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Ruth Clifford, PhD

Address:
851 Fremont Avenue Suite 107
Los Altos, CA 94024
Phone:
(650) 949-5199
Fax:
(650) 917-1580
Email:
ruthcliff@aol.com
Degrees:
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 1975; B.A. in Psychology, University of Oregon, 1969
AASECT Certifications:
Diplomate of Sex Therapy
Profession/Job Title:
Psychologist
Areas of Specialization:
Couples and Individual Therapy. Sexual dysfunctions (arousal and orgasm disorders) in men and women, straight and LGBTQ+; Sexual desire disorders; Issues regarding commitment and fidelity, polyamory and alternative relationship structures; Recovery from sexual trauma (childhood sexual molestation, incest, rape, clerical sexual abuse, and torture among refugees and incarcerated/detained)
Offers Telepractice Options:
Yes
Office Hours:
Wednesday through Friday, afternoons and evenings> Online and in-person sessions.
Philosophy:
Dr. Clifford uses an eclectic approach based on active collaboration with the client or clients, tailored to their specific complaints. She has an extensive background in cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation methods, and expressive techniques, as well as sex therapy based on the model originated at the Masters and Johnson Institute, where she was on the staff for five years. When there is an established couple, she recommends working with both partners together when appropriate, because both have been affected by the problem and will need to cooperate together to resolve it. Typically the clients meet together for an initial consultation session and then each person meets with Dr. Clifford one on one. She often recommends homework activities to identify problem areas and practice new ways of thinking and behaving.
Other Information:
Dr. Clifford has practiced as a Sex Therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 35 years. She worked at the Stanford Psychiatry Department in the Laboratory for Behavioral Medicine from 1982 to 1989 as a therapist specializing in sex and relationship therapy. She opened her private practice in Sunnyvale in 1982, moved her office to Mountain View in 2001, and relocated to Los Altos in 2007.