The California Dreamin Transgender Convention, April 17-20, 2008, at the Hotel Doubletree, San Jose

Choosing a Therapist

When: Friday, April 18, 10:30–11:30 am

Where: San Juan Room

What is a therapist? When is the time to consult a therapist? How does one locate a therapist? What is the value in consulting a therapist regarding gender issues? Can one get the same guidance and information from the Internet? What do the Standards of Care regarding Transgenderism really say about counseling/therapy with a behavioral health professional?

These are some of the questions that will be discussed and examined in this workshop. Attendees may have other questions, concerns or just wish to share their experience with a therapist. All members of the transgender spectrum are invited and welcome: first-timers, crossdressers, significant others, individuals in transition or beginning transition and post-op transsexuals.

Return to Friday Schedule

Judy van Maasdam

Judy van Maasdam, M.A. is a Gender Identity specialist with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. She has been the coordinator of the Gender Dysphoria Program in Palo Alto, California, for 30 years. She has held numerous positions with the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA): Executive Director (1981-1992), Interim Executive Director (1996) and member of the Board of Directors (1992-1995).

Judy served as a member of the Transgender Task Force, City and County of San Francisco, CA (Implementation of Insurance Benefits for SF Employees for Gender Identity Disorder Treatment), in 2001.

Judy was a member of the International Journal of Transgenderism editorial board (1997-2004), and is a current member of WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health), formerly HBIGDA. She has led over thirty lectures and seminars on Gender Dysphoria Syndrome. She currently provides consultation and education in the care of the transgendered.