Psychodynamic Therapists in San Diego, CA

Photo of Dr. Dominic J. DiMaggio, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Dominic J. DiMaggio
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102
I have specialized training in providing psychodynamic therapy while incorporating a multidimensional perspective.
I specialize in adult individual psychotherapy. I have worked in multiple outpatient treatment facilities, including community mental health, public high school, federal career training facility, and university counseling centers. I am interested in and have experience in the treatment of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, emotion regulation, and relationship difficulties. I enjoy providing mental health services to the San Diego community, where there are many people with diverse life experiences.
I have specialized training in providing psychodynamic therapy while incorporating a multidimensional perspective.
I specialize in adult individual psychotherapy. I have worked in multiple outpatient treatment facilities, including community mental health, public high school, federal career training facility, and university counseling centers. I am interested in and have experience in the treatment of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, emotion regulation, and relationship difficulties. I enjoy providing mental health services to the San Diego community, where there are many people with diverse life experiences.
(858) 412-1427 View (858) 412-1427
Photo of Dr. Sophie Whitney, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Dr. Sophie Whitney
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92109
Sophie's specializations include psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness approaches.
We all deserve to feel fully alive and well. Somewhere along the way we will all experience challenges large and small. Sophie believes that one goal of therapy is to cultivate the inner strength, confidence, tools, and resources to overcome any obstacle. Sophie brings a heart-centered, compassionate, and solutions-focused approach to the therapy room. Sophie believes that the key to a more joyful, connected, meaningful life is to truly get to know ourselves in an intimate and honest way while embracing change and personal growth.
Sophie's specializations include psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness approaches.
We all deserve to feel fully alive and well. Somewhere along the way we will all experience challenges large and small. Sophie believes that one goal of therapy is to cultivate the inner strength, confidence, tools, and resources to overcome any obstacle. Sophie brings a heart-centered, compassionate, and solutions-focused approach to the therapy room. Sophie believes that the key to a more joyful, connected, meaningful life is to truly get to know ourselves in an intimate and honest way while embracing change and personal growth.
(805) 669-9677 View (805) 669-9677
Photo of Murray Kaufman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Murray Kaufman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92105
My approach is interactive and results-oriented and I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Systems, Erickson psychotherapy, guided imagery, and Imago-based Couples Therapy.
The first session includes introducing myself to you and learning what prompted you to request therapy. Together with you, I will talk about what you would like to accomplish through therapy. I would then gather historical and present information for the purpose of working with you to create a treatment plan to help your therapy be successful. I see adults in individuals, couples, and families with issues including Anxiety, Depression, Intimacy and Relationships, Panic Attacks/ Panic Disorder, and coping with trauma.
My approach is interactive and results-oriented and I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Systems, Erickson psychotherapy, guided imagery, and Imago-based Couples Therapy.
The first session includes introducing myself to you and learning what prompted you to request therapy. Together with you, I will talk about what you would like to accomplish through therapy. I would then gather historical and present information for the purpose of working with you to create a treatment plan to help your therapy be successful. I see adults in individuals, couples, and families with issues including Anxiety, Depression, Intimacy and Relationships, Panic Attacks/ Panic Disorder, and coping with trauma.
(858) 544-5046 View (858) 544-5046
Photo of Louiza Livschitz, PsyD, Psychologist
Louiza Livschitz
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
I primarily practice from a relational psychodynamic orientation, while integrating aspects from other modalities such as DBT, CBT, and ACT based on each client's unique presenting problems.
I believe that early in life we develop ways to cope with difficult experiences and environmental situations that we couldn’t control and throughout life those cope mechanisms become reinforced. For many of us there comes a point where some of the ways that we learned to exist in the world no longer adaptively serve us. This is often a time we find ourselves in therapy. I want to help you gain insight into those patterns and develop new ways of being in order to make positive changes. These changes often come from both evidence-based tools and deeper reflections. Visit my website to read more about me: www.drlouizalivschitz.com
I primarily practice from a relational psychodynamic orientation, while integrating aspects from other modalities such as DBT, CBT, and ACT based on each client's unique presenting problems.
I believe that early in life we develop ways to cope with difficult experiences and environmental situations that we couldn’t control and throughout life those cope mechanisms become reinforced. For many of us there comes a point where some of the ways that we learned to exist in the world no longer adaptively serve us. This is often a time we find ourselves in therapy. I want to help you gain insight into those patterns and develop new ways of being in order to make positive changes. These changes often come from both evidence-based tools and deeper reflections. Visit my website to read more about me: www.drlouizalivschitz.com
(925) 293-9042 View (925) 293-9042
Photo of Latrese Thompson, MS, LPCC, CRC
Latrese Thompson
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC, CRC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92105  (Online Only)
Therapeutic approaches: cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment, motivational, psychodynamic and solution-focused brief modalities.
Virtual group or individual therapy. Stuck or unmotivated to take action when you think about becoming a better you. It’s time to challenge those negative thoughts together in a confidential safe environment where you may share your feelings without the fear of judgment. Experiencing symptoms of or at-risk for medical, physical and/mental disorders, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, relationships or career challenges? Contact me to discuss and define choices that literally work for you in short term, ongoing or occasional individual, family and/or group therapy.
Therapeutic approaches: cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment, motivational, psychodynamic and solution-focused brief modalities.
Virtual group or individual therapy. Stuck or unmotivated to take action when you think about becoming a better you. It’s time to challenge those negative thoughts together in a confidential safe environment where you may share your feelings without the fear of judgment. Experiencing symptoms of or at-risk for medical, physical and/mental disorders, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, relationships or career challenges? Contact me to discuss and define choices that literally work for you in short term, ongoing or occasional individual, family and/or group therapy.
(858) 500-1238 View (858) 500-1238
Photo of Heline Mirzakhanian, PhD, Psychologist
Heline Mirzakhanian
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117  (Online Only)
I integrate several modes of treatment in my work, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapies.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice. I primarily work with adolescents and adults who experience recurring and distressing symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychosis-like symptoms. I also work with individuals coping with life transitions and illness. I trained at University of California San Diego (UCSD), Yale University as well as at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Institute. In addition to private practice, I am a scientist and Clinical Associate Professor at UCSD. There, I conduct assessments in adolescents with early symptoms of psychosis at Cognitive and Risk Assessment Evaluation Program (CARE) .
I integrate several modes of treatment in my work, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapies.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice. I primarily work with adolescents and adults who experience recurring and distressing symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychosis-like symptoms. I also work with individuals coping with life transitions and illness. I trained at University of California San Diego (UCSD), Yale University as well as at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Institute. In addition to private practice, I am a scientist and Clinical Associate Professor at UCSD. There, I conduct assessments in adolescents with early symptoms of psychosis at Cognitive and Risk Assessment Evaluation Program (CARE) .
(858) 434-7089 View (858) 434-7089
Photo of Pamela Newman, PsyD, MSCP, Psychologist
Pamela Newman
Psychologist, PsyD, MSCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Do you struggle to maintain balance in your mood and mindset as a result of your high-stress life or profession? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or OCD as a result of that stress? If so, you are not alone. There are ways to help you when these emotions arise, pinpoint the triggers, and improve the way you approach them so they don’t overwhelm you. ERP, CBT, Psychodynamic, and Mindfulness Skills are all treatment methods in which I have been trained to assist you in living a much more fulfilled and balanced life. Therapy can help you gain control over the issues that are preventing you from reaching your full potential.
Do you struggle to maintain balance in your mood and mindset as a result of your high-stress life or profession? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or OCD as a result of that stress? If so, you are not alone. There are ways to help you when these emotions arise, pinpoint the triggers, and improve the way you approach them so they don’t overwhelm you. ERP, CBT, Psychodynamic, and Mindfulness Skills are all treatment methods in which I have been trained to assist you in living a much more fulfilled and balanced life. Therapy can help you gain control over the issues that are preventing you from reaching your full potential.
(858) 201-7248 View (858) 201-7248
Photo of Deborah Tarrson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deborah Tarrson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92154
Hi there, I'm Deborah Tarrson, LMFT. I have experience working with adults with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, and relationship issues, and am comfortable working with all of these conditions. I have worked with elementary school students ages 5 through 11 years old in a school setting. I very much enjoy working with children. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Person-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Somatic interventions, and Mindfulness. I am familiar with Trauma-informed therapy interventions.
Hi there, I'm Deborah Tarrson, LMFT. I have experience working with adults with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, and relationship issues, and am comfortable working with all of these conditions. I have worked with elementary school students ages 5 through 11 years old in a school setting. I very much enjoy working with children. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Person-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Somatic interventions, and Mindfulness. I am familiar with Trauma-informed therapy interventions.
(619) 374-8863 View (619) 374-8863
Photo of Kayla Bunderson - Paradigm Psychology, PsyD, Psychologist
Paradigm Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92109  (Online Only)
Kayla, the founder of Paradigm Psychology and a licensed clinical psychologist, specializes in treating dissociative disorders and trauma through psychodynamic, EMDR, and internal family systems (IFS).
At Paradigm Psychology, we recognize the importance of your time and are dedicated to equipping you with the tools you need to thrive. As a group practice, we believe in the power of matching clients with the right therapist to meet their unique needs. Understanding that everyone’s circumstances are different, we collaborate closely with you to determine the best approach for your journey. Our commitment begins with creating a safe space where you can openly discuss your most challenging experiences. Meet our dedicated team of therapists who are here to support you on your path to healing and growth.
Kayla, the founder of Paradigm Psychology and a licensed clinical psychologist, specializes in treating dissociative disorders and trauma through psychodynamic, EMDR, and internal family systems (IFS).
At Paradigm Psychology, we recognize the importance of your time and are dedicated to equipping you with the tools you need to thrive. As a group practice, we believe in the power of matching clients with the right therapist to meet their unique needs. Understanding that everyone’s circumstances are different, we collaborate closely with you to determine the best approach for your journey. Our commitment begins with creating a safe space where you can openly discuss your most challenging experiences. Meet our dedicated team of therapists who are here to support you on your path to healing and growth.
(619) 473-2424 View (619) 473-2424
Photo of Cassandra Hutchinson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cassandra Hutchinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92122  (Online Only)
I incorporate diverse therapies like Freudian, psychodynamic, narrative, person-centered, and positive psychology into our treatment.
I believe therapy is a journey, not a quick fix. It requires commitment to heal your scars. If you're ready to engage deeply in this work, I'm here to actively support you. Specializing in anxiety, relationship issues, codependency, and self-harm, I provide a nurturing environment to help you process your traumas. We'll uncover the root causes of your struggles and together, aim for healthier relationships and a more robust sense of self.
I incorporate diverse therapies like Freudian, psychodynamic, narrative, person-centered, and positive psychology into our treatment.
I believe therapy is a journey, not a quick fix. It requires commitment to heal your scars. If you're ready to engage deeply in this work, I'm here to actively support you. Specializing in anxiety, relationship issues, codependency, and self-harm, I provide a nurturing environment to help you process your traumas. We'll uncover the root causes of your struggles and together, aim for healthier relationships and a more robust sense of self.
(858) 330-3796 View (858) 330-3796
Photo of Elizabeth Liz Perkins, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth Liz Perkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
I work from a perspective that is relational and psychodynamic (paying attention to dynamics between therapist and client as well as the client's personal history).
I specialize in working with individuals. I have a particular interest in helping people who are capable of functioning well, but who suffer from depression, anxiety, or relationship issues. I work with individuals who engage in self-defeating patterns who want support negotiating life transitions. I am invested in providing compassionate support for my clients around relationships, job, and family issues. I work with people who are integrating beneficial and challenging psychedelic experiences. I believe therapy is like going to the gym for your mind. Together we will build your resilience to roll with life's ups and downs.
I work from a perspective that is relational and psychodynamic (paying attention to dynamics between therapist and client as well as the client's personal history).
I specialize in working with individuals. I have a particular interest in helping people who are capable of functioning well, but who suffer from depression, anxiety, or relationship issues. I work with individuals who engage in self-defeating patterns who want support negotiating life transitions. I am invested in providing compassionate support for my clients around relationships, job, and family issues. I work with people who are integrating beneficial and challenging psychedelic experiences. I believe therapy is like going to the gym for your mind. Together we will build your resilience to roll with life's ups and downs.
(619) 567-5279 View (619) 567-5279
Photo of Mason Beck, LPCC
Mason Beck
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92116  (Online Only)
In addition, I use theories from Psychodynamic, Existential, Feminist, and Multicultural therapies to understand how your development and environment is playing a role in your life today.
I am an LPCC based in San Diego, California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with individuals between the ages of 13-64 years old, and specialize in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, stress, and life transitions. I have experience working with a diverse population of clients, including individuals between the ages of 4-64 years old, individuals within the LBGTQIA+ community, neurodivergent individuals, individuals from multiple ethnic and racial backgrounds, individuals across socioeconomic status, and individuals of different faiths and spiritual beliefs.
In addition, I use theories from Psychodynamic, Existential, Feminist, and Multicultural therapies to understand how your development and environment is playing a role in your life today.
I am an LPCC based in San Diego, California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with individuals between the ages of 13-64 years old, and specialize in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, stress, and life transitions. I have experience working with a diverse population of clients, including individuals between the ages of 4-64 years old, individuals within the LBGTQIA+ community, neurodivergent individuals, individuals from multiple ethnic and racial backgrounds, individuals across socioeconomic status, and individuals of different faiths and spiritual beliefs.
(858) 544-0776 View (858) 544-0776
Photo of Russell F Fuller, JD, PsyD, DCEP, Psychologist
Russell F Fuller
Psychologist, JD, PsyD, DCEP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92121  (Online Only)
Dr. Fuller offers a comprehensive method of psychotherapy which integrates elements from the humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, energy psychology, gestalt, mindfulness, complex trauma, and positive psychology fields. He works with each person individually to construct a useful approach to problem resolution in as efficient and cost-effective a manner as possible. Dr. Fuller also offers brief consulting services which address areas in which a person feels "blocked" or somehow unable to perform at their best, e.g., parenting, financial prosperity, forming healthy relationships, and peak performance in business or sports.
Dr. Fuller offers a comprehensive method of psychotherapy which integrates elements from the humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, energy psychology, gestalt, mindfulness, complex trauma, and positive psychology fields. He works with each person individually to construct a useful approach to problem resolution in as efficient and cost-effective a manner as possible. Dr. Fuller also offers brief consulting services which address areas in which a person feels "blocked" or somehow unable to perform at their best, e.g., parenting, financial prosperity, forming healthy relationships, and peak performance in business or sports.
(858) 215-1921 View (858) 215-1921
Photo of Nora Davis - Inner Compass, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Inc, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Inner Compass, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
EMDR, IFS, Mindfulness and Psychodynamic therapy for trauma/PTSD, anxiety and relationship issues. Inner Compass, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Inc. is a group practice committed to helping individuals navigate the complex emotional landscapes of trauma and overwhelm. Our team of compassionate and skilled therapists are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their feelings, uncover underlying issues, and develop effective coping strategies. We believe in a holistic approach that considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—tailoring our services to meet each client's unique needs.
EMDR, IFS, Mindfulness and Psychodynamic therapy for trauma/PTSD, anxiety and relationship issues. Inner Compass, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Inc. is a group practice committed to helping individuals navigate the complex emotional landscapes of trauma and overwhelm. Our team of compassionate and skilled therapists are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their feelings, uncover underlying issues, and develop effective coping strategies. We believe in a holistic approach that considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—tailoring our services to meet each client's unique needs.
(619) 771-0797 View (619) 771-0797
Photo of Yesenia Talavera, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Yesenia Talavera
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92130
Hello! My name is Yesenia. My experiences span over seven years, and I’ve worked with people of various ages and diverse populations. I work with individuals struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, grief, self esteem, and coping skills. I employ techniques from Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Culturally Sensitive, Person-Centered, Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused, and Trauma-Focused modalities. My distinct care consists of listening and using reflective listening to make each client feel heard and seen.
Hello! My name is Yesenia. My experiences span over seven years, and I’ve worked with people of various ages and diverse populations. I work with individuals struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, grief, self esteem, and coping skills. I employ techniques from Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Culturally Sensitive, Person-Centered, Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused, and Trauma-Focused modalities. My distinct care consists of listening and using reflective listening to make each client feel heard and seen.
(619) 332-5172 View (619) 332-5172
Photo of Trena Lee Ensign, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Trena Lee Ensign
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
Included models are: Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, conscious/unconscious development, and the effects on behavioral and mental status.
Welcome, if you have found yourself here, it means you are thinking about making some changes in your life. Making the decision to begin a journey of self discovery can be scary to say the least. May I share some of my thoughts with you. I believe in the, "Law of Correspondence", which states that what is going on in our outer world is nothing more than a reflection of what is going on in our inner world. As within, so without, as above, so below. It would be my honor, and privilege to help you discover your best self.
Included models are: Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, conscious/unconscious development, and the effects on behavioral and mental status.
Welcome, if you have found yourself here, it means you are thinking about making some changes in your life. Making the decision to begin a journey of self discovery can be scary to say the least. May I share some of my thoughts with you. I believe in the, "Law of Correspondence", which states that what is going on in our outer world is nothing more than a reflection of what is going on in our inner world. As within, so without, as above, so below. It would be my honor, and privilege to help you discover your best self.
(619) 493-3954 View (619) 493-3954
Photo of Marisa Zens, PsyD, Psychologist
Marisa Zens
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92117
I have post-doctoral training in Motivational Interviewing, psychodynamic psychotherapies, and Mentalization-Based Treatment.
One of the most important ingredients in successful therapy is a good therapeutic fit. My approach is to provide an empathic, warm and supportive environment, and work collaboratively to identify and make sense of your unique struggles and particular obstacles. I work with couples, adolescents and adults and use both insight-oriented and skills-based approaches to find short and long-term solutions to intercept the patterns that are interfering with your personal growth. I also provide supervision and consultation to psychologists and psychotherapy trainees.
I have post-doctoral training in Motivational Interviewing, psychodynamic psychotherapies, and Mentalization-Based Treatment.
One of the most important ingredients in successful therapy is a good therapeutic fit. My approach is to provide an empathic, warm and supportive environment, and work collaboratively to identify and make sense of your unique struggles and particular obstacles. I work with couples, adolescents and adults and use both insight-oriented and skills-based approaches to find short and long-term solutions to intercept the patterns that are interfering with your personal growth. I also provide supervision and consultation to psychologists and psychotherapy trainees.
(619) 940-1548 View (619) 940-1548
Photo of Susan Berzon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susan Berzon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92109
As a psychodynamic therapist, I work with individuals, couples, and families with varying issues and goals. Certified in EMDR, I specialize in trauma assessment on the premise of shame within the human condition. Through a holistic practice, I use evidence-based treatments such as Attachment style, CBT, Narrative, Solution Focused, and Strengths-based therapy with experience in clinical settings such as partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, substance rehabilitation, and schools.
As a psychodynamic therapist, I work with individuals, couples, and families with varying issues and goals. Certified in EMDR, I specialize in trauma assessment on the premise of shame within the human condition. Through a holistic practice, I use evidence-based treatments such as Attachment style, CBT, Narrative, Solution Focused, and Strengths-based therapy with experience in clinical settings such as partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, substance rehabilitation, and schools.
(619) 848-0970 View (619) 848-0970
Photo of Taylor Andrews, MA, NCC
Taylor Andrews
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
Recognizing how past traumas shape our identities, I incorporate techniques from attachment theory, psychodynamic approaches, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, CBT, and DBT.
Hello! I'm Taylor, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I support individuals in managing life transitions, codependent behaviors, and low self-esteem. If you often find yourself neglecting your own needs, feeling lonely despite career success, prioritizing the needs of others over your own, or struggling with identity acceptance, you are not alone. Many caring individuals face challenges in achieving personal fulfillment, often due to patterns formed earlier in life that may have limited their growth and awareness of their needs. I’m here to assist you in shifting that narrative and connecting with yourself.
Recognizing how past traumas shape our identities, I incorporate techniques from attachment theory, psychodynamic approaches, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, CBT, and DBT.
Hello! I'm Taylor, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I support individuals in managing life transitions, codependent behaviors, and low self-esteem. If you often find yourself neglecting your own needs, feeling lonely despite career success, prioritizing the needs of others over your own, or struggling with identity acceptance, you are not alone. Many caring individuals face challenges in achieving personal fulfillment, often due to patterns formed earlier in life that may have limited their growth and awareness of their needs. I’m here to assist you in shifting that narrative and connecting with yourself.
(619) 396-2852 View (619) 396-2852
Photo of Dr. Kayla Bunderson, Psychologist
Dr. Kayla Bunderson
Psychologist
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92111  (Online Only)
I do this through a psychodynamic approach with a focus on early attachments and how these impact your current core beliefs.
Hi! I'm Kayla Bunderson, Psy.D., and I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist. I understand that life can be hard and at times feels like one big coping skill. So let me start off by saying I'm proud of you. You have taken a very positive step by deciding to seek therapy and change your current paradigm. Perhaps you're noticing that you're engaging in the same patterns of behavior and ready to find out why. Maybe you've experienced past trauma or you're struggling with motivation, relationships, or just feeling out of control. I am ready to listen and together we can make change.
I do this through a psychodynamic approach with a focus on early attachments and how these impact your current core beliefs.
Hi! I'm Kayla Bunderson, Psy.D., and I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist. I understand that life can be hard and at times feels like one big coping skill. So let me start off by saying I'm proud of you. You have taken a very positive step by deciding to seek therapy and change your current paradigm. Perhaps you're noticing that you're engaging in the same patterns of behavior and ready to find out why. Maybe you've experienced past trauma or you're struggling with motivation, relationships, or just feeling out of control. I am ready to listen and together we can make change.
(619) 304-7665 View (619) 304-7665
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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.