Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in Los Altos, CA

Photo of Serenity Serseción, PhD, Psychologist
Serenity Serseción
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
Dr. Serseción is a genderqueer, Latinx, a licensed psychologist with 15+ years of experience as a therapist. Dr. Serseción is a native Spanish speaker from Puerto Rico, providing treatment in English and Spanish. In addition, Dr. Sersecion provides workshops on various topics such as cultural humility, and working with diverse populations. They work with the following communities: LGBTQ+ population, polyamory community, Latinx community, DID/ plural community, geek community, video game community, and various others.
Dr. Serseción is a genderqueer, Latinx, a licensed psychologist with 15+ years of experience as a therapist. Dr. Serseción is a native Spanish speaker from Puerto Rico, providing treatment in English and Spanish. In addition, Dr. Sersecion provides workshops on various topics such as cultural humility, and working with diverse populations. They work with the following communities: LGBTQ+ population, polyamory community, Latinx community, DID/ plural community, geek community, video game community, and various others.
(650) 946-1649 View (650) 946-1649
Photo of Maria Holden, PsyD, Psychologist
Maria Holden
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
Are you working through trauma or a difficult life transition? Are you in relationship with a toxic or narcissistic person? Are you facing painful loss? Do you want to use principles of spirituality to strengthen you and answer life's deepest questions? Do you suffer from DID or dissociative disorder? For 30 years, I have guided people toward authentic ways of living and relating. Through many types of treatment, I help people to understand how traumatic life events change us and how to transform thoughts, feelings, and relationships. We focus on real actions you can take to find the power to reverse the effects of pain and trauma.
Are you working through trauma or a difficult life transition? Are you in relationship with a toxic or narcissistic person? Are you facing painful loss? Do you want to use principles of spirituality to strengthen you and answer life's deepest questions? Do you suffer from DID or dissociative disorder? For 30 years, I have guided people toward authentic ways of living and relating. Through many types of treatment, I help people to understand how traumatic life events change us and how to transform thoughts, feelings, and relationships. We focus on real actions you can take to find the power to reverse the effects of pain and trauma.
(510) 216-1317 View (510) 216-1317
Judy H Smith
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I aspire to create a safe, structured and warm therapeutic environment to facilitate the patient's personal growth while helping patients develop more insight, explore the history of their problems, and recognize unhealthy patterns. My therapeutic process has developed over 25 years of practice and training. Some of the areas of psychology from which I draw are psychodynamic, attachment theory, object relations and family systems. My goal is that through therapy, my patients feel understood, supported and comfortably challenged. During our first meeting we explore together what brought you to therapy..what is occuring in your life that is causing difficulties, and where perhaps you may be hindering yourself. For the most part therapy is a guided process where you learn more deeply about yourself and develop better coping skills with an improved capacity to handle emotional difficulties in a healthy, fulfilling manner.
I aspire to create a safe, structured and warm therapeutic environment to facilitate the patient's personal growth while helping patients develop more insight, explore the history of their problems, and recognize unhealthy patterns. My therapeutic process has developed over 25 years of practice and training. Some of the areas of psychology from which I draw are psychodynamic, attachment theory, object relations and family systems. My goal is that through therapy, my patients feel understood, supported and comfortably challenged. During our first meeting we explore together what brought you to therapy..what is occuring in your life that is causing difficulties, and where perhaps you may be hindering yourself. For the most part therapy is a guided process where you learn more deeply about yourself and develop better coping skills with an improved capacity to handle emotional difficulties in a healthy, fulfilling manner.
(650) 864-4518 x650208 View (650) 864-4518 x650208
Photo of Kathryn Palza, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Kathryn Palza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
Welcome! Finding you here tells me that you are choosing YOU. You have taken the initial step toward healing. Whether you are seeking therapy individually or with a partner, your therapeutic path will allow you to feel nourished and understood and will help strengthen your relationships. You may be facing challenges in your day-to-day life, trying to overcome current or past trauma in its many forms, or wanting to improve core relationships in your life. I can help you to navigate difficult family dynamics, increase your sense of self, and teach you critical skills for emotional regulation.
Welcome! Finding you here tells me that you are choosing YOU. You have taken the initial step toward healing. Whether you are seeking therapy individually or with a partner, your therapeutic path will allow you to feel nourished and understood and will help strengthen your relationships. You may be facing challenges in your day-to-day life, trying to overcome current or past trauma in its many forms, or wanting to improve core relationships in your life. I can help you to navigate difficult family dynamics, increase your sense of self, and teach you critical skills for emotional regulation.
(650) 459-5124 View (650) 459-5124
Photo of Tamar Berry, MSA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tamar Berry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
I believe in connecting and supporting you in a compassionate way. I can help you find a resolution and create a positive change by working with the body – mind connection while applying methods such as Hakomi and IFS. When working together, we'll focus on the present moment as you head down the path to healing and health. With over 15 years in the field supporting adults, couples and families, I have developed the unique ability to bring to light your strengths while providing a platform of hope and happiness.
I believe in connecting and supporting you in a compassionate way. I can help you find a resolution and create a positive change by working with the body – mind connection while applying methods such as Hakomi and IFS. When working together, we'll focus on the present moment as you head down the path to healing and health. With over 15 years in the field supporting adults, couples and families, I have developed the unique ability to bring to light your strengths while providing a platform of hope and happiness.
(669) 221-6607 View (669) 221-6607
Alison Cabell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024  (Online Only)
During the over 20 years I have been in practice I have witnessed how profoundly helpful it is for a person to be listened to with care and attention. My commitment to you is to create a setting that helps you share yourself with someone who initially you don't know - but will come to know. I want to help you feel safe and comfortable enough to speak about your concerns. In addition, we will address your issues with the objective of getting to the source of the problem so that you can feel more long-term relief.
During the over 20 years I have been in practice I have witnessed how profoundly helpful it is for a person to be listened to with care and attention. My commitment to you is to create a setting that helps you share yourself with someone who initially you don't know - but will come to know. I want to help you feel safe and comfortable enough to speak about your concerns. In addition, we will address your issues with the objective of getting to the source of the problem so that you can feel more long-term relief.
(408) 831-6749 View (408) 831-6749
Photo of Kim Williams, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kim Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024  (Online Only)
Welcome! I specialize in helping couples and individuals overcome the roadblocks they face in the most intimate aspect of their relationship: the intersection of their humanity and their sexuality. In my years of work as a marriage and family therapist, I have found that sex is often about the full spectrum of life-issues which we encounter as human beings.
Welcome! I specialize in helping couples and individuals overcome the roadblocks they face in the most intimate aspect of their relationship: the intersection of their humanity and their sexuality. In my years of work as a marriage and family therapist, I have found that sex is often about the full spectrum of life-issues which we encounter as human beings.
(650) 209-7489 View (650) 209-7489
Photo of Elizabeth Biggart, PhD, Psychologist
Elizabeth Biggart
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
A seasoned psychotherapist with a strong appreciation for how difficult change can be, my approach is straightforward, compassionate, tinged with humor, and terribly reliant upon our ability to form a collaborative partnership. If you are reading this then something is not working for you, some aspect of your life is disappointing or dissatisfying and you have likely exhausted your own efforts to resolve things independently. You may feel baffled as to why the same patterns of interpersonal problems are happening again.
A seasoned psychotherapist with a strong appreciation for how difficult change can be, my approach is straightforward, compassionate, tinged with humor, and terribly reliant upon our ability to form a collaborative partnership. If you are reading this then something is not working for you, some aspect of your life is disappointing or dissatisfying and you have likely exhausted your own efforts to resolve things independently. You may feel baffled as to why the same patterns of interpersonal problems are happening again.
(650) 557-2679 View (650) 557-2679
Photo of Maureen Smith Ruffell, MD
Maureen Smith Ruffell
MD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
I am a Psychiatrist specializing in Psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis and General Psychiatry. I'd like to welcome you to my practice. I'll work with you to build a connection that facilitates communication and that will support lasting change. I can help you establish more stability and satisfaction in your life and in your relationships, partner with you to develop more confidence in your decision making, help you weather losses, imagine and actualize what you'd like to do next, and think through problems in your most important relationships.
I am a Psychiatrist specializing in Psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis and General Psychiatry. I'd like to welcome you to my practice. I'll work with you to build a connection that facilitates communication and that will support lasting change. I can help you establish more stability and satisfaction in your life and in your relationships, partner with you to develop more confidence in your decision making, help you weather losses, imagine and actualize what you'd like to do next, and think through problems in your most important relationships.
(650) 903-7205 View (650) 903-7205
Photo of Howard Scott Warshaw, MA, ME, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Howard Scott Warshaw
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, ME, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024  (Online Only)
Let's have the conversation that changes your life. I help gifted problem solvers overcome the challenges (and clean up the messes) they tend to create. I'm The Silicon Valley Therapist, a former engineer with genuine people skills. I'm fluent in both English and Nerd, and can bridge the abyss between them. Would insight, compassion and inspiration help? My esoteric blend of experience, skill and humor enables individuals to thrive and couples to reconnect. I work with HiTech professionals and the Super-Intelligent (and those trying to love them). What does "doing better" mean to you right now?
Let's have the conversation that changes your life. I help gifted problem solvers overcome the challenges (and clean up the messes) they tend to create. I'm The Silicon Valley Therapist, a former engineer with genuine people skills. I'm fluent in both English and Nerd, and can bridge the abyss between them. Would insight, compassion and inspiration help? My esoteric blend of experience, skill and humor enables individuals to thrive and couples to reconnect. I work with HiTech professionals and the Super-Intelligent (and those trying to love them). What does "doing better" mean to you right now?
(408) 400-7732 View (408) 400-7732
Photo of Theresa E Chesnut, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Theresa E Chesnut
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
Once you make the decision to seek therapy, finding a therapist who "gets you" is the key element in starting the process. I focus on: eating disorders, trauma resolution / PTSD, adolescents in crisis, and elite athletes. As a psychodynamic therapist, my goal is to help clients uncover their true potential and lead a meaningful life; it's about having a life that becomes worth celebrating.
Once you make the decision to seek therapy, finding a therapist who "gets you" is the key element in starting the process. I focus on: eating disorders, trauma resolution / PTSD, adolescents in crisis, and elite athletes. As a psychodynamic therapist, my goal is to help clients uncover their true potential and lead a meaningful life; it's about having a life that becomes worth celebrating.
(650) 206-4505 View (650) 206-4505
Photo of Judy H. Smith, PhD, Psychologist
Judy H. Smith
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
Dr. Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist whose patients include adolescents, adults, and families. She uses insight-oriented and supportive techniques to help patients work through difficult events and feelings. While Dr. Smith defines herself as a generalist in the field of psychology, she does have areas of further experience, including but not limited to the following: Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Academic or Work Difficulties, Parent/Adolescent Conflicts, Family Conflicts and Resolution of Grief Issues. Dr.Smith also works with Transgender and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents.
Dr. Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist whose patients include adolescents, adults, and families. She uses insight-oriented and supportive techniques to help patients work through difficult events and feelings. While Dr. Smith defines herself as a generalist in the field of psychology, she does have areas of further experience, including but not limited to the following: Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Academic or Work Difficulties, Parent/Adolescent Conflicts, Family Conflicts and Resolution of Grief Issues. Dr.Smith also works with Transgender and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents.
(650) 383-3388 View (650) 383-3388
Photo of Shruti Nair, MA
Shruti Nair
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I am a multilingual therapist with experience in working with clients diverse in age, color, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic backgrounds. My core belief is that with the right intervention tools, everyone has the ability to face, and overcome their challenges. Having worked with clients between 6-65 years of age, I find that my gentle approach in therapy, help my clients of all age groups fit well with my style of work. In addition to that, I offer therapy in additional languages such as Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, Punjabi, Urdu.
I am a multilingual therapist with experience in working with clients diverse in age, color, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic backgrounds. My core belief is that with the right intervention tools, everyone has the ability to face, and overcome their challenges. Having worked with clients between 6-65 years of age, I find that my gentle approach in therapy, help my clients of all age groups fit well with my style of work. In addition to that, I offer therapy in additional languages such as Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, Punjabi, Urdu.
(650) 459-5829 View (650) 459-5829
Photo of Anders Greenwood, PsyD, PhD, Psychologist
Anders Greenwood
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024  (Online Only)
Are you or loved ones facing challenges you want to work through in safety and confidence? Reacting to life events with worry or sadness? Ready for a new beginning? For better or worse, our experience is shaped by expectations and habits that are maintained by loyalty to important relationships, and by cycles of confirming experience. They affect our happiness, our relationships and the success of our endeavors. Therapy can help. In a safe empathic relationship, unhelpful expectations and habits can be retired, and happier habits of relating to life and others can be learned, chosen and implemented.
Are you or loved ones facing challenges you want to work through in safety and confidence? Reacting to life events with worry or sadness? Ready for a new beginning? For better or worse, our experience is shaped by expectations and habits that are maintained by loyalty to important relationships, and by cycles of confirming experience. They affect our happiness, our relationships and the success of our endeavors. Therapy can help. In a safe empathic relationship, unhelpful expectations and habits can be retired, and happier habits of relating to life and others can be learned, chosen and implemented.
(510) 364-4825 View (510) 364-4825
Photo of Kathryn Hedjasi, MA, MBA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathryn Hedjasi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
Do you find yourself struggling? Hurting? I can help you feel better! You have the ability to THRIVE regardless of your circumstances armed with my support & many new tools in your arsenal. I can help you tap into your own resilience & ability to heal. Wherever you are at in life, whether satisfied but looking to improve, struggling daily & feeling as if the floor is about to fall out, in crisis-mode, on a journey of self-discovery, or simply looking for support from a fully present empathetic skilled partner in your personal, interpersonal & professional goals. I AM HERE FOR YOU!
Do you find yourself struggling? Hurting? I can help you feel better! You have the ability to THRIVE regardless of your circumstances armed with my support & many new tools in your arsenal. I can help you tap into your own resilience & ability to heal. Wherever you are at in life, whether satisfied but looking to improve, struggling daily & feeling as if the floor is about to fall out, in crisis-mode, on a journey of self-discovery, or simply looking for support from a fully present empathetic skilled partner in your personal, interpersonal & professional goals. I AM HERE FOR YOU!
(650) 262-4006 View (650) 262-4006
Photo of Carole Ann Cassidy, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carole Ann Cassidy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94023
It can be challenging to make desired changes in your life, to close the gap between your life today and the way you know you could be. My goal is to help clients achieve inner happiness, resolve conflicts, set healthy goals, discover self-empathy and live the life you know you’re capable of achieving. With me you will find an empathetic ear to fully understand your situation. I specialize in Couples Therapy and offer proven techniques to improve communication & relationships. I’ve trained att Couples Institute in Menlo Park. Communication is often the number one complaint for couples. I also work with adult individuals of all ages.
It can be challenging to make desired changes in your life, to close the gap between your life today and the way you know you could be. My goal is to help clients achieve inner happiness, resolve conflicts, set healthy goals, discover self-empathy and live the life you know you’re capable of achieving. With me you will find an empathetic ear to fully understand your situation. I specialize in Couples Therapy and offer proven techniques to improve communication & relationships. I’ve trained att Couples Institute in Menlo Park. Communication is often the number one complaint for couples. I also work with adult individuals of all ages.
(650) 620-7326 View (650) 620-7326
Photo of Katherine Viret, PsyD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katherine Viret
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
There are many reasons you may be seeking therapy: you may want help with a specific issue (divorce, loss, depression, anxiety), you may not be exactly sure why you want help other than a vague sense that things aren't right, or you may be experiencing discontent, anxiety or depression even though you function at a high level and are living a "good" life.
There are many reasons you may be seeking therapy: you may want help with a specific issue (divorce, loss, depression, anxiety), you may not be exactly sure why you want help other than a vague sense that things aren't right, or you may be experiencing discontent, anxiety or depression even though you function at a high level and are living a "good" life.
(650) 453-8966 View (650) 453-8966
Photo of Jill V (Tompkins) Garcia, MA, MFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jill V (Tompkins) Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
Humans are social beings. In the caveman days, those who were separated from the pack were not able to survive. A primitive part of our brain longs to stay connected to others. Unsuccessful relationships can feel like death. Sometimes we repeat relationship mistakes. Other times, we withdrawal but isolation can feel like a vast dessert with no end in sight. Luckily there is another way. Being in a healthy relationship with another human being is often a vital component to happiness. As your therapist, I would like to walk with you on your journey towards becoming more connected.
Humans are social beings. In the caveman days, those who were separated from the pack were not able to survive. A primitive part of our brain longs to stay connected to others. Unsuccessful relationships can feel like death. Sometimes we repeat relationship mistakes. Other times, we withdrawal but isolation can feel like a vast dessert with no end in sight. Luckily there is another way. Being in a healthy relationship with another human being is often a vital component to happiness. As your therapist, I would like to walk with you on your journey towards becoming more connected.
(408) 831-7789 View (408) 831-7789
Photo of Anat Fein, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anat Fein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024  (Online Only)
Emotional pain is as common as physical pain, and can be truely agonizing. Don't give up! You don't have to suffer alone. I come from a place of compassion, acceptance and hope. I am constantly amazed by the human spirit and by our ability to heal. I am eclectic, and use different approaches to meet each client's individual needs. I am open and honest with my clients and never judge anyone. My style is interactive and direct. I take my role seriously and am committed to helping you feel better. I'm fluent in English and Hebrew.
Emotional pain is as common as physical pain, and can be truely agonizing. Don't give up! You don't have to suffer alone. I come from a place of compassion, acceptance and hope. I am constantly amazed by the human spirit and by our ability to heal. I am eclectic, and use different approaches to meet each client's individual needs. I am open and honest with my clients and never judge anyone. My style is interactive and direct. I take my role seriously and am committed to helping you feel better. I'm fluent in English and Hebrew.
(408) 310-0800 View (408) 310-0800
Photo of Peter J Young, PsyD, Psychologist
Peter J Young
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024  (Online Only)
If life were simple, there would be less need for confessional booths, principals' offices and psychotherapy. Things happen along the way, get set aside, accumulate and catch up. Some "stuff" gets passed from one generation to the next. Many people delay indefinitely effectively dealing with difficulties, pass them on to others or deny they exist entirely. When you are ready to sort through such matters give me a call. I am curious, patient and enjoy helping others move forward. I share observations and clarify situations while clients work to increase enjoyment of life. It might be easier than you think.
If life were simple, there would be less need for confessional booths, principals' offices and psychotherapy. Things happen along the way, get set aside, accumulate and catch up. Some "stuff" gets passed from one generation to the next. Many people delay indefinitely effectively dealing with difficulties, pass them on to others or deny they exist entirely. When you are ready to sort through such matters give me a call. I am curious, patient and enjoy helping others move forward. I share observations and clarify situations while clients work to increase enjoyment of life. It might be easier than you think.
(650) 248-9958 View (650) 248-9958
1
Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists

How does therapy for dissociative disorders work?

Dissociation may be triggered by stress or other upsetting circumstances, and therapy can address the traumatic events at the core of an individual’s dissociation. Understanding why a person may dissociate can help the therapist and the individual come up with alternative methods of coping. A person with a dissociative disorder may get stuck on negative thinking, for example, and treatment like Cognitive behavioral therapy is a gold standard for breaking such thinking. And dialectical behavior therapy, for example, can help a person manage their anguish through better emotion regulation.

Which therapies are best for dissociative disorders?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, schema therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful memories and past traumas. These therapies work to integrate an individual's different identities into one person.

Are there specific medications for dissociation?

There are no specific medications prescribed for dissociative disorders. However, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and/or panic often co-occur in dissociative disorders. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for any accompanying symptom—which may include antipsychotics like aripiprazole, antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines.

How often and how long are therapy sessions?

Like any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. There are still other patients, especially those who have co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, who may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months.