Photo of Eliza Pedder, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Eliza Pedder
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT127595), with a focus in mindfulness, life transitions, and trauma work. I bring my whole heart to this work and am deeply honored to aid my clients in their healing. Therapy lights me up and I truly believe in the human potential to transform from the inside out. I have gone through my own deep healing journey and continue each day to soften into this human experience with love and tenderness. As a yoga teacher of 7 years, I bring a mindful here-and-now approach to therapy. I work from a holistic, somatic, transpersonal, psychodynamic, attachment, and self-compassion framework.
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT127595), with a focus in mindfulness, life transitions, and trauma work. I bring my whole heart to this work and am deeply honored to aid my clients in their healing. Therapy lights me up and I truly believe in the human potential to transform from the inside out. I have gone through my own deep healing journey and continue each day to soften into this human experience with love and tenderness. As a yoga teacher of 7 years, I bring a mindful here-and-now approach to therapy. I work from a holistic, somatic, transpersonal, psychodynamic, attachment, and self-compassion framework.
(415) 949-7632 View (415) 949-7632
Photo of Samantha Schaefer, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Samantha Schaefer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
I incorporate psychodynamic and cognitive approaches including modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and EMDR.
If you've ever felt like you should be happier, doing more or coping better, I can help. I work with high-functioning adults and teens who are feeling stuck in depression and anxiety, but are ready to move forward and make sustainable changes. I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, including postpartum depression and anxiety, and practice trauma-informed treatment, including EMDR. We'll work together to rediscover your authentic sense of self, learn tools that help you navigate challenges, and live your life more fully. You don’t have to face hard things alone.
I incorporate psychodynamic and cognitive approaches including modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and EMDR.
If you've ever felt like you should be happier, doing more or coping better, I can help. I work with high-functioning adults and teens who are feeling stuck in depression and anxiety, but are ready to move forward and make sustainable changes. I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, including postpartum depression and anxiety, and practice trauma-informed treatment, including EMDR. We'll work together to rediscover your authentic sense of self, learn tools that help you navigate challenges, and live your life more fully. You don’t have to face hard things alone.
(925) 633-4084 View (925) 633-4084
Photo of Andrea (Andy) Cecile Bohn, MA, LMFT, MPH, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrea (Andy) Cecile Bohn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MPH, MS
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Is there something in your life preventing you from being your best self? Struggling with an addiction? Waking up feeling there must be more to life? Frequently anxious? Let me help you make changes to alter your inner life. You deserve to be happy. I am a warm, enthusiastic and direct therapist, insightful and a good listener. My work is attachment based with psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral leanings, topic directed. Let's navigate through your experiences and feelings together. Begin your road to recovery now. Acquire tools to help you move forward. Specialties: relationships, addiction/ recovery, depression, anxiety.
Is there something in your life preventing you from being your best self? Struggling with an addiction? Waking up feeling there must be more to life? Frequently anxious? Let me help you make changes to alter your inner life. You deserve to be happy. I am a warm, enthusiastic and direct therapist, insightful and a good listener. My work is attachment based with psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral leanings, topic directed. Let's navigate through your experiences and feelings together. Begin your road to recovery now. Acquire tools to help you move forward. Specialties: relationships, addiction/ recovery, depression, anxiety.
(510) 497-0848 View (510) 497-0848
Photo of Deb Shell, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Deb Shell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
I use a psychodynamic framework and collaborative problem-solving to find proactive solutions that include adaptive communication, psychoeducation, interventions, accommodations, and a place to reflect on what is working and what needs to change.
Being a human being is complicated, and complex, and can sometimes be overwhelming. It is therapeutic to have someone to share our true selves with free of judgment. I believe each client holds the answers, and in my work, I support you on your journey. I meet you where you are, and together we identify where you would like to go, and what parts of yourself you would like to call forward. I can help you explore your inner world, and help you connect your internal experiences to your external experiences. I support clients dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and relational dynamics.
I use a psychodynamic framework and collaborative problem-solving to find proactive solutions that include adaptive communication, psychoeducation, interventions, accommodations, and a place to reflect on what is working and what needs to change.
Being a human being is complicated, and complex, and can sometimes be overwhelming. It is therapeutic to have someone to share our true selves with free of judgment. I believe each client holds the answers, and in my work, I support you on your journey. I meet you where you are, and together we identify where you would like to go, and what parts of yourself you would like to call forward. I can help you explore your inner world, and help you connect your internal experiences to your external experiences. I support clients dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and relational dynamics.
(415) 595-2598 View (415) 595-2598
Photo of Lynn Davilla Shields, PhD, Psychologist
Lynn Davilla Shields
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
I work with individuals, couples and families that are ready for help and wanting to make a change in their life. For almost 30years I've treated depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship problems, as well as difficulties stemming from past abuse or trauma. My philosophy about therapy is not one size fits all. I have been trained in Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Family Systems as well as other methods of therapy; and I draw on whatever techniques and methods work best for each unique individual or individuals with whom I'm working.
I work with individuals, couples and families that are ready for help and wanting to make a change in their life. For almost 30years I've treated depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship problems, as well as difficulties stemming from past abuse or trauma. My philosophy about therapy is not one size fits all. I have been trained in Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Family Systems as well as other methods of therapy; and I draw on whatever techniques and methods work best for each unique individual or individuals with whom I'm working.
(925) 231-3381 View (925) 231-3381
Photo of Jennifer R Panish, PsyD, Psychologist
Jennifer R Panish
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
I work from a Psychodynamic and relational orientation often pulling in interventions from a more cognitive and integrative approach.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I help people create meaningful change in their lives. My approach is self empowering and compassionate with a sensitivity to cultural differences and social justice. My strength as a therapist is in making deep connections with people, creating a sense of safety and helping clients identify and confront their issues. My personality style is warm, sincere, and down to earth. Those who see me describe me as someone who is "caring, warm, a great listener, interactive, and offers honest insightful feedback."
I work from a Psychodynamic and relational orientation often pulling in interventions from a more cognitive and integrative approach.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I help people create meaningful change in their lives. My approach is self empowering and compassionate with a sensitivity to cultural differences and social justice. My strength as a therapist is in making deep connections with people, creating a sense of safety and helping clients identify and confront their issues. My personality style is warm, sincere, and down to earth. Those who see me describe me as someone who is "caring, warm, a great listener, interactive, and offers honest insightful feedback."
(510) 488-2492 View (510) 488-2492
Photo of David Millen, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
David Millen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
I believe forming a strong therapeutic relationship is key for therapy to be successful. I believe that empowerment is an essential part of the therapeutic experience of every client. Our work together will explore your past, which will help you understand your feelings and why you think and respond in ways that may reduce your joy. Our work will also include present-moment awareness, and promote self-compassion and overall well-being. I am a psychodynamic, relational therapist who believes that healing happens through a process of deep diving to address what’s underneath your symptoms and suffering.
I believe forming a strong therapeutic relationship is key for therapy to be successful. I believe that empowerment is an essential part of the therapeutic experience of every client. Our work together will explore your past, which will help you understand your feelings and why you think and respond in ways that may reduce your joy. Our work will also include present-moment awareness, and promote self-compassion and overall well-being. I am a psychodynamic, relational therapist who believes that healing happens through a process of deep diving to address what’s underneath your symptoms and suffering.
(925) 267-6493 View (925) 267-6493
Photo of David Matz, PsyD, MA, MBA, Psychologist
David Matz
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
He is trained in cognitive behavioral, family systems, and psychodynamic modalities, and has extensive training and experience in mindfullness based relaxation techniques including the use of biofeedback.
I work with adolescents, and adults. It is my goal to work in partnership with you and the appropriate family and community members to consider all factors which may be influencing your mental health and well being. Together we will design a plan to support your own resilience and innate healing response. My philosophy is more pragmatic, than theoretical. The focus is not merely on the treatment of symptoms of the disorder, but on achieving health, and a renewed sense of purpose, meaning, and joy. I strive to provide responsive and effective assistance with compassion and respect.
He is trained in cognitive behavioral, family systems, and psychodynamic modalities, and has extensive training and experience in mindfullness based relaxation techniques including the use of biofeedback.
I work with adolescents, and adults. It is my goal to work in partnership with you and the appropriate family and community members to consider all factors which may be influencing your mental health and well being. Together we will design a plan to support your own resilience and innate healing response. My philosophy is more pragmatic, than theoretical. The focus is not merely on the treatment of symptoms of the disorder, but on achieving health, and a renewed sense of purpose, meaning, and joy. I strive to provide responsive and effective assistance with compassion and respect.
(925) 308-9243 View (925) 308-9243
Photo of Beth Roosa, PhD, Psychologist
Beth Roosa
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
I am an established and experienced psychologist working from a relational psychodynamic perspective.
I have 30 years experience in individual therapy with adolescents and adults. My approach is active and supportive - we will work together to clarify the changes you want and understand what causes your difficulties. Sometimes this involves exploring current situations and relationships; sometimes it means exploring aspects of your identity and how you feel about yourself. Sometimes a look at past relationships, family experiences, and early development can help to identify attachment patterns that are problematic. During this process we will support and develop your strengths and skills and discover what steps you can take.
I am an established and experienced psychologist working from a relational psychodynamic perspective.
I have 30 years experience in individual therapy with adolescents and adults. My approach is active and supportive - we will work together to clarify the changes you want and understand what causes your difficulties. Sometimes this involves exploring current situations and relationships; sometimes it means exploring aspects of your identity and how you feel about yourself. Sometimes a look at past relationships, family experiences, and early development can help to identify attachment patterns that are problematic. During this process we will support and develop your strengths and skills and discover what steps you can take.
(510) 343-7784 View (510) 343-7784
Photo of Sheila Lynn Matz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sheila Lynn Matz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
I am a licensed therapist who works with adolescents, adults, and families, and am someone who believes in the resilience and innate healing potential in each individual. It is my job to work with my clients to come up with a plan to address their mental health concerns and to improve their well being. I have training in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, client-centered therapy, and family systems therapy.
I am a licensed therapist who works with adolescents, adults, and families, and am someone who believes in the resilience and innate healing potential in each individual. It is my job to work with my clients to come up with a plan to address their mental health concerns and to improve their well being. I have training in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, client-centered therapy, and family systems therapy.
(925) 968-4164 View (925) 968-4164
Photo of Kelley Shore, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelley Shore
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
I do brief solution-based work as well as long term in-depth work and incorporate psychodynamic and cognitive approaches.
The focus of my practice is providing mental health support to adolescents, young adults, and their families. My experience includes being a crisis therapist for youth and young adults with the Mobile Response Team in Contra Costa County as well as working in a college setting. My specialization is working with clients that experience suicidal ideation, depression, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, and trauma including sexual abuse.
I do brief solution-based work as well as long term in-depth work and incorporate psychodynamic and cognitive approaches.
The focus of my practice is providing mental health support to adolescents, young adults, and their families. My experience includes being a crisis therapist for youth and young adults with the Mobile Response Team in Contra Costa County as well as working in a college setting. My specialization is working with clients that experience suicidal ideation, depression, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, and trauma including sexual abuse.
(925) 744-6480 View (925) 744-6480
Photo of Queen Adu-Poku - Queen Adu-Poku At Royal Emotional Care Group , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Queen Adu-Poku At Royal Emotional Care Group
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
I use several treatment modalities: EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family therapy, Child Parent Psychotherapy, and Psychodynamic therapy.
Are you in need of support, empathy, understanding, patience, and the need to make changes? Life is so uncertain with so many struggles, difficulties and pain. Life is also full of opportunity, beauty, joy and love. Sometimes help is needed to develop coping skills to deal with life's challenges and to embrace your place of peace. Every individual is unique and has the power of choice. Finding the balance between the duality of life is worth the time and effort to enjoy an inner peace. If you are looking for help to find your balance in life and making positive choices, please contact us at Royal Emotional Care
I use several treatment modalities: EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family therapy, Child Parent Psychotherapy, and Psychodynamic therapy.
Are you in need of support, empathy, understanding, patience, and the need to make changes? Life is so uncertain with so many struggles, difficulties and pain. Life is also full of opportunity, beauty, joy and love. Sometimes help is needed to develop coping skills to deal with life's challenges and to embrace your place of peace. Every individual is unique and has the power of choice. Finding the balance between the duality of life is worth the time and effort to enjoy an inner peace. If you are looking for help to find your balance in life and making positive choices, please contact us at Royal Emotional Care
(925) 391-2435 View (925) 391-2435
Julia Di Rienzo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
When you make the decision to further your understanding of yourself, you are one step closer to feeling empowered to living the life that you envision. With a compassionate mind, I am looking forward to supporting and guiding you through the changes that lead to positive growth. With a blend of psychodynamic, cognitive, and mindfulness-based psychotherapy approaches, I provide support and practical feedback to help you effectively address personal issues and life challenges.
When you make the decision to further your understanding of yourself, you are one step closer to feeling empowered to living the life that you envision. With a compassionate mind, I am looking forward to supporting and guiding you through the changes that lead to positive growth. With a blend of psychodynamic, cognitive, and mindfulness-based psychotherapy approaches, I provide support and practical feedback to help you effectively address personal issues and life challenges.
(925) 392-3844 View (925) 392-3844
Photo of Laurie Gulutzan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laurie Gulutzan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
My approach to therapy is a blend of mindfulness, emotionally focused, DBT and psychodynamic approaches.
Are you feeling disconnected, frustrated or overwhelmed? Do you find it challenging to build close, intimate relationships? If you are looking to improve the quality of your most important relationships or to feel more skillful at building new relationships, I would look forward to working with you.
My approach to therapy is a blend of mindfulness, emotionally focused, DBT and psychodynamic approaches.
Are you feeling disconnected, frustrated or overwhelmed? Do you find it challenging to build close, intimate relationships? If you are looking to improve the quality of your most important relationships or to feel more skillful at building new relationships, I would look forward to working with you.
(510) 605-3998 View (510) 605-3998
Photo of Sarah Koch-Schiller, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah Koch-Schiller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
I am originally trained as a psychodynamic therapist.
Thank you so much for visiting my page. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing psychotherapy to adults, families, and children. I am a relational therapist, meaning that I deeply value the healing aspects of the therapeutic relationship, and work collaboratively with my clients to ensure therapy is meaningful and aligned with treatment goals.
I am originally trained as a psychodynamic therapist.
Thank you so much for visiting my page. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing psychotherapy to adults, families, and children. I am a relational therapist, meaning that I deeply value the healing aspects of the therapeutic relationship, and work collaboratively with my clients to ensure therapy is meaningful and aligned with treatment goals.
(628) 216-2060 View (628) 216-2060
Photo of Dr. Karlene Alves, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Karlene Alves
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In my work with clients I integrate a variety of approaches, including but not limited to Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, and IPT.
In my practice of helping others strive for mental wellness, I believe in taking a holistic approach. I specialize in working with children, teens and adults with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I also work with parents in ways to effectively support their children and manage their own mental well-being throughout the parenting journey. In addition I have previously served hundreds of parents and their children in speciality areas such as teen anxiety, teen DBT, and pre-adolescence emotional regulation skill building. I also have specialized training in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International.
In my work with clients I integrate a variety of approaches, including but not limited to Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, and IPT.
In my practice of helping others strive for mental wellness, I believe in taking a holistic approach. I specialize in working with children, teens and adults with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I also work with parents in ways to effectively support their children and manage their own mental well-being throughout the parenting journey. In addition I have previously served hundreds of parents and their children in speciality areas such as teen anxiety, teen DBT, and pre-adolescence emotional regulation skill building. I also have specialized training in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International.
(925) 248-3421 View (925) 248-3421
Photo of Susan Overhauser, PhD, Psychologist
Susan Overhauser
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Waitlist for new clients
Do you wish for greater success, self-acceptance, love and connection? Do you desire to live your life more authentically? Difficult life histories and current obstacles hinder us from becoming who we want to be. With my help, past events and unfruitful ways of being can be processed and transformed so that they no longer impact your present or future. Modalities such as EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, emotionally focused therapy and sensorimotor psychotherapy will help you discover and embody a new way of being. I am fiercely committed to helping you clear your path forward to embrace greater ease, integrity, belonging, and love.
Do you wish for greater success, self-acceptance, love and connection? Do you desire to live your life more authentically? Difficult life histories and current obstacles hinder us from becoming who we want to be. With my help, past events and unfruitful ways of being can be processed and transformed so that they no longer impact your present or future. Modalities such as EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, emotionally focused therapy and sensorimotor psychotherapy will help you discover and embody a new way of being. I am fiercely committed to helping you clear your path forward to embrace greater ease, integrity, belonging, and love.
(925) 392-6507 View (925) 392-6507
Photo of Christina Iglesia, PsyD, Psychologist
Christina Iglesia
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
Telehealth & In-Person options for CA & NY Residents. Your decision to pursue therapy is an important and personal one. Whether you are looking to address lingering issues or searching for support for ongoing concerns, you do not need to do it alone. Therapy is one of the few opportunities in which you are encouraged to explore and express your authentic self, allowing for deeper personal connections and engagement in life.
Telehealth & In-Person options for CA & NY Residents. Your decision to pursue therapy is an important and personal one. Whether you are looking to address lingering issues or searching for support for ongoing concerns, you do not need to do it alone. Therapy is one of the few opportunities in which you are encouraged to explore and express your authentic self, allowing for deeper personal connections and engagement in life.
(925) 448-9291 View (925) 448-9291
Photo of Dawn Shifreen-Pomerantz, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dawn Shifreen-Pomerantz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
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 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.
(925) 263-6612 View (925) 263-6612
Photo of Shaleda Newson, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Shaleda Newson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
In my role as a therapist, my purpose is to empower and guide individuals on their quest for internal alignment and healing. My dedication revolves around cultivating emotional intelligence, with a primary focus on assisting clients in uncovering their strengths and identifying triggers. I am committed to providing the necessary tools for navigating life's challenges, fostering personal growth, and developing a resilient mindset. Collaboratively, we explore solutions to problems, encouraging a journey of self-discovery that promotes genuine internal peace and enduring contentment.
In my role as a therapist, my purpose is to empower and guide individuals on their quest for internal alignment and healing. My dedication revolves around cultivating emotional intelligence, with a primary focus on assisting clients in uncovering their strengths and identifying triggers. I am committed to providing the necessary tools for navigating life's challenges, fostering personal growth, and developing a resilient mindset. Collaboratively, we explore solutions to problems, encouraging a journey of self-discovery that promotes genuine internal peace and enduring contentment.
(925) 526-7771 View (925) 526-7771
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.