Alissa Hirshfeld, MFT

The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the essential thing is not to be afraid. -Reb Nachman of Breslov

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Alissa Hirshfeld, MFT's style

Why Alissa Hirshfeld, MFT chose to be in the helping profession

I majored in art history in college but soon realized that I was most interested in the psychology of the artists I was studying. I found myself examining their biographies to better understand how their lives were reflected in their creative expressions. During that same time, I was going through a difficult adjustment period of my own, which led me to pursue therapy. Through that experience, I realized that I wanted to give to others the same benefits I was receiving. I joined a peer counseling group and later went on to study counseling in graduate school.

Being a therapist is a calling for me, and I feel grateful to have a career that reflects my values of authentic relationship, honesty, open communication, kindness, and compassion. I believe these values are at the heart of meaningful therapy and help create a space where people can feel understood, supported, and accepted. As a lifelong learner and seeker, I appreciate that this profession continually challenges me to grow and evolve, both professionally and personally. It is a privilege to do work that is so deeply aligned with who I am and what I value.

Alissa Hirshfeld, MFT's approach

I believe in meeting you where you are and developing a treatment plan together. My approach is warm, relational, and collaborative because I don't believe in a one size fits all approach to therapy. Instead, I tailor our work to your unique needs, drawing from a variety of tools and techniques, including family of origin work, family systems theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, somatic approaches, attachment theory, mindfulness, expressive art therapy, spiritual counseling, and, when appropriate, ketamine-assisted therapy and psychedelic integration. I also employ humor judiciously, recognizing that sometimes laughter can be an important part of the healing process.

As a trained spiritual director, I also offer spiritual direction for those seeking to explore life's challenges through a spiritual lens. Together, we can deepen an existing spiritual practice, navigate questions of meaning and purpose, or create authentic and meaningful ritual experiences. Over the years, the longer I have practiced, the more I have come to believe that learning self acceptance and self love is at the heart of the work. My hope is to help you build a more compassionate relationship with yourself while finding greater clarity, healing, and connection along the way.

What you can expect from sessions with Alissa Hirshfeld, MFT

In our work together, we will begin by getting to know one another, establishing a trusting relationship, and developing a treatment plan that reflects your needs and goals. I spend a lot of time listening in the beginning because I want to understand you, your unique life circumstances, and what has brought you to therapy. You can expect me to be authentic, down to earth, and fully present. As we get to know each other, I become more direct and interactive, always adapting my approach to what is most helpful for you.

Every client is different, and the nature of our work together will reflect that. Some people want more space to think out loud and sort through their thoughts. Others are looking for more feedback, guidance, or an active dialogue. I pay close attention to what you need and adjust my style accordingly. If you are seeking spiritual direction or companioning, I will listen deeply to help you access the still, small voice within and discern how you experience the sacred in your life, however you define it.

Alissa Hirshfeld, MFT's experience working with the Jewish community

I have worked extensively within the Jewish community as a psychotherapist, spiritual director, grief counselor, meditation teacher, and group leader. For five years, I worked at Jewish Family and Children's Services, where I had the privilege of working closely with Holocaust survivors and Russian immigrants. Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the resilience, history, and unique challenges that shape so many lives, and they continue to inform my work today.

Since October 7, many people have sought me out because they feel safest working with a Jewish therapist. Some come to process intergenerational trauma, while others are navigating their relationship with Israel, Jewish identity, or the impact of current events on their emotional well-being. I strive to offer a space where these experiences can be explored with understanding and without explanation. I am also currently in a rabbinic training program and, in time, look forward to expanding my work to include pastoral care and Jewish life cycle rituals.

Alissa Hirshfeld, MFT's Book Recommendation Zone

• "Wounds into Wisdom: Healing Intergenerational Jewish Trauma"
  Written by rabbi and Jungian therapist Tirzah Firestone, this book explores how historical trauma affects generations through stories of Holocaust survivors and Israeli terror victims. Seven principles for healing are described.
• "Mourning and Mitzvah"
  Written by rabbi and LCSW Anne Brener, this classic self help book for bereaved offers exercises based on traditional Jewish mourning practices.
• "Hope Will Find You"
  Rabbi Naomi Levy shares her journey to find hope and wisdom following her daughter's devastating diagnosis.
• "The Wholeness of a Broken Heart"
  Rabbi Amy Grossblatt Pessah shares her experience of losing her 20-year-old son to brain cancer, exploring suffering, purpose and resilience through Jewish spiritual teachings.
• "Unlearning Jewish Anxiety"
  Rabbi Caryn Aviv explores how Jewish anxiety is inherited and learned, offering practical techniques to break free from these patterns to live with more joy.
• "Living Waters: From Harvard Halls to Sacred Falls"
  My own novel is a coming of age tale and a tale of coming to terms with mortality. It explores themes of finding an authentic identity, grief and loss, and making meaning of death.

Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• EMDR
• Inner child work
• KAP
• Mindfulness and Meditation

Concerns

• Anxiety
• Bereavement & Grief
• Life purpose and meaning
• Prenatal, perinatal, & postpartum mental health
• Trauma

27 years in practice

Licenses

• MFCC by BBS 1999. License number MFC34568

Degrees

• MA by California Institute of Integral Studies 1994

Awards

• Phi Beta Kappa by Harvard University 1987

Certificates

• Certified Spiritual Director by Morei Derekh/Yedidya 2011

Trainings

• Certificate in Psychedelic Studies by California Institute of Integral Studies 2022

Affiliations

• Member by CAMFT 1999

Average costs per session

$160 - $250

Payment Methods

• Insurance
• Sliding Scale
• Cash
• Check
• Venmo

Insurances

• Beat It EAP
• Oscar
• United Healthcare
• United Medical Resources (UMR)