Psychodynamic Therapists in Pasadena, CA
I have training in attachment-oriented psychodynamic, family systems, and emotions-focused therapies focusing on anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relational distress.
However you may have arrived here, I hope you find this as your invitation to enter a process of healing, renewed hope, and self-becoming. In therapy, we bring a sense of liberation to your emotions, experiences, and identity, and grow toward a sense of confidence to make the changes you desire. Together, we explore your experiences and tend to your goals through an affirming and collaborative process.
I have training in attachment-oriented psychodynamic, family systems, and emotions-focused therapies focusing on anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relational distress.
However you may have arrived here, I hope you find this as your invitation to enter a process of healing, renewed hope, and self-becoming. In therapy, we bring a sense of liberation to your emotions, experiences, and identity, and grow toward a sense of confidence to make the changes you desire. Together, we explore your experiences and tend to your goals through an affirming and collaborative process.
Coming from a psychodynamic background, I find change occurs when clients become more conscious of how experiences in the past can deeply influence present interactions with self and others.
I believe that every day gives us the opportunity to approach our difficulties in a new way if we are open to the experience of change. When people come to see me they are usually in some kind of emotional pain, whether that be stemming from a recent trauma, loss, life transition or relationship struggle. Talking about it helps. My personal approach combines warmth, acceptance and respect with skill and dedication to understanding my clients’ unique needs.
Coming from a psychodynamic background, I find change occurs when clients become more conscious of how experiences in the past can deeply influence present interactions with self and others.
I believe that every day gives us the opportunity to approach our difficulties in a new way if we are open to the experience of change. When people come to see me they are usually in some kind of emotional pain, whether that be stemming from a recent trauma, loss, life transition or relationship struggle. Talking about it helps. My personal approach combines warmth, acceptance and respect with skill and dedication to understanding my clients’ unique needs.
Dr. Melissa Ryan O'Keefe
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105
I am trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy and attachment theory.
Are you currently struggling with stress or relationship challenges? Many people struggle balancing the demands of life. It is not easy to ask for help. You don't need to suffer alone. Although you may be going through a hard time, you also are worthy of receiving care. I am here to listen and to assist in strengthening self-esteem and to offer ways to increase self-compassion. I practice with a person-centered approach and have extensive education. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families on creating meaningful life experiences and in overcoming difficult challenges.
I am trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy and attachment theory.
Are you currently struggling with stress or relationship challenges? Many people struggle balancing the demands of life. It is not easy to ask for help. You don't need to suffer alone. Although you may be going through a hard time, you also are worthy of receiving care. I am here to listen and to assist in strengthening self-esteem and to offer ways to increase self-compassion. I practice with a person-centered approach and have extensive education. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families on creating meaningful life experiences and in overcoming difficult challenges.
Julieta Alas
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101 (Online Only)
I integrate various methods, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Art Therapy.
“Taking care of yourself is not a selfish act.” -Leslie Knope. Congratulations on taking another step in your healing journey; I know finding the right care can be overwhelming. Drawing from my own marginalized identities, lived experiences and work with clients, I have witnessed the barriers to receiving treatment firsthand and understands the significance of being a clinician who is knowledgeable about how identities impact one’s journeys. Because of this, cultural humility, identity-affirmation, and social justice are important values to me.
I integrate various methods, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Art Therapy.
“Taking care of yourself is not a selfish act.” -Leslie Knope. Congratulations on taking another step in your healing journey; I know finding the right care can be overwhelming. Drawing from my own marginalized identities, lived experiences and work with clients, I have witnessed the barriers to receiving treatment firsthand and understands the significance of being a clinician who is knowledgeable about how identities impact one’s journeys. Because of this, cultural humility, identity-affirmation, and social justice are important values to me.
Kim Brounstein
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106
I use a psychodynamic approach woven with mindfulness and humor to explore suffering, symptoms, and other existential questions.
Welcome in. My belief in therapy is simple. Let’s get to the root of things. I emphasize creating a trusting relationship between myself and my clients. From this place, we will explore the deeper layers of who you are, spanning your entire life, and connecting past experiences to present-day challenges and concerns. We can work together with navigating anxiety, depression, phase of life challenges, grief and loss, relationship dynamics, self-esteem, and questions with identity, career, and spirituality.
I use a psychodynamic approach woven with mindfulness and humor to explore suffering, symptoms, and other existential questions.
Welcome in. My belief in therapy is simple. Let’s get to the root of things. I emphasize creating a trusting relationship between myself and my clients. From this place, we will explore the deeper layers of who you are, spanning your entire life, and connecting past experiences to present-day challenges and concerns. We can work together with navigating anxiety, depression, phase of life challenges, grief and loss, relationship dynamics, self-esteem, and questions with identity, career, and spirituality.
My approach blends psychodynamic, Jungian, relational, and affirmative therapies, honoring your unique identity and personal history.
Living out of alignment with who we are can drain our energy and leave us feeling disconnected from life itself. Do you feel worn out, anxious, or overwhelmed? Are you caught in the cycle of trying to please everyone around you? Maybe you’re repeating the same patterns in relationships or work and want to break free but aren't sure where to begin. Even when we recognize that we're not living as our true selves, stepping out of limiting habits can be tough. I’m here to help you uncover what’s beneath the surface, explore what’s waiting to unfold, and move toward a deeper sense of authenticity and fulfillment.
My approach blends psychodynamic, Jungian, relational, and affirmative therapies, honoring your unique identity and personal history.
Living out of alignment with who we are can drain our energy and leave us feeling disconnected from life itself. Do you feel worn out, anxious, or overwhelmed? Are you caught in the cycle of trying to please everyone around you? Maybe you’re repeating the same patterns in relationships or work and want to break free but aren't sure where to begin. Even when we recognize that we're not living as our true selves, stepping out of limiting habits can be tough. I’m here to help you uncover what’s beneath the surface, explore what’s waiting to unfold, and move toward a deeper sense of authenticity and fulfillment.
Deenah Vollmer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106
Using a holistic and psychodynamic approach—including mindfulness, body awareness, and bringing unconscious material to light—we’ll explore the layers of your psyche, address unresolved trauma (if it feels safe to), and create a therapeutic space that honors your unique journey towards wholeness.
I help adults, couples, and teens feel better, less stuck, and more aligned in their relationships, careers, and creative pursuits. My office is a judgment-free place to explore thoughts and feelings, no matter how banal or extreme they may seem. Together we identify patterns and adaptations that no longer serve us. As we become less reactive, we find we have more agency in our lives. We communicate better with others, develop more meaningful relationships, and begin to live the lives we always dreamed of living.
Using a holistic and psychodynamic approach—including mindfulness, body awareness, and bringing unconscious material to light—we’ll explore the layers of your psyche, address unresolved trauma (if it feels safe to), and create a therapeutic space that honors your unique journey towards wholeness.
I help adults, couples, and teens feel better, less stuck, and more aligned in their relationships, careers, and creative pursuits. My office is a judgment-free place to explore thoughts and feelings, no matter how banal or extreme they may seem. Together we identify patterns and adaptations that no longer serve us. As we become less reactive, we find we have more agency in our lives. We communicate better with others, develop more meaningful relationships, and begin to live the lives we always dreamed of living.
My theoretical orientation is Psychodynamic.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in treating adults for a variety of issues. These include depression, anxiety, and life adjustment problems such relationship or career concerns. A significant portion of my practice is devoted to helping people overcome traumatic experiences such as violent crimes, domestic violence, and childhood abuse. Regardless of what brings a person into therapy, I work actively in an atmosphere of support and empathy to help my patients understand themselves, to heal, and to learn how to live happier, more productive lives.
My theoretical orientation is Psychodynamic.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in treating adults for a variety of issues. These include depression, anxiety, and life adjustment problems such relationship or career concerns. A significant portion of my practice is devoted to helping people overcome traumatic experiences such as violent crimes, domestic violence, and childhood abuse. Regardless of what brings a person into therapy, I work actively in an atmosphere of support and empathy to help my patients understand themselves, to heal, and to learn how to live happier, more productive lives.
Gustine Fudickar
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
My approach to treatment is trauma informed and influenced by Attachment Research, Psychodynamic perspectives, Jungian analytic psychology, Buddhist philosophy, and socio-cultural diversity consciousness.
So often, people seek therapy due to immediate life circumstances. And yet, many of the challenges people face often involve larger emotional, spiritual, and existential questions. To promote meaningful change, therapy must involve exploration of both dimensions of people's experience. As we strengthen our capacity to face discomforting depths, we create space for insight, flexibility, and self-compassion. Turning our attention towards what has been in shadow, we will endeavor to bring light to what might lead to greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and meaningful change in your life.
My approach to treatment is trauma informed and influenced by Attachment Research, Psychodynamic perspectives, Jungian analytic psychology, Buddhist philosophy, and socio-cultural diversity consciousness.
So often, people seek therapy due to immediate life circumstances. And yet, many of the challenges people face often involve larger emotional, spiritual, and existential questions. To promote meaningful change, therapy must involve exploration of both dimensions of people's experience. As we strengthen our capacity to face discomforting depths, we create space for insight, flexibility, and self-compassion. Turning our attention towards what has been in shadow, we will endeavor to bring light to what might lead to greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and meaningful change in your life.
I practice psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
We all want to become, be, and remain adults able to enjoy times of great happiness and grow from times of stress, difficulty, and sadness. This is not an easy process and requires learning from feeling, thinking about, and experiencing the ups and downs of our lives, understanding what our experiences mean, where they come from, and what we can do to make changes in our lives. In this process we know that we can experience anxiety, depression, stress, tension, and many other things that require professional help in order to maintain our footing and keep moving forward in our lives.
I practice psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
We all want to become, be, and remain adults able to enjoy times of great happiness and grow from times of stress, difficulty, and sadness. This is not an easy process and requires learning from feeling, thinking about, and experiencing the ups and downs of our lives, understanding what our experiences mean, where they come from, and what we can do to make changes in our lives. In this process we know that we can experience anxiety, depression, stress, tension, and many other things that require professional help in order to maintain our footing and keep moving forward in our lives.
Feliz Lucia Molina
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MFA, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91105 (Online Only)
My therapeutic approach is psychodynamic and client-centered.
We often go through life transitions unaware of how the past might still have a hold on us. Sometimes we simply need to take a moment to reflect on how experiences and relationships have shaped our perception of ourselves and situations. Processing how past traumas are linked to the present can help us to recover, heal, and to understand how behavior patterns and responses are formed in the first place so that we can change for the better.
My therapeutic approach is psychodynamic and client-centered.
We often go through life transitions unaware of how the past might still have a hold on us. Sometimes we simply need to take a moment to reflect on how experiences and relationships have shaped our perception of ourselves and situations. Processing how past traumas are linked to the present can help us to recover, heal, and to understand how behavior patterns and responses are formed in the first place so that we can change for the better.
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I am trained in several theoretical orientations including Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).
Telehealth Available: Compassionate Practice with an Open Mind is my motto. Everyone has the power to alter upsetting or confusing feelings, thoughts and behaviors through personal exploration and insight. My aim is to address the specific issues that have led you to therapy at this time of your life. I use therapeutic approaches that are compatible with your unique personality, problems and learning style. Clients describe my approach as caring and compassionate but at the same time straight forward. I am committed to accompanying you on your personal journey towards better mental health.
I am trained in several theoretical orientations including Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).
Telehealth Available: Compassionate Practice with an Open Mind is my motto. Everyone has the power to alter upsetting or confusing feelings, thoughts and behaviors through personal exploration and insight. My aim is to address the specific issues that have led you to therapy at this time of your life. I use therapeutic approaches that are compatible with your unique personality, problems and learning style. Clients describe my approach as caring and compassionate but at the same time straight forward. I am committed to accompanying you on your personal journey towards better mental health.
I draw from a few therapeutic techniques including, but not limited to, Christian counseling, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, strength-based and trauma focused.
*Accepting Clients* Have you been feeling mentally, emotionally and/or spiritually "stuck" ? Well I can guarantee that you aren't the only one! I am aware of the difficulties and stressors that you may be experiencing as you seek professional help to join you on this healing journey. I am passionate about helping individuals who may be struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem and life transitions. I also find joy in working with couples who may be dealing with communication issues, supporting each other through their childhood traumas, as well as conflict resolutions.
I draw from a few therapeutic techniques including, but not limited to, Christian counseling, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, strength-based and trauma focused.
*Accepting Clients* Have you been feeling mentally, emotionally and/or spiritually "stuck" ? Well I can guarantee that you aren't the only one! I am aware of the difficulties and stressors that you may be experiencing as you seek professional help to join you on this healing journey. I am passionate about helping individuals who may be struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem and life transitions. I also find joy in working with couples who may be dealing with communication issues, supporting each other through their childhood traumas, as well as conflict resolutions.
Joshua Sandler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MFA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
I am trained in many modalities but find trauma-informed, Humanistic, Gestalt, ERP, CBT, IFS, DBT, Art-based, and Psychodynamic approaches help the most.
Do you want to dig deeper? Are you repeating behaviors or situations and wishing you could break the cycle? Are you or your partner struggling with mismatched communication, attachment, intimacy, reactions, vulnerability, desire, culture, or conflict resolution styles? Sometimes, we're not sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. Even when we know the cause, change can still feel impossible. That's where I come in. Without judgment, my job is to listen, help you understand root causes of your difficulties, & teach you practical tools to help change your life.
I am trained in many modalities but find trauma-informed, Humanistic, Gestalt, ERP, CBT, IFS, DBT, Art-based, and Psychodynamic approaches help the most.
Do you want to dig deeper? Are you repeating behaviors or situations and wishing you could break the cycle? Are you or your partner struggling with mismatched communication, attachment, intimacy, reactions, vulnerability, desire, culture, or conflict resolution styles? Sometimes, we're not sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. Even when we know the cause, change can still feel impossible. That's where I come in. Without judgment, my job is to listen, help you understand root causes of your difficulties, & teach you practical tools to help change your life.
I use DBT skills, CBT, & psychodynamic, spiritual approaches.
I work with primarily adults, couples and adolescents. My work is to help you in meeting your potential and increasing abundance in all areas of your life. Working together in learning how to navigate thoughts, feelings and actions in difficult and non difficult times. Navigating to enhance your potential in relationship to everything, helping to ultimately increase your integrative sense of self, self worth and motivation to move.
I use DBT skills, CBT, & psychodynamic, spiritual approaches.
I work with primarily adults, couples and adolescents. My work is to help you in meeting your potential and increasing abundance in all areas of your life. Working together in learning how to navigate thoughts, feelings and actions in difficult and non difficult times. Navigating to enhance your potential in relationship to everything, helping to ultimately increase your integrative sense of self, self worth and motivation to move.
Miriam Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
I seek to accompany you on your journey of transformation. Together, we will explore your unconscious, heal old wounds and trauma, establish and nurture healthy relationships, unlock your true potential, and shift patterns of thought and behavior to create meaningful change. We will collaborate through empathy, curiosity, and humor to explore blockages and challenges, new paths and possibilities, and the depth of your beingness. My clinical style is rooted in mindfulness-based practices, attachment and psychodynamic theory, and depth psychology, and I take a holistic approach to my work, considering the mind, body & spirit.
I seek to accompany you on your journey of transformation. Together, we will explore your unconscious, heal old wounds and trauma, establish and nurture healthy relationships, unlock your true potential, and shift patterns of thought and behavior to create meaningful change. We will collaborate through empathy, curiosity, and humor to explore blockages and challenges, new paths and possibilities, and the depth of your beingness. My clinical style is rooted in mindfulness-based practices, attachment and psychodynamic theory, and depth psychology, and I take a holistic approach to my work, considering the mind, body & spirit.
As Lao Tzu beautifully put it, "when you touch one thing with deep awareness, you touch everything." In my work with clients, I bring intuition, attunement, and thoughtfulness to the space, along with empathy, challenge, and a sense of humor. In order to assist my clients in breaking unwanted patterns, shifting narratives, and deepening intimacy with the self and others, I am both compassionate and straightforward. I am trained in Attachment Based EMDR, mindfulness, somatic and psychodynamic based therapies.
As Lao Tzu beautifully put it, "when you touch one thing with deep awareness, you touch everything." In my work with clients, I bring intuition, attunement, and thoughtfulness to the space, along with empathy, challenge, and a sense of humor. In order to assist my clients in breaking unwanted patterns, shifting narratives, and deepening intimacy with the self and others, I am both compassionate and straightforward. I am trained in Attachment Based EMDR, mindfulness, somatic and psychodynamic based therapies.
Jeff Galens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91105 (Online Only)
These learnings informed my professional development as a therapist who employs an eclectic mix of treatment modalities such as Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Strengths-Based.
If I had to choose three words that encapsulated my therapeutic approach, the words would be authenticity, compassion, and context. I learned how to deconstruct chaotic complex situations into digestible and palatable pieces. I learned to individualize and tailor interventions to meet students where they were at, not where I wanted them to be. I learned that no student, teacher, or classroom can optimally function in isolation, but rather thrive when choosing to operate interdependently.
These learnings informed my professional development as a therapist who employs an eclectic mix of treatment modalities such as Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Strengths-Based.
If I had to choose three words that encapsulated my therapeutic approach, the words would be authenticity, compassion, and context. I learned how to deconstruct chaotic complex situations into digestible and palatable pieces. I learned to individualize and tailor interventions to meet students where they were at, not where I wanted them to be. I learned that no student, teacher, or classroom can optimally function in isolation, but rather thrive when choosing to operate interdependently.
Alessandro Pagliai Londono
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106 (Online Only)
I practice from a deep mindfulness focus, operating from a psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, humanistic, existential, cbt/dbt, trauma focused, family systems lens.
I want to work with you as you are, perfectly imperfect. Moving towards goals of health and well being can take many different turns, every case is different. Explore your motivations or/and progress towards your goals effectively. I'm here to assist you in your journey. My clients want progress, honesty, skill in communication, thoughtfulness, high degree of analysis revealing insights, presence, want actionable items they can reflect on and practice throughout the week. My clients want a therapist who is professional, no fluff, no nonsense, direct and deeply knowledgeable in psychology and in general.
I practice from a deep mindfulness focus, operating from a psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, humanistic, existential, cbt/dbt, trauma focused, family systems lens.
I want to work with you as you are, perfectly imperfect. Moving towards goals of health and well being can take many different turns, every case is different. Explore your motivations or/and progress towards your goals effectively. I'm here to assist you in your journey. My clients want progress, honesty, skill in communication, thoughtfulness, high degree of analysis revealing insights, presence, want actionable items they can reflect on and practice throughout the week. My clients want a therapist who is professional, no fluff, no nonsense, direct and deeply knowledgeable in psychology and in general.
She believes in providing quality mental health care to everyone while also being culturally competent. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. She utilizes a holistic and mindfulness approach while integrating different therapeutic modalities including CBT, Psychodynamic, Family Systems, The Gottman Method, and Somatic Therapy.
She believes in providing quality mental health care to everyone while also being culturally competent. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. She utilizes a holistic and mindfulness approach while integrating different therapeutic modalities including CBT, Psychodynamic, Family Systems, The Gottman Method, and Somatic Therapy.
See more therapy options for Pasadena
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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.