Psychodynamic Therapists in San Francisco, CA
I utilize psychodynamic, Attachment Focused-EMDR, somatic experiencing (SEP), and mindfulness.
I am an experienced psychologist providing brief and long-term psychotherapy and crisis intervention to individual adults. I specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, separation and divorce, loss and grief, life transitions, relational issues, among others. I am a Certified EMDR practitioner and an Approved Consultant. EMDR is a specialized therapy for symptom relief and the processing of stress reactions/trauma, whether experienced from the distant past or more recently. I am a facilitator for Laurel Parnell's Attachment Focused-EMDR trainings. In addition, I am a Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and a facilitator of SE trainings. I provide Consultation to Licensed Professionals.
I utilize psychodynamic, Attachment Focused-EMDR, somatic experiencing (SEP), and mindfulness.
I am an experienced psychologist providing brief and long-term psychotherapy and crisis intervention to individual adults. I specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, separation and divorce, loss and grief, life transitions, relational issues, among others. I am a Certified EMDR practitioner and an Approved Consultant. EMDR is a specialized therapy for symptom relief and the processing of stress reactions/trauma, whether experienced from the distant past or more recently. I am a facilitator for Laurel Parnell's Attachment Focused-EMDR trainings. In addition, I am a Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and a facilitator of SE trainings. I provide Consultation to Licensed Professionals.
Rebecca Schneider
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
My work is informed by my life experience, and my study of contemporary relational Psychodynamic theory, Jungian psychology and Somatic based therapies.
Therapy is an open, non-judgmental space to come into contact with your thoughts, feelings and the complex and challenging aspects of life. Through the process you will begin to know yourself, more honestly and intimately in order to live a deeply meaningful life with clear intention and heart aligned purpose. As we work together a hope of mine is to collaborate with you in a empathetic, compassionate and creative way. I will bring an integrative framework into the process using a holistic approach to healing and unifying body, heart and mind. Our suffering is worthy of our time, our curiosity and our compassionate attention.
My work is informed by my life experience, and my study of contemporary relational Psychodynamic theory, Jungian psychology and Somatic based therapies.
Therapy is an open, non-judgmental space to come into contact with your thoughts, feelings and the complex and challenging aspects of life. Through the process you will begin to know yourself, more honestly and intimately in order to live a deeply meaningful life with clear intention and heart aligned purpose. As we work together a hope of mine is to collaborate with you in a empathetic, compassionate and creative way. I will bring an integrative framework into the process using a holistic approach to healing and unifying body, heart and mind. Our suffering is worthy of our time, our curiosity and our compassionate attention.
I offer a range of psychotherapeutic techniques including relational psychodynamic therapy and sand tray therapy.
In every psychotherapy session there is a place where the client and therapist meet and come alive in the present moment. This is the place that I work from. I achieve this through active dialogue, attentive listening and creative exchange. I think it is essential to offer a space where you can feel safe to be honest about what is happening in your life. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, anxiety, depression or struggling with a life transition, it is the relationship between you and me that leads to insight and healing.
I offer a range of psychotherapeutic techniques including relational psychodynamic therapy and sand tray therapy.
In every psychotherapy session there is a place where the client and therapist meet and come alive in the present moment. This is the place that I work from. I achieve this through active dialogue, attentive listening and creative exchange. I think it is essential to offer a space where you can feel safe to be honest about what is happening in your life. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, anxiety, depression or struggling with a life transition, it is the relationship between you and me that leads to insight and healing.
Adolescence can be a challenging phase of life. Whether it is struggling with self image, anxiety, depression, stress, aggression, defiance, or social or academic difficulties, I specialize in working with teens and their families to address these issues. My style is collaborative, warm, and interactive - yet straight forward. I focus on strengths to promote positive change. People come to grow in a variety of ways, and as a result, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral (including Trauma-Focused CBT), Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Narrative theories to best meet my clients' needs. Please see my website for further details about my background.
Adolescence can be a challenging phase of life. Whether it is struggling with self image, anxiety, depression, stress, aggression, defiance, or social or academic difficulties, I specialize in working with teens and their families to address these issues. My style is collaborative, warm, and interactive - yet straight forward. I focus on strengths to promote positive change. People come to grow in a variety of ways, and as a result, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral (including Trauma-Focused CBT), Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Narrative theories to best meet my clients' needs. Please see my website for further details about my background.
I am trained in control-mastery, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
A good therapy session should feel emotional and immediate, yet grounded in the past so one can understand and feel old experiences in new ways. Sometimes there is laughter and sometimes there are tears. A good therapy session feels alive and satisfying.
I am trained in control-mastery, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
A good therapy session should feel emotional and immediate, yet grounded in the past so one can understand and feel old experiences in new ways. Sometimes there is laughter and sometimes there are tears. A good therapy session feels alive and satisfying.
My work is relational and psychodynamic.
I have been a psychotherapist for 30+ years. My preference is to work with people who want to go beyond immediate problem solving to an understanding of the underlying causes of their difficulties. I am aware of how challenging it can be to choose a therapist. My work style is to listen deeply and be collaborative. I am interactive and direct and use the therapy relationship to understand dynamics that may not be visible to my client. I have a strong belief in our potential to grow and change especially with increased awareness within a therapy relationship.
My work is relational and psychodynamic.
I have been a psychotherapist for 30+ years. My preference is to work with people who want to go beyond immediate problem solving to an understanding of the underlying causes of their difficulties. I am aware of how challenging it can be to choose a therapist. My work style is to listen deeply and be collaborative. I am interactive and direct and use the therapy relationship to understand dynamics that may not be visible to my client. I have a strong belief in our potential to grow and change especially with increased awareness within a therapy relationship.
My approach integrates attachment-focused, relational, psychodynamic work with mindfulness-based and parts work / IFS techniques.
Therapy improves relationships. The individuals I work with are often tired of repeating the same patterns again and again, whether it's dating abuse, codependency, or chronic relationship conflict, anxiety, avoidance or indecision. They're ready to get to the root causes and finally make real change. Of course, all relationships start with and reflect your relationship to yourself. If you're dealing with a harsh inner critic, imposter syndrome or low self-worth, this internal relationship deserves your careful attention first.
My approach integrates attachment-focused, relational, psychodynamic work with mindfulness-based and parts work / IFS techniques.
Therapy improves relationships. The individuals I work with are often tired of repeating the same patterns again and again, whether it's dating abuse, codependency, or chronic relationship conflict, anxiety, avoidance or indecision. They're ready to get to the root causes and finally make real change. Of course, all relationships start with and reflect your relationship to yourself. If you're dealing with a harsh inner critic, imposter syndrome or low self-worth, this internal relationship deserves your careful attention first.
Cassandra (Cassie) Najarian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
My approach to therapy is integrative, involving various techniques from psychodynamic, relational, feminist, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and attachment-based theories.
As an LGBTQ-affirming therapist, I believe it is important to explore not only our sexual and gender identities but also the multiple identities that we hold as unique individuals. Therapy is a space where you can learn to understand, love, and express your authentic self, and as a therapist, my role is to support you in this journey. I believe that collaboration is essential and that by working together, we can find ways to enhance your growth, build your resilience, and promote your strengths. I also tend to bring humor and playfulness into the therapy space as appropriate – life is about many moods and expressions.
My approach to therapy is integrative, involving various techniques from psychodynamic, relational, feminist, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and attachment-based theories.
As an LGBTQ-affirming therapist, I believe it is important to explore not only our sexual and gender identities but also the multiple identities that we hold as unique individuals. Therapy is a space where you can learn to understand, love, and express your authentic self, and as a therapist, my role is to support you in this journey. I believe that collaboration is essential and that by working together, we can find ways to enhance your growth, build your resilience, and promote your strengths. I also tend to bring humor and playfulness into the therapy space as appropriate – life is about many moods and expressions.
Dr. Cecilia Winfield
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
We often come to therapy because something in our life has emerged in a way we find challenging to navigate on our own. I approach our work together with this in mind, and as an honored participant in your journey toward growth and deepened insight. My therapeutic style is rooted in relational psychodynamic, IFS, and ACT interventions and centered in values of patience, humility, empathy, and humor. I strive to see you through the lens of your unique life experiences and to work collaboratively so we can effectively address your concerns. My hope is that, together, we can help you live a life that feels authentic and empowered.
We often come to therapy because something in our life has emerged in a way we find challenging to navigate on our own. I approach our work together with this in mind, and as an honored participant in your journey toward growth and deepened insight. My therapeutic style is rooted in relational psychodynamic, IFS, and ACT interventions and centered in values of patience, humility, empathy, and humor. I strive to see you through the lens of your unique life experiences and to work collaboratively so we can effectively address your concerns. My hope is that, together, we can help you live a life that feels authentic and empowered.
While I am grounded in psychodynamic therapy, my treatment approach blends elements from a variety of behavioral therapies.
People often come to therapy after something has become too challenging to address on their own. Recognizing this need for a change in your life is significant and scary, but it marks the initial step toward healing and thriving. This thriving is more than symptom alleviation—it goes beyond quick fixes, surpasses mere functionality. Thriving entails experiencing a sense of wholeness, finding satisfaction in your life, and cultivating your relationships. Exploring the healing process holds the potential for a transformative impact on your life.
While I am grounded in psychodynamic therapy, my treatment approach blends elements from a variety of behavioral therapies.
People often come to therapy after something has become too challenging to address on their own. Recognizing this need for a change in your life is significant and scary, but it marks the initial step toward healing and thriving. This thriving is more than symptom alleviation—it goes beyond quick fixes, surpasses mere functionality. Thriving entails experiencing a sense of wholeness, finding satisfaction in your life, and cultivating your relationships. Exploring the healing process holds the potential for a transformative impact on your life.
My therapeutic approach is integrative with focuses on the psychodynamic, interpersonal, and existential models.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience providing psychotherapy to adults of all ages. I also offer medication management to interested clients. I provide non-judgmental care for clients who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing. I am oriented towards the harm-reduction model and feel it is important to meet each client where they are in their individual mental health and wellness journey. My primary areas of interest are in trauma, substance abuse, and in working with the LGBTQ+ community. My other areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, & ADHD, among many other mental health concerns.
My therapeutic approach is integrative with focuses on the psychodynamic, interpersonal, and existential models.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience providing psychotherapy to adults of all ages. I also offer medication management to interested clients. I provide non-judgmental care for clients who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing. I am oriented towards the harm-reduction model and feel it is important to meet each client where they are in their individual mental health and wellness journey. My primary areas of interest are in trauma, substance abuse, and in working with the LGBTQ+ community. My other areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, & ADHD, among many other mental health concerns.
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Drawing on psychodynamic and attachment theory, my approach is warm, relational and collaborative.
Through compassion, humor, and gentle challenge, I work to create a supportive environment to help individuals and families overcome temporary setbacks, heal old wounds, and change dysfunctional patterns. My areas of expertise include anxiety, interpersonal trauma, issues related to parenting, early childhood mental health, and disruptions in early attachment.
Drawing on psychodynamic and attachment theory, my approach is warm, relational and collaborative.
Through compassion, humor, and gentle challenge, I work to create a supportive environment to help individuals and families overcome temporary setbacks, heal old wounds, and change dysfunctional patterns. My areas of expertise include anxiety, interpersonal trauma, issues related to parenting, early childhood mental health, and disruptions in early attachment.
Hello, I'm Michael F. Stample, PhD, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I work extensively with individual adults, couples and families. My primary expertise is in mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, dual diagnosis, LGBTQ+ and transgender healthcare. I mostly work with adults over age 17 or 18, through the later years. While psychiatric diagnoses have their uses, I prefer to see my clients as dealing with "problems of living." I work comfortably with psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and other evidence-based therapies. My early training included internship at the Jung Institute of Los Angeles.
Hello, I'm Michael F. Stample, PhD, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I work extensively with individual adults, couples and families. My primary expertise is in mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, dual diagnosis, LGBTQ+ and transgender healthcare. I mostly work with adults over age 17 or 18, through the later years. While psychiatric diagnoses have their uses, I prefer to see my clients as dealing with "problems of living." I work comfortably with psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and other evidence-based therapies. My early training included internship at the Jung Institute of Los Angeles.
Elizabeth Epstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94105 (Online Only)
Life is hard! My goal is to work together with you to help you get unstuck from painful thoughts or relational patterns that are no longer helpful. I believe therapy is a collaborative process between two people where together we explore problems, new understandings, and adaptive coping skills for a more fulfilled and authentic life. I work from a Strength-based and Psychodynamic approach to all mental health concerns in adults. I focus especially on anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and family conflict.
Life is hard! My goal is to work together with you to help you get unstuck from painful thoughts or relational patterns that are no longer helpful. I believe therapy is a collaborative process between two people where together we explore problems, new understandings, and adaptive coping skills for a more fulfilled and authentic life. I work from a Strength-based and Psychodynamic approach to all mental health concerns in adults. I focus especially on anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and family conflict.
Lili Shidlovski
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117
My clinical background includes relational psychodynamic and family systems theory, as well as a feminist and social justice perspective.
We are now in a communal health crisis together. It exacerbates feelings of anxiety and depression that we may have, and can make us spin as we try to adjust to Pandemic reality. Many of my clients are parents, people with career questions, immigrants, social justice workers. Many are either coping with a current situational issue that is confusing, overwhelming, or painful, or with a longer term pattern that they would like to change. I work in an engaged manner, hoping to build trust and a collaborative relationship that will allow you to look at old patterns and create new emotional and behavioral options, especially now.
My clinical background includes relational psychodynamic and family systems theory, as well as a feminist and social justice perspective.
We are now in a communal health crisis together. It exacerbates feelings of anxiety and depression that we may have, and can make us spin as we try to adjust to Pandemic reality. Many of my clients are parents, people with career questions, immigrants, social justice workers. Many are either coping with a current situational issue that is confusing, overwhelming, or painful, or with a longer term pattern that they would like to change. I work in an engaged manner, hoping to build trust and a collaborative relationship that will allow you to look at old patterns and create new emotional and behavioral options, especially now.
Ryan James Carroll
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I am grounded in a psychodynamic, humanist, and somatic framework.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges, attachment issues, communication, self-trust, purpose, life transformation, self-discovery, and processing childhood/life trauma. My approach is grounded in compassion, mindfulness, and energetic engagement, aiming to foster deep, meaningful change.
I am grounded in a psychodynamic, humanist, and somatic framework.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges, attachment issues, communication, self-trust, purpose, life transformation, self-discovery, and processing childhood/life trauma. My approach is grounded in compassion, mindfulness, and energetic engagement, aiming to foster deep, meaningful change.
Bayley Azevedo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117 (Online Only)
I am here to help you navigate life’s challenges with a blend of trauma-informed psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory, narrative work, and somatic practices.
Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, or relationship challenges, I am here to listen! Maybe you feel stuck or overwhelmed, but hope to find growth and have a goal to feel joy and balance. You need a safe, supportive space to explore your emotions, unpack your stories, and heal from past wounds. You may have goals like building self-compassion, healthier relationships, and reconnecting with your authentic self. If you are looking for guidance and encouragement to tap into your own strength and potential, I am here to support you on that journey. Life is hard, you don’t have to face it alone!
I am here to help you navigate life’s challenges with a blend of trauma-informed psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory, narrative work, and somatic practices.
Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, or relationship challenges, I am here to listen! Maybe you feel stuck or overwhelmed, but hope to find growth and have a goal to feel joy and balance. You need a safe, supportive space to explore your emotions, unpack your stories, and heal from past wounds. You may have goals like building self-compassion, healthier relationships, and reconnecting with your authentic self. If you are looking for guidance and encouragement to tap into your own strength and potential, I am here to support you on that journey. Life is hard, you don’t have to face it alone!
Rebecca Wrangham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Life can feel so stressful and challenging, and therapy can really help with that. As an Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist, I help couples uncover negative relational patterns as well as their underlying longings and needs so they can feel much closer and more connected for a lifetime of love. My approach is non-pathologizing, collaborative and effective. I also work with individuals looking to feel better, whether it's anxiety, depression or any kind of relationship issue that's causing distress. I use a combination of cognitive-behavioral interventions and psychodynamic approach in my work, as well as a sense of humor.
Life can feel so stressful and challenging, and therapy can really help with that. As an Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist, I help couples uncover negative relational patterns as well as their underlying longings and needs so they can feel much closer and more connected for a lifetime of love. My approach is non-pathologizing, collaborative and effective. I also work with individuals looking to feel better, whether it's anxiety, depression or any kind of relationship issue that's causing distress. I use a combination of cognitive-behavioral interventions and psychodynamic approach in my work, as well as a sense of humor.
I believe in a nonpathologizing, developmentally informed approach that integrates cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic perspectives (e.
As a psychologist I evaluate and treat individuals who seek help for depression, anxiety, life dissatisfaction (from relationships and work stress), relational trauma (e.g. childhood abuse and emotional neglect) and addiction/compulsive behaviors that may co-occur with depression, anxiety or trauma/PTSD. Of note, you do not have to be in crisis to be in therapy; I often work with individuals who are interested in personal growth, long-term recovery issues, regaining meaning and passion after loss and sometimes stopping distressing interpersonal patterns. Treatment is generally trauma-informed and phase-oriented, integrating body-mind interventions and neurobiology. Please visit my website for details,
I believe in a nonpathologizing, developmentally informed approach that integrates cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic perspectives (e.
As a psychologist I evaluate and treat individuals who seek help for depression, anxiety, life dissatisfaction (from relationships and work stress), relational trauma (e.g. childhood abuse and emotional neglect) and addiction/compulsive behaviors that may co-occur with depression, anxiety or trauma/PTSD. Of note, you do not have to be in crisis to be in therapy; I often work with individuals who are interested in personal growth, long-term recovery issues, regaining meaning and passion after loss and sometimes stopping distressing interpersonal patterns. Treatment is generally trauma-informed and phase-oriented, integrating body-mind interventions and neurobiology. Please visit my website for details,
Psychodynamic, psychosomatic, Jungian psychology, Brain Spotting,.
I help many adults and couples address the underlying causes of their conflict, pain, distress, and angst. We will employ different techniques that assist in understanding what lies beneath the surface. I draw from many psychological approaches and world traditions. Also, by thinking about the human experience and acknowledging what happens between us, in the therapy space, as valuable insights for our understanding of you; and by looking at your inner world view.
Psychodynamic, psychosomatic, Jungian psychology, Brain Spotting,.
I help many adults and couples address the underlying causes of their conflict, pain, distress, and angst. We will employ different techniques that assist in understanding what lies beneath the surface. I draw from many psychological approaches and world traditions. Also, by thinking about the human experience and acknowledging what happens between us, in the therapy space, as valuable insights for our understanding of you; and by looking at your inner world view.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Psychodynamic Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
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- Belvedere
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- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
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.