I am known as an expert individual and couples’ psychotherapist, offering problem-focused short-term therapy and intensive long-term psychotherapy. I welcome phone calls to inquire about my work and assess whether I am the best psychotherapist for your current needs. You can contact me here.

With offices in Menlo Park and Palo Alto, since the pandemic I have been working mostly online via Zoom. While I see myself as a general consultant in the field of psychology, my major areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, relationship and couples’ problems, current or past psychological trauma, life transitions, chronic pain and complex existential concerns. I also work with highly intelligent and accomplished adults interested in increasing insight, psychological development, and achieving their full potential. My credentials include a doctorate in Psychology, a California license to provide individual, couples’ and family therapy (LMFT M 8271) and a license abroad as a clinical psychologist.

In addition to the specialties described above, currently many of the people that request my services are feeling overwhelmed, dealing with loneliness, unhappiness in relationships, lack of intimacy, dissatisfaction with current jobs, conflicts with spouses, children or other family members, feeling stuck in repetitive unsuccessful discussions. I have learned through decades as a practicing psychotherapist that assessing emotional and other difficulties with a supportive and experienced professional allows you to develop enhanced coping skills and find practical solutions for your specific individual situation. 

Sometimes an in-depth exploration of these high stressors allows for a successful resolution. Often these concerns are resolved in a few sessions with a focus on specific cooperative communication skills that allow you to express your needs and wishes in a style that promotes effective outcomes.

More About Me and My Approach to Psychotherapy

In addition to knowledge and experience, I have been working in this field long enough to feel comfortable stating that I bring wisdom, sensitivity, and creativity to my work as a psychotherapist. My personal style is calming and friendly, I am easy to talk to, and have a good sense of humor, all of which facilitate rapid progress in counseling and psychotherapy. Through gentle encouragement to explore individual and relationship problems, I help define areas of concern or distress with clarity and depth and address them through the most appropriate therapeutic approach for each situation.

Psychotherapy also entails providing safety and support to explore limiting beliefs or experiences that prevent the achievement of specific goals or aspirations and transform these limitations into motivation to change and evolve.   My approach to psychotherapy supports work on emotional and cognitive mastery, leading to problem resolution, enhanced tolerance and understanding of human limitations, and increased personal growth.

Volunteer Work

As described at www.kirschinstitute.ca and at www.instituteforpsychosocialtrauma.org, Dr. Yael Fischman is the Founding Director of the International Institute for Psychosocial Trauma, where she contributes services as a specialized psychologist, trainer, teacher, and consultant. She treats victims of severe psychosocial trauma from war, terrorism, sexual torture, and trafficking.  She has trained International Criminal Court personnel and U.S. medical teams preparing for work in disaster areas abroad. Dr. Fischman has lectured internationally, and consults on trauma-related issues with personnel deployed in global conflict zones, and on trauma recovery programs for journalists working in war zones.