Psychodynamic Therapists in Carlsbad, CA

Photo of Dr. Brooke Bellomio, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Brooke Bellomio
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92008
I utilize psychodynamic principles to look at patterns and family dynamics from the past to better understand the present.
I am a CA licensed psychologist who specializes in anxiety and identity based disorders. I have 10 yrs of experience as an expert in eating disorders and body image issues, particularly with college populations. In addition to this I have experience with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, OCD, LGBTQIA identity issues, trauma, grief, etc. I consider my approach to be holistic and collaborative. I work with each client to create an individualized treatment plan to best meet their needs. If you are ready to make changes in your life the first step is reaching out for help.
I utilize psychodynamic principles to look at patterns and family dynamics from the past to better understand the present.
I am a CA licensed psychologist who specializes in anxiety and identity based disorders. I have 10 yrs of experience as an expert in eating disorders and body image issues, particularly with college populations. In addition to this I have experience with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, OCD, LGBTQIA identity issues, trauma, grief, etc. I consider my approach to be holistic and collaborative. I work with each client to create an individualized treatment plan to best meet their needs. If you are ready to make changes in your life the first step is reaching out for help.
(760) 878-5196 View (760) 878-5196
Photo of Maria Scali, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maria Scali
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008
I work from a psychodynamic & interpersonal approach.
As a psychotherapist, I am passionate & dedicated to working with individuals who struggle with issues impacting emotional wellness- including depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, bipolar disorder, & relationship issues. I have over 15 years experience in treating addiction & trauma. I use a psychodynamic & attachment lens- exploring the relationship you have with yourself & others. Together, we can take a look at what factors make sense & contribute to what you're struggling with. The work to resolve these struggles is an amazing process & truly a gift to give yourself. I am always privileged to be on that journey with you.
I work from a psychodynamic & interpersonal approach.
As a psychotherapist, I am passionate & dedicated to working with individuals who struggle with issues impacting emotional wellness- including depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, bipolar disorder, & relationship issues. I have over 15 years experience in treating addiction & trauma. I use a psychodynamic & attachment lens- exploring the relationship you have with yourself & others. Together, we can take a look at what factors make sense & contribute to what you're struggling with. The work to resolve these struggles is an amazing process & truly a gift to give yourself. I am always privileged to be on that journey with you.
(442) 200-0499 View (442) 200-0499
Photo of Lindsey G. Robertson, PhD, Psychologist
Lindsey G. Robertson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008
I use evidence based approaches (EFT, DBT, IFS, and Psychodynamic) from a relational, developmental, and attachment-based perspective.
I believe symptoms are often the body’s way of communicating with us. Learning to recognize our symptoms as messages to listen to, we start making sense of the chaos, and feel less out of control. I’m committed to helping you get that kind of relief and clarity, so that it becomes easier to explore the roots of what gets you stuck. The therapy I offer is experiential and relational, providing the context to name what needs to heal, process what's overwhelming, build psychological skills and confidence, grow in compassion, strengthen relationships, and find a path forward with greater freedom, meaning, and hope.
I use evidence based approaches (EFT, DBT, IFS, and Psychodynamic) from a relational, developmental, and attachment-based perspective.
I believe symptoms are often the body’s way of communicating with us. Learning to recognize our symptoms as messages to listen to, we start making sense of the chaos, and feel less out of control. I’m committed to helping you get that kind of relief and clarity, so that it becomes easier to explore the roots of what gets you stuck. The therapy I offer is experiential and relational, providing the context to name what needs to heal, process what's overwhelming, build psychological skills and confidence, grow in compassion, strengthen relationships, and find a path forward with greater freedom, meaning, and hope.
(760) 496-5835 View (760) 496-5835
Photo of Judy B Weiss, PhD, Psychologist
Judy B Weiss
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92009  (Online Only)
My background in psychodynamic psychotherapy is the framework that guides my understanding.
I view psychotherapy as a human relationship. The most fundamental part of my work is to enable you to feel supported and understood, and to trust that together, we can understand the issues you raise. I will listen carefully, try to ask the right questions, and offer my input when appropriate. I’ll encourage and guide you to see your present difficulties not only in light of current circumstances, but also to understand them within the framework of your past experiences.
My background in psychodynamic psychotherapy is the framework that guides my understanding.
I view psychotherapy as a human relationship. The most fundamental part of my work is to enable you to feel supported and understood, and to trust that together, we can understand the issues you raise. I will listen carefully, try to ask the right questions, and offer my input when appropriate. I’ll encourage and guide you to see your present difficulties not only in light of current circumstances, but also to understand them within the framework of your past experiences.
(442) 239-4523 View (442) 239-4523
Photo of Lori Beth Kaplan, PhD, Psychologist
Lori Beth Kaplan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92009  (Online Only)
I am a Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic and Mindfulness clinician.
My ideal client is an adult, child or teenager struggling with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, relationship and Identity issues. In childhood or adolescence there may be behavioral, academic or social issues that are limiting success and happiness. Today's world is challenging with increased stressors and isolation. Adults may try to mask their struggles or feel stuck in the same pattern of behavior. Parents want their children or teenagers to maximize their potential and grow into fulfilled adults.
I am a Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic and Mindfulness clinician.
My ideal client is an adult, child or teenager struggling with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, relationship and Identity issues. In childhood or adolescence there may be behavioral, academic or social issues that are limiting success and happiness. Today's world is challenging with increased stressors and isolation. Adults may try to mask their struggles or feel stuck in the same pattern of behavior. Parents want their children or teenagers to maximize their potential and grow into fulfilled adults.
(510) 849-6760 View (510) 849-6760
Photo of Ileana Hahambis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ileana Hahambis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92010  (Online Only)
I work through a psychodynamic lens, exploring how childhood experiences affect our relationships.
Are you feeling depressed and/or anxious? Are you having difficulty with a recent transition, such as military discharge, returning to work/school, or retirement? Are you interested in exploring patterns of relationship concerns and successes? Are you coping with the death of a loved one?
I work through a psychodynamic lens, exploring how childhood experiences affect our relationships.
Are you feeling depressed and/or anxious? Are you having difficulty with a recent transition, such as military discharge, returning to work/school, or retirement? Are you interested in exploring patterns of relationship concerns and successes? Are you coping with the death of a loved one?
(760) 971-5292 View (760) 971-5292
Photo of Adrian Belmes, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Adrian Belmes
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008  (Online Only)
I use a collaborative, person-centered Psychodynamic approach.
If you are searching for insight and depth, you’re in the right place. My name is Adrian (he/him), and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with transgender, gender non-conforming, and queer adults and teens. My practice is centered on supporting individuals facing questions of gender exploration, sexuality, identity formation, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal conflict.
I use a collaborative, person-centered Psychodynamic approach.
If you are searching for insight and depth, you’re in the right place. My name is Adrian (he/him), and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with transgender, gender non-conforming, and queer adults and teens. My practice is centered on supporting individuals facing questions of gender exploration, sexuality, identity formation, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal conflict.
(760) 477-4865 View (760) 477-4865
Photo of Paul Wilcox, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Paul Wilcox
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92010
I have been working as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor since 2015. I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including Private Practice, group homes with wards of the State of CA, going into people’s homes to do therapy, and in trauma focused rehab and recovery programs. My foundation is client centered therapy which helps to create a safe, comfortable, non judgmental atmosphere. I also integrate various evidence based modalities into treatment, including CBT, Mindfulness, Solution Focused, Psychodynamic, MI, Strength Based, Gestalt, Existential, Gottman, Hypnotherapy, EMDR, and more
I have been working as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor since 2015. I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including Private Practice, group homes with wards of the State of CA, going into people’s homes to do therapy, and in trauma focused rehab and recovery programs. My foundation is client centered therapy which helps to create a safe, comfortable, non judgmental atmosphere. I also integrate various evidence based modalities into treatment, including CBT, Mindfulness, Solution Focused, Psychodynamic, MI, Strength Based, Gestalt, Existential, Gottman, Hypnotherapy, EMDR, and more
(442) 259-6892 View (442) 259-6892
Photo of Jessica Oye-Trautloff, PsyD, PMH-C, Psychologist
Jessica Oye-Trautloff
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008
She utilizes an integrative modality of treatment that draws upon psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies to help support and provide growth for her patients.
Dr. Oye-Trautloff is a Licensed Psychologist at JOT Psychology Inc. She earned her Psy.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego. Her training includes working in residential and outpatient settings with individuals who have culturally diverse backgrounds and various clinical presentations. She furthered her training experience in the administration of neurocognitive and psychological assessments for diagnostic clarification of mood disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive impairment, and personality disorders.
She utilizes an integrative modality of treatment that draws upon psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies to help support and provide growth for her patients.
Dr. Oye-Trautloff is a Licensed Psychologist at JOT Psychology Inc. She earned her Psy.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego. Her training includes working in residential and outpatient settings with individuals who have culturally diverse backgrounds and various clinical presentations. She furthered her training experience in the administration of neurocognitive and psychological assessments for diagnostic clarification of mood disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive impairment, and personality disorders.
(619) 955-1316 View (619) 955-1316
Photo of Colleen M. McBride, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Colleen M. McBride
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008
At the heart of my work, I strive to create empathic connections with the individuals I work with—creating spaces for them to explore and express all of themselves, and to feel seen, heard, and understood while doing so. I find that people often come to therapy to make negative feelings go away. While this can happen, I also understand the work of therapy as empowering yourself to be able to have and learn from your difficult feelings while feeling safe and connected to yourself and others. I work from a psychodynamic and an attachment-based perspective, while drawing from other approaches as necessary, such as interpersonal
At the heart of my work, I strive to create empathic connections with the individuals I work with—creating spaces for them to explore and express all of themselves, and to feel seen, heard, and understood while doing so. I find that people often come to therapy to make negative feelings go away. While this can happen, I also understand the work of therapy as empowering yourself to be able to have and learn from your difficult feelings while feeling safe and connected to yourself and others. I work from a psychodynamic and an attachment-based perspective, while drawing from other approaches as necessary, such as interpersonal
(760) 264-4378 View (760) 264-4378
Photo of Kathy O'Fallon, PsyD, Psychologist
Kathy O'Fallon
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Waitlist for new clients
I've been in practice for many years, in both medical clinics and private practice settings, so I have treated all kinds of issues. Psychotherapy is a deeply personal and intimate experience, and I value the privilege of being a part of a person's commitment to change. Areas of advanced training include but are not limited to Brainspotting, the quick pulse (by Jo Dunning), codependence and abuse recovery, emotional freedom technique, Matrix Reimprinting, cognitive and psychodynamic psychotherapy, poetry therapy, marital and family therapy, sexual therapy, focused mindfulness, quantum entrainment, and spiritually focused therapy.
I've been in practice for many years, in both medical clinics and private practice settings, so I have treated all kinds of issues. Psychotherapy is a deeply personal and intimate experience, and I value the privilege of being a part of a person's commitment to change. Areas of advanced training include but are not limited to Brainspotting, the quick pulse (by Jo Dunning), codependence and abuse recovery, emotional freedom technique, Matrix Reimprinting, cognitive and psychodynamic psychotherapy, poetry therapy, marital and family therapy, sexual therapy, focused mindfulness, quantum entrainment, and spiritually focused therapy.
(909) 570-1795 View (909) 570-1795
Photo of Lisette Montañez, PsyD, Psychologist
Lisette Montañez
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92008
I specialize in relationally focused psychodynamic therapy, where we explore the intricate interplay between your past experiences and present relationships.
Understanding our emotions can sometimes feel like navigating a maze without a map. As a therapist, I offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your feelings and experiences at your own pace. From the earliest moments of our lives, our relationships shape who we are and how we relate to the world around us. Together, we can embark on a journey to untangle the emotional threads that weave through your past and present, shedding light on the unseen aspects of yourself. Accepting new clients as of 9/25/2024
I specialize in relationally focused psychodynamic therapy, where we explore the intricate interplay between your past experiences and present relationships.
Understanding our emotions can sometimes feel like navigating a maze without a map. As a therapist, I offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your feelings and experiences at your own pace. From the earliest moments of our lives, our relationships shape who we are and how we relate to the world around us. Together, we can embark on a journey to untangle the emotional threads that weave through your past and present, shedding light on the unseen aspects of yourself. Accepting new clients as of 9/25/2024
(442) 200-2795 View (442) 200-2795
Photo of Lawrence T Woodburn, PhD, Psychologist
Lawrence T Woodburn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Our integrative approach uses psychodynamic and cognitive strategies that nurture psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual growth in an environment of empathy and compassion.
We believe that therapy is an opportunity for enhancing the functioning of individuals and families because everyone deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life. We are sensitive to our diverse community and strive to honor everyone’s beliefs and cultural values offering services tailored to meet the needs of our clients.
Our integrative approach uses psychodynamic and cognitive strategies that nurture psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual growth in an environment of empathy and compassion.
We believe that therapy is an opportunity for enhancing the functioning of individuals and families because everyone deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life. We are sensitive to our diverse community and strive to honor everyone’s beliefs and cultural values offering services tailored to meet the needs of our clients.
(619) 771-0509 View (619) 771-0509
Photo of Kirstyn Odle, MA , LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kirstyn Odle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA , LMFT
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92008
I draw from attachment and psychodynamic theory in my work with clients.
Do you ever sit back and think about the you, you once were? Or the couple you once were? Do you ever sit and think to yourself, “how did I get here?” Is your kiddo struggling with BIG emotions too? Are you feeling stuck, disconnected, anxious and lonely? Let’s work together, in a safe space and answer those questions. Let’s work toward paving a road where you can move through those dark, scary, unknown places and foster the best version of yourself. Let’s work together to strengthen your relationships and reach your goals.
I draw from attachment and psychodynamic theory in my work with clients.
Do you ever sit back and think about the you, you once were? Or the couple you once were? Do you ever sit and think to yourself, “how did I get here?” Is your kiddo struggling with BIG emotions too? Are you feeling stuck, disconnected, anxious and lonely? Let’s work together, in a safe space and answer those questions. Let’s work toward paving a road where you can move through those dark, scary, unknown places and foster the best version of yourself. Let’s work together to strengthen your relationships and reach your goals.
(760) 493-7432 View (760) 493-7432
Photo of Pamela Tanis, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Pamela Tanis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92009
Welcome! My name is Pamela Tanis, and I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the past six years. My approach is warm, compassionate, and supportive, and I hold a safe space for my clients to express themselves as they work through challenges. I tend to use cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at how thoughts connect to behavior and produce actions. I also use a psychodynamic approach, reality-based therapy, and brief solution-focused. A mix of these modalities helps bring in the focus of challenges to work through.
Welcome! My name is Pamela Tanis, and I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the past six years. My approach is warm, compassionate, and supportive, and I hold a safe space for my clients to express themselves as they work through challenges. I tend to use cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at how thoughts connect to behavior and produce actions. I also use a psychodynamic approach, reality-based therapy, and brief solution-focused. A mix of these modalities helps bring in the focus of challenges to work through.
(442) 435-0960 View (442) 435-0960
Photo of Rebecca Murphy, PsyD
Rebecca Murphy
Registered Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92008
I work from a psychodynamic and feminist therapy framework while incorporating approaches like ACT, mindfulness, and play therapy when appropriate.
There can be so much pressure to know who you are at a young age, but most people don’t! Therapy can be a place to explore who you are, who you want to be, and how you want to get there. As a therapist I care about empowering you to find your voice and engage in value-congruent action. I strive to work collaboratively, be mindful of power and privilege, and always seek to understand the world as you see and experience it so we can better find your path forward.
I work from a psychodynamic and feminist therapy framework while incorporating approaches like ACT, mindfulness, and play therapy when appropriate.
There can be so much pressure to know who you are at a young age, but most people don’t! Therapy can be a place to explore who you are, who you want to be, and how you want to get there. As a therapist I care about empowering you to find your voice and engage in value-congruent action. I strive to work collaboratively, be mindful of power and privilege, and always seek to understand the world as you see and experience it so we can better find your path forward.
(442) 302-3327 View (442) 302-3327
Photo of Chinwe Ezeonu, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Chinwe Ezeonu
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92008  (Online Only)
As a therapist, I specialize in structural family, individual, psychodynamic, art, play, CBT, and DBT therapy.
Welcome! My name is Chinwe with Diaspora Therapy Group. As a woman of color I believe in teamwork, collaboration, and making everyone feel seen and heard. Growing up in a Filipino and Nigerian household I internalized negative thoughts/ feelings around therapy. For a long time I did not want anything to do with it, but through reflection, growth, and my therapy, it has helped me positively mend my views. Going down the path of therapy can be frightening and lonely, especially for individuals of color. But this is not a journey that has to be endured alone. I would be honored to be your support, uplift you, and hear you, all whi
As a therapist, I specialize in structural family, individual, psychodynamic, art, play, CBT, and DBT therapy.
Welcome! My name is Chinwe with Diaspora Therapy Group. As a woman of color I believe in teamwork, collaboration, and making everyone feel seen and heard. Growing up in a Filipino and Nigerian household I internalized negative thoughts/ feelings around therapy. For a long time I did not want anything to do with it, but through reflection, growth, and my therapy, it has helped me positively mend my views. Going down the path of therapy can be frightening and lonely, especially for individuals of color. But this is not a journey that has to be endured alone. I would be honored to be your support, uplift you, and hear you, all whi
(619) 848-3458 View (619) 848-3458
Photo of Philip Silverman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Philip Silverman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92009
My name is Phil Silverman, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA. I work primarily from a psychodynamic framework, with a focus not only on symptom relief but on making substantive changes and assisting individuals in breaking free from unhealthy and unhelpful patterns impacting their well-being, career, and relationships. Traumas can result in unconscious "triggers" that wreak havoc on a person’s goals for health, intimacy, success, sense of connection, or even the ability to process grief, and can manifest in the form of unmanageable anxiety, depression, substance use, existential dilemmas, self-sabotage, feeling stuck, etc.
My name is Phil Silverman, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA. I work primarily from a psychodynamic framework, with a focus not only on symptom relief but on making substantive changes and assisting individuals in breaking free from unhealthy and unhelpful patterns impacting their well-being, career, and relationships. Traumas can result in unconscious "triggers" that wreak havoc on a person’s goals for health, intimacy, success, sense of connection, or even the ability to process grief, and can manifest in the form of unmanageable anxiety, depression, substance use, existential dilemmas, self-sabotage, feeling stuck, etc.
(949) 356-7611 View (949) 356-7611
Photo of Kevin M Ramotar, PsyD, Psychologist
Kevin M Ramotar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92009
I practice from evidence-based psychodynamic and CBT approaches that are designed for either brief or open-ended therapy.
Welcome! I take a lifespan developmental approach with my clients, particularly through promoting self-compassion, encouraging the discovery of personal resilience, and helping work through challenges on the pathways of life. My integrative approach is primarily informed by helping the development of insight and accumulation of practical skills for symptom reduction that takes into account the cultural and familial context of your life. Additionally, I also focus my practice on providing psychological assessment/testing for ADHD and learning disabilities, as well as personality and cognitive functioning. I hold weekend appointment slots for immigration evaluations for those seeking hardship waivers.
I practice from evidence-based psychodynamic and CBT approaches that are designed for either brief or open-ended therapy.
Welcome! I take a lifespan developmental approach with my clients, particularly through promoting self-compassion, encouraging the discovery of personal resilience, and helping work through challenges on the pathways of life. My integrative approach is primarily informed by helping the development of insight and accumulation of practical skills for symptom reduction that takes into account the cultural and familial context of your life. Additionally, I also focus my practice on providing psychological assessment/testing for ADHD and learning disabilities, as well as personality and cognitive functioning. I hold weekend appointment slots for immigration evaluations for those seeking hardship waivers.
(661) 454-5197 View (661) 454-5197
Photo of Elena Gharibian, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elena Gharibian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92008  (Online Only)
I have utilized a variety of therapeutic perspectives, including IFS, Psychodynamic, CBT, and Solution-Focused.
As someone who’s been through my own healing journey, I have a profound appreciation for the therapeutic process and the changes people are capable of making in their lives. I know the healing power of having a trusted guide and supportive person. I understand the transformation that takes place from being truly heard and seen by a compassionate other. As a therapist, I endeavor to provide these things to my clients. I offer a safe space where you can express your worst fears and deepest hopes, without fear of judgment or criticism. Together, we will work to find relief from your suffering and develop the capacity for genuine joy.
I have utilized a variety of therapeutic perspectives, including IFS, Psychodynamic, CBT, and Solution-Focused.
As someone who’s been through my own healing journey, I have a profound appreciation for the therapeutic process and the changes people are capable of making in their lives. I know the healing power of having a trusted guide and supportive person. I understand the transformation that takes place from being truly heard and seen by a compassionate other. As a therapist, I endeavor to provide these things to my clients. I offer a safe space where you can express your worst fears and deepest hopes, without fear of judgment or criticism. Together, we will work to find relief from your suffering and develop the capacity for genuine joy.
(310) 361-3977 View (310) 361-3977
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Psychodynamic Therapists

Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?

Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.

How long does psychodynamic therapy last?

Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.

Does psychodynamic therapy work?

Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.

What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?

Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.