Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in Palo Alto, CA

Photo of Julie Gerhardt, PhD, Psychologist
Julie Gerhardt
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Life presents us with many opportunities, moments of fulfillment, lack of fulfillment, trauma and/or terrible loss leading to difficulties in emotional intimacy, isolation, panic, resentment, depression - even despair. Our histories and fears mold our choices and can prevent us from achieving a more meaningful fulfilling life. Therapy involves, in part, a journey into the life of buried feelings/beliefs about self and others. Coaching involves emotionally intelligent problem solving. My clients typically consist of professional adults and couples who feel stuck in their lives/relationships. Some are in acute distress, others are unsure of the source/nature of their more chronic difficulties.
Life presents us with many opportunities, moments of fulfillment, lack of fulfillment, trauma and/or terrible loss leading to difficulties in emotional intimacy, isolation, panic, resentment, depression - even despair. Our histories and fears mold our choices and can prevent us from achieving a more meaningful fulfilling life. Therapy involves, in part, a journey into the life of buried feelings/beliefs about self and others. Coaching involves emotionally intelligent problem solving. My clients typically consist of professional adults and couples who feel stuck in their lives/relationships. Some are in acute distress, others are unsure of the source/nature of their more chronic difficulties.
(650) 262-4719 View (650) 262-4719
Photo of Jose Luna, ASW, EMDR
Jose Luna
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301  (Online Only)
My therapeutic approach mainly focuses on helping my clients identify their strengths to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am a firm believer that our childhood experiences contribute to our beliefs, behavioral patterns, and selecting a romantic partner. Therapy is a process! To allow ourselves to be intimate and vulnerable with someone about our experiences and trauma can be daunting. As a therapist, it is my goal to help validate, create a safe environment and help understand aspects of lived experiences.
My therapeutic approach mainly focuses on helping my clients identify their strengths to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am a firm believer that our childhood experiences contribute to our beliefs, behavioral patterns, and selecting a romantic partner. Therapy is a process! To allow ourselves to be intimate and vulnerable with someone about our experiences and trauma can be daunting. As a therapist, it is my goal to help validate, create a safe environment and help understand aspects of lived experiences.
(650) 679-7121 View (650) 679-7121
Photo of Christi Gallon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christi Gallon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Are you hindered by anxiety, depression, or trauma, preventing you from expressing your authentic self? Do you find yourself trapped in navigating challenging family and relationship situations? Every minor issue now feels incredibly overwhelming, reopening past wounds and creating new ones. Despite attempting to bury the pain, it persists, leaving you feeling isolated and tormented. The constant exhaustion, stress, and anger make you question your resilience. Unsure of where to seek assistance, you don't have to endure this painful journey by yourself. I aim to assist you in achieving a more integrated and balanced sense of self.
Are you hindered by anxiety, depression, or trauma, preventing you from expressing your authentic self? Do you find yourself trapped in navigating challenging family and relationship situations? Every minor issue now feels incredibly overwhelming, reopening past wounds and creating new ones. Despite attempting to bury the pain, it persists, leaving you feeling isolated and tormented. The constant exhaustion, stress, and anger make you question your resilience. Unsure of where to seek assistance, you don't have to endure this painful journey by yourself. I aim to assist you in achieving a more integrated and balanced sense of self.
(650) 789-7684 View (650) 789-7684
Photo of Jiyoung Kim, ASW, EMDR
Jiyoung Kim
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Do you find difficulties with feelings of depression, anxiety, relationship/family problems, ADHD, and trauma? These emotional disruptions can have a significant impact on our lives. Coping with these events requires various approaches, and I can assist you in recognizing your emotions and identifying possible patterns in your relationships. I can also help you develop resilience and acceptance towards challenging emotions, and support you in setting meaningful goals. I utilize CBT, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, & person-centered therapy to reduce anxiety and trauma symptoms, foster resilience, and enhance the quality of life.
Do you find difficulties with feelings of depression, anxiety, relationship/family problems, ADHD, and trauma? These emotional disruptions can have a significant impact on our lives. Coping with these events requires various approaches, and I can assist you in recognizing your emotions and identifying possible patterns in your relationships. I can also help you develop resilience and acceptance towards challenging emotions, and support you in setting meaningful goals. I utilize CBT, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, & person-centered therapy to reduce anxiety and trauma symptoms, foster resilience, and enhance the quality of life.
(650) 910-1719 View (650) 910-1719
Photo of Melissa Harrison, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Harrison
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301  (Online Only)
To everyone around you, it looks like you've "got it together." But deep inside, you feel like an impostor. Even though your life looks great on the surface, you feel chronically anxious, as if it could all fall apart at any moment. You'd like to be more authentic, but you worry about what would happen if other people knew the "real" you. Sometimes, you wonder if you've spent so much time faking it that you've lost sight of your true self altogether.
To everyone around you, it looks like you've "got it together." But deep inside, you feel like an impostor. Even though your life looks great on the surface, you feel chronically anxious, as if it could all fall apart at any moment. You'd like to be more authentic, but you worry about what would happen if other people knew the "real" you. Sometimes, you wonder if you've spent so much time faking it that you've lost sight of your true self altogether.
(831) 265-3285 View (831) 265-3285
Photo of Maryam Ashraf, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maryam Ashraf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, identity, and difficult life transitions? Do you find yourself feeling stuck and can’t seem to focus or move forward? There are many ways to get unstuck, and this is the work I love to do to help you heal, grow and live a more fulfilling life. I use an integrative approach including attachment-based work, DBT, CBT, IFS, and mindfulness, bringing in each as needed. Above all, I strive to hold space and empathy for your life experience.
Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, identity, and difficult life transitions? Do you find yourself feeling stuck and can’t seem to focus or move forward? There are many ways to get unstuck, and this is the work I love to do to help you heal, grow and live a more fulfilling life. I use an integrative approach including attachment-based work, DBT, CBT, IFS, and mindfulness, bringing in each as needed. Above all, I strive to hold space and empathy for your life experience.
(650) 643-5603 View (650) 643-5603
Photo of Dana Hartman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dana Hartman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306
You deserve to feel safe, connected, and understood—something you've deserved for a long time. You looked for love and comfort from those who were supposed to care for you, but instead, you were hurt and let down. It's difficult to put into words the impact of growing up with unmet needs, and it has taken a toll on you. If this resonates with you, healing work around relational trauma and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder could be beneficial.
You deserve to feel safe, connected, and understood—something you've deserved for a long time. You looked for love and comfort from those who were supposed to care for you, but instead, you were hurt and let down. It's difficult to put into words the impact of growing up with unmet needs, and it has taken a toll on you. If this resonates with you, healing work around relational trauma and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder could be beneficial.
(650) 666-8164 View (650) 666-8164
Photo of Barbara Moss Keller - Barbara Moss Keller, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Barbara Moss Keller, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
LCSW & coach in mental health, medical, well care, EAP & business. My practice is solution focused & eclectic: active, direct, conversational, compassionate and supportive. Therapy is for anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, stress, & life transitions. We collaboratively identify core issues & goals. I see adults of all ages, older teens, couples, & families to navigate life transitions, wellness, and illness to achieve an integrated balance of mind, body & spirit. I work with a diverse and international population as a therapist & coach in education, career, & employment pursuits. I provide situational assessments & referrals.
LCSW & coach in mental health, medical, well care, EAP & business. My practice is solution focused & eclectic: active, direct, conversational, compassionate and supportive. Therapy is for anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, stress, & life transitions. We collaboratively identify core issues & goals. I see adults of all ages, older teens, couples, & families to navigate life transitions, wellness, and illness to achieve an integrated balance of mind, body & spirit. I work with a diverse and international population as a therapist & coach in education, career, & employment pursuits. I provide situational assessments & referrals.
(650) 445-0655 View (650) 445-0655
Photo of Laurel Salmon, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Laurel Salmon
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
(650) 977-4305 View (650) 977-4305
Photo of Heidi Xue, AMFT, APCC, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Heidi Xue
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Do you have trouble with anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues due to trauma? Past experiences can create imprints onto your brain that activate your fight/flight responses whenever your emotions feel dysregulated, but life without the constant feeling of being on edge is possible. Those traumatic memories don’t have to permanently influence who you are meant to be. Through therapy, you will gain control of your feelings/thoughts and your response to everyday life hurdles. Healing from trauma can create healthier beliefs about yourself and your relationships along with sustainable changes.
Do you have trouble with anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues due to trauma? Past experiences can create imprints onto your brain that activate your fight/flight responses whenever your emotions feel dysregulated, but life without the constant feeling of being on edge is possible. Those traumatic memories don’t have to permanently influence who you are meant to be. Through therapy, you will gain control of your feelings/thoughts and your response to everyday life hurdles. Healing from trauma can create healthier beliefs about yourself and your relationships along with sustainable changes.
(650) 977-2150 View (650) 977-2150
Photo of Melanie Maddox, ASW, EMDR, BSP
Melanie Maddox
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW, EMDR, BSP
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Are you experiencing challenges in dealing with anxiety, depression, and traumatic experiences? Do you struggle with effective communication and setting boundaries in your relationships with others? Life often presents obstacles and difficulties that might lead to these difficulties without proper tools, resources, and guidance. I utilize CBT, DBT, ACT, and Trauma-informed care to help you manage symptoms and promote healing and growth. With a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of each client and their lived experiences, I foster a collaborative and inclusive therapeutic environment.
Are you experiencing challenges in dealing with anxiety, depression, and traumatic experiences? Do you struggle with effective communication and setting boundaries in your relationships with others? Life often presents obstacles and difficulties that might lead to these difficulties without proper tools, resources, and guidance. I utilize CBT, DBT, ACT, and Trauma-informed care to help you manage symptoms and promote healing and growth. With a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of each client and their lived experiences, I foster a collaborative and inclusive therapeutic environment.
(650) 955-4377 View (650) 955-4377
Photo of Chantal Daley, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Chantal Daley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
(650) 405-0267 View (650) 405-0267
Photo of Anne Elise Joseph-Ingham, PsyD, Psychologist
Anne Elise Joseph-Ingham
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I am a warm and direct psychologist, and I have been in practice since 2005. I have worked in many different contexts including internationally, and I love helping diverse people thrive. I work with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychosis, stressful life events and relationship issues. My approach is psychoanalytic and based in extensive clinical experience and broad theoretical knowledge. I always prioritize your unique needs and situation over any theory, because I believe that we are all different and that it takes time and understanding to help you feel better and live more freely and more fully.
I am a warm and direct psychologist, and I have been in practice since 2005. I have worked in many different contexts including internationally, and I love helping diverse people thrive. I work with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychosis, stressful life events and relationship issues. My approach is psychoanalytic and based in extensive clinical experience and broad theoretical knowledge. I always prioritize your unique needs and situation over any theory, because I believe that we are all different and that it takes time and understanding to help you feel better and live more freely and more fully.
(844) 325-4982 View (844) 325-4982
Photo of Elizabeth Huck, ASW, DBT
Elizabeth Huck
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW, DBT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
The toll of trauma, stress, anxiety, & depression builds over time, things that once seemed manageable turn into a life that's not our own, because we're stuck in survival mode. It's exhausting. As a therapist, my goal is to collaborate with you to safely navigate your inner landscape and put pieces together so you can uncover your unique abilities and create a mental health toolkit that will carry you through a lifetime. I am here to support you in working through unresolved feelings and conflicts and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
The toll of trauma, stress, anxiety, & depression builds over time, things that once seemed manageable turn into a life that's not our own, because we're stuck in survival mode. It's exhausting. As a therapist, my goal is to collaborate with you to safely navigate your inner landscape and put pieces together so you can uncover your unique abilities and create a mental health toolkit that will carry you through a lifetime. I am here to support you in working through unresolved feelings and conflicts and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
(650) 613-5288 View (650) 613-5288
Photo of Efrain Zepeda, PsyD, Psychologist
Efrain Zepeda
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303  (Online Only)
Hello! I am Dr. Efrain Zepeda. I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Social Worker. In the past 23 years working as a mental health professional, one of the most important lessons I have learned is that the most powerful therapeutic intervention is the interpersonal experience that occurs in the client-therapist relationship. Together we can analyze the past to co-create a new meaning with the goal of achieving healing. I strongly believe that therapy is not about labeling or judging, but rather about personal discovery.
Hello! I am Dr. Efrain Zepeda. I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Social Worker. In the past 23 years working as a mental health professional, one of the most important lessons I have learned is that the most powerful therapeutic intervention is the interpersonal experience that occurs in the client-therapist relationship. Together we can analyze the past to co-create a new meaning with the goal of achieving healing. I strongly believe that therapy is not about labeling or judging, but rather about personal discovery.
(650) 675-4517 View (650) 675-4517
Photo of Peter J Young, PsyD, Psychologist
Peter J Young
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301  (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
Photo of Alexa Enyart, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Alexa Enyart
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
(650) 910-4282 View (650) 910-4282
Photo of Christina Miller-Martinez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Miller-Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I view therapy as a means of deepening self-knowledge, part of which involves recognizing the messages your body sends you. Well-versed in the language of the body, I facilitate the process of reintegration—learning to listen to what your body has to tell you, translating these messages, and using the information from your somatic experience in your decision-making process. While I enjoy the conversational component of therapy, I structure our sessions to incorporate mindfulness. I believe we can achieve greater mental health and well-being when we slow down enough to notice our patterns, both behavioral and physical.
I view therapy as a means of deepening self-knowledge, part of which involves recognizing the messages your body sends you. Well-versed in the language of the body, I facilitate the process of reintegration—learning to listen to what your body has to tell you, translating these messages, and using the information from your somatic experience in your decision-making process. While I enjoy the conversational component of therapy, I structure our sessions to incorporate mindfulness. I believe we can achieve greater mental health and well-being when we slow down enough to notice our patterns, both behavioral and physical.
(415) 200-2460 View (415) 200-2460
Photo of Liana Huang, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Liana Huang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
When we are exposed to trauma at an early age, it can seriously impact how we feel about ourselves and our relationships with others. Trauma can also profoundly affect whether we feel this is a safe world and can contribute to depression, anxiety, and relational/familial issues. My practice is from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective with a non-judgmental framework. I aim to understand clients’ internal responses and to provide more options for emotional regulation and problem-solving.
When we are exposed to trauma at an early age, it can seriously impact how we feel about ourselves and our relationships with others. Trauma can also profoundly affect whether we feel this is a safe world and can contribute to depression, anxiety, and relational/familial issues. My practice is from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective with a non-judgmental framework. I aim to understand clients’ internal responses and to provide more options for emotional regulation and problem-solving.
(650) 590-5776 View (650) 590-5776
Photo of Kathlynn Gates, ASW
Kathlynn Gates
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
(650) 663-3575 View (650) 663-3575
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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.