Psychodynamic Therapists in Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA

Photo of Kate Bennett, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kate Bennett
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
I utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy , family systems, psychodynamic and short-term therapies depending on my client's needs.
Life can present us with many difficult challenges and transitions. I enjoy assisting my clients in improving their relationships, adjusting to life's changes and transitions, and improving stress management abilities. I provide a safe environment in which people can explore options and work towards self-empowerment, growth and resolution of their issues. I use a combination of solution-focused approaches to help people attain their personal goals and resolve trauma.
I utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy , family systems, psychodynamic and short-term therapies depending on my client's needs.
Life can present us with many difficult challenges and transitions. I enjoy assisting my clients in improving their relationships, adjusting to life's changes and transitions, and improving stress management abilities. I provide a safe environment in which people can explore options and work towards self-empowerment, growth and resolution of their issues. I use a combination of solution-focused approaches to help people attain their personal goals and resolve trauma.
(619) 823-0204 View (619) 823-0204
Photo of Trena Lee Ensign, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Trena Lee Ensign
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
Included models are: Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, conscious/unconscious development, and the effects on behavioral and mental status.
Welcome, if you have found yourself here, it means you are thinking about making some changes in your life. Making the decision to begin a journey of self discovery can be scary to say the least. May I share some of my thoughts with you. I believe in the, "Law of Correspondence", which states that what is going on in our outer world is nothing more than a reflection of what is going on in our inner world. As within, so without, as above, so below. It would be my honor, and privilege to help you discover your best self.
Included models are: Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, conscious/unconscious development, and the effects on behavioral and mental status.
Welcome, if you have found yourself here, it means you are thinking about making some changes in your life. Making the decision to begin a journey of self discovery can be scary to say the least. May I share some of my thoughts with you. I believe in the, "Law of Correspondence", which states that what is going on in our outer world is nothing more than a reflection of what is going on in our inner world. As within, so without, as above, so below. It would be my honor, and privilege to help you discover your best self.
(619) 493-3954 View (619) 493-3954
Photo of Cassandra Hutchinson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cassandra Hutchinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
I incorporate diverse therapies like Freudian, psychodynamic, narrative, person-centered, and positive psychology into our treatment.
I believe therapy is a journey, not a quick fix. It requires commitment to heal your scars. If you're ready to engage deeply in this work, I'm here to actively support you. Specializing in anxiety, relationship issues, codependency, and self-harm, I provide a nurturing environment to help you process your traumas. We'll uncover the root causes of your struggles and together, aim for healthier relationships and a more robust sense of self.
I incorporate diverse therapies like Freudian, psychodynamic, narrative, person-centered, and positive psychology into our treatment.
I believe therapy is a journey, not a quick fix. It requires commitment to heal your scars. If you're ready to engage deeply in this work, I'm here to actively support you. Specializing in anxiety, relationship issues, codependency, and self-harm, I provide a nurturing environment to help you process your traumas. We'll uncover the root causes of your struggles and together, aim for healthier relationships and a more robust sense of self.
(858) 330-3796 View (858) 330-3796
Photo of Pamela Newman, PsyD, MSCP, Psychologist
Pamela Newman
Psychologist, PsyD, MSCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
Do you struggle to maintain balance in your mood and mindset as a result of your high-stress life or profession? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or OCD as a result of that stress? If so, you are not alone. There are ways to help you when these emotions arise, pinpoint the triggers, and improve the way you approach them so they don’t overwhelm you. ERP, CBT, Psychodynamic, and Mindfulness Skills are all treatment methods in which I have been trained to assist you in living a much more fulfilled and balanced life. Therapy can help you gain control over the issues that are preventing you from reaching your full potential.
Do you struggle to maintain balance in your mood and mindset as a result of your high-stress life or profession? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or OCD as a result of that stress? If so, you are not alone. There are ways to help you when these emotions arise, pinpoint the triggers, and improve the way you approach them so they don’t overwhelm you. ERP, CBT, Psychodynamic, and Mindfulness Skills are all treatment methods in which I have been trained to assist you in living a much more fulfilled and balanced life. Therapy can help you gain control over the issues that are preventing you from reaching your full potential.
(858) 201-7248 View (858) 201-7248
Photo of Raysean Ford, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Raysean Ford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
I have extensive training in a variety of evidence-based practices, such as Solution-Focused, Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Hi! My name is Raysean Ford, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I provide therapeutic services via teletherapy to adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, anger management, conflict resolution, and LGBTQ+ Identity issues. My style and approach could be a good fit for individuals who may be dealing with symptoms that include: Anxiety, Grief, Stress, Anger, Low- Self-esteem, and Peer and Family Conflicts. I collaborate with clients to help them identify their symptoms, identify the source of their symptoms, and learn healthy ways to cope and build skills to feel better about themselves.
I have extensive training in a variety of evidence-based practices, such as Solution-Focused, Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Hi! My name is Raysean Ford, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I provide therapeutic services via teletherapy to adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, anger management, conflict resolution, and LGBTQ+ Identity issues. My style and approach could be a good fit for individuals who may be dealing with symptoms that include: Anxiety, Grief, Stress, Anger, Low- Self-esteem, and Peer and Family Conflicts. I collaborate with clients to help them identify their symptoms, identify the source of their symptoms, and learn healthy ways to cope and build skills to feel better about themselves.
(714) 786-1058 View (714) 786-1058
Photo of Miranda Duncan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Miranda Duncan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
Hi there, I'm Miranda, a licensed clinical social worker. I am a mother of four and have been in private practice for about five years. Before that, I worked in clinical settings, in criminal and family courts and shelters. Much of my experience has been with at-risk youth and victims of domestic violence so I mainly utilize a trauma-informed approach. However, I don't subscribe to any single theoretical approach, and employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Psychodynamic techniques based on each individual. I will also teach you the skills to help you contain any reactions or symptoms that come up while processing.
Hi there, I'm Miranda, a licensed clinical social worker. I am a mother of four and have been in private practice for about five years. Before that, I worked in clinical settings, in criminal and family courts and shelters. Much of my experience has been with at-risk youth and victims of domestic violence so I mainly utilize a trauma-informed approach. However, I don't subscribe to any single theoretical approach, and employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Psychodynamic techniques based on each individual. I will also teach you the skills to help you contain any reactions or symptoms that come up while processing.
(858) 504-6621 View (858) 504-6621
Photo of Lane McConnell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lane McConnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
I am trained in a variety of models: dialectical behavioral therapy, abstinence & harm reduction, and psychodynamic therapy.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, borderline personality, sexuality issues or addiction? These are some of the areas I specialize in. I believe therapy can help you find the solutions you need to move forward to have a happier life. Have you struggled to find an effective type of therapy that works for you? I tailor my therapy approach to you based on what has and has not worked for you in the past. Together we will set therapy goals to help you remove present barriers, suffering and emotional pain so you can live your life to your upmost potential. Additional information: www.lanemcconnelltherapy.com
I am trained in a variety of models: dialectical behavioral therapy, abstinence & harm reduction, and psychodynamic therapy.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, borderline personality, sexuality issues or addiction? These are some of the areas I specialize in. I believe therapy can help you find the solutions you need to move forward to have a happier life. Have you struggled to find an effective type of therapy that works for you? I tailor my therapy approach to you based on what has and has not worked for you in the past. Together we will set therapy goals to help you remove present barriers, suffering and emotional pain so you can live your life to your upmost potential. Additional information: www.lanemcconnelltherapy.com
(628) 265-6736 View (628) 265-6736
Photo of Cay Carroll Kidd, LPCC, LCPC, CPC
Cay Carroll Kidd
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LCPC, CPC
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
I'm experienced in different treatment approaches such as Brainspotting, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy, virtual reality therapy and more.
I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with 17 years of experience. My work consists of individual psychotherapy with adult clientele only. I enjoy helping people and compassionate in my work with clients. Everyone experiences challenges in life; however, it's through the challenges that you grow the most. Together, we will work closely to analyze what struggles you are facing and their underlying causes, and work towards implementing change to the behaviors and thought patterns that are keeping you from being the best version of yourself.
I'm experienced in different treatment approaches such as Brainspotting, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy, virtual reality therapy and more.
I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with 17 years of experience. My work consists of individual psychotherapy with adult clientele only. I enjoy helping people and compassionate in my work with clients. Everyone experiences challenges in life; however, it's through the challenges that you grow the most. Together, we will work closely to analyze what struggles you are facing and their underlying causes, and work towards implementing change to the behaviors and thought patterns that are keeping you from being the best version of yourself.
(562) 306-1014 View (562) 306-1014
Photo of Lotus Do, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lotus Do
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
I offer a holistic clinical experience that fuses traditional clinical practices ( psychodynamic therapy, CBT and DBT) with intuitive forms of healing (mindfulness, spirituality and energy work).
Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless? Facing a crossroads? Exhausted by endless responsibilities? Relief may seem impossible when you are faced with chronic stress or extreme difficulties... but it is possible. My name is Lotus and I may be able to help. I am a Licensed Therapist and Gender Specialist with nearly a decade of experience specializing in Gender Dysphoria, complex trauma, depression, anxiety and disordered eating across the entire lifespan. Whether you are seeking support for you or your child, no topic is "too much" for me. I have supported hundreds of children and their families and adults build balanced, joyful lives.
I offer a holistic clinical experience that fuses traditional clinical practices ( psychodynamic therapy, CBT and DBT) with intuitive forms of healing (mindfulness, spirituality and energy work).
Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless? Facing a crossroads? Exhausted by endless responsibilities? Relief may seem impossible when you are faced with chronic stress or extreme difficulties... but it is possible. My name is Lotus and I may be able to help. I am a Licensed Therapist and Gender Specialist with nearly a decade of experience specializing in Gender Dysphoria, complex trauma, depression, anxiety and disordered eating across the entire lifespan. Whether you are seeking support for you or your child, no topic is "too much" for me. I have supported hundreds of children and their families and adults build balanced, joyful lives.
(619) 383-3284 View (619) 383-3284
Photo of Dr. Taeko Uchino - Positive Psychology Inc./Dr.Taeko Uchino, PsyD, Psychologist
Positive Psychology Inc./Dr.Taeko Uchino
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
Positive Psychology Inc. is a team of compassionate social justice-oriented psychologists committed to helping you find happiness and fulfillment in your life. Our focus is on enhancing your overall well-being, not just eliminating negatvity. We maintain that certain "disorders" only indicate diversity and help you live authentically. We can help you tap into your ancestral or cultural knowledge to find solutions and resources. We take insurance to make treatment accessible because we believe everyone is entitled to emotional well-being. At Positive Psychology Inc., we are committed to inclusivity, creating a safe space for all.
Positive Psychology Inc. is a team of compassionate social justice-oriented psychologists committed to helping you find happiness and fulfillment in your life. Our focus is on enhancing your overall well-being, not just eliminating negatvity. We maintain that certain "disorders" only indicate diversity and help you live authentically. We can help you tap into your ancestral or cultural knowledge to find solutions and resources. We take insurance to make treatment accessible because we believe everyone is entitled to emotional well-being. At Positive Psychology Inc., we are committed to inclusivity, creating a safe space for all.
(619) 332-5158 View (619) 332-5158
Photo of Carrie Lynne Yerdon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carrie Lynne Yerdon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
Life is a beautiful, messy, and complicated process. Through the midst of this process we lose connection to who we are and what makes us feel alive and whole. To me, therapy is a process of returning back ourselves. To identify what we need, engage in actions that meet those needs, and shed what is no longer serving us. My approach to therapy starts with our relationship, so you can feel safe and entrust this process with the most vulnerable parts of yourself. Through this entrusted relationship we can navigate the uncomfortable and messy parts of yourself and experiences that are blocking you from engaging in a meaningful life.
Life is a beautiful, messy, and complicated process. Through the midst of this process we lose connection to who we are and what makes us feel alive and whole. To me, therapy is a process of returning back ourselves. To identify what we need, engage in actions that meet those needs, and shed what is no longer serving us. My approach to therapy starts with our relationship, so you can feel safe and entrust this process with the most vulnerable parts of yourself. Through this entrusted relationship we can navigate the uncomfortable and messy parts of yourself and experiences that are blocking you from engaging in a meaningful life.
(619) 345-3939 View (619) 345-3939
Photo of Juan Calderon-Aguirre - GrowthWell Counseling Consortium, MSSA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
GrowthWell Counseling Consortium
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108
Do you ever feel like life is too difficult, too painful, or unfair? Negative experiences can often overshadow everything, shaping how we see the world and interact with those around us. Life's challenges can impact us in many ways, causing mood fluctuations, and difficulties in adjusting to new situations, and straining personal, school, and work relationships. As a therapist, we tailor our approach to each individual's needs and circumstances, using techniques such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and the Gottman Method for couples.
Do you ever feel like life is too difficult, too painful, or unfair? Negative experiences can often overshadow everything, shaping how we see the world and interact with those around us. Life's challenges can impact us in many ways, causing mood fluctuations, and difficulties in adjusting to new situations, and straining personal, school, and work relationships. As a therapist, we tailor our approach to each individual's needs and circumstances, using techniques such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and the Gottman Method for couples.
(619) 389-3558 View (619) 389-3558
Photo of Christopher Hamann - Hazel Hamann, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hazel Hamann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
UPDATE 8/24: I'M on LEAVE through OCTOBER 2024. Are you queer and/or trans? Do you feel lost and disconnected from your daily life? Exhausted by life's endless responsibilities? Unhappy and dissatisfied with the relationships in your life? I believe in your capacity to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life. I'm here to support your path there. I'm a queer, transgender, & Latinx therapist who has worked with my communities and beyond for 10+ years. I specialize in working with concerns related to relationships, life transitions, intimacy, gender, and sexuality. Let’s work together toward greater balance, growth, and freedom.
UPDATE 8/24: I'M on LEAVE through OCTOBER 2024. Are you queer and/or trans? Do you feel lost and disconnected from your daily life? Exhausted by life's endless responsibilities? Unhappy and dissatisfied with the relationships in your life? I believe in your capacity to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life. I'm here to support your path there. I'm a queer, transgender, & Latinx therapist who has worked with my communities and beyond for 10+ years. I specialize in working with concerns related to relationships, life transitions, intimacy, gender, and sexuality. Let’s work together toward greater balance, growth, and freedom.
(858) 251-8653 View (858) 251-8653
Photo of Nahyune (Gina) Lim, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Nahyune (Gina) Lim
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with clients who are facing anxiety, depression, and trauma/PTSD, along with those working through significant transitions in their relationships, careers, and health. As a client-centered and strength-based therapist, I believe that you are ultimately the expert on yourself and it is my role to help guide you back to living the life you want to live.
I specialize in working with clients who are facing anxiety, depression, and trauma/PTSD, along with those working through significant transitions in their relationships, careers, and health. As a client-centered and strength-based therapist, I believe that you are ultimately the expert on yourself and it is my role to help guide you back to living the life you want to live.
(619) 330-7634 View (619) 330-7634
Photo of Colleen Mullen, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Colleen Mullen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
Aug-12/24 No appointments available. Do you struggle between doing it all while also feeling like, "Why do I bother?" Life can be overwhelming. When you've been in "go mode" forever it's difficult to find time to even think about what you might want from your life. I have a deep understanding of the unique struggles faced by ambitious perfectionists. The constant pursuit of excellence can lead to burnout and strain on personal relationships. If you find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance and want to learn to manage the chaos in your life to feel more fulfilled and have more time for what makes you happy, call me.
Aug-12/24 No appointments available. Do you struggle between doing it all while also feeling like, "Why do I bother?" Life can be overwhelming. When you've been in "go mode" forever it's difficult to find time to even think about what you might want from your life. I have a deep understanding of the unique struggles faced by ambitious perfectionists. The constant pursuit of excellence can lead to burnout and strain on personal relationships. If you find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance and want to learn to manage the chaos in your life to feel more fulfilled and have more time for what makes you happy, call me.
(619) 881-0051 View (619) 881-0051
Photo of Brian Brosnan, LCSW, LCAS, ICAADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brian Brosnan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, ICAADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
Looking for help can be daunting. Life brings us challenges, decisions and transitions where we need some guidance, perspective and support. Together, we will create a fun, yet straight forward and solution - based environment for managing life’s challenges and thrive while overcoming them.
Looking for help can be daunting. Life brings us challenges, decisions and transitions where we need some guidance, perspective and support. Together, we will create a fun, yet straight forward and solution - based environment for managing life’s challenges and thrive while overcoming them.
(213) 855-3551 View (213) 855-3551
Photo of Cassandra Gilbert, MSCP, APCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Cassandra Gilbert
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSCP, APCC
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
Ready to heal, but don’t know where to start? Where you are now is just the beginning of your next chapter and I'm happy to support you! Hi! I’m Cassandra Gilbert, a culturally sensitive pre-licensed professional counselor & mental wellness advocate. I understand the deep desire to heal and break out of patterns, but not knowing where to start. My personal experience with healing and therapy shaped my desire to help others create meaningful change within themselves & their lives. As a woman of color, and a mother, I am a strong advocate for mental health services for women, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Ready to heal, but don’t know where to start? Where you are now is just the beginning of your next chapter and I'm happy to support you! Hi! I’m Cassandra Gilbert, a culturally sensitive pre-licensed professional counselor & mental wellness advocate. I understand the deep desire to heal and break out of patterns, but not knowing where to start. My personal experience with healing and therapy shaped my desire to help others create meaningful change within themselves & their lives. As a woman of color, and a mother, I am a strong advocate for mental health services for women, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.
(619) 480-2408 View (619) 480-2408
Photo of Gina Poltl, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gina Poltl
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
"To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world"(Author unknown). When we are facing daily challenges in our lives, it can be difficult to see that we are loved, have a positive mindset, be grateful, feel good about ourselves, smile or have the motivation to do things which can negatively impact our daily functioning and relationships with others. My hope is that through therapy you will learn how to overcome these obstacles in order to become the best version of yourself and realize how important you are in this world.
"To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world"(Author unknown). When we are facing daily challenges in our lives, it can be difficult to see that we are loved, have a positive mindset, be grateful, feel good about ourselves, smile or have the motivation to do things which can negatively impact our daily functioning and relationships with others. My hope is that through therapy you will learn how to overcome these obstacles in order to become the best version of yourself and realize how important you are in this world.
(858) 504-6402 View (858) 504-6402
Photo of Katharine Rosas, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katharine Rosas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
My goal as a therapist is to provide you with a safe environment to explore feelings, difficulties, coping skills, passions and personal goals. The goal of each therapy session is to assess and build insight, motivate and encourage with the ultimate goal to empower you to live a happy, successful, fulfilled life.
My goal as a therapist is to provide you with a safe environment to explore feelings, difficulties, coping skills, passions and personal goals. The goal of each therapy session is to assess and build insight, motivate and encourage with the ultimate goal to empower you to live a happy, successful, fulfilled life.
(650) 338-0164 View (650) 338-0164
Photo of Callie Reece, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Callie Reece
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Serra Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123  (Online Only)
The most fundamental component to effective therapy is having a strong bond with your therapist. When we start therapy together, the first order of business will be establishing that type of bond. From there you will feel the support you need to start exploring the material you've come to therapy to heal.
The most fundamental component to effective therapy is having a strong bond with your therapist. When we start therapy together, the first order of business will be establishing that type of bond. From there you will feel the support you need to start exploring the material you've come to therapy to heal.
(650) 955-0143 View (650) 955-0143
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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.