearning for guidance as they angle to step into their right skins.

Skillfully and uniquely Dr. Angello addresses the tender experience of discovering who our best allies are. As she has in practice with many teenagers she addresses the angst in developing crushes, dating and sex; the hope in fostering relationships with the ever-important cheerleaders; and provides action steps to seek out and create safe space in school, in church and at the doctor's office.

As a source identifying the true complexities of human anatomy this book is a powerful testament to where the limitless destinations a heart-felt pursuit for authenticity can lead. Chronicling a 14-year practice Dr. Angello inspires hope, challenges boundaries and demonstrates just how powerful unconditional love can be. Regardless of your place on the gender spectrum On The Couch With Dr. Angello is an audiobook you won't want to put down.

©2013 Dr. Michele Angello (P)2013 Dr. Michele Angello

Helpful info. -- BUT she mis-genders throughout!

Two stars may be generous. And here is why:

I have recently learned that a teen I love and respect is FtoM Trans. I am trying to learn as much as possible. This book gives some good advice and defines terms well. BUT, this doctor - who supposedly works with transgender individuals and their families - misgenders her patients continuously throughout this book. She even asks one young man if she can use his "dead name" and when he says no she returns to that name anyway. She refers to young one woman as a son. These are not appropriate ways of referring to the transgender individual and even though this is new to me I was offended by it. And I am a heterosexual, cisgender, long married woman. Get it right!

worth a listen

This is a good book. if you have a child going through this, it's eighth a listen.