Therapists in Allegheny County, PA
![Photo of Anne Houston, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5452b34f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work from a number of established methods including cognitive, emotional and psychodynamic orientations.
As a licensed clinical therapist, I offer a warm and collaborative space for you to freely explore what most troubles you. You may be dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or changing life circumstances. I am mindful of you as an individual, while also aware of the concurrent forces of family, culture, and social - and how internal and outside pressures can sometimes make change harder. My role is to attend to you with skill, compassion, and without judgment, so that you can more fully be.
I work from a number of established methods including cognitive, emotional and psychodynamic orientations.
As a licensed clinical therapist, I offer a warm and collaborative space for you to freely explore what most troubles you. You may be dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or changing life circumstances. I am mindful of you as an individual, while also aware of the concurrent forces of family, culture, and social - and how internal and outside pressures can sometimes make change harder. My role is to attend to you with skill, compassion, and without judgment, so that you can more fully be.
![Photo of Justin Greenfield, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33c93b0d-3a5b-4b4d-acee-e353c06b853c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Justin Greenfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Aspinwall, PA 15215
Waitlist for new clients
Psychotherapy can help you to better approach problems with depression, loss, anxiety, trauma, relationships and self-esteem issues with greater understanding and possibility for transformation. I practice in the psychodynamic model of Object Relations that emphasizes the development of empathy, a process of "knowing with" between client and therapist, to discover previously unknown or inaccessible sources of frustration and distress leading to greater self-capacity.
Psychotherapy can help you to better approach problems with depression, loss, anxiety, trauma, relationships and self-esteem issues with greater understanding and possibility for transformation. I practice in the psychodynamic model of Object Relations that emphasizes the development of empathy, a process of "knowing with" between client and therapist, to discover previously unknown or inaccessible sources of frustration and distress leading to greater self-capacity.
![Photo of Carrie Buckner, LCSW, MDiv, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fcfb5b3-473e-4d75-8c0c-b0cd97c7fdfb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carrie Buckner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MDiv
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
A psychodynamic perspective in session means I will often look back at your past to see how it could be impacting your present.
I have primarily worked with clients regarding life transitions/adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, self-harm, LGBTQ exploration, interpersonal conflicts, family dynamics, spiritual/faith/religious concerns or abuse, and boundary setting. I enjoy clients who are seeking to better understand themselves and growing their confidence in who they are. Only after we have insight and awareness can we try to make meaningful changes. I enjoy explorative, open-minded depth work that is holistic and fulfilling for the client. I am trauma-informed and use an eclectic approach with a psychodynamic foundation.
A psychodynamic perspective in session means I will often look back at your past to see how it could be impacting your present.
I have primarily worked with clients regarding life transitions/adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, self-harm, LGBTQ exploration, interpersonal conflicts, family dynamics, spiritual/faith/religious concerns or abuse, and boundary setting. I enjoy clients who are seeking to better understand themselves and growing their confidence in who they are. Only after we have insight and awareness can we try to make meaningful changes. I enjoy explorative, open-minded depth work that is holistic and fulfilling for the client. I am trauma-informed and use an eclectic approach with a psychodynamic foundation.
![Photo of Charles Esposito - Wisdom Within Counseling, LLC, MDiv, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d494798-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Wisdom Within Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
I can integrate other orientations, such as cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, psychodynamic, narrative, and EMDR.
I have years of experience working with clients struggling with grief, trauma, and depression. I am a member of ASERVIC, with many years of experience and extensive graduate study in religion and spirituality and can integrate values connected with a client's preferred religions and spiritual emphases into all therapeutic approaches. Clients facing life-transitions have greatly benefited from this focussed approach to wellness at every stage of life. I work well with adults of all ages. Older adults have often especially appreciated my counseling orientation. I am also fluent in Spanish and Italian.
I can integrate other orientations, such as cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, psychodynamic, narrative, and EMDR.
I have years of experience working with clients struggling with grief, trauma, and depression. I am a member of ASERVIC, with many years of experience and extensive graduate study in religion and spirituality and can integrate values connected with a client's preferred religions and spiritual emphases into all therapeutic approaches. Clients facing life-transitions have greatly benefited from this focussed approach to wellness at every stage of life. I work well with adults of all ages. Older adults have often especially appreciated my counseling orientation. I am also fluent in Spanish and Italian.
![Photo of Meredith Armbrust, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0553c4f-7075-47e2-a3b2-c9609ee4a2b3/2/320x400.jpeg)
My approach is supportive using tools drawn primarily from CBT, psychodynamic approaches, DBT, and family systems thinking.
The time and energy you are spending right now researching and connecting with a therapist is not easy, but it is important. Therapy is a challenging and rewarding investment in yourself and your relationships. Perhaps you want to improve connection with others, feel less stress and more satisfaction, create new ways of thinking and understanding feelings, or increase insight to change your present and future. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and flexible.
My approach is supportive using tools drawn primarily from CBT, psychodynamic approaches, DBT, and family systems thinking.
The time and energy you are spending right now researching and connecting with a therapist is not easy, but it is important. Therapy is a challenging and rewarding investment in yourself and your relationships. Perhaps you want to improve connection with others, feel less stress and more satisfaction, create new ways of thinking and understanding feelings, or increase insight to change your present and future. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and flexible.
![Photo of Molly Alvord - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Pittsburgh, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ce5a639-dfa5-427f-b50c-c96ace8455d1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
![Photo of Tara Pannell, MS, MDiv, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d96d586-dfdc-42c1-8881-8497e46c793e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I integrate several modalities including Psychodynamic Therapy, Body Oriented Psychotherapy, Mindfulness/Meditation, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Spiritual Counseling (no matter your religious/spiritual orientation).
I’m interested in working with clients who are in search of deep emotional, mental, and spiritual healing. You can expect our sessions together to consider your past, and to process the impact of those experiences on your present day life. Almost everyone is impacted by distressing or traumatic events that inevitably occur throughout a lifetime, so those experiences will be explored and processed, as well. Our work together will be a blended effort of focusing on what is important to you, and my curiosity and guidance throughout your process.
I integrate several modalities including Psychodynamic Therapy, Body Oriented Psychotherapy, Mindfulness/Meditation, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Spiritual Counseling (no matter your religious/spiritual orientation).
I’m interested in working with clients who are in search of deep emotional, mental, and spiritual healing. You can expect our sessions together to consider your past, and to process the impact of those experiences on your present day life. Almost everyone is impacted by distressing or traumatic events that inevitably occur throughout a lifetime, so those experiences will be explored and processed, as well. Our work together will be a blended effort of focusing on what is important to you, and my curiosity and guidance throughout your process.
![Photo of Noah Rahm, PsyD, FIPA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c4b7031-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience working in community mental health, university counseling, adult psychiatric inpatient and outpatient, private practice, disability determination services of State government, teaching graduate level clinical psychology courses, and formal training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.
Sometimes personal thoughts and feelings about life can be upsetting, disturbing, seem incomprehensible or even unchangeable. Over time these kinds of experiences can erode our personal sense of vitality, meaningfulness, freedom, and overall wellbeing. Although we know that some suffering is a normal part of life, suffering needlessly or endlessly simply does not have to be. In my office I provide a quiet, comfortable, respectful, and very confidential atmosphere.
I have experience working in community mental health, university counseling, adult psychiatric inpatient and outpatient, private practice, disability determination services of State government, teaching graduate level clinical psychology courses, and formal training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.
Sometimes personal thoughts and feelings about life can be upsetting, disturbing, seem incomprehensible or even unchangeable. Over time these kinds of experiences can erode our personal sense of vitality, meaningfulness, freedom, and overall wellbeing. Although we know that some suffering is a normal part of life, suffering needlessly or endlessly simply does not have to be. In my office I provide a quiet, comfortable, respectful, and very confidential atmosphere.
![Photo of Laurie E. Pietragallo, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c596f8eb-db39-418a-832a-fbd00841b9cf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laurie E. Pietragallo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15241 (Online Only)
My general approach to therapy includes a balance of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to treat symptoms affecting daily functioning and Psychodynamic Therapy, which explores the origin of a problem if so desired.
I believe the greatest gift we can offer to someone in need is the ability to meet them where they are and without judgement. My approach to therapy is humanistic, providing a supportive environment comprised of acceptance and appropriate humor. My specialties include treatment of anxiety and depression as well as issues concerning self-esteem, spirituality, and life transitions to adults ages 25+.
My general approach to therapy includes a balance of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to treat symptoms affecting daily functioning and Psychodynamic Therapy, which explores the origin of a problem if so desired.
I believe the greatest gift we can offer to someone in need is the ability to meet them where they are and without judgement. My approach to therapy is humanistic, providing a supportive environment comprised of acceptance and appropriate humor. My specialties include treatment of anxiety and depression as well as issues concerning self-esteem, spirituality, and life transitions to adults ages 25+.
![Photo of Sandhiya Baladhandapani, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b75eb181-5d9e-49ec-94f8-f27766a62aa1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sandhiya Baladhandapani
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
I primarily utilize Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Family systems, and Play Therapy(Children).
If you are parent or a caregiver who need support for your child or teen, I provide individual psychotherapy for your child or teen along with parent consultations as needed. If you are a young adult or an adult in your 20's, I provide individual psychotherapy for you as you navigate through this stage of your life.
I primarily utilize Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Family systems, and Play Therapy(Children).
If you are parent or a caregiver who need support for your child or teen, I provide individual psychotherapy for your child or teen along with parent consultations as needed. If you are a young adult or an adult in your 20's, I provide individual psychotherapy for you as you navigate through this stage of your life.
![Photo of Andrew Oostdyk, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9eeff2cd-4d2f-4f8a-bec8-092557b76fc5/1/320x400.png)
I practice through a psychodynamic framework with applied MI, CBT, and DBT intervention techniques.
My ideal client is one with motivation for self-care, openness to change, and a desire to learn more about themselves and others. My ideal population consists of adults with a mental health diagnosis of anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use disorder, and other increasingly complex diagnoses. However, I am also devoted to assisting those seeking help without a defined diagnosis and who are beginning therapy without a clear vision of treatment needs. I welcome working with anyone who may benefit from my skillset who is dealing with life’s many challenges and searching for a clearer definition and understanding of their stressors.
I practice through a psychodynamic framework with applied MI, CBT, and DBT intervention techniques.
My ideal client is one with motivation for self-care, openness to change, and a desire to learn more about themselves and others. My ideal population consists of adults with a mental health diagnosis of anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use disorder, and other increasingly complex diagnoses. However, I am also devoted to assisting those seeking help without a defined diagnosis and who are beginning therapy without a clear vision of treatment needs. I welcome working with anyone who may benefit from my skillset who is dealing with life’s many challenges and searching for a clearer definition and understanding of their stressors.
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![Photo of Kelly Sellers, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a38ae001-f661-41d2-9c52-65b81f614375/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Sellers
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
McKees Rocks, PA 15136
I utilize a variety of modalities which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Strengths Based, Person Centered, and Multicultural approaches.
Life has many challenges which can sometimes feel overwhelming. My passion is helping others through these moments. I support my clients to feel better and show up in their lives as the people they want to be. My clients learn to build confidence, improve their relationships with themselves and others, and address negative patterns that are holding them back. I see my role as equal parts collaborator, support, and guide for the journey.
I utilize a variety of modalities which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Strengths Based, Person Centered, and Multicultural approaches.
Life has many challenges which can sometimes feel overwhelming. My passion is helping others through these moments. I support my clients to feel better and show up in their lives as the people they want to be. My clients learn to build confidence, improve their relationships with themselves and others, and address negative patterns that are holding them back. I see my role as equal parts collaborator, support, and guide for the journey.
![Photo of Gwen F Melnick, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58c9c2cf-9912-46fd-bc61-4a3a01db414c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Prior jobs (Clinical Social Worker at The Pentagon, an EAP, hospitals; Fortune 500 Subject Matter Expert; Medical School Mentor; MSW Program Director) have informed my practice as has training in CBT, EMDR, DBT, & Psychodynamic Therapy.
Would you like to feel less overwhelmed, anxious, sad, fearful, depressed or unsure of yourself? Are you going through a life transition, dealing with chronic illness, or are unproductive behaviors holding you back? Perhaps you’re unhappy at work/school, experiencing grief/loss, uncertain about your professional goals, or dissatisfied with your relationships. Life issues may seem insurmountable. Once you begin therapy with me, we'll work collaboratively to increase your self-understanding & insight. I'll help you identify & effectuate necessary life changes (step by step), embrace self acceptance, or move toward a little of both.
Prior jobs (Clinical Social Worker at The Pentagon, an EAP, hospitals; Fortune 500 Subject Matter Expert; Medical School Mentor; MSW Program Director) have informed my practice as has training in CBT, EMDR, DBT, & Psychodynamic Therapy.
Would you like to feel less overwhelmed, anxious, sad, fearful, depressed or unsure of yourself? Are you going through a life transition, dealing with chronic illness, or are unproductive behaviors holding you back? Perhaps you’re unhappy at work/school, experiencing grief/loss, uncertain about your professional goals, or dissatisfied with your relationships. Life issues may seem insurmountable. Once you begin therapy with me, we'll work collaboratively to increase your self-understanding & insight. I'll help you identify & effectuate necessary life changes (step by step), embrace self acceptance, or move toward a little of both.
![Photo of Meg Barnes, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed2ca738-5228-43d0-932f-17b79121284b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meg Barnes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (Online Only)
I am a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania who approaches treatment from a psychodynamic perspective.
Are you hoping to feel seen and to see yourself in therapy? Are you focused on making meaning at this time in your life? Are you hoping to move toward a more whole and integrated self? My role as a therapist is to hold a space to support you in your exploration, and to help you gain insight into your inner world. Within a therapy session we will build curiosity about the connection between past and present experiences, relationships, and internal processes. I specialize in providing support to LGBTQIA+ individuals.
I am a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania who approaches treatment from a psychodynamic perspective.
Are you hoping to feel seen and to see yourself in therapy? Are you focused on making meaning at this time in your life? Are you hoping to move toward a more whole and integrated self? My role as a therapist is to hold a space to support you in your exploration, and to help you gain insight into your inner world. Within a therapy session we will build curiosity about the connection between past and present experiences, relationships, and internal processes. I specialize in providing support to LGBTQIA+ individuals.
![Photo of Christine Nichols - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Pittsburgh, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/97b33ca4-8bf8-4a52-97c3-1841702814c0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
![Photo of Noel S Maurizi, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a01edc3-bd70-42dd-81da-0dc2d8f23f70/1/320x400.jpeg)
I operate from a psychodynamic-interpersonal perspective and utilize relational-cultural and feminist frameworks to explore how our identities and experiences have been influenced by the environments and systems we exist in. My areas of interest include working with concerns related to identity development, late adolescence and emergent/early adulthood, interpersonal and relational concerns, women’s concerns, and family of origin trauma.
I operate from a psychodynamic-interpersonal perspective and utilize relational-cultural and feminist frameworks to explore how our identities and experiences have been influenced by the environments and systems we exist in. My areas of interest include working with concerns related to identity development, late adolescence and emergent/early adulthood, interpersonal and relational concerns, women’s concerns, and family of origin trauma.
![Photo of Anna Kozlowska, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49f246e2-cc69-4c2a-97c8-3fcbc31cb8b3/2/320x400.png)
I am open to working with clients from all walks of life, those who know what their goals are, and those who are uncertain about what they expect from therapy. My professional and lived experience helps me relate to clients who have difficulties adjusting to changes in life, as well as older adults, caregivers, and people of all ages struggling with family issues. A psychodynamic approach helps clients feel listened to and encouraged to develop their story, gain insight and self-awareness, & notice the connection between past events and current difficulties.
I am open to working with clients from all walks of life, those who know what their goals are, and those who are uncertain about what they expect from therapy. My professional and lived experience helps me relate to clients who have difficulties adjusting to changes in life, as well as older adults, caregivers, and people of all ages struggling with family issues. A psychodynamic approach helps clients feel listened to and encouraged to develop their story, gain insight and self-awareness, & notice the connection between past events and current difficulties.
![Photo of Kimberly Kiesling, LSW, CCTP, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c6ff05c-6525-40ba-84fc-0fcca2c1c4ee/1/320x400.jpeg)
My treatment approach is person-centered, trauma-focused, and blends therapeutic practices such as CBT, DBT, MI, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Mind-Body Therapy, and Imagery.
It is not easy to take the first step to ask for help! My approach begins by listening and learning about you, because I believe that you are the expert on your own journey. I believe all people have the inherent strength to make positive life changes. Sometimes you just need to be empowered through compassionate support. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and respectful space for your therapeutic process.
My treatment approach is person-centered, trauma-focused, and blends therapeutic practices such as CBT, DBT, MI, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Mind-Body Therapy, and Imagery.
It is not easy to take the first step to ask for help! My approach begins by listening and learning about you, because I believe that you are the expert on your own journey. I believe all people have the inherent strength to make positive life changes. Sometimes you just need to be empowered through compassionate support. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and respectful space for your therapeutic process.
![Photo of Rahmah Albugami, MSEd, LPC, NCC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54d1ff72-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rahmah Albugami
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (Online Only)
I blend evidence-based therapies like CBT, a psychodynamic approach, and client-centered methods to craft tailored plans for your unique needs.
Are you facing the stress of life transitions or the weight of anxiety? You seek a therapist who understands your unique needs and supports your journey to emotional well-being. Your goal is clear: to find practical solutions and guidance for a happier, more fulfilling life. Let's work together to achieve the positive changes you desire.
I blend evidence-based therapies like CBT, a psychodynamic approach, and client-centered methods to craft tailored plans for your unique needs.
Are you facing the stress of life transitions or the weight of anxiety? You seek a therapist who understands your unique needs and supports your journey to emotional well-being. Your goal is clear: to find practical solutions and guidance for a happier, more fulfilling life. Let's work together to achieve the positive changes you desire.
James Manzella, LCSW, MA
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
We all grow up and live in a society which favors conformity. Not "fitting in" or being "different" can result in feelings of depression, low self-esteem, and isolation which can affect all aspects of our lives. This can be especially true for the LGBTQ+ population. As a psychodynamic therapist, my goal is to assist you in your personal development from unsatisfying or painful patterns of living and to a life that you can celebrate. While we can't change the past, we can work together to change how it continues to impact your life and resolve challenges and issues that have resulted from it.
We all grow up and live in a society which favors conformity. Not "fitting in" or being "different" can result in feelings of depression, low self-esteem, and isolation which can affect all aspects of our lives. This can be especially true for the LGBTQ+ population. As a psychodynamic therapist, my goal is to assist you in your personal development from unsatisfying or painful patterns of living and to a life that you can celebrate. While we can't change the past, we can work together to change how it continues to impact your life and resolve challenges and issues that have resulted from it.
See more therapy options for Allegheny County
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.