I'm in the wrong body, but the right gender

[Cat The Dragon]

I am a 13 year old girl, and I want to be a girl. I'm okay with being a girl. The problem is that whenever I stare into the mirror or look at a picture of myself, I feel like I'm staring at someone else's body and face. I don't feel like I truly belong in this body. My voice isn't right, my face doesn't reflect me, and I just feel like someone else

[Karyn]

Hi Cat The Dragon, and welcome to Scarleteen.

Is this feeling of not being in the right body something you've ever mentioned to anyone like a therapist or counsellor? If not, is that something you'd be willing to explore?

[Cat The Dragon]

I haven't mentioned it to anyone, because I feel like they'd think I'm transgender or something or they wouldn't take me seriously. I suppose I'd like to explore it, but I'm not sure anyone would be willing to help me if it wasn't a question of sexuality or depression or something more serious

[Sam W]

Then a sound next step may be to investigate therapists or counselors in your area who have experience working in issues of this kind. Do you know how to go about finding that kind of resource?

When you talk about your body feeling wrong, do you feel like the traits you mentioned would feel more like you if they were more "masculine?" Or is it more they feel wrong in a way that goes beyond the issue of gender?