Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in Los Altos, CA

Maria Holden
Psychologist, PsyD
Online Only
Are you working through trauma or a difficult transition; are you in relationship with a toxic/narcissistic person; facing painful loss? Do you want to use spirituality to grow, to answer the deepest questions? Do you suffer from DID or a 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 transition; are you in relationship with a toxic/narcissistic person; facing painful loss? Do you want to use spirituality to grow, to answer the deepest questions? Do you suffer from DID or a 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
Theresa E Chesnut
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
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
Alison Cabell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
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
Howard Scott Warshaw
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, ME, MFT
5 Endorsed
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
Kim Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
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
Yi-Ju Lin
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN, LMFT
Los Altos, CA 94024
I believe psychotherapy is the best gift that you can give to yourself, as it is the deepest encounter you will experience with yourself. When you come to my office or meet virtually for psychotherapy, it means you are ready to open up and discuss the challenges you have experienced with professional support. After getting to know you, I will work with you collaboratively to achieve the mutual goals that we agree on. Everyone is a unique individual; please give yourself time with the experience. I encourage you to keep tracking your progress. It is my honor to be with you in this process.
I believe psychotherapy is the best gift that you can give to yourself, as it is the deepest encounter you will experience with yourself. When you come to my office or meet virtually for psychotherapy, it means you are ready to open up and discuss the challenges you have experienced with professional support. After getting to know you, I will work with you collaboratively to achieve the mutual goals that we agree on. Everyone is a unique individual; please give yourself time with the experience. I encourage you to keep tracking your progress. It is my honor to be with you in this process.
(650) 613-5727 View (650) 613-5727
Tamar Berry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSA, LCSW
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
Shruti Nair
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA
Online Only
You may be an adult or teen struggling with persistent anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or OCD patterns that feel exhausting and difficult to control. Even when you understand what’s happening logically, you may feel stuck in cycles of worry, self-doubt, or emotional reactivity. Couples often come in feeling disconnected, caught in the same arguments, and unsure how to communicate without things escalating. Cultural expectations, identity concerns, or family dynamics may also be shaping your experience in ways that feel hard to name.
You may be an adult or teen struggling with persistent anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or OCD patterns that feel exhausting and difficult to control. Even when you understand what’s happening logically, you may feel stuck in cycles of worry, self-doubt, or emotional reactivity. Couples often come in feeling disconnected, caught in the same arguments, and unsure how to communicate without things escalating. Cultural expectations, identity concerns, or family dynamics may also be shaping your experience in ways that feel hard to name.
(650) 459-5829 View (650) 459-5829
Kathryn Palza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
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
Alexandra A Phillippe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
1 Endorsed
Online Only
If you are suffering from traumatic life events, painful memories, anxiety, fears, or feeling stuck, allow me to help. I will work quickly and efficiently to teach individualized skills such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that help you control unwanted thoughts and fears. Using EMDR therapy, I assist my clients to process the root causes of their problems, enabling permanent resolution of painful memories, traumas and phobias. I am direct and solution focused, using up to date evidence based psychotherapy, within a warm, compassionate and nurturing therapeutic environment.
If you are suffering from traumatic life events, painful memories, anxiety, fears, or feeling stuck, allow me to help. I will work quickly and efficiently to teach individualized skills such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that help you control unwanted thoughts and fears. Using EMDR therapy, I assist my clients to process the root causes of their problems, enabling permanent resolution of painful memories, traumas and phobias. I am direct and solution focused, using up to date evidence based psychotherapy, within a warm, compassionate and nurturing therapeutic environment.
(650) 557-3779 View (650) 557-3779
Judy H Smith
Psychologist, PhD
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
Gladys Gudino
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Los Altos, CA 94022
Waitlist for new clients
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don't find myself saying, "Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner." I don't try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.”― C. Rogers I firmly believe that having a space to process and plan, albeit uncomfortable a times, translates to healing and a more fulfilling life. An understanding of ourselves brings forth self-compassion, self-awareness and alignment between goals and day-to-day actions.As we become attuned to our true selves and our vision for our lives we can foster better personal and professional relationships.
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don't find myself saying, "Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner." I don't try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.”― C. Rogers I firmly believe that having a space to process and plan, albeit uncomfortable a times, translates to healing and a more fulfilling life. An understanding of ourselves brings forth self-compassion, self-awareness and alignment between goals and day-to-day actions.As we become attuned to our true selves and our vision for our lives we can foster better personal and professional relationships.
(408) 542-0790 View (408) 542-0790
Judy H. Smith
Psychologist, PhD
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
Maureen Smith Ruffell
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
Anders Greenwood
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD
2 Endorsed
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 lives are shaped by expectations and habits that are maintained by loyalty to important relationships and by cycles of confirming experience. They affect our happiness, relationships and the success of our endeavors. Therapy can help. In a safe, empathic, and active dialog, unhelpful expectations and reflexive triggered attitudes can be surfaced in the context of new possibilities and grow into happier reflexes that better express your potential.
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 lives are shaped by expectations and habits that are maintained by loyalty to important relationships and by cycles of confirming experience. They affect our happiness, relationships and the success of our endeavors. Therapy can help. In a safe, empathic, and active dialog, unhelpful expectations and reflexive triggered attitudes can be surfaced in the context of new possibilities and grow into happier reflexes that better express your potential.
(510) 364-4825 View (510) 364-4825
Kathlynn Gates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
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
Emma Rockvam
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Serves Area
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body image struggles, obsessive thoughts, or the lingering impact of trauma? These experiences can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. In our work together, we’ll gently uncover what’s beneath the surface, giving space to long-held emotions and creating a path toward healing. My goal is to help you process unresolved trauma and reconnect with a more grounded, integrated sense of self so that you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body image struggles, obsessive thoughts, or the lingering impact of trauma? These experiences can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. In our work together, we’ll gently uncover what’s beneath the surface, giving space to long-held emotions and creating a path toward healing. My goal is to help you process unresolved trauma and reconnect with a more grounded, integrated sense of self so that you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
(650) 977-1426 View (650) 977-1426
Christi Gallon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
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
Jose Luna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
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
Kendra Lewis
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW, DBT, IFS
Serves Area
Anger, anxiety, depression, shame, and challenges with self-identity are often rooted in unresolved trauma. When left unaddressed, trauma can deeply impact our relationships and family dynamics. As your therapist, my goal is to collaborate with you in managing trauma-related symptoms and moving toward a more meaningful, fulfilling life. I use a client-centered approach to create a safe and supportive space where unresolved emotions and reactions can be explored. I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself is just as important as the modality used because healing begins with trust, connection, and the freedom to be vulnerable.
Anger, anxiety, depression, shame, and challenges with self-identity are often rooted in unresolved trauma. When left unaddressed, trauma can deeply impact our relationships and family dynamics. As your therapist, my goal is to collaborate with you in managing trauma-related symptoms and moving toward a more meaningful, fulfilling life. I use a client-centered approach to create a safe and supportive space where unresolved emotions and reactions can be explored. I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself is just as important as the modality used because healing begins with trust, connection, and the freedom to be vulnerable.
(650) 405-3698 View (650) 405-3698

See more therapy options for Los Altos

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.