When I encountered Dr. Dahl in mid-2016, he was a licensed qualified medical examiner and had a PhD…read morein forensic psychology.
For those needing proper identification and accommodations for academic and professional workplace environments, the testing and finalized report process may take longer than larger clinics with more of a for-as-much-profit-as-possible business focused centers that produce quick, standardized reports for often singular and non-complex diagnoses. For the extra time taken by Sr. Dahl, is the added benefit of a thoughtful, thorough evaluation and insight from a professional who genuinely wants to see you succeed.
Dr. Dahl embodies something rare: genuine, unconditional positive regard, with the type of intellect to know exactly what and who he's observing and extending that grace to.
What I have not seen stated online in any review of Dr. Dahl is that he consistently demonstrates empathy and strong ethical boundaries needed for those with complex trauma to feel safe addressing their needs. For those that are particularly vulnerable, we try to have faith those we entrust will not re-traumatize us. Dr. Dahl earned and upheld that faith.
Dr. Dahl provided protection, guidance, integrity, and understanding in difficult situations I have failed to observe in any attorney, social worker, law enforcement administrator or officer, local politician, private investigator, physician, DV counselor, or even EMDR trauma-specialized therapist, in over a decade long commitment to overcoming trauma.
When I was in danger, Dr. Dahl saw past manipulation and properly identified the harm and the individual's responsible before I could articulate that fully. Dr. Dahl took action to protect me, knowing it could risk his professional reputation. The person harming me and my child was actively paying attorneys to harass him, stir up confrontation, threaten, and lodge complaints against Dr. Dahl.
Dr. Dahl recognized the layers of coercive control, my abuser utilized to disguise their factitious disorder by proxy as this martyr-caregiver. He understood my health conditions impacted cognition, caused sudden skill loss, and left me vulnerable to increased harm and helped me be able to keep me and my child safe.
My background: AuDHD, metastatic cancer cancer, and complex multi-system caused ADA disabilities since childhood, significant childhood abuse, religious, cult, and TTI trauma, SA and domestic violence since childhood through adulthood, and subjugation to situations such as human trafficking.
Initially, I came in for a mandatory neuropsych evaluation after relocating to Santa Clara, CA, post-cancer treatment. The evaluation was required to access medication I had been prescribed since childhood. Frankly, I was annoyed I had to get an eval. that med was not just for ADHD but for incapacitating fatigue.
After the eval, I was the one who approached Dr. Dahl to inquire if he offered weekly therapy. I had just moved to the area immediately post cancer treatment, had a child with health and neurodivergent needs, and had just escaped a host of familial abuse, assault, and a fraudulent 5150 attempt because family members would rather believe fantasy that portrayed then as victims instead of perpetrators over the validity of my cancer diagnosis. How dysfunctional!
In his method of addressing very sensitive trauma, included helping me understand that trauma within the context of intergenerational trauma and the needs for self differential (a la Dr. Murray Bowen), as someone whose family was impacted by surviving both as innocent child civilians and occupying forces within active war zones. Dr. Dahl allowed me to reconnect with trust, clarity, and a sense of safety I had lost through years of invalidation, punishment, abuse, and torture disguised as help.
My experience with him also revealed the inexperience of those I had sought help from previously, who, when combined with ego and financial ambition, caused me great harm and exploited from my dedication to seeking help instead of having the integrity to refer their patient to someone properly qualified.
Dr. Dahl's insight and steady professionalism made a difference not only in my care but in my ability to believe healing was possible, and not just a wellness gimmick or self care disguised as over self absorption.
While I was unable to continue seeing Dr. Dahl past 2020 because our country's insurance system is a prime example of systemic and structural failure, I know I would not be where I am now without this man. He protected not just me but my child. I will never forget him.
