Ezzy Adolf, Ph.D.
Registered Psychological Associate
PA #94029611
650-297-3400 x 37
Supervised by Lisa Macias, PhD, Psy #32178
Locations: Los Altos
Fee: $200
Areas of Focus:
Adults: Adjustment to caregiving roles, stress management, supporting parents of children with medical or developmental needs. Young adults transitioning to adulthood.
Children / Teens: Anxiety, mood, chronic illness adjustment, medical adherence, coping with complex health conditions, encopresis, emotional regulation, behavioral concerns.
Parents / Families: Parent-child conflict, supporting children with anxiety, parenting support, family communication, coping with medical stressors / procedures / diagnoses.
Modalities:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), family systems, behavioral interventions, parent-focused interventions - including Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) informed approaches, trauma-informed care, strengths-based and culturally responsive approaches.
Overall Description:
Many individuals and families seek therapy when life has become more complicated than expected. When they are experiencing increased anxiety, stress, medical challenges, or when patterns at home no longer feel sustainable.
For some, anxiety begins to take over, showing up at school, work, or home. For others, it’s a child or a teen who is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, and a parent who feels unsure how to help. Parents may find themselves walking on eggshells, worried about making things worse. And for some families, medical conditions add layers of stress that can feel overwhelming to navigate.
I work with children, teens, adults, and families across a range of concerns, with a particular focus on anxiety, life transitions, and the emotional impact of health-related challenges.
My approach is collaborative, flexible, and tailored to each individual/family’s unique needs. I draw from evidence-based practices like CBT, ACT, and family systems work, while creating a warm, supportive environment where both children and caregivers feel heard and understood. I often work closely with parents to help them feel more confident in supporting their child, and strengthening the parent-child relationship.
With specialized training in pediatric and health psychology, I support individuals and families navigating chronic illness, medical stressors, and treatment adherence. I understand how closely physical and emotional health are connected, and I help clients develop practical tools while also addressing the emotional impact of these experiences.
I strive to create a space where clients can feel safe, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes at a pace that feels manageable. I help families build stronger connections and develop effective coping strategies to carry forward in their lives.
More than Just My Work:
Outside of my clinical work, I value time spent with my family. I especially enjoy getting outdoors, exploring new places, and unplugging together. I also enjoy baking, which offers a creative and grounding outlet.
Experience:
Dr. Esmeralda “Ezzy” Adolf is a doctoral-level clinical psychologist with specialized training in pediatric and health psychology. She completed advanced clinical training at Stanford University School of Medicine, where she worked with children, adolescents, and families navigating complex medical conditions, including gastrointestinal conditions, pediatric oncology, and transplant care.
Her experience includes providing behavioral health interventions in both inpatient and outpatient medical settings, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and supporting families in managing the emotional and behavioral aspects of chronic illness. She has also worked extensively with children experiencing anxiety and has supported parents using evidence-based approaches such as Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE).
Education:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Health Psychology, University of Colorado Denver
Training:
Pediatric Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship, Stanford University School of Medicine Predoctoral Psychology Internship, Child and Family Guidance Center
Articles:
Carr, A., Bilenduke, E., Adolf, E., Kessler, E., Arch, J., Ranby, K., & Kilbourn, K. (2023). A pilot randomized study of a telephone-based cognitive-behavioral stress-management intervention to reduce distress in phase I oncology trial caregivers. Palliative & Supportive Care.
Morris, S.E., Tarquini, S.J., Yusufov, M., Adolf, E., Amonoo, H.L., Bain, P.A., Borstelman, N., …& Pirl, W.F. (2020). Burnout in psychosocial oncology clinicians: A systematic review. Palliative and Supportive Care.
Muriel, A.C., Burgers, D.E., Treyball, A.N., Vroonman, L., Adolf, E., & Samsel, C. (2020). Risk factors for steroid-induced affective disorder in children with leukemia. Pediatric Blood & Cancer.
Professional Affiliations:
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Society of Pediatric Psychology (APA Division 54)