Business Details
17 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Licensed Clinical Psychologists in Los Gatos, CA
As a Lacanian Psychoanalyst and licensed clinical psychologist, I am committed to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges and improve their well-being.I work with a wide range of clients, from infants and children to young adults and couples, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and parenting struggles. I recognize that choosing the right psychologist and treatment approach can be a daunting task, and I strive to answer any questions clients may have about therapy, analysis, or brief analysis.
With a background as a founder of Tech companies, I have a deep understanding of the joys and demands of entrepreneurial life, which informs my empathetic approach to therapy. My practice offers expertise in assessment, treatment planning, psychoanalysis, and psychotherapy for individuals and families, as well as consultations for professionals in various fields.
I also specialize in trauma recovery, managing burnout, and addressing compassion fatigue. By providing a safe and understanding space, I help clients confront their challenges, develop resilience, and achieve personal growth. My aim is to guide clients toward greater insight and a more fulfilling life.
Services
Clinical Assessment
Individual Psychotherapy
Lacanian Psychoanalysis
Couples Therapy
EMDR Therapy
Executive Consulting
Served areas
- Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose
Details
- Year established: 2009
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- We offer trauma-informed psychotherapy developed through Stanford research and clinical practice.
- Our team integrates Lacanian psychoanalysis with EMDR for treatment-resistant trauma cases.
- We provide executive consulting informed by healthcare innovation and startup leadership experience.
- Our clinicians hold advanced training from the Lacan School of Psychoanalysis and UCSF.
- We implement personalized treatment plans validated by 15+ years of clinical research.
Associations and certifications
- PSY 22767
Payment methods
- Checks, Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments
Services
Clinical Assessment
Our comprehensive clinical assessments establish personalized treatment plans through psychodiagnostic, cognitive, and neuropsychological evaluations. We identify trauma histories, disability needs, and treatment-resistant symptoms to create targeted interventions. Services include compensation/pension evaluations and collaboration with medical professionals for holistic care planning.
EMDR Therapy
Specialized EMDR therapy addresses traumatic memories and stressors using a Lacanian-informed protocol developed by Dr. Hirshfeld. This modality treats PTSD, dissociative disorders, and compassion fatigue through bilateral stimulation techniques. Sessions integrate talk therapy frameworks for enhanced emotional regulation and cognitive restructuring.
Lacanian Psychoanalysis
Long-term Lacanian analysis explores unconscious patterns through preliminary meetings to establish treatment fit. Our approach examines desire, relational histories, and symptomatology using Jacques Lacan's theoretical framework. Sessions emphasize linguistic analysis and symbolic interpretation to resolve chronic mental health challenges.
Executive Consulting
We provide strategic consulting to health-tech companies and executives seeking improved management practices. Drawing from startup founding experience and University College London training, our services enhance leadership resilience and organizational well-being. Consultations address burnout prevention and workplace mental health infrastructure.
Couples Therapy
Our couples therapy addresses relational distress by examining individual histories and interpersonal dynamics. Sessions focus on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and building empathetic understanding between partners. Treatment integrates psychoanalytic insights with practical relationship skill-building techniques for lasting improvements.
People
Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Hirshfeld specializes in trauma recovery and Lacanian psychoanalysis with 15+ years of clinical experience. She completed postdoctoral work at Stanford and holds psychoanalytic certification from the Lacan School. Her research on PTSD and secondary stress informs innovative treatment protocols for complex mental health conditions.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you specialize in?
We specialize in Lacanian psychoanalysis, EMDR therapy, and trauma-informed care. Our practice integrates evidence-based modalities with personalized treatment plans for anxiety, depression, and complex relational issues.
Do you offer virtual therapy sessions?
Yes, we provide secure virtual therapy sessions for California residents during extended evening hours. In-person appointments are available at our Los Gatos and Saratoga locations during standard business hours.
What populations do you work with?
We treat adolescents, adults, couples, and families dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. Our practice also supports healthcare professionals and executives through organizational consulting services.
What insurance options are available?
We operate as an out-of-network provider. Clients receive detailed superbill documentation for potential insurance reimbursement. Payment plans and financing options are available upon request for qualifying cases.
Do you provide emergency mental health services?
Yes, our practice offers 24/7 crisis intervention via phone for existing clients. We collaborate with psychiatrists and primary care providers to ensure comprehensive care during acute mental health episodes.
Reviews (3)
O. L.
Sep 05, 2022
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Ayelet showed honest compassion while being able to deeply understand my inner self, and really helped me to navigate through this maze of life. I would strongly recommend her to anyone.
Tj Apte
Apr 04, 2020
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Ayelet is a extremely professional and caring and was able to help me through some tough times. Her extensive experience truly helped me deal with the negative influences in my life. Highly recommend!
Gili S.
Feb 03, 2019
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Dr Hirshfeld is a very good therapist and a true professional. When I was in crisis Dr Hishfeld has proved that she can handle solid what I was dealing with (and that was a lot) and has training and wide experience that helped me fully recover.