Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld PHD CLINICAL PSYCH, Psychologist
We verify the medical license of each FindaTopDoc Verified Doctor to ensure that their license is active and they are in good medical standing.

Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld PHD CLINICAL PSYCH

Psychologist

59 N Santa Cruz Ave Suite N Los Gatos CA, 95030
Request Appointment Write A Review

About

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

Female English, Hebrew 20 years of experience
Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld PHD CLINICAL PSYCH
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

Brief Psychoanalysis Consultations (Infant-Adult)Trauma & Psychoanalysis

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 Analysis

Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld PHD CLINICAL PSYCH's Practice location

Dr Hirshfeld

59 N Santa Cruz Ave Suite N -
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Get Direction
New patients: 408-874-6506
650-924-7323
Fax: 408-663-6614
www.drhirshfeld.com

Request An Appointment With Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld PHD CLINICAL PSYCH | Psychologist

Please note that this request is not considered final until you receive email notification confirming the details.

In the event the doctor is not yet registered with FindaTopDoc, we will contact the office on your behalf in an effort to secure your appointment.

Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld PHD CLINICAL PSYCH's reviews

(0)
Write Review

Recommended Articles

  • At 45 Years Old, Author Learns She Has Autism

    Laura James, a freelance journalist and mother of four children, learned that she had autism in 2015, at the age of 45. Rather than dwelling on the uncertainty of her diagnosis, she decided to accept her condition.She replayed episodes from her childhood, her teenage years, and her later life,...

  • What Are the Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

    Prescriptions in this century are made quickly and unnecessarily. You may find psychiatrists giving drugs that have several very nasty unnecessary side effects. There is, however, a natural, stress free, drug free method and routine for the disorders of the brain. Treatment is performed is by...

  • Lifestyle Changes to Deal with Insomnia

    Sleep is a way for the body to recuperate itself and revive from the entire day’s tired schedule. Sleeping is one of the most crucial functions of the body, and getting a good night’s sleep helps one to carry on their everyday functions normally. Even one day of disturbed sleep can leave you...

  • What Is a Psychosomatic Disorder?

    What is a psychosomatic disorder?It is a disorder wherein physical symptoms develop due to mental factors. The term "psyche" refers to the word "mind" and "somatic" means the observed physical signs and symptoms of the disease. Every disease has physical and mental components, so most diseases are...

  • What Are the Types of Bipolar Disorder?

    What is bipolar disorder?Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings. The mood swings can be extremely high or low. They can last a few hours, days, weeks or even months. The mood swings consist of mixed emotions both of extreme happiness or extreme depression.Bipolar...

  • Recent Documentary Showcases an Autism Relationship

    Dina Buno is the star and subject of a documentary film directed and produced by Antonio Santini and Dan Sickles, titled Dina, which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.She is also on the autism spectrum, as is her companion, Scott Levin. The documentary follows a year in their lives as...

Nearby Providers

See all nearby providers

Nearest Hospitals

SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTERl

751 SOUTH BASCOM AVENUE SAN JOSE CA 95128

Head southeast on Bean Avenue 81 ft
Turn right onto North Santa Cruz Avenue 174 ft
Turn left onto Elm Street 426 ft
Turn left onto University Avenue 1829 ft
Turn right onto Los Gatos-Saratoga Road (CA 9) 1538 ft
Take the ramp on the right 841 ft
Merge left onto CA 17 5.1 mi
Take the ramp on the right towards Hamilton Avenue 1015 ft
Turn left onto Creekside Way 225 ft
Turn right onto East Hamilton Avenue 1120 ft
Turn left onto South Bascom Avenue 1.1 mi
Keep in the middle 130 ft
Turn left onto Enborg Lane 587 ft
Turn right onto Enborg Court 750 ft
You have arrived at your destination, on the right

7.8 miSee direction

O'CONNOR HOSPITALl

2105 FOREST AVENUE SAN JOSE CA 95128

Head southeast on Bean Avenue 81 ft
Turn right onto North Santa Cruz Avenue 174 ft
Turn left onto Elm Street 426 ft
Turn left onto University Avenue 1829 ft
Turn right onto Los Gatos-Saratoga Road (CA 9) 1538 ft
Take the ramp on the right 841 ft
Merge left onto CA 17 6.7 mi
Take the ramp on the right 1051 ft
Keep left at the fork towards Stevens Creek Boulevard 2103 ft
Turn right onto Stevens Creek Boulevard 540 ft
Make a slight left 105 ft
Turn left onto Di Salvo Avenue 1335 ft
Go straight 188 ft
Turn left 70 ft
Turn right 125 ft
You have arrived at your destination, on the right

8.7 miSee direction

GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITALl

2425 SAMARITAN DRIVE SAN JOSE CA 95124

Head southeast on Bean Avenue 81 ft
Turn right onto North Santa Cruz Avenue 174 ft
Turn left onto Elm Street 426 ft
Turn left onto University Avenue 1829 ft
Turn right onto Los Gatos-Saratoga Road (CA 9) 1538 ft
Take the ramp on the right 841 ft
Merge left onto CA 17 1.5 mi
Take the ramp on the right 1346 ft
Make a slight right 194 ft
Go straight onto Lark Avenue 776 ft
Turn left onto Los Gatos Boulevard 2229 ft
Turn right onto Samaritan Drive 2571 ft
Turn left 398 ft
Turn left 250 ft
You have arrived at your destination, straight ahead

3.9 miSee direction