Psychodynamic Therapists in Pasadena, CA
Her treatment is always individualized; while operating from a primarily psychodynamic framework, she also enjoys using EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and play therapy when indicated.
Abby is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about supporting her clients on their journeys toward growth and healing. She enjoys creating collaborative therapeutic relationships with each of her clients, acknowledging that they are the experts on their own experiences. She cultivates an environment of safety and open communication, in order for clients to feel comfortable and empowered in their treatment. She prioritizes principles of antiracism and equitability in her practice.
Her treatment is always individualized; while operating from a primarily psychodynamic framework, she also enjoys using EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and play therapy when indicated.
Abby is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about supporting her clients on their journeys toward growth and healing. She enjoys creating collaborative therapeutic relationships with each of her clients, acknowledging that they are the experts on their own experiences. She cultivates an environment of safety and open communication, in order for clients to feel comfortable and empowered in their treatment. She prioritizes principles of antiracism and equitability in her practice.
Kathryn Andrews
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
I work from a psychodynamic/psychoanalytic perspective while drawing from Gestalt, Imago Relationship Therapy, Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy.
Life can be extremely challenging. In response, we develop coping mechanisms that work in the moment, but that ultimately hinder our ability to connect with ourselves and others in a healthy way. With my clients, we identify destructive/productive learned behaviors. We practice new ways of interacting and work through past and present struggles, regaining the ability to feel calm, love, and joy! Some of the issues I treat are anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, addiction, and narcissism (stemming from trauma). I work with adults and couples in various stages of life (marriage, new parents, divorce, midlife, etc.).
I work from a psychodynamic/psychoanalytic perspective while drawing from Gestalt, Imago Relationship Therapy, Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy.
Life can be extremely challenging. In response, we develop coping mechanisms that work in the moment, but that ultimately hinder our ability to connect with ourselves and others in a healthy way. With my clients, we identify destructive/productive learned behaviors. We practice new ways of interacting and work through past and present struggles, regaining the ability to feel calm, love, and joy! Some of the issues I treat are anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, addiction, and narcissism (stemming from trauma). I work with adults and couples in various stages of life (marriage, new parents, divorce, midlife, etc.).
In my practice, I utilize CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic theory, and attachment theory to help clients experience healing that involves engaging both the mind and body.
Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
In my practice, I utilize CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic theory, and attachment theory to help clients experience healing that involves engaging both the mind and body.
Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
During sessions, I utilize a range of psychodynamic, analytic, relational, somatic, and solution-focused methods to explore personal background and development, identify patterns, and find effective practices for healing and growth.
I primarily work with leaders and their family members to find healthy work/life rhythms, manage stress, heal from trauma, and develop strategies for health. As a pastor and licensed clinical psychologist (PSY35006), I work with individuals, couples, adolescents, and children who are facing varying challenges in life to find pathways through pain and into healing, growth, and vitality.
During sessions, I utilize a range of psychodynamic, analytic, relational, somatic, and solution-focused methods to explore personal background and development, identify patterns, and find effective practices for healing and growth.
I primarily work with leaders and their family members to find healthy work/life rhythms, manage stress, heal from trauma, and develop strategies for health. As a pastor and licensed clinical psychologist (PSY35006), I work with individuals, couples, adolescents, and children who are facing varying challenges in life to find pathways through pain and into healing, growth, and vitality.
Dr. Melissa Ryan O'Keefe
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105
I am trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy and attachment theory.
Are you currently struggling with stress or relationship challenges? Many people struggle balancing the demands of life. It is not easy to ask for help. You don't need to suffer alone. Although you may be going through a hard time, you also are worthy of receiving care. I am here to listen and to assist in strengthening self-esteem and to offer ways to increase self-compassion. I practice with a person-centered approach and have extensive education. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families on creating meaningful life experiences and in overcoming difficult challenges.
I am trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy and attachment theory.
Are you currently struggling with stress or relationship challenges? Many people struggle balancing the demands of life. It is not easy to ask for help. You don't need to suffer alone. Although you may be going through a hard time, you also are worthy of receiving care. I am here to listen and to assist in strengthening self-esteem and to offer ways to increase self-compassion. I practice with a person-centered approach and have extensive education. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families on creating meaningful life experiences and in overcoming difficult challenges.
My approach to therapy incorporates relational psychodynamic, behavioral, and somatic techniques.
Healing is possible. No matter who you are, or what happened to you, you deserve to feel safe and at home in your body. You can create a life that is worth living.
My approach to therapy incorporates relational psychodynamic, behavioral, and somatic techniques.
Healing is possible. No matter who you are, or what happened to you, you deserve to feel safe and at home in your body. You can create a life that is worth living.
Andrew Aytona
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91107 (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is evidence-based and influenced by Psychodynamic theory; I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Resilience Therapy.
Everyone seeks the feeling of being understood and accepted, but sometimes we become comfortable with being unhappy. As a therapist, my goal is to provide empathy, support, safety, and cultural sensitivity. I will assist in helping you work through various issues to achieve a more productive approach to the way you think, make decisions, and relate to others. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and I strive to create an environment that allows for authenticity, support, and trust between us.
My approach to therapy is evidence-based and influenced by Psychodynamic theory; I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Resilience Therapy.
Everyone seeks the feeling of being understood and accepted, but sometimes we become comfortable with being unhappy. As a therapist, my goal is to provide empathy, support, safety, and cultural sensitivity. I will assist in helping you work through various issues to achieve a more productive approach to the way you think, make decisions, and relate to others. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and I strive to create an environment that allows for authenticity, support, and trust between us.
Stuart Krimko
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
As a psychodynamic therapist, I accompany people as they cultivate a relationship—even a friendship—with the unknown.
I work with adults, young people, and couples who seek to understand distressing experiences in their inner and outer lives. These experiences can include depression, anxiety, motivational issues, and other symptoms. They can have roots in past traumas, bewildering life transitions, or worries about the future. Even for those who have been in therapy before, relationships can disrupt and disappoint. Frustrations at work can raise doubts that go deeper than a job alone.
As a psychodynamic therapist, I accompany people as they cultivate a relationship—even a friendship—with the unknown.
I work with adults, young people, and couples who seek to understand distressing experiences in their inner and outer lives. These experiences can include depression, anxiety, motivational issues, and other symptoms. They can have roots in past traumas, bewildering life transitions, or worries about the future. Even for those who have been in therapy before, relationships can disrupt and disappoint. Frustrations at work can raise doubts that go deeper than a job alone.
Minerva Torres
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105 (Online Only)
I take on an eclectic approach in my practice including Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused, and Strengths-Based all while offering different skills that can help navigate relationships and day-to-day stressors.
My goal is to provide you with skills that you can take and maintain even after you complete your therapy journey with me. Some of these skills can include, but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills, communication, mindfulness, anxiety management, and relaxation skills. I have experience in working with all ages of life. My passion is working with young adults and adults, couples, and families. I specialize in the treatment of depression (including prenatal and postpartum), anxiety, trauma, addictions, interpersonal conflict, and life transitions.
I take on an eclectic approach in my practice including Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused, and Strengths-Based all while offering different skills that can help navigate relationships and day-to-day stressors.
My goal is to provide you with skills that you can take and maintain even after you complete your therapy journey with me. Some of these skills can include, but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills, communication, mindfulness, anxiety management, and relaxation skills. I have experience in working with all ages of life. My passion is working with young adults and adults, couples, and families. I specialize in the treatment of depression (including prenatal and postpartum), anxiety, trauma, addictions, interpersonal conflict, and life transitions.
Cate Parker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
I offer depth-oriented treatment and work primarily from a psychodynamic lens.
Reaching out for help from a therapist can feel difficult or uncertain, but it also reveals the part of you that knows things can change. I believe that therapy can provide a place for healing, growth and creativity. Whether you are starting therapy for the first time or seeking a new approach, I will meet you with compassion and curiosity - working to create a space in which you feel safe and deeply heard. My style is warm, nonjudgmental and creative. Together we will find space and meaning for that which may not yet be fully felt or understood.
I offer depth-oriented treatment and work primarily from a psychodynamic lens.
Reaching out for help from a therapist can feel difficult or uncertain, but it also reveals the part of you that knows things can change. I believe that therapy can provide a place for healing, growth and creativity. Whether you are starting therapy for the first time or seeking a new approach, I will meet you with compassion and curiosity - working to create a space in which you feel safe and deeply heard. My style is warm, nonjudgmental and creative. Together we will find space and meaning for that which may not yet be fully felt or understood.
Angeliki A Kanavou
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT, MSc, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106 (Online Only)
So, while I tend to foster an insight into your experience through a psychodynamic lense, I may also guide you through Gestalt and CBT.
My mission is to accompany you through life’s inevitable challenges. I will assist you not only overcoming a difficult patch but grow through it and in spite of it. You deserve realizing your fullest potential, fostered by your therapist's unconditional positive regard, along with therapeutic input. No two clients are ever the same. Therefore, we too as therapists evolve alongside you in our knowledge and intuition. Through our shared experience of therapy, you will increase your insight, and as a result, you will discover more available choices during say, a complex transition that you experience or a seeming impasse.
So, while I tend to foster an insight into your experience through a psychodynamic lense, I may also guide you through Gestalt and CBT.
My mission is to accompany you through life’s inevitable challenges. I will assist you not only overcoming a difficult patch but grow through it and in spite of it. You deserve realizing your fullest potential, fostered by your therapist's unconditional positive regard, along with therapeutic input. No two clients are ever the same. Therefore, we too as therapists evolve alongside you in our knowledge and intuition. Through our shared experience of therapy, you will increase your insight, and as a result, you will discover more available choices during say, a complex transition that you experience or a seeming impasse.
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I enjoy working with individuals who are looking to strengthen, deepen, and repair the interpersonal relationships in their lives, as well as individuals navigating life transitions, parenthood, postpartum adjustment, marital and relationship conflict, complex familial dynamics, and career. My work is informed by multiple frameworks including interpersonal neurobiology, attachment, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic theory and humanistic psychology.
I enjoy working with individuals who are looking to strengthen, deepen, and repair the interpersonal relationships in their lives, as well as individuals navigating life transitions, parenthood, postpartum adjustment, marital and relationship conflict, complex familial dynamics, and career. My work is informed by multiple frameworks including interpersonal neurobiology, attachment, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic theory and humanistic psychology.
Frances Cocksedge
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91106
I work with teens, children, and adults struggling with unresolved trauma, relational issues, existential fear, grief, gender dysphoria, self-harm, addiction, anxiety, ADHD, and depression. I work from a psychodynamic lens, which means looking at my client’s past as a means of informing the present and helping them discover the unconscious blind spots that unknowingly contribute to their distress. I am passionate about helping to reconcile past trauma such as abuse, bullying, oppression, and toxic relationships. I also work with families and couples stuck in destructive patterns and having the same fight over and over.
I work with teens, children, and adults struggling with unresolved trauma, relational issues, existential fear, grief, gender dysphoria, self-harm, addiction, anxiety, ADHD, and depression. I work from a psychodynamic lens, which means looking at my client’s past as a means of informing the present and helping them discover the unconscious blind spots that unknowingly contribute to their distress. I am passionate about helping to reconcile past trauma such as abuse, bullying, oppression, and toxic relationships. I also work with families and couples stuck in destructive patterns and having the same fight over and over.
Lauren Craig Albrecht
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MSG, MHA
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
Using an integrative approach that combines elements of psychodynamic, narrative, relational, and client-centered modalities, I offer tangible tools and strategies in a warm, nonjudgmental setting either in-person or via telehealth.
Are you a parent of a child who is struggling? Are you feeling overwhelmed parenting your teen who is moody, unpredictable, and anxious? Are you searching for connection with your teen who is pushing you away? You may also be juggling taking care of your kids while simultaneously taking care of the needs of your aging parents. Wondering about next steps now that your kids are launched?
Using an integrative approach that combines elements of psychodynamic, narrative, relational, and client-centered modalities, I offer tangible tools and strategies in a warm, nonjudgmental setting either in-person or via telehealth.
Are you a parent of a child who is struggling? Are you feeling overwhelmed parenting your teen who is moody, unpredictable, and anxious? Are you searching for connection with your teen who is pushing you away? You may also be juggling taking care of your kids while simultaneously taking care of the needs of your aging parents. Wondering about next steps now that your kids are launched?
I utilize CBT to explore and reframe negative thought patterns, DBT to equip you with coping skills for anxiety & depression and psychodynamic therapy to understand your trauma and unconscious desire and promote insight for lasting change.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
I utilize CBT to explore and reframe negative thought patterns, DBT to equip you with coping skills for anxiety & depression and psychodynamic therapy to understand your trauma and unconscious desire and promote insight for lasting change.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
My integrative approach to therapy often includes a blend of psychodynamic philosophy (exploring thought and emotional experiences) and existential elements (finding meaning and purpose in life), ultimately tailored to each individual, couple/relationship, and group.
I help adults make sense of their experiences in a meaningful way. People come to me who are inquisitive and trying their best, yet still feel detached and longing for a better understanding of their lives. Oftentimes they’ve been in the driver’s seat going 100 miles an hour for years and can’t quite figure out how to slow down. Together, we work to slow fast-paced life, be present, and ultimately, see the once-blurry scenes in a clearer way. Just as each road trip is unique, so too is our tailor-made therapy. If you’re open-minded, motivated, and filled with curiosity, let’s see if we’re a good match!
My integrative approach to therapy often includes a blend of psychodynamic philosophy (exploring thought and emotional experiences) and existential elements (finding meaning and purpose in life), ultimately tailored to each individual, couple/relationship, and group.
I help adults make sense of their experiences in a meaningful way. People come to me who are inquisitive and trying their best, yet still feel detached and longing for a better understanding of their lives. Oftentimes they’ve been in the driver’s seat going 100 miles an hour for years and can’t quite figure out how to slow down. Together, we work to slow fast-paced life, be present, and ultimately, see the once-blurry scenes in a clearer way. Just as each road trip is unique, so too is our tailor-made therapy. If you’re open-minded, motivated, and filled with curiosity, let’s see if we’re a good match!
Using a holistic and psychodynamic approach—including mindfulness, body awareness, and bringing unconscious material to light—we’ll explore the layers of your psyche, address unresolved trauma (if it feels safe to), and create a therapeutic space that honors your unique journey towards wholeness.
Are you ready to feel better? Less stuck? More alive and aligned in your relationships, career, or artistic pursuits? The behaviors and instincts you developed early in life may no longer be serving you. The good news: You’re one step closer to living the life you were meant to live, with self-compassion and the pursuit of your goals. I offer a judgment-free environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings. You may even uncover the truth of who you really are. (It's likely not who you thought!)
Using a holistic and psychodynamic approach—including mindfulness, body awareness, and bringing unconscious material to light—we’ll explore the layers of your psyche, address unresolved trauma (if it feels safe to), and create a therapeutic space that honors your unique journey towards wholeness.
Are you ready to feel better? Less stuck? More alive and aligned in your relationships, career, or artistic pursuits? The behaviors and instincts you developed early in life may no longer be serving you. The good news: You’re one step closer to living the life you were meant to live, with self-compassion and the pursuit of your goals. I offer a judgment-free environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings. You may even uncover the truth of who you really are. (It's likely not who you thought!)
My theoretical orientation is Psychodynamic.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in treating adults for a variety of issues. These include depression, anxiety, and life adjustment problems such relationship or career concerns. A significant portion of my practice is devoted to helping people overcome traumatic experiences such as violent crimes, domestic violence, and childhood abuse. Regardless of what brings a person into therapy, I work actively in an atmosphere of support and empathy to help my patients understand themselves, to heal, and to learn how to live happier, more productive lives.
My theoretical orientation is Psychodynamic.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in treating adults for a variety of issues. These include depression, anxiety, and life adjustment problems such relationship or career concerns. A significant portion of my practice is devoted to helping people overcome traumatic experiences such as violent crimes, domestic violence, and childhood abuse. Regardless of what brings a person into therapy, I work actively in an atmosphere of support and empathy to help my patients understand themselves, to heal, and to learn how to live happier, more productive lives.
Whether you are struggling with depression, isolation, anxiety, social-emotional issues, racial inequity, colorism, support through transitions and identifying new passions, struggling with traumatic events, or relationship issues; I am here to support you. My approach includes a toolbox of practices and techniques using Psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Relational Therapy, Mindfulness, and Wellness Coaching to help my clients facilitate social, emotional, and behavioral changes.
Whether you are struggling with depression, isolation, anxiety, social-emotional issues, racial inequity, colorism, support through transitions and identifying new passions, struggling with traumatic events, or relationship issues; I am here to support you. My approach includes a toolbox of practices and techniques using Psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Relational Therapy, Mindfulness, and Wellness Coaching to help my clients facilitate social, emotional, and behavioral changes.
She believes in providing quality mental health care to everyone while also being culturally competent. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. She utilizes a holistic and mindfulness approach while integrating different therapeutic modalities including CBT, Psychodynamic, Family Systems, The Gottman Method, and Somatic Therapy.
She believes in providing quality mental health care to everyone while also being culturally competent. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. She utilizes a holistic and mindfulness approach while integrating different therapeutic modalities including CBT, Psychodynamic, Family Systems, The Gottman Method, and Somatic Therapy.
See more therapy options for Pasadena
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Psychodynamic Therapists
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.
Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.
What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.