expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld

Psychologist

Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld is a psychologist practicing in Palo Alto, CA. Dr. Hirshfeld specializes in the treatment of health mental problems, and helps people to cope with their mental illnesses. As a psychologist, Dr. Hirshfeld evaluates and treats patients through a variety of methods, most typically being psychotherapy or talk therapy. Patients usually visit Dr. Hirshfeld because they have been experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or anger for a significant period of time and are seeking help. Psychologists may perform a variety of exams and assessments to diagnose a mental condition.

http://www.routledgementalhealth.com/the-emptiness-of-oedipus-9780415608299 Chapter 4: "Variable-length Lacanian analyses and the question of brief analysis" pp. 104-136 RAUL MONCAYO AND AYELET HIRSHFELD

https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/e/9781136585265/chapters/10.4324%2F9780203157367-9

Chapter 4: Variable-length Lacanian analyses and the question of brief analysis: Raul Moncayo and Ayelet HirshfeldBy RAUL MONCAYO, AYELET HIRSHFELD

"Brief treatment can be viewed as an ideology of the consumer society of late capitalism. Clients are faced these days with an overwhelming variety of brief therapy products aimed at eliminating specifi c phobias, boosting self-esteem, combating depression, eliminating various addictions, and more. Brief therapy responds to a need to increase access to treatment, provide cost-effective treatments within the managed-care culture, and respond to the requests for evidencebased, effi cient, empirically validated treatments (Levenson, 1995)."

Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld
  • San Jose, CA
  • Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis; Stanford University; California School of Professional Psychology
  • Accepting new patients

What are the best medications for anxiety?

Hello, i am a licensed clinical psychologist and not a medical doctor. I recommend that you reach out to a psychiatrist or PCP, however, i will say that it is important to stay READ MORE
Hello, i am a licensed clinical psychologist and not a medical doctor. I recommend that you reach out to a psychiatrist or PCP, however, i will say that it is important to stay away from habit forming anti anxiety medications. There are a few anti anxiety medications that are not habit forming and can be used for a variety of medical conditions, depression and anxiety such as a low dose of an antidepressant (any SSRI if there is no mood lability) & Gabapentin. Gabapentin is generally considered a "good medication."

Never sleep well?

First, I’d recommend a sleep study to rule out sleep apnea. Once that’s done, and if that does not account for the sleeplessness, a psychologist can help understand what might READ MORE
First, I’d recommend a sleep study to rule out sleep apnea. Once that’s done, and if that does not account for the sleeplessness, a psychologist can help understand what might be troubling or worrying you that interferes with your sleep.

What activities help with anxiety?

Well, in general, anxiety termed also as “signal anxiety” has a vital part in teaching us something about ourselves. This can be explored in therapy and analysis. Generally, any READ MORE
Well, in general, anxiety termed also as “signal anxiety” has a vital part in teaching us something about ourselves. This can be explored in therapy and analysis. Generally, any activities one finds relaxing such as walks in nature, relaxation, mindfulness, bubble baths, and more can ease anxiety, and especially modulating to assure not overly exposing oneself to unnecessary stressors.

Dr. H

How often should you see a therapist for depression?

As often as helps you cope with debilitating depression, anywhere from once a week to daily, and/or as often as will help you to gain insight in analytic psychotherapy or psychoanalysis. READ MORE
As often as helps you cope with debilitating depression, anywhere from once a week to daily, and/or as often as will help you to gain insight in analytic psychotherapy or psychoanalysis. It is common to see your analyst more than once a week to work through and gain insight while achieving symptom reduction.

Dr. H

Are there any non medical remedies for depression?

Unless depression is moderate or severe, i generally recommend starting with "talk therapy". Psychotherapy can help you understand what your present anguish represents in the global READ MORE
Unless depression is moderate or severe, i generally recommend starting with "talk therapy". Psychotherapy can help you understand what your present anguish represents in the global schema of your life. It will also help with symptom reduction. We do often combine antidepressants with talk therapy especially when talk therapy alone does not help. Good luck!

Why am I having hallucinations?

Hallucinations can be auditory, visual, tactile etc. Do they coincide with mood fluctuations or with depression or euphoria waves? i would recommend seeing a psychiatrist as well READ MORE
Hallucinations can be auditory, visual, tactile etc. Do they coincide with mood fluctuations or with depression or euphoria waves? i would recommend seeing a psychiatrist as well as a physician to let them know you have been experiencing these. We always want to rule out any medical conditions as well, good luck

Why does my mom hear sounds that don't actually exist?

At this age I recommend your mother be seen by a neuropsychologist to rule out degenerative disease that can contribute to auditory hallucinations & psychotic symptoms. Also rule READ MORE
At this age I recommend your mother be seen by a neuropsychologist to rule out degenerative disease that can contribute to auditory hallucinations & psychotic symptoms. Also rule out severe depression which may be accompanied by psychotic symptoms and/ or comorbid with conditions affecting memory & cognition. Good luck !

Are panic attacks while taking anti depressants normal?

I suggest contacting your psychiatrist as this may be a side effect, how your depression manifests, or combined anxiety & depression. S/he may prescribe a different SSRI such as READ MORE
I suggest contacting your psychiatrist as this may be a side effect, how your depression manifests, or combined anxiety & depression. S/he may prescribe a different SSRI such as Effexor and/or add an anti anxiety medication.

What is the reason for panic attacks?

Is your sister also afraid of leaving the house? Did she experience any trauma recently? I suggest contacting a mental health provider right away, if she is afraid to get out of READ MORE
Is your sister also afraid of leaving the house? Did she experience any trauma recently? I suggest contacting a mental health provider right away, if she is afraid to get out of the house, some will provide treatment at home.

I am feeling very anxious and angry most of the time. What should I do?

I suggest as a first step contacting a psychologist to speak about these recent changes in mood and behavior and/or a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation. Have you experienced READ MORE
I suggest as a first step contacting a psychologist to speak about these recent changes in mood and behavior and/or a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation. Have you experienced any recent stressors? Have you also felt depressed mood? Lastly, I always recommend checking your thyroid to assure no underlying medical condition. Good luck

Can depression medicines cause excessive sleeping?

This can be a potential side effect of the medication or it may be a symptom of the depressive episode itself. I suggest contacting your psychiatrist or PCP for medication adjustment READ MORE
This can be a potential side effect of the medication or it may be a symptom of the depressive episode itself. I suggest contacting your psychiatrist or PCP for medication adjustment and routine blood tests to assure no underlying medical conditions.

Should I take my son to a psychologist to remove the fear of exams from his mind?

It is a fantastic idea to help your son overcome test anxiety with the help of a psychologist.

Good luck!

What is neuropsychology?

A neuropsychologist will evaluate the extent of the injury structurally and functionally and can detect soft signs of injury that are not seen on imaging surveys. Good luck, Dr. READ MORE
A neuropsychologist will evaluate the extent of the injury structurally and functionally and can detect soft signs of injury that are not seen on imaging surveys. Good luck, Dr. Hirshfeld

How can I get over a fear of going to a psychologist?

I would encourage you to share your fear with your psychologist during the initial session. That may lead to a very interesting discussion that perhaps will shed light on other READ MORE
I would encourage you to share your fear with your psychologist during the initial session. That may lead to a very interesting discussion that perhaps will shed light on other significant interpersonal exchanges in your life. Good luck, Dr. Hirshfeld

Do therapists lead therapy sessions or do I?

I encourage you to openly discuss this with your therapist, some forms of therapy are more structured than others and that will allow you to assure there is a good fit with your READ MORE
I encourage you to openly discuss this with your therapist, some forms of therapy are more structured than others and that will allow you to assure there is a good fit with your therapist. Good luck, Dr. Hirshfeld

I think I may be depressed. What do I do?

It is common to experience mood changes following major life changes, such as retirement. During this adjustment process, it often helps to speak with a professional psychologist READ MORE
It is common to experience mood changes following major life changes, such as retirement. During this adjustment process, it often helps to speak with a professional psychologist about your emotions, which in turn often alleviates depression.


Good luck,
Dr. Hirshfeld

Sudden mental fatigue--what can it be?

Noticing burnout signs early on can help in mitigating their impact. I recommend contacting a psychologist and discussing your feelings, Dr. Hirshfeld

At night, thinking prevents me from sleeping. Can I do anything about it?

I recommend contacting a psychologist to help acquire good sleep hygiene habits and allow the space for discussing what it is that keep you up at night in a safe environment, Dr. READ MORE
I recommend contacting a psychologist to help acquire good sleep hygiene habits and allow the space for discussing what it is that keep you up at night in a safe environment, Dr. Hirshfeld

My son watches the same movie over and over

Does your child tend to repeat other activities, for example, does he rehearse songs, stories, is there a lot of repetition in his play? Does he repeat words frequently? If so, READ MORE
Does your child tend to repeat other activities, for example, does he rehearse songs, stories, is there a lot of repetition in his play? Does he repeat words frequently? If so, I would encourage you to contact a child psychologist and address your concern, Dr. Hirshfeld

Meltdowns Behaviour

I suggest contacting a child psychologist to address your concern and discuss safe ways for emotional containment which are likely to reduce the number of meltdowns. Good luck, READ MORE
I suggest contacting a child psychologist to address your concern and discuss safe ways for emotional containment which are likely to reduce the number of meltdowns. Good luck, Dr. Hirshfeld