Psychodynamic Therapists in Redwood City, CA

Photo of Kimberly Breidel, MA, PhD, Psychologist
Kimberly Breidel
Psychologist, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94065  (Online Only)
I utilize a variety of evidence-based and relational therapies with a foundation of a client-centered, psychodynamic therapeutic approach, which is trauma-informed, strengths-based, holistic, and collaborative.
I am driven to facilitate change, improve life functioning, and resolve psychological issues in adolescents, parents, young adults, and adults through individualized therapy. My clinical background includes experience treating depression, anxiety, suicidality, trauma, sexual and gender identity exploration, sex offending behavior, eating disorders, parent stress, physical illness and related mental health concerns, learning differences, ADHD, and divorce/separation. My background in psychological testing also informs my practice.
I utilize a variety of evidence-based and relational therapies with a foundation of a client-centered, psychodynamic therapeutic approach, which is trauma-informed, strengths-based, holistic, and collaborative.
I am driven to facilitate change, improve life functioning, and resolve psychological issues in adolescents, parents, young adults, and adults through individualized therapy. My clinical background includes experience treating depression, anxiety, suicidality, trauma, sexual and gender identity exploration, sex offending behavior, eating disorders, parent stress, physical illness and related mental health concerns, learning differences, ADHD, and divorce/separation. My background in psychological testing also informs my practice.
(650) 719-1781 View (650) 719-1781
Photo of Laurie Gulutzan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laurie Gulutzan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94061
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 Dr. Karin Sponholz, MSW, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Karin Sponholz
Psychologist, MSW, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94061
My therapeutic style is client-centered and guided by the following modalities: Existential-Humanistic, Jungian, Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic, EMDR, IFS and DBT/ RO-DBT.
We would work well together if you are someone who is ready, open, and willing to do the "hard work" to make changes in whatever realm you want. To be able to face the brutal truths about your life and how things got to be the way they are is not a process for the faint of heart. How I work? I focus on the "whole being" by addressing inner and outer worlds, the mind, the heart, as well as the body. I encourage you, for whatever reasons you have to seek therapy, to allow yourself the time to finding both a good fit with a therapist and an approach to therapy that feels helpful to you.
My therapeutic style is client-centered and guided by the following modalities: Existential-Humanistic, Jungian, Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic, EMDR, IFS and DBT/ RO-DBT.
We would work well together if you are someone who is ready, open, and willing to do the "hard work" to make changes in whatever realm you want. To be able to face the brutal truths about your life and how things got to be the way they are is not a process for the faint of heart. How I work? I focus on the "whole being" by addressing inner and outer worlds, the mind, the heart, as well as the body. I encourage you, for whatever reasons you have to seek therapy, to allow yourself the time to finding both a good fit with a therapist and an approach to therapy that feels helpful to you.
(650) 383-3970 View (650) 383-3970
Photo of Shirley Cano, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shirley Cano
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063
My approach integrates a psychodynamic lens (an understanding that our upbringing and developmental environment contribute to the challenges people face)and evidence-based treatment techniques that influence how our thought patterns affect our behaviors.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist focused on helping my clients find true lasting healing from the impacts of chronic stress, trauma, and adverse experiences. I am passionate about identifying people’s strengths and helping them explore what keeps them from finding happiness, purpose, and fulfillment in their lives. Conversations from the deep, thought-provoking questions, practical information, somatic work, and big laughs are all found in my office.
My approach integrates a psychodynamic lens (an understanding that our upbringing and developmental environment contribute to the challenges people face)and evidence-based treatment techniques that influence how our thought patterns affect our behaviors.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist focused on helping my clients find true lasting healing from the impacts of chronic stress, trauma, and adverse experiences. I am passionate about identifying people’s strengths and helping them explore what keeps them from finding happiness, purpose, and fulfillment in their lives. Conversations from the deep, thought-provoking questions, practical information, somatic work, and big laughs are all found in my office.
(650) 662-5457 View (650) 662-5457
Rebecca Cordero
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94061
I have been working with children, teens and adults for over 20 years in private practice. Prior to that, I worked in schools and at counseling agencies. I see clients of all ages using a combined approach of Cognitive Behavior and Psychodynamic therapies. However, I recognize that one size does not fit all when it comes to therapy, so I tailor my approach to the individual needs of each client.
I have been working with children, teens and adults for over 20 years in private practice. Prior to that, I worked in schools and at counseling agencies. I see clients of all ages using a combined approach of Cognitive Behavior and Psychodynamic therapies. However, I recognize that one size does not fit all when it comes to therapy, so I tailor my approach to the individual needs of each client.
(833) 669-0382 View (833) 669-0382
Photo of Jane Vanderwerf, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jane Vanderwerf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063
My name is Jane Vanderwerf, and I am an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) who specializes in anxiety, stress, and developmental trauma. I am a supportive, authentic, and direct therapist who prioritizes my clients' emotional safety and sense of connectedness. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. In practice, this means that we identify the underlying causes for symptoms and then use that insight to change the way you think and behave to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. I also use Exposure and Response Prevention for anxiety, Narrative Therapy, and some trauma-informed modalities.
My name is Jane Vanderwerf, and I am an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) who specializes in anxiety, stress, and developmental trauma. I am a supportive, authentic, and direct therapist who prioritizes my clients' emotional safety and sense of connectedness. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. In practice, this means that we identify the underlying causes for symptoms and then use that insight to change the way you think and behave to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. I also use Exposure and Response Prevention for anxiety, Narrative Therapy, and some trauma-informed modalities.
(530) 461-5855 View (530) 461-5855
Photo of Marantha de Araujo, PsyD, Psychologist
Marantha de Araujo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94061  (Online Only)
I am a psychodynamic psychologist who works relationally.
It takes a great deal of courage to reach out to another human being to ask for help. As a psychotherapist, I believe that the traumas we incur over our lifetimes and in relationships with our families, lovers, friends, co-workers, and employers can be healed in part through the therapeutic relationship. Life is our journey and it shapes, is shaped by, and is interpreted by us.
I am a psychodynamic psychologist who works relationally.
It takes a great deal of courage to reach out to another human being to ask for help. As a psychotherapist, I believe that the traumas we incur over our lifetimes and in relationships with our families, lovers, friends, co-workers, and employers can be healed in part through the therapeutic relationship. Life is our journey and it shapes, is shaped by, and is interpreted by us.
(508) 422-4305 View (508) 422-4305
Photo of Katalin Szabo, PsyD, Psychologist
Katalin Szabo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063  (Online Only)
Using a variety of therapeutic tools from different theoretical orientations, I have a strong psychodynamic clinical base with emphasis on self awareness, relationships and interpersonal development.
I am a licensed psychologist in the State of California with over a decade of experience as a psychotherapist, having worked in both the Bay Area and my home country of Hungary. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help uncover their emotional and personal truth. I help my clients in working through relationship issues, identity challenges, and mitigate mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders. In addition to my private practice, I am currently employed as a clinical psychologist at an Intensive Outpatient Program, where I specialize in the treatment of severe eating disorders.
Using a variety of therapeutic tools from different theoretical orientations, I have a strong psychodynamic clinical base with emphasis on self awareness, relationships and interpersonal development.
I am a licensed psychologist in the State of California with over a decade of experience as a psychotherapist, having worked in both the Bay Area and my home country of Hungary. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help uncover their emotional and personal truth. I help my clients in working through relationship issues, identity challenges, and mitigate mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders. In addition to my private practice, I am currently employed as a clinical psychologist at an Intensive Outpatient Program, where I specialize in the treatment of severe eating disorders.
(415) 997-0941 View (415) 997-0941
Photo of Elizabeth Harris, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Elizabeth Harris
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94061
I incorporate elements of Psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems, EMDR, ACT, ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), DBT, Somatic, and Gesalt.
Would you like someone to listen to you? Maybe you are feeling stuck or are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, burnout, overwhelm, isolation, grief, trauma, attachment issues, excessive worrying, healing from past wounds, or your sense of identity and purpose. I would be honored to support you on your journey by providing you a safe and judgment-free space to explore your thoughts and feelings.
I incorporate elements of Psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems, EMDR, ACT, ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), DBT, Somatic, and Gesalt.
Would you like someone to listen to you? Maybe you are feeling stuck or are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, burnout, overwhelm, isolation, grief, trauma, attachment issues, excessive worrying, healing from past wounds, or your sense of identity and purpose. I would be honored to support you on your journey by providing you a safe and judgment-free space to explore your thoughts and feelings.
(408) 840-0801 View (408) 840-0801
Photo of Herman Sandhu, PsyD, Psychologist
Herman Sandhu
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94063
I utilize techniques from cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavior, as well as psychodynamic/relational therapies.
Many of the clients I work with have either lost or struggled to develop a sense of control in their lives and relationships– having fallen into destructive patterns of substance abuse/addiction and impulsive and/or self-harming behaviors. Others may be struggling with an excess of self-imposed control– leading to a sense of isolation and fear of taking healthy risks. Some are confronting a major life-transition, loss of identity, divorce, death of a loved one or faced with a pervading sense of meaninglessness. All are, in one way or another, seeking to increase their sense of personal agency and effectiveness in daily life.
I utilize techniques from cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavior, as well as psychodynamic/relational therapies.
Many of the clients I work with have either lost or struggled to develop a sense of control in their lives and relationships– having fallen into destructive patterns of substance abuse/addiction and impulsive and/or self-harming behaviors. Others may be struggling with an excess of self-imposed control– leading to a sense of isolation and fear of taking healthy risks. Some are confronting a major life-transition, loss of identity, divorce, death of a loved one or faced with a pervading sense of meaninglessness. All are, in one way or another, seeking to increase their sense of personal agency and effectiveness in daily life.
(510) 726-6247 View (510) 726-6247
Photo of Ari Lawrence, PhD, Psychologist
Ari Lawrence
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94064
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have experience treating adults of all ages for everything from emergent life stressors to severe trauma. My integrated approach to care utilizes aspects of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and mindfulness techniques to work towards a patient centered conceptualization of health.
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have experience treating adults of all ages for everything from emergent life stressors to severe trauma. My integrated approach to care utilizes aspects of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and mindfulness techniques to work towards a patient centered conceptualization of health.
(415) 465-5782 View (415) 465-5782
Photo of Akira Olsen, PsyD, MA, Psychologist
Akira Olsen
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94063
Initially trained in psychodynamic therapy, my expertise has expanded to include CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma informed CBT, Mindfulness, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and EMDR.
Greetings! I am a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive professional experience across diverse settings. I am the Founder and CEO of WARM Education, Training & Consulting, a company dedicated to providing programs that educate youth, families, survivors, clinicians, coaches, and businesses on the impacts of trauma and ADHD on health, wellness, and functioning. I have worked with a broad spectrum of clients, including youth and adults in the business, art, and entertainment industries.
Initially trained in psychodynamic therapy, my expertise has expanded to include CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma informed CBT, Mindfulness, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and EMDR.
Greetings! I am a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive professional experience across diverse settings. I am the Founder and CEO of WARM Education, Training & Consulting, a company dedicated to providing programs that educate youth, families, survivors, clinicians, coaches, and businesses on the impacts of trauma and ADHD on health, wellness, and functioning. I have worked with a broad spectrum of clients, including youth and adults in the business, art, and entertainment industries.
(415) 484-4258 View (415) 484-4258
Photo of Jennifer Mason, PhD, Psychologist
Jennifer Mason
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94065
Waitlist for new clients
I use a variety of modalities such as CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and EFT in my practice.
Navigating life’s inherent difficulties can be challenging. Sometimes therapy can help. From confronting issues such as loss/grief, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal problems, to facing significant life decisions or struggling with marital/relationship concerns, many factors can prevent any of us from engaging in our lives more fully. Whether you are new to therapy or you're returning to work through a new or lingering issue, creating a safe place to explore, understand, and respond to your concerns is crucial. Utilizing warmth and transparency, I hope to cultivate a trusting partnership with you.
I use a variety of modalities such as CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and EFT in my practice.
Navigating life’s inherent difficulties can be challenging. Sometimes therapy can help. From confronting issues such as loss/grief, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal problems, to facing significant life decisions or struggling with marital/relationship concerns, many factors can prevent any of us from engaging in our lives more fully. Whether you are new to therapy or you're returning to work through a new or lingering issue, creating a safe place to explore, understand, and respond to your concerns is crucial. Utilizing warmth and transparency, I hope to cultivate a trusting partnership with you.
(615) 247-6923 View (615) 247-6923
Photo of Megan Lait, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Megan Lait
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94061
My style is primarily psychodynamic, which explores feelings and experiences and examines conscious and unconscious defenses that can inhibit one's capacity to cope with stressors.
Finding your way through emotional challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and significant life changes, can be a very lonely experience on your own. Having a partner can make all the difference. Working with a knowledgable, insightful and compassionate psychotherapist can make the journey bearable, smoother and more successful. In my practice, you are not alone. I partner with clients and provide guidance and support in a safe, supportive and empathetic environment to explore challenges and promote overall wellness. I specialize in helping people with depressive disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, difficult life transitions, interpersonal conflicts and low self-esteem.
My style is primarily psychodynamic, which explores feelings and experiences and examines conscious and unconscious defenses that can inhibit one's capacity to cope with stressors.
Finding your way through emotional challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and significant life changes, can be a very lonely experience on your own. Having a partner can make all the difference. Working with a knowledgable, insightful and compassionate psychotherapist can make the journey bearable, smoother and more successful. In my practice, you are not alone. I partner with clients and provide guidance and support in a safe, supportive and empathetic environment to explore challenges and promote overall wellness. I specialize in helping people with depressive disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, difficult life transitions, interpersonal conflicts and low self-esteem.
(650) 446-7345 View (650) 446-7345
Photo of Deanna Wong, PsyD, Psychologist
Deanna Wong
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94063  (Online Only)
I utilize your strengths and integrate techniques from different approaches including CBT, psychodynamic, and family systems.
Welcome! We all face stress at some point in our lives. It may be caused by transitions, major life events, or day-to-day life itself. You may be struggling to cope more than usual and may benefit from additional support. I hope to collaborate with you towards understanding your emotions and feeling you have better control of them, improving your experience of life, changing unhealthy behaviors, relieving emotional distress, and improving your role in relationships.
I utilize your strengths and integrate techniques from different approaches including CBT, psychodynamic, and family systems.
Welcome! We all face stress at some point in our lives. It may be caused by transitions, major life events, or day-to-day life itself. You may be struggling to cope more than usual and may benefit from additional support. I hope to collaborate with you towards understanding your emotions and feeling you have better control of them, improving your experience of life, changing unhealthy behaviors, relieving emotional distress, and improving your role in relationships.
(650) 830-3073 View (650) 830-3073
Photo of Leticia Facundo, LPCC
Leticia Facundo
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063  (Online Only)
My go-to approach and theories are Solution-Focused, Client-Centered, Psychodynamic, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
We are meant to heal, not suffer daily alone. My goal is to empower and support you in your life. Together we will explore and come up with an individualized plan that works best for you. I believe in being honest and straightforward about the steps required for your personal growth. My ultimate objective is to enable individuals to regain control of their lives and ultimately achieve genuine happiness.
My go-to approach and theories are Solution-Focused, Client-Centered, Psychodynamic, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
We are meant to heal, not suffer daily alone. My goal is to empower and support you in your life. Together we will explore and come up with an individualized plan that works best for you. I believe in being honest and straightforward about the steps required for your personal growth. My ultimate objective is to enable individuals to regain control of their lives and ultimately achieve genuine happiness.
(650) 882-6723 View (650) 882-6723
Photo of Melissa Satram, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Satram
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94061
By using CBT, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, and Humanistic approach, I can help you navigate life's ups and downs and shift patterns, thoughts, and behaviors.
Do you ever struggle with feeling like you’re not enough? Do you feel like you have to prove yourself? Do you feel stuck and triggered by childhood trauma? The symptoms of trauma include anxiety, depression, high conflict relationships, occupational impairment, addiction, and much more. I believe therapy can help you develop a more self-awareness and actionable plan to alleviate these symptoms. I specialized in working with people who are willing to explore past, present, and future challenges and to find tools for personal growth.
By using CBT, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, and Humanistic approach, I can help you navigate life's ups and downs and shift patterns, thoughts, and behaviors.
Do you ever struggle with feeling like you’re not enough? Do you feel like you have to prove yourself? Do you feel stuck and triggered by childhood trauma? The symptoms of trauma include anxiety, depression, high conflict relationships, occupational impairment, addiction, and much more. I believe therapy can help you develop a more self-awareness and actionable plan to alleviate these symptoms. I specialized in working with people who are willing to explore past, present, and future challenges and to find tools for personal growth.
(669) 200-2247 View (669) 200-2247
Photo of Jane O Kim, PhD, Psychologist
Jane O Kim
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94063
In therapy, I take an integrated approach to care, including CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, family systems, play therapy, and/or trauma-informed modalities.
In my practice, creating an environment where you feel accepted and understood is of upmost importance to facilitate healing and growth. I believe each person holds strengths within themselves and their families and, when harnessed, can create greater fulfillment in life, intimacy in relationships, and connection to others. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults with a wide range of mental health concerns. My training and expertise are in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, loss, family conflict, culture and diversity factors, and stress related to life transitions (marriage, children, college).
In therapy, I take an integrated approach to care, including CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, family systems, play therapy, and/or trauma-informed modalities.
In my practice, creating an environment where you feel accepted and understood is of upmost importance to facilitate healing and growth. I believe each person holds strengths within themselves and their families and, when harnessed, can create greater fulfillment in life, intimacy in relationships, and connection to others. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults with a wide range of mental health concerns. My training and expertise are in areas of depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, loss, family conflict, culture and diversity factors, and stress related to life transitions (marriage, children, college).
(510) 345-1885 View (510) 345-1885
Photo of Zarina Jadwet, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Zarina Jadwet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063  (Online Only)
To do this, I utilize evidence-based practices and theories such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Solutions Focused and Psychodynamic modalities to support my clients.
Through my experiences, I have gained skills to support my clients by building strong relationships, providing empathy and support, and most importantly creating a safe space. I became a therapist due to my own personal experiences. Initially, it was very difficult for me to seek mental health support, but once I did, I found confidence and healing through therapy. It was that positive experience that led me to pursue a career in this field.
To do this, I utilize evidence-based practices and theories such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Solutions Focused and Psychodynamic modalities to support my clients.
Through my experiences, I have gained skills to support my clients by building strong relationships, providing empathy and support, and most importantly creating a safe space. I became a therapist due to my own personal experiences. Initially, it was very difficult for me to seek mental health support, but once I did, I found confidence and healing through therapy. It was that positive experience that led me to pursue a career in this field.
(510) 822-8083 View (510) 822-8083
Photo of Wendy Lair, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wendy Lair
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94062
I have experience integrating many styles of therapy, including psychodynamic, CBT, positive psychology, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, and trauma-focused, to help clients manage difficult feelings and symptoms.
Are you looking for a therapist who is warm and engaging, flexible and practical? I believe that developing a strong working relationship between therapist and client is the basis for growth and change. I listen to your needs first, and will work collaboratively to identify and work toward your goals. My specialties: Helping young children and their families understand development, work through challenging behaviors, anxiety, depression, anger and other mood concerns. Supporting adolescents as they strive for independence and maturity. Managing parenting stress for individuals and couples. Healing from trauma.
I have experience integrating many styles of therapy, including psychodynamic, CBT, positive psychology, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, and trauma-focused, to help clients manage difficult feelings and symptoms.
Are you looking for a therapist who is warm and engaging, flexible and practical? I believe that developing a strong working relationship between therapist and client is the basis for growth and change. I listen to your needs first, and will work collaboratively to identify and work toward your goals. My specialties: Helping young children and their families understand development, work through challenging behaviors, anxiety, depression, anger and other mood concerns. Supporting adolescents as they strive for independence and maturity. Managing parenting stress for individuals and couples. Healing from trauma.
(650) 683-8436 View (650) 683-8436

See more therapy options for Redwood City

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.