Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld PHD CLINICAL PSYCH
Psychologist
59 N Santa Cruz Ave Suite N Los Gatos CA, 95030About
Welcome to my private practice of assessment, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, brief analysis, & consultation. I am a psychoanalyst & a licensed clinical psychologist in practice with infants, children, adults, couples & families. I acknowledge that suffering experienced in relation to anxiety, depression, relationship issues, developmental difficulties, marital distress, parenting, trauma, illness, medical conditions, physical pain experienced in relation to physical injuries, illness & other experiences can result in debilitating distress. In my practice I cognize that choosing a psychologist & treatment modality can be difficult and confusing. I am here to attempt answering questions you may have about the process of therapy, analysis, or brief analysis. My Areas of expertise include: assessment; treatment planning; treatment of ages 0-5; psychotherapy for children, adults, couples & families; trauma & compassion fatigue; & psychosomatic Conditions.
Education and Training
Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis; Stanford University; California School of Professional Psychology
Provider Details
Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld PHD CLINICAL PSYCH's Expert Contributions
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 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." READ MORE
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 be troubling or worrying you that interferes with your sleep. READ MORE
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 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 READ MORE
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. It is common to see your analyst more than once a week to work through and gain insight while achieving symptom reduction. Dr. H READ MORE
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 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! READ MORE
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 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 READ MORE
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 out severe depression which may be accompanied by psychotic symptoms and/ or comorbid with conditions affecting memory & cognition. Good luck ! READ MORE
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 Effexor and/or add an anti anxiety medication. READ MORE
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 the house, some will provide treatment at home. READ MORE
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 any recent stressors? Have you also felt depressed mood? Lastly, I always recommend checking your thyroid to assure no underlying medical condition. Good luck READ MORE
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 and routine blood tests to assure no underlying medical conditions. READ MORE
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! READ MORE
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. Hirshfeld READ MORE
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 significant interpersonal exchanges in your life. Good luck, Dr. Hirshfeld READ MORE
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 therapist. Good luck, Dr. Hirshfeld READ MORE
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 about your emotions, which in turn often alleviates depression. Good luck, Dr. Hirshfeld READ MORE
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 READ MORE
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. Hirshfeld READ MORE
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, I would encourage you to contact a child psychologist and address your concern, Dr. Hirshfeld READ MORE
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, Dr. Hirshfeld READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Local Public Speaking -
- Adjunct Clinical Faculty California Institute of Integral Studies 2009 - 2011
- VP Lacan School of Psychoanalysis 2010 - 2011
- Faculty Lacan School of Psychoanalysis 2009 - 2011
Professional Memberships
- APA
- California Board of Psychology
Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors
- Kids & Art, Healing Pediatric Cancer through the Arts
Internships
- Portia Bell Hume Behavioral Health and Training Center; Community Counseling and Education Services
What do you attribute your success to?
- The profession chose her and her parents. She has a mixed cultural background and can relate to many of her patients. She served with Israel's defense forces and can also relate to the veterans she treats.
Philanthropic Initiatives
- Volunteer Work at a Rape Crisis Center
Hobbies / Sports
- Reading, Painting, Spending Time With Her Children
Areas of research
Brief AnalysisPosttraumatic Stress DisorderSecondary Stress & Compassion FatiguePsychosomatic ConditionsSkin AllergiesChild AnalysisDr. Ayelet Hirshfeld PHD CLINICAL PSYCH's Practice location
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