Psychodynamic Therapists in Mid City East, PA

Photo of Mark Bingel - Thriveworks Counseling Psychiatry Philadelphia, Counselor
Thriveworks Counseling Psychiatry Philadelphia
Counselor
Verified Verified
Mid City East, PA 19102
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.
(267) 732-1068 View (267) 732-1068
Photo of Dr. Elyssa Smith -  Dr. Elyssa B. Smith; The Inner Canvas Collective, PhD, LPC, RPT, NCC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Elyssa B. Smith; The Inner Canvas Collective
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, RPT, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mid City East, PA 19102
I lead a private practice focused on psychodynamic and depth-informed psychotherapy and family-based play therapy. I am passionate about improving the quality of care provided to children, young adults, and their families. I am also committed to addressing professional burnout and enhancing therapist wellness. My goal is to contribute to the advancement of therapeutic methods and the professional development of my peers, creating a community of therapists equipped to guide others toward more fulfilling lives.
I lead a private practice focused on psychodynamic and depth-informed psychotherapy and family-based play therapy. I am passionate about improving the quality of care provided to children, young adults, and their families. I am also committed to addressing professional burnout and enhancing therapist wellness. My goal is to contribute to the advancement of therapeutic methods and the professional development of my peers, creating a community of therapists equipped to guide others toward more fulfilling lives.
(267) 641-1527 View (267) 641-1527
Photo of Ari S Pizer, PsyD, Psychologist
Ari S Pizer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mid City East, PA 19102
Perhaps the tried and true ways of coping with challenging feelings and situations are no longer working the way they once did. You may be concerned about what this means or how it is affecting your relationships. And even clicking on this page means you are already starting to do something different. This curiosity and the hope you put in our work that things might get better is something I take very seriously. One of my overall concerns for the therapeutic process is that we turn your hope into a sense of empowerment so that you can feel confident about your abilities as you face the challenges and rewards that life presents
Perhaps the tried and true ways of coping with challenging feelings and situations are no longer working the way they once did. You may be concerned about what this means or how it is affecting your relationships. And even clicking on this page means you are already starting to do something different. This curiosity and the hope you put in our work that things might get better is something I take very seriously. One of my overall concerns for the therapeutic process is that we turn your hope into a sense of empowerment so that you can feel confident about your abilities as you face the challenges and rewards that life presents
(267) 281-1516 View (267) 281-1516
Photo of Sara Samuels, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sara Samuels
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mid City East, PA 19102
Hi! I'm Sara and I am a licensed couples and family therapist, plant enthusiast, and dog mom. I am a systemically trained clinician working with individuals and couples; I approach therapy in a "3D" way rather than just the "one thing" bringing you in. I frequently work with adult children of narcissistic parents, boundary setting and advocating for your self, life transitions, and increased self worth.
Hi! I'm Sara and I am a licensed couples and family therapist, plant enthusiast, and dog mom. I am a systemically trained clinician working with individuals and couples; I approach therapy in a "3D" way rather than just the "one thing" bringing you in. I frequently work with adult children of narcissistic parents, boundary setting and advocating for your self, life transitions, and increased self worth.
(215) 918-7401 View (215) 918-7401
Photo of Lauren Williams, MSS, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LSW
Verified Verified
Mid City East, PA 19102
Sometimes, life is really hard. Difficult experiences and past traumas can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, shut down and alone. Relief and some hope would feel so welcome right now. Together we'll find a path to peace and balance. We will get to know the parts of you that may be carrying anxiety, depression, shame, fear, relationship issues, addictions, grief, loss, or other experiences.
Sometimes, life is really hard. Difficult experiences and past traumas can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, shut down and alone. Relief and some hope would feel so welcome right now. Together we'll find a path to peace and balance. We will get to know the parts of you that may be carrying anxiety, depression, shame, fear, relationship issues, addictions, grief, loss, or other experiences.
(484) 642-0818 View (484) 642-0818

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of James Lawrence Thibault, MSEd, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
James Lawrence Thibault
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19130
These range from psychodynamic to solution focused therapies, as well as EMDR, mindfulness, cognitive therapy, narrative therapy, and gestalt and existential techniques.
I believe that we all struggle with trauma, and most mental health challenges stem from how one adapts to these experiences. I specialize in working with trauma, identifying how it is held in the body, the strategies we uphold as defense mechanisms, and how to negotiate with our inner self to move toward a healthy healing of mind and body. Coming from either a top down approach for those thinker types, or a bottom up approach for those feeler types, we will compassionately reconnect the mind and body, in order to achieve relief and greater connectivity to self and others.
These range from psychodynamic to solution focused therapies, as well as EMDR, mindfulness, cognitive therapy, narrative therapy, and gestalt and existential techniques.
I believe that we all struggle with trauma, and most mental health challenges stem from how one adapts to these experiences. I specialize in working with trauma, identifying how it is held in the body, the strategies we uphold as defense mechanisms, and how to negotiate with our inner self to move toward a healthy healing of mind and body. Coming from either a top down approach for those thinker types, or a bottom up approach for those feeler types, we will compassionately reconnect the mind and body, in order to achieve relief and greater connectivity to self and others.
(267) 930-5330 View (267) 930-5330
Photo of Dr. Sarah Anolik, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Sarah Anolik
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I am integratively trained and practice primarily from a psychodynamic perspective.
I firmly believe that you deserve to live your life to its fullest, and I am eager to help you make strides towards what you want most. A lot of my patients feel overwhelmed by unexpected life events and fear about what happens next; feel ill-equipped to cope with pressing anxiety; or long to have more depth and connection in their relationships. It is possible to feel better. Therapy allows you to explore with curiosity previously avoided parts of your thoughts, feelings and past in a nonjudgmental way. A trusting relationship with your therapist can help you understand more about yourself and what you can do to feel better.
I am integratively trained and practice primarily from a psychodynamic perspective.
I firmly believe that you deserve to live your life to its fullest, and I am eager to help you make strides towards what you want most. A lot of my patients feel overwhelmed by unexpected life events and fear about what happens next; feel ill-equipped to cope with pressing anxiety; or long to have more depth and connection in their relationships. It is possible to feel better. Therapy allows you to explore with curiosity previously avoided parts of your thoughts, feelings and past in a nonjudgmental way. A trusting relationship with your therapist can help you understand more about yourself and what you can do to feel better.
(267) 714-5887 View (267) 714-5887
Photo of Laura Geftman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Geftman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19106  (Online Only)
My approach integrates cognitive behavioral, harm reduction, mindfulness, humanistic, & psychodynamic processing.
I am here for you. When times are tough, it’s important to have the right support to nurture hope, focus on strength, and harness the power of uncertainty. You can stop surviving and start living again. Together we can explore the darkness & the light, and find your way thru it. We will tailor an approach to support your intentions, needs, and goals. You will become more aware of your core beliefs and better understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You’ll find our work to discover insight, self-acceptance, and freedom challenging but also profoundly supportive.
My approach integrates cognitive behavioral, harm reduction, mindfulness, humanistic, & psychodynamic processing.
I am here for you. When times are tough, it’s important to have the right support to nurture hope, focus on strength, and harness the power of uncertainty. You can stop surviving and start living again. Together we can explore the darkness & the light, and find your way thru it. We will tailor an approach to support your intentions, needs, and goals. You will become more aware of your core beliefs and better understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You’ll find our work to discover insight, self-acceptance, and freedom challenging but also profoundly supportive.
(267) 550-5130 View (267) 550-5130
Photo of Julie Sokolow, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julie Sokolow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches to offer a range of options to my clients and meet them where they are.
We all experience stress, but when stress becomes overwhelming, it may be time to seek support. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family issues, or life transitions, I would be honored to help you navigate these concerns. Together, we'll build trust and rapport in a safe, non-judgmental space that promotes exploration and discovery. The therapeutic alliance is a one-of-a-kind relationship. It is a privilege to assist you within psychotherapy as you gain clarity, develop coping skills, navigate challenges, and celebrate triumphs.
I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches to offer a range of options to my clients and meet them where they are.
We all experience stress, but when stress becomes overwhelming, it may be time to seek support. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family issues, or life transitions, I would be honored to help you navigate these concerns. Together, we'll build trust and rapport in a safe, non-judgmental space that promotes exploration and discovery. The therapeutic alliance is a one-of-a-kind relationship. It is a privilege to assist you within psychotherapy as you gain clarity, develop coping skills, navigate challenges, and celebrate triumphs.
(484) 383-5988 View (484) 383-5988
Photo of Anemone Schlotterbeck, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anemone Schlotterbeck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19104  (Online Only)
I come from queer and liberation therapy perspectives to utilize Gestalt relational and somatic therapy, as well as psychodynamic, mindfulness, and EMDR therapies.
I work most often with people who have been pushed to the margins, including trans, non-binary and queer people, autistic and other neurodivergent people, and people who have survived traumatic events and relationships. I enjoy working with organizers, activists, and artists. I tend to be a good fit for clients experiencing shame, despair, isolation and existential dread.
I come from queer and liberation therapy perspectives to utilize Gestalt relational and somatic therapy, as well as psychodynamic, mindfulness, and EMDR therapies.
I work most often with people who have been pushed to the margins, including trans, non-binary and queer people, autistic and other neurodivergent people, and people who have survived traumatic events and relationships. I enjoy working with organizers, activists, and artists. I tend to be a good fit for clients experiencing shame, despair, isolation and existential dread.
(215) 782-6103 View (215) 782-6103
Photo of Dr. Keri Smotrich, PsyD, MS, Psychologist
Dr. Keri Smotrich
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103  (Online Only)
Welcome! Connecting with a psychologist can be challenging and I am glad you are taking this step. I believe therapy is a collaborative effort and we can work together to build a safe, supportive, and trusting foundation upon which to gain insight and create change. My approach to therapy is from a psychodynamic perspective, which allows us to focus on self-awareness, identifying emotions, and how our past and present are influencing our behaviors.
Welcome! Connecting with a psychologist can be challenging and I am glad you are taking this step. I believe therapy is a collaborative effort and we can work together to build a safe, supportive, and trusting foundation upon which to gain insight and create change. My approach to therapy is from a psychodynamic perspective, which allows us to focus on self-awareness, identifying emotions, and how our past and present are influencing our behaviors.
(856) 367-6359 View (856) 367-6359
Photo of Elena Greenland, MA, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Elena Greenland
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Therapy is a space to get to know and make friends with yourself through a collaborative and supportive relationship. My therapeutic style combines mindfulness approaches, somatic work, and psychodynamic principles, ensuring our sessions are open to whatever arises, all with a purposeful focus. My passion lies not just in understanding your story but in walking with you on a journey of genuine self-discovery and acceptance. I aim to create a safe and personalized space that suits your unique needs. I invite you to empower yourself toward a fulfilled and authentic life by starting where you are with openness and curiosity.
Therapy is a space to get to know and make friends with yourself through a collaborative and supportive relationship. My therapeutic style combines mindfulness approaches, somatic work, and psychodynamic principles, ensuring our sessions are open to whatever arises, all with a purposeful focus. My passion lies not just in understanding your story but in walking with you on a journey of genuine self-discovery and acceptance. I aim to create a safe and personalized space that suits your unique needs. I invite you to empower yourself toward a fulfilled and authentic life by starting where you are with openness and curiosity.
(267) 710-9790 View (267) 710-9790
Photo of Jorge Balverdi, LPC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jorge Balverdi
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
If you are experiencing a life crisis, anxiety, depression or struggling with the impacts of trauma affecting your well-being, interpersonal relationships, and interfering with reaching your goals, my integrative approach (psychodynamic, client-centered, trauma-focused and culturally sensitive) may be a good fit for you.
A good therapist will offer you the care and support that you need to work on what is keeping you from the life you want. My clients describe me as supportive and nonjudgmental and also warmly challenging. I have over 19 years of experience treating psychological distress and psychiatric conditions in culturally diverse groups. I have a wealth of experience treating young adults managing specific role transitions.
If you are experiencing a life crisis, anxiety, depression or struggling with the impacts of trauma affecting your well-being, interpersonal relationships, and interfering with reaching your goals, my integrative approach (psychodynamic, client-centered, trauma-focused and culturally sensitive) may be a good fit for you.
A good therapist will offer you the care and support that you need to work on what is keeping you from the life you want. My clients describe me as supportive and nonjudgmental and also warmly challenging. I have over 19 years of experience treating psychological distress and psychiatric conditions in culturally diverse groups. I have a wealth of experience treating young adults managing specific role transitions.
(267) 573-0541 View (267) 573-0541
Photo of Margaret M Strosser, LCSW, MSS, MFA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Margaret M Strosser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSS, MFA
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102  (Online Only)
I have post graduate training in Psychodynamic Therapy, Contemplative Care for Hospice, Mindfulness Meditation, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Do you need a safe space to process your emotions without judgement? I help people unravel what has happened to them, understand themselves, and develop compassion toward themselves and their loved ones.
I have post graduate training in Psychodynamic Therapy, Contemplative Care for Hospice, Mindfulness Meditation, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Do you need a safe space to process your emotions without judgement? I help people unravel what has happened to them, understand themselves, and develop compassion toward themselves and their loved ones.
(484) 310-9171 View (484) 310-9171
Photo of Amy E Gedrich, LCSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy E Gedrich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Welcome! I am a practicing clinician with 34 + years of experience subscribing to a psychodynamic, solution-focused short-term therapy approach with my clients. I subscribe to working with cognitive behavioral techniques ( CBT ) , mindfulness and motivational interviewing skills to help my patients become the most and happiest that they can be. My specializations are : Depression, Anxiety, Bi-Polar Disorder, work stress, women's issues, cancer survivorship issues. Veteran's re-adjustment issues, LGBT issues. I am happy to see individuals, couples and families at my Graduate Hospital office location, just off Rittenhouse Square.
Welcome! I am a practicing clinician with 34 + years of experience subscribing to a psychodynamic, solution-focused short-term therapy approach with my clients. I subscribe to working with cognitive behavioral techniques ( CBT ) , mindfulness and motivational interviewing skills to help my patients become the most and happiest that they can be. My specializations are : Depression, Anxiety, Bi-Polar Disorder, work stress, women's issues, cancer survivorship issues. Veteran's re-adjustment issues, LGBT issues. I am happy to see individuals, couples and families at my Graduate Hospital office location, just off Rittenhouse Square.
(267) 433-4253 View (267) 433-4253
Photo of Lauri A Haines, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauri A Haines
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19146  (Online Only)
I draw from relational, psychodynamic and trauma-informed approaches and am guided by an understanding that early pivotal relationships and experiences shape our narrative about ourselves.
At times our life-circumstances can create such overwhelm, isolation, confusion and pain that we struggle to make sense of or to overcome them on our own. Having the support and understanding of a warm, collaborative therapist can help you face and work through difficult issues as you move into resilience, balance and a strengthened identity. As a psychotherapist in practice for over ten years, I am guided by the belief that, at our core, we each want to be known, understood and respected by others. I strive to help clients build new insights and perspectives about their lives and to restore their connections to their true selves.
I draw from relational, psychodynamic and trauma-informed approaches and am guided by an understanding that early pivotal relationships and experiences shape our narrative about ourselves.
At times our life-circumstances can create such overwhelm, isolation, confusion and pain that we struggle to make sense of or to overcome them on our own. Having the support and understanding of a warm, collaborative therapist can help you face and work through difficult issues as you move into resilience, balance and a strengthened identity. As a psychotherapist in practice for over ten years, I am guided by the belief that, at our core, we each want to be known, understood and respected by others. I strive to help clients build new insights and perspectives about their lives and to restore their connections to their true selves.
(267) 651-0344 View (267) 651-0344
Photo of Kayte Roberts, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kayte Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19106  (Online Only)
I use various therapeutic approaches, including, relational & attachment therapy, psychodynamic work, and Brainspotting; always grounded through a lens of radical self-empowerment and collaboration.
Ever feel like you keep hitting the same wall over and over again? Does it seem like no matter what you do, you continue to feel lost/stuck? Our past traumas, experiences, relationships, societal & familial expectations can unconsciously start to dictate the ways that we think about ourselves and how we relate to the world; we start to have trouble seeing ourselves clearly. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe and validating space to explore the issues and pain that might be holding you back from being your most authentic self; helping to refocus your vision so that you are able to witness your own resilience and unique power.
I use various therapeutic approaches, including, relational & attachment therapy, psychodynamic work, and Brainspotting; always grounded through a lens of radical self-empowerment and collaboration.
Ever feel like you keep hitting the same wall over and over again? Does it seem like no matter what you do, you continue to feel lost/stuck? Our past traumas, experiences, relationships, societal & familial expectations can unconsciously start to dictate the ways that we think about ourselves and how we relate to the world; we start to have trouble seeing ourselves clearly. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe and validating space to explore the issues and pain that might be holding you back from being your most authentic self; helping to refocus your vision so that you are able to witness your own resilience and unique power.
(215) 770-0053 View (215) 770-0053
Photo of Rachel Frome, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Frome
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I am trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy and CBT.
There’s a big difference between thinking and feeling something to be true. Many of my clients are painfully aware of their patterns, but despite their best efforts, they struggle to embody their values. I know firsthand how hard and frustrating therapy can be for just this reason, as well as how life-changing a good therapeutic relationship can be. In my practice, I work with individuals who have experienced trauma, relationship issues, and want to work through life transitions, and boundary setting.
I am trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy and CBT.
There’s a big difference between thinking and feeling something to be true. Many of my clients are painfully aware of their patterns, but despite their best efforts, they struggle to embody their values. I know firsthand how hard and frustrating therapy can be for just this reason, as well as how life-changing a good therapeutic relationship can be. In my practice, I work with individuals who have experienced trauma, relationship issues, and want to work through life transitions, and boundary setting.
View
Photo of Michael C. Wright, PhD, Psychologist
Michael C. Wright
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I am a licensed clinical psychologist located near Rittenhouse Square. While I have experience with a wide range of issues, I am especially skilled in working with depression, anxiety, loneliness, loss, shame, and sexual and gender identity concerns. My approach to treatment is relational and psychodynamic. This means that I strive to maintain a strong focus on the relationship⁠—both the therapeutic and real, human relationship⁠—between the client and me. To this end, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is itself a powerful agent for change and can serve as a foundation for addressing numerous real-world problems.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist located near Rittenhouse Square. While I have experience with a wide range of issues, I am especially skilled in working with depression, anxiety, loneliness, loss, shame, and sexual and gender identity concerns. My approach to treatment is relational and psychodynamic. This means that I strive to maintain a strong focus on the relationship⁠—both the therapeutic and real, human relationship⁠—between the client and me. To this end, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is itself a powerful agent for change and can serve as a foundation for addressing numerous real-world problems.
(215) 608-2718 View (215) 608-2718
Photo of Sameer Khetan, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sameer Khetan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19122
I work with adults and teens using primarily a psychodynamic lens – examining how past experiences underlie our current behaviors and emotions often around interpersonal relationships and identity / sense of self.
My interest in becoming a therapist was personal, having had my own journey with mental health and throughout my adult life helping friends and family navigate a wide range of challenges ranging from abrupt loss to life-long anxiety and depression. I found that people needed not an expert or directives, but someone to listen attentively and help explore without judgement. While schooling and practice allowed me to build my clinical lens and techniques, I believe the therapist-client relationship remains the most crucial tool in allowing exploration to occur effectively and safely.
I work with adults and teens using primarily a psychodynamic lens – examining how past experiences underlie our current behaviors and emotions often around interpersonal relationships and identity / sense of self.
My interest in becoming a therapist was personal, having had my own journey with mental health and throughout my adult life helping friends and family navigate a wide range of challenges ranging from abrupt loss to life-long anxiety and depression. I found that people needed not an expert or directives, but someone to listen attentively and help explore without judgement. While schooling and practice allowed me to build my clinical lens and techniques, I believe the therapist-client relationship remains the most crucial tool in allowing exploration to occur effectively and safely.
(267) 365-3772 View (267) 365-3772

See more therapy options for Mid City East

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.