Psychoanalytic Therapists in Berkeley, CA
Psychoanalytic therapy in the way that I practice it addresses the innermost parts of ourselves that remain out of reach in other treatment modalities.
People come to see me when they are stuck. This painful experience of not being able to find a way forward shows up in many ways: anxiety, career stagnation, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, self-criticism, sexuality, trauma. Speaking offers a way out of this suffering. In our work together, I will invite you to speak about your life and what is on your mind in detail—past and present, fantasy and reality. I will help bring you closer to your desire, conflict, and pain so you can understand the meaning that hides behind your suffering. This work offers a way forward that is more alive.
Psychoanalytic therapy in the way that I practice it addresses the innermost parts of ourselves that remain out of reach in other treatment modalities.
People come to see me when they are stuck. This painful experience of not being able to find a way forward shows up in many ways: anxiety, career stagnation, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, self-criticism, sexuality, trauma. Speaking offers a way out of this suffering. In our work together, I will invite you to speak about your life and what is on your mind in detail—past and present, fantasy and reality. I will help bring you closer to your desire, conflict, and pain so you can understand the meaning that hides behind your suffering. This work offers a way forward that is more alive.
I've been in practice for over 30 years, helping people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and a range of other difficulties. I work from an integrative psychoanalytic perspective. This means that we work together to understand in a deep way the painful patterns that hold you back and where efforts to shield yourself from pain create more problems. We attend to your thoughts and feelings in the moment, which is in many ways like a mindfulness practice, aimed at enlarging acceptance of the known and as yet unknown parts of yourself.
I've been in practice for over 30 years, helping people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and a range of other difficulties. I work from an integrative psychoanalytic perspective. This means that we work together to understand in a deep way the painful patterns that hold you back and where efforts to shield yourself from pain create more problems. We attend to your thoughts and feelings in the moment, which is in many ways like a mindfulness practice, aimed at enlarging acceptance of the known and as yet unknown parts of yourself.
I promote clinical applications of psychoanalytic and critical thinking in nonprofit organizations.
I am a bilingual, bicultural (English and Spanish-speaking) psychologist who provides psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to young adults and adults. I support patients in fostering resilience and in building more meaningful, connected relationships.
I promote clinical applications of psychoanalytic and critical thinking in nonprofit organizations.
I am a bilingual, bicultural (English and Spanish-speaking) psychologist who provides psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to young adults and adults. I support patients in fostering resilience and in building more meaningful, connected relationships.
Bill Burmester
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94710
Waitlist for new clients
My training and approaches include Family Systems, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma & Dissociative Disorders , EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Contemporary Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Group Therapy, Mindfulness, Energy approaches like EFT and Havening.
I have been in private practice as a psychotherapist in Berkeley since 1994, working with adults and teens individually and with couples and groups, on recovering from relationship and betrayal trauma. This trauma may manifest as recurring intrusive reminders of overwhelming and unresolved past experiences and as emotional / somatic distress in your present life. Or it may result from inadequate nurture and protection in childhood (attachment trauma). Often, both contribute to the need and desire for relief and a better life beyond trauma. Individualized trauma therapy addresses the need for a new relationship with your past.
My training and approaches include Family Systems, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma & Dissociative Disorders , EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Contemporary Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Group Therapy, Mindfulness, Energy approaches like EFT and Havening.
I have been in private practice as a psychotherapist in Berkeley since 1994, working with adults and teens individually and with couples and groups, on recovering from relationship and betrayal trauma. This trauma may manifest as recurring intrusive reminders of overwhelming and unresolved past experiences and as emotional / somatic distress in your present life. Or it may result from inadequate nurture and protection in childhood (attachment trauma). Often, both contribute to the need and desire for relief and a better life beyond trauma. Individualized trauma therapy addresses the need for a new relationship with your past.
Amrit Schneider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
CURRENT OPENINGS Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who utilizes an integrative and collaborative approach to create a strong alliance with each individual. I provide a holding space that fosters healing through self-awareness and building insight. My style is respectful, compassionate, and direct. I have extensive experience with goal-oriented approaches, as well as a deep understanding for how social and cultural contexts impact our lives. In addition, my work is influenced by psychoanalytic theory and attachment theory, and is informed by an awareness of trauma, including complex and inter-generational trauma.
CURRENT OPENINGS Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who utilizes an integrative and collaborative approach to create a strong alliance with each individual. I provide a holding space that fosters healing through self-awareness and building insight. My style is respectful, compassionate, and direct. I have extensive experience with goal-oriented approaches, as well as a deep understanding for how social and cultural contexts impact our lives. In addition, my work is influenced by psychoanalytic theory and attachment theory, and is informed by an awareness of trauma, including complex and inter-generational trauma.
Shawnee Cuzzillo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94708
Waitlist for new clients
You may be suffering from inexplicable sadness or anxiety, or problems focusing. You might feel blocked in achieving your creative or work goals and want to figure out what is getting in your way. You might be having health problems and need help sorting out how what is truly out of your control or what might be stress related. I have specialized training in psychodynamic psychotherapy which allows me to listen with special attention to unconscious processes. I am also a graduate of the Psychoanalytic Couples Psychotherapy Group and help many couples navigate difficult patches in their relationships.
You may be suffering from inexplicable sadness or anxiety, or problems focusing. You might feel blocked in achieving your creative or work goals and want to figure out what is getting in your way. You might be having health problems and need help sorting out how what is truly out of your control or what might be stress related. I have specialized training in psychodynamic psychotherapy which allows me to listen with special attention to unconscious processes. I am also a graduate of the Psychoanalytic Couples Psychotherapy Group and help many couples navigate difficult patches in their relationships.
Vivek Anand
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MArch, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94702
Attachment based and psychoanalytic psychotherapy guide my practice.
You are hurting, or anxious, are considering psychotherapy and whether to trust me to facilitate your healing. My experience with adults, couples and children will support your inner journey and that of loved ones. We will create space for you to contemplate internal, external and relationship challenges. Through an attuned therapeutic relationship, I will help you address internal challenges - depression, anxiety and trauma. Empathically, I help you face external challenges - discrimination, immigration and life transitions. I also support you in navigating relationships, in which your internal worlds connect with those of others.
Attachment based and psychoanalytic psychotherapy guide my practice.
You are hurting, or anxious, are considering psychotherapy and whether to trust me to facilitate your healing. My experience with adults, couples and children will support your inner journey and that of loved ones. We will create space for you to contemplate internal, external and relationship challenges. Through an attuned therapeutic relationship, I will help you address internal challenges - depression, anxiety and trauma. Empathically, I help you face external challenges - discrimination, immigration and life transitions. I also support you in navigating relationships, in which your internal worlds connect with those of others.
I work hard to make a relationship with clients that provides a context for understanding; using, in a few words, a relational psychoanalytic approach.
I believe that as human beings, we are hard-wired with the need to get our emotional experience into the mind of a trusted other. My work as a psychotherapist is to find emotional resonance with my clients' life experiences, deriving both from their family of origin and from present-day situations and relationships. Whether a client is depressed, anxious, struggling with relationship problems, trying to overcome traumatic experiences, or trying to find their own unique, personal voice in a complex world, talking in psychotherapy can help to expand your capacity for growth and happiness.
I work hard to make a relationship with clients that provides a context for understanding; using, in a few words, a relational psychoanalytic approach.
I believe that as human beings, we are hard-wired with the need to get our emotional experience into the mind of a trusted other. My work as a psychotherapist is to find emotional resonance with my clients' life experiences, deriving both from their family of origin and from present-day situations and relationships. Whether a client is depressed, anxious, struggling with relationship problems, trying to overcome traumatic experiences, or trying to find their own unique, personal voice in a complex world, talking in psychotherapy can help to expand your capacity for growth and happiness.
While I adapt my approach to your particular needs, my foundation is psychoanalytic psychotherapy; a two-year post-graduate training has significantly informed my thinking.
I believe that insecure relationships (of many forms!) are the root of most suffering. As a result, my work is focused on those who wish to improve their relational lives. This includes single people who aspire to having a romantic relationship, but who seem to encounter difficulties in securing one; those who are already in a romantic relationship, but are facing challenges; people contending with struggles with friends or family; or people who aren't so sure about how they relate to, well, themselves. I also work with those who aren't even necessarily sure what has them down or anxious, but who hope to learn and to get unstuck!
While I adapt my approach to your particular needs, my foundation is psychoanalytic psychotherapy; a two-year post-graduate training has significantly informed my thinking.
I believe that insecure relationships (of many forms!) are the root of most suffering. As a result, my work is focused on those who wish to improve their relational lives. This includes single people who aspire to having a romantic relationship, but who seem to encounter difficulties in securing one; those who are already in a romantic relationship, but are facing challenges; people contending with struggles with friends or family; or people who aren't so sure about how they relate to, well, themselves. I also work with those who aren't even necessarily sure what has them down or anxious, but who hope to learn and to get unstuck!
My orientation is relational with a psychoanalytic bent.
I believe that the most effective route to change and healing is through self awareness, I strive to work towards that end in all the therapy I do, both with couples and with individuals. I have found that there is no more powerful tool for breaking old patterns and affecting real change than self knowledge. With people who are curious and willing to look inward, I can help them do deep work and find out who they are and why they do the things they do..
My orientation is relational with a psychoanalytic bent.
I believe that the most effective route to change and healing is through self awareness, I strive to work towards that end in all the therapy I do, both with couples and with individuals. I have found that there is no more powerful tool for breaking old patterns and affecting real change than self knowledge. With people who are curious and willing to look inward, I can help them do deep work and find out who they are and why they do the things they do..
I use a neurodevelopmental and psychoanalytic perspective that is informed by the impacts of society and culture.
Creativity can be foundational to positive and longstanding change. We come into the world with an innate skill to solve the many problems that arise during development. Sometimes these solutions bring up new challenges or get in the way of our relationships and our ability to enjoy life. I work with children, adults, elders, and couples who are struggling to adapt to a stressful world. By developing a trusting relationship where exploration is welcomed and analyzed, we are able to find new ways of functioning, new solutions to our interpersonal conflicts, and improve our ability to flexibly adapt to our changing world.
I use a neurodevelopmental and psychoanalytic perspective that is informed by the impacts of society and culture.
Creativity can be foundational to positive and longstanding change. We come into the world with an innate skill to solve the many problems that arise during development. Sometimes these solutions bring up new challenges or get in the way of our relationships and our ability to enjoy life. I work with children, adults, elders, and couples who are struggling to adapt to a stressful world. By developing a trusting relationship where exploration is welcomed and analyzed, we are able to find new ways of functioning, new solutions to our interpersonal conflicts, and improve our ability to flexibly adapt to our changing world.
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I combine a natural enthusiasm for, and belief in, therapeutic work with a well rounded training background in body based therapy and relational psychoanalytic training.
With over 14 years of clinical experience, I help men and women, couples and families (especially adult siblings) address a variety forms of distress, from anxiety and depression, to addiction or just a general sense that something feels off in their lives in order to find more fulfillment and meaning. Whether I am working with an individual, couple or family, I am attuned to multiple forms of communication as a direct means for assessment, diagnosis and treatment for what ails each client, and what blocks them from their own joy and peace. I am interested in working with clients with a curiosity of their inner worlds.
I combine a natural enthusiasm for, and belief in, therapeutic work with a well rounded training background in body based therapy and relational psychoanalytic training.
With over 14 years of clinical experience, I help men and women, couples and families (especially adult siblings) address a variety forms of distress, from anxiety and depression, to addiction or just a general sense that something feels off in their lives in order to find more fulfillment and meaning. Whether I am working with an individual, couple or family, I am attuned to multiple forms of communication as a direct means for assessment, diagnosis and treatment for what ails each client, and what blocks them from their own joy and peace. I am interested in working with clients with a curiosity of their inner worlds.
I am a psychoanalytic relational therapist who believes that healing happens through a process of deep diving to address what’s underneath your symptoms and suffering.
Have you ever asked yourself these questions - Who am I? Who are my people? Do I belong? Why do I keep repeating the same patterns in relationships? Why do I have trouble standing up or speaking up for myself? Why can't I give to myself the way I give to others? Perhaps you seem fine on the outside, but struggle silently on the inside. I can help you explore these questions and find a deeper sense of connectedness to yourself and others. I can help you connect more with your body, emotions and experience, instead of living mostly in your head. I can help you feel more like a human being, instead of a “human doing."
I am a psychoanalytic relational therapist who believes that healing happens through a process of deep diving to address what’s underneath your symptoms and suffering.
Have you ever asked yourself these questions - Who am I? Who are my people? Do I belong? Why do I keep repeating the same patterns in relationships? Why do I have trouble standing up or speaking up for myself? Why can't I give to myself the way I give to others? Perhaps you seem fine on the outside, but struggle silently on the inside. I can help you explore these questions and find a deeper sense of connectedness to yourself and others. I can help you connect more with your body, emotions and experience, instead of living mostly in your head. I can help you feel more like a human being, instead of a “human doing."
My practice is culturally responsive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and grounded in relational, family systems, and psychoanalytic perspectives.
I work with clients of all ages to find a unique path through the difficulties they are seeking help with and in their efforts to live fully. My approach is relational, depth-oriented, playful, and based in compassion. Psychotherapy can be a deeply personal and enlivening process, through which you may notice an emerging sense of self and find greater internal freedom. With adults, this involves creating a space where you feel recognized, understood, and safe enough to explore the depths and complexity of your emotional experiences as well as the forces (internal and external) impacting the areas of life most concerning to you now.
My practice is culturally responsive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and grounded in relational, family systems, and psychoanalytic perspectives.
I work with clients of all ages to find a unique path through the difficulties they are seeking help with and in their efforts to live fully. My approach is relational, depth-oriented, playful, and based in compassion. Psychotherapy can be a deeply personal and enlivening process, through which you may notice an emerging sense of self and find greater internal freedom. With adults, this involves creating a space where you feel recognized, understood, and safe enough to explore the depths and complexity of your emotional experiences as well as the forces (internal and external) impacting the areas of life most concerning to you now.
My education and training has been primarily psychodynamic/ psychoanalytic, and my approach reflects the application of this evidence-base.
My work is informed by years of practice and research in evidence-based methods and interventions aimed at helping people change. I create strong collaborative relationships with a goal of helping to improve personal and interpersonal effectiveness, and to bringing about one's best, most authentic self. By working on problematic relationship patterns, changing patterns of thought and behavior, and by learning to become more flexible and integrated, my aim is to increase my patients' overall effectiveness and help them lead happier, more fulfilling lives. I expect changes made in therapy will lead to systemic improvements in my patients' lives.
My education and training has been primarily psychodynamic/ psychoanalytic, and my approach reflects the application of this evidence-base.
My work is informed by years of practice and research in evidence-based methods and interventions aimed at helping people change. I create strong collaborative relationships with a goal of helping to improve personal and interpersonal effectiveness, and to bringing about one's best, most authentic self. By working on problematic relationship patterns, changing patterns of thought and behavior, and by learning to become more flexible and integrated, my aim is to increase my patients' overall effectiveness and help them lead happier, more fulfilling lives. I expect changes made in therapy will lead to systemic improvements in my patients' lives.
I offer psychoanalytic therapy, which means that I practice a unique form of listening that is attuned to all the dimensions of your speech (and your being).
Sometimes it seems life asks us to bear the unbearable. A heartbreaking loss, difficult transition, illness of yourself or loved one, the lack of anything that might make your life meaningful and pleasurable—these are some of the issues I respond to and can help with. If you’re suffering or your life lacks purpose look at my website and, if you feel a connection, please reach out. I work from a generous and flexible sliding scale and am committed to providing accessible treatment. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to do this alone. Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
I offer psychoanalytic therapy, which means that I practice a unique form of listening that is attuned to all the dimensions of your speech (and your being).
Sometimes it seems life asks us to bear the unbearable. A heartbreaking loss, difficult transition, illness of yourself or loved one, the lack of anything that might make your life meaningful and pleasurable—these are some of the issues I respond to and can help with. If you’re suffering or your life lacks purpose look at my website and, if you feel a connection, please reach out. I work from a generous and flexible sliding scale and am committed to providing accessible treatment. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to do this alone. Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
I am a Psychoanalyst and also do psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
I believe patients come to us because they feel grief, anxiety, depression and traumatized or alienated from themselves and others. The suffering you experience comes in many forms and you do not always have the words to say what you feel. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents whom have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, creative blocks, ADHD, chronic somatic pains and/or are experiencing grief and loss. I also work with couples and families. I have a specialization in expressive arts therapy and sandtray for those who may have difficulty expressing their feelings, memories and experiences through verbal means.
I am a Psychoanalyst and also do psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
I believe patients come to us because they feel grief, anxiety, depression and traumatized or alienated from themselves and others. The suffering you experience comes in many forms and you do not always have the words to say what you feel. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents whom have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, creative blocks, ADHD, chronic somatic pains and/or are experiencing grief and loss. I also work with couples and families. I have a specialization in expressive arts therapy and sandtray for those who may have difficulty expressing their feelings, memories and experiences through verbal means.
I work with individual adults, adult families and adolescents. My work is grounded in contemporary and relational psychoanalytic theory, with particular attention paid to multicultural context. My psychotherapy practice serves people who feel blocked by certain behaviors or patterns of relating with people, who seek to improve individual well-being and personal relationships, and/or who have experienced trauma within their families or elsewhere, including survivors of war or other conflict. My practice focus includes older adults and clients with chronic health and/or mental health conditions, and with caregivers.
I work with individual adults, adult families and adolescents. My work is grounded in contemporary and relational psychoanalytic theory, with particular attention paid to multicultural context. My psychotherapy practice serves people who feel blocked by certain behaviors or patterns of relating with people, who seek to improve individual well-being and personal relationships, and/or who have experienced trauma within their families or elsewhere, including survivors of war or other conflict. My practice focus includes older adults and clients with chronic health and/or mental health conditions, and with caregivers.
My work is informed by depth psychology especially contemporary psychoanalytic therapy, as well as somatic processes, accessing the wisdom of the body.
For over 33 years I have been blessed to work with individuals and couples who put their trust in me to facilitate their own personal healing. Clients have relied on my devotion, warmth, insights and authentic presence to hold them in a safe, sacred space. Through a collaborative exploration, we explore the thoughts, feelings, belief systems that are at the root of life-long patterns. Awareness of these patterns is crucial. However, lasting change requires more than insight. We need to directly experience and release the underlying energies and wounds that block your life force, so you can live and express your authentic gifts.
My work is informed by depth psychology especially contemporary psychoanalytic therapy, as well as somatic processes, accessing the wisdom of the body.
For over 33 years I have been blessed to work with individuals and couples who put their trust in me to facilitate their own personal healing. Clients have relied on my devotion, warmth, insights and authentic presence to hold them in a safe, sacred space. Through a collaborative exploration, we explore the thoughts, feelings, belief systems that are at the root of life-long patterns. Awareness of these patterns is crucial. However, lasting change requires more than insight. We need to directly experience and release the underlying energies and wounds that block your life force, so you can live and express your authentic gifts.
Rachel Licitra
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94701
My work is informed by contemporary psychoanalytic thinking, as well as, my background in the arts.
I approach each therapeutic relationship with openness, balancing thoughtful intensity with humor. My style has been described as warm, genuine, intuitive, and incisive. Together we can discover, explore, and hold what needs attending to, cultivating space for the fullness of your experience.
My work is informed by contemporary psychoanalytic thinking, as well as, my background in the arts.
I approach each therapeutic relationship with openness, balancing thoughtful intensity with humor. My style has been described as warm, genuine, intuitive, and incisive. Together we can discover, explore, and hold what needs attending to, cultivating space for the fullness of your experience.
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Does psychoanalytic therapy work?
Psychoanalytic therapy derives from the work of Sigmund Freud. In this type of therapy, discovering buried thoughts and emotions from the unconscious will help a person work through their difficulties and negative behaviors. Research shows that psychoanalytic therapy can be highly effective, with patients reporting improvement in mood, quality of life, and overall well-being.
How long are people typically in psychoanalytic therapy?
Traditional psychoanalysis is in-depth and is conducted in five sessions every week. Today, modern psychoanalytic therapy is less intense and normally incorporates as few as one or two sessions a week. In some cases, positive change can occur quickly. However, if the condition, difficulty, or behavior is deep-seated, improvement may require many months or years of therapy.
Is psychoanalytic therapy suitable for young people?
Children and adolescents can benefit from this type of therapy. Many kids and teens are often unable to form and communicate their thoughts and emotions. Psychoanalytic therapy uses specific techniques such as dream analysis, symbolism, and free association or word association; all of which can be useful tools for less-communicative young people. Through this therapy, a patient will hopefully make connections between what they feel inside and how the world works outside.
Can psychoanalytic therapy be done online?
Modern-day psychoanalytic therapy is very different from traditional psychoanalysis. While an individual can sit face-to-face with the psychoanalyst for multiple sessions a week, they do not have to. Today, psychoanalytic therapy can be effectively conducted online or by phone. The key is that the individual confronts what is repressed and avoided, and this can be done whether in person or over online video.