Psychodynamic Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Client centered, psychodynamic therapy interventions support uncovering obstacles to change.
The most important person in the therapy session is you. The most mysterious person in the therapy session is you. And the most powerful insight will eventually come from you. You may feel stuck, angry, lonely, confused, hopeless or numb. Maybe you feel too much? Perhaps you're losing hours on tik tok or porn sites? you dissociate, sleep too much; can't sleep. It's okay to reach out. Everyone wants connection, everyone needs connection. Therapy can help you find ways to connect.
Client centered, psychodynamic therapy interventions support uncovering obstacles to change.
The most important person in the therapy session is you. The most mysterious person in the therapy session is you. And the most powerful insight will eventually come from you. You may feel stuck, angry, lonely, confused, hopeless or numb. Maybe you feel too much? Perhaps you're losing hours on tik tok or porn sites? you dissociate, sleep too much; can't sleep. It's okay to reach out. Everyone wants connection, everyone needs connection. Therapy can help you find ways to connect.
Ryan’s work is integrative, pulling from his passion for somatic healing, and rooted in a therapeutic approach that emphasizes psychodynamic theory, depth psychology, and attachment focused work.
Ryan approaches each session with warmth, genuineness, and empathy. He believes in meeting each individual where they are and creating an environment that is built on trust, safety, and a strong, caring relationship. Therapy with Ryan is a safe and comprehensive exploration into one’s life that focuses on growth, evolution, insight, awareness, and understanding. Therapy with Ryan is a space that allows one to unfold and make sense of life’s complexities, resulting in a life and a way of being that feels authentic and meaningful.
Ryan’s work is integrative, pulling from his passion for somatic healing, and rooted in a therapeutic approach that emphasizes psychodynamic theory, depth psychology, and attachment focused work.
Ryan approaches each session with warmth, genuineness, and empathy. He believes in meeting each individual where they are and creating an environment that is built on trust, safety, and a strong, caring relationship. Therapy with Ryan is a safe and comprehensive exploration into one’s life that focuses on growth, evolution, insight, awareness, and understanding. Therapy with Ryan is a space that allows one to unfold and make sense of life’s complexities, resulting in a life and a way of being that feels authentic and meaningful.
J. Sarah MacEwan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
I work experientially, approaching whatever is alive for you in the moment, utilizing psychodynamic, somatic/body-oriented, IFS "parts" work, process, and expressive arts therapies.
Too many of us are suffering in isolation, with complex challenges and big feelings we were never meant to carry on our own. That's where therapy comes in. I love supporting people with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, co-dependance, and issues around self-worth and self-esteem. Bring me your grief, your sadness, your anxiety and your overwhelm. Bring me your wounded parts, and let's hold them close, together. Once you have a place where you feel seen, heard and held without judgment, you will naturally begin to heal. Allow me to be that place for you today.
I work experientially, approaching whatever is alive for you in the moment, utilizing psychodynamic, somatic/body-oriented, IFS "parts" work, process, and expressive arts therapies.
Too many of us are suffering in isolation, with complex challenges and big feelings we were never meant to carry on our own. That's where therapy comes in. I love supporting people with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, co-dependance, and issues around self-worth and self-esteem. Bring me your grief, your sadness, your anxiety and your overwhelm. Bring me your wounded parts, and let's hold them close, together. Once you have a place where you feel seen, heard and held without judgment, you will naturally begin to heal. Allow me to be that place for you today.
Heidi Poteet Marini
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ALPCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I incorporate psychodynamic and attachment theory to help you gain awareness of patterns from your past that affect your life in the present.
Life can be hard but I'm guessing you already knew that. All the hard stuff can leave us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or sad. Sometimes life's challenges become too difficult to overcome alone. Finding a safe and collaborative place to explore and address what is troubling you is the first step toward healing. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or challenges within a relationship. While there are no guarantees of what you will experience in therapy, research shows that therapy helps people. It works. Psychotherapy can elevate feelings of self worth, purpose, and improve your overall quality of life.
I incorporate psychodynamic and attachment theory to help you gain awareness of patterns from your past that affect your life in the present.
Life can be hard but I'm guessing you already knew that. All the hard stuff can leave us feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or sad. Sometimes life's challenges become too difficult to overcome alone. Finding a safe and collaborative place to explore and address what is troubling you is the first step toward healing. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or challenges within a relationship. While there are no guarantees of what you will experience in therapy, research shows that therapy helps people. It works. Psychotherapy can elevate feelings of self worth, purpose, and improve your overall quality of life.
from psychodynamic to mindful meditation.
Dr. Dani Beckerman is a leading expert specializing in intimacy, desire, sexuality & self-care. She is a well-being specialist working with individuals, couples, groups, communities & corporations helping them grow, thrive & execute holistic health. Client centered; very astute; keen analytical abilities; provocative, evocative, experiential approach. Courses:nonverbal communication meditation & emotion well-being & self-care for clinicians. Certified: How to prepare for surgery & heal quicker
from psychodynamic to mindful meditation.
Dr. Dani Beckerman is a leading expert specializing in intimacy, desire, sexuality & self-care. She is a well-being specialist working with individuals, couples, groups, communities & corporations helping them grow, thrive & execute holistic health. Client centered; very astute; keen analytical abilities; provocative, evocative, experiential approach. Courses:nonverbal communication meditation & emotion well-being & self-care for clinicians. Certified: How to prepare for surgery & heal quicker
Alicia M Foronda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I count with the fortune of a large experience assisting families, where the systemic and psychodynamic perspectives have been valuable in their mental health progress; along with the skills in adult psychotherapy and play-therapy with children.
Invest in yourself and your loved ones; therapy is not just a mental health treatment sought when we are suffering from mental distress, or unable to conduct life as wanted. Therapy is also a self discovery process to get a greater and deeper knowledge about ourselves, which will allow to make better choices and become the person that we have wished. Having someone to accompany you in this path, with a professional perspective, non-judgmental listening and accurate interventions, will allow you to cope with painful circumstances, significant life changes / transitions, as well with symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD and others.
I count with the fortune of a large experience assisting families, where the systemic and psychodynamic perspectives have been valuable in their mental health progress; along with the skills in adult psychotherapy and play-therapy with children.
Invest in yourself and your loved ones; therapy is not just a mental health treatment sought when we are suffering from mental distress, or unable to conduct life as wanted. Therapy is also a self discovery process to get a greater and deeper knowledge about ourselves, which will allow to make better choices and become the person that we have wished. Having someone to accompany you in this path, with a professional perspective, non-judgmental listening and accurate interventions, will allow you to cope with painful circumstances, significant life changes / transitions, as well with symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD and others.
Hania C O'Neill
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Through the use of psychodynamic, somatic, and eco-therapy, I will help clients integrate their mental, physical, and spiritual health, bringing balance and regulation.
Hi, my name is Hania and I am a MA, AMFT, and APCC. In these times, struggling with feelings of loss, trauma, or disconnection can lead to many mental health imbalances such as anxiety or depression, to name a few. By using a holistic and integrative approach, I collaborate with clients to foster a deeper understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Through this unfolding self-awareness, we will explore patterns and limiting beliefs that interrupt personal growth and wellness. Through taking small steps toward creating balance in various facets of your life, we can cultivate wholeness.
Through the use of psychodynamic, somatic, and eco-therapy, I will help clients integrate their mental, physical, and spiritual health, bringing balance and regulation.
Hi, my name is Hania and I am a MA, AMFT, and APCC. In these times, struggling with feelings of loss, trauma, or disconnection can lead to many mental health imbalances such as anxiety or depression, to name a few. By using a holistic and integrative approach, I collaborate with clients to foster a deeper understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Through this unfolding self-awareness, we will explore patterns and limiting beliefs that interrupt personal growth and wellness. Through taking small steps toward creating balance in various facets of your life, we can cultivate wholeness.
Michael Seniuk
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
My approach is informed by psychodynamic, somatic, and humanistic psychotherapy.
We all want to be happy, to be our authentic self, to experience deep and fulfilling relationships, but sometimes we may find ourselves stuck and overwhelmed by our situation in life, our thoughts, feelings, or relationships. As hard as these experiences can be, they are also doorways to greater meaning, purpose and growth. I work with people of all backgrounds struggling with addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, identity, grief and loss, spiritual and psychedelic integration and more. Utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities I will help you to access your innate ability for growth, healing and transformation.
My approach is informed by psychodynamic, somatic, and humanistic psychotherapy.
We all want to be happy, to be our authentic self, to experience deep and fulfilling relationships, but sometimes we may find ourselves stuck and overwhelmed by our situation in life, our thoughts, feelings, or relationships. As hard as these experiences can be, they are also doorways to greater meaning, purpose and growth. I work with people of all backgrounds struggling with addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, identity, grief and loss, spiritual and psychedelic integration and more. Utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities I will help you to access your innate ability for growth, healing and transformation.
Beth Chiarelli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
I practice from a combination of psychodynamic and humanistic treatment approaches incorporating CBT/DBT, and Motivational Interviewing with a combination of somatic exercises, such as TRE.
I have been providing safe spaces for over 25 years in highly energetic medical settings. I approach each individual with empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity to prioritize autonomy and self-determination. Much of my work has been with people with CPTSD, PTSD, Grief, Complex medical issues, Co-Dependency, LGBTQ+, Alcohol/Drug use. I specialize in individualized treatment plans by assessing needs, providing reflective listening and clarifying goals. Checking in to make sure that we are moving at a pace convenient for you. Are you struggling with anxiety/depression? Are you tired and ready for change?
I practice from a combination of psychodynamic and humanistic treatment approaches incorporating CBT/DBT, and Motivational Interviewing with a combination of somatic exercises, such as TRE.
I have been providing safe spaces for over 25 years in highly energetic medical settings. I approach each individual with empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity to prioritize autonomy and self-determination. Much of my work has been with people with CPTSD, PTSD, Grief, Complex medical issues, Co-Dependency, LGBTQ+, Alcohol/Drug use. I specialize in individualized treatment plans by assessing needs, providing reflective listening and clarifying goals. Checking in to make sure that we are moving at a pace convenient for you. Are you struggling with anxiety/depression? Are you tired and ready for change?
Sean Neesley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
My practice weaves psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive approaches together to create an organic and authentic atmosphere for growth.
How do we regain balance after losing our footing? Whether through anxiety, anger, depression, fear, guilt or shame, it is normal for our lives to present challenges that throw us seemingly off course. At the same time, life’s greatest challenges can also present opportunities for growth, deep healing and the reintegration of lost parts of ourselves. In my work with clients, I provide a safe and supportive environment to express and explore challenging emotions, thoughts and beliefs and help them discover new vistas and vantage points from which to enjoy and appreciate themselves, their lives, and their relationships again.
My practice weaves psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive approaches together to create an organic and authentic atmosphere for growth.
How do we regain balance after losing our footing? Whether through anxiety, anger, depression, fear, guilt or shame, it is normal for our lives to present challenges that throw us seemingly off course. At the same time, life’s greatest challenges can also present opportunities for growth, deep healing and the reintegration of lost parts of ourselves. In my work with clients, I provide a safe and supportive environment to express and explore challenging emotions, thoughts and beliefs and help them discover new vistas and vantage points from which to enjoy and appreciate themselves, their lives, and their relationships again.
My training includes but is not limited to therapeutic modalities of CBT (and CBT for Psychosis), DBT, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic.
Asking for help can be a monumental decision that requires a lot of courage. Finding the right therapist can be an equally difficult task. A therapeutic relationship needs to feel safe and collaborative, as it can serve as a foundation for healing. My goal is to assist you in accessing your internal strengths, exploring obstacles and working to overcome your challenges. Understanding what style or type of therapy you need can feel confusing. I will work with you to create a plan for treatment that is aligned with your needs and personality.
My training includes but is not limited to therapeutic modalities of CBT (and CBT for Psychosis), DBT, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic.
Asking for help can be a monumental decision that requires a lot of courage. Finding the right therapist can be an equally difficult task. A therapeutic relationship needs to feel safe and collaborative, as it can serve as a foundation for healing. My goal is to assist you in accessing your internal strengths, exploring obstacles and working to overcome your challenges. Understanding what style or type of therapy you need can feel confusing. I will work with you to create a plan for treatment that is aligned with your needs and personality.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
I practice therapy with a psychodynamic perspective, exploring conscious and unconscious patterns, behaviors, and beliefs that impact one's identity and relationships.
Therapy can help you find balance, connection, and fulfillment. In order to do so, I believe it's important that we acknowledge the shadow elements of life-the challenges that cause us pain, confusion, and block us from finding a sense of harmony and well-being. I collaborate with you in navigating the shadows and the more buried aspects of your life in order to develop a deeper capacity for balance, personal growth, and healing. To find out more about who I am, how I work, and if I might be the right therapist for you, consider visiting santacruztherapy.org
I practice therapy with a psychodynamic perspective, exploring conscious and unconscious patterns, behaviors, and beliefs that impact one's identity and relationships.
Therapy can help you find balance, connection, and fulfillment. In order to do so, I believe it's important that we acknowledge the shadow elements of life-the challenges that cause us pain, confusion, and block us from finding a sense of harmony and well-being. I collaborate with you in navigating the shadows and the more buried aspects of your life in order to develop a deeper capacity for balance, personal growth, and healing. To find out more about who I am, how I work, and if I might be the right therapist for you, consider visiting santacruztherapy.org
Travis Trotter
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD(c), MA, PCC, CPCC, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I am trained in various therapeutic approaches, including Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychedelic Psychotherapy, Yoga Therapy, and Life Coaching.
As part of the Silvi Integrative Health team, I help clients with various mental health concerns, including trauma, stress, depression, and anxiety. If you are struggling with challenges that are holding you back from reaching your full potential, I am here to support and help you overcome internal and external obstacles. Whether it's increasing self-awareness, enhancing communication skills, breaking unhealthy habits, or promoting greater personal responsibility, I am here to help you achieve your goals. I have extensive experience in therapy, coaching, and consulting with individuals, couples, and organizations.
I am trained in various therapeutic approaches, including Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychedelic Psychotherapy, Yoga Therapy, and Life Coaching.
As part of the Silvi Integrative Health team, I help clients with various mental health concerns, including trauma, stress, depression, and anxiety. If you are struggling with challenges that are holding you back from reaching your full potential, I am here to support and help you overcome internal and external obstacles. Whether it's increasing self-awareness, enhancing communication skills, breaking unhealthy habits, or promoting greater personal responsibility, I am here to help you achieve your goals. I have extensive experience in therapy, coaching, and consulting with individuals, couples, and organizations.
Vicky Zhao
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
I provide psychodynamic-oriented, existentialism-inspired, and process-focused therapy for those seeking expansions in their human capacity and spiritual growth.
I support clients who struggle with chronic depression, anxiety, relational issues, and existential crises by inviting them to look inwardly and incorporate their growing insight into daily life’s challenges. I believe the process of self-discovery is the realest gift of life, the path leading to our internal peace and freedom. My passion is to support you in becoming you, in this world we all live in - as your self, and as part of something greater.
I provide psychodynamic-oriented, existentialism-inspired, and process-focused therapy for those seeking expansions in their human capacity and spiritual growth.
I support clients who struggle with chronic depression, anxiety, relational issues, and existential crises by inviting them to look inwardly and incorporate their growing insight into daily life’s challenges. I believe the process of self-discovery is the realest gift of life, the path leading to our internal peace and freedom. My passion is to support you in becoming you, in this world we all live in - as your self, and as part of something greater.
I earned my MA from Pacifica Graduate Institute, and a certificate in psychodynamic psychotherapy from The Psychotherapy Institute in Berkeley, CA.
When psychological suffering feels unbearable, seeking a therapist to help you find your way is a great act of courage. Psychotherapy is an active collaboration in which we tend to your inner life, bringing care and curiosity to the deepest parts of you. Profound change is possible in a therapeutic relationship based on trust. From your most disturbing and shame inducing symptoms to your greatest strengths--every part of you belongs here. I have been successful in treating individuals with: anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, relationship troubles, cultural identity issues, perinatal mood disorders, problem drinking, infidelity and grief.
I earned my MA from Pacifica Graduate Institute, and a certificate in psychodynamic psychotherapy from The Psychotherapy Institute in Berkeley, CA.
When psychological suffering feels unbearable, seeking a therapist to help you find your way is a great act of courage. Psychotherapy is an active collaboration in which we tend to your inner life, bringing care and curiosity to the deepest parts of you. Profound change is possible in a therapeutic relationship based on trust. From your most disturbing and shame inducing symptoms to your greatest strengths--every part of you belongs here. I have been successful in treating individuals with: anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, relationship troubles, cultural identity issues, perinatal mood disorders, problem drinking, infidelity and grief.
The most common theoretical approaches I use are CBT, Solution Focused, Psychodynamic, and Client-Centered.
My name is Lavina Ellison. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. 138663. I typically work with clients dealing with Relationship issues, grief, behavior issues, depression, trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I tend to thrive with clients dealing with depression, trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I offer a non-judgmental space to aid in my clients feeling like they can be themselves and keep it real in session. I am very compassionate and utilize active listening to help clients feel heard and supported. I am also quite direct at times to help my clients challenge and move past therapeutic roadblocks.
The most common theoretical approaches I use are CBT, Solution Focused, Psychodynamic, and Client-Centered.
My name is Lavina Ellison. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. 138663. I typically work with clients dealing with Relationship issues, grief, behavior issues, depression, trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I tend to thrive with clients dealing with depression, trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I offer a non-judgmental space to aid in my clients feeling like they can be themselves and keep it real in session. I am very compassionate and utilize active listening to help clients feel heard and supported. I am also quite direct at times to help my clients challenge and move past therapeutic roadblocks.
Lance Bauscher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I am a strength-based psychotherapist committed to the unique process of each client and each therapeutic moment. I work with a balanced approach between a solution-focused, positive psychology and the deeper work of existential, psychodynamic or mindfulness-based interventions. I specialize in life and developmental transitions where symptoms such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, or triggered trauma increase in intensity and frequency and threaten that which we cherish. But I view the nagging presence and awareness of our problems as proof that we are ready and capable of dealing with them.
I am a strength-based psychotherapist committed to the unique process of each client and each therapeutic moment. I work with a balanced approach between a solution-focused, positive psychology and the deeper work of existential, psychodynamic or mindfulness-based interventions. I specialize in life and developmental transitions where symptoms such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, or triggered trauma increase in intensity and frequency and threaten that which we cherish. But I view the nagging presence and awareness of our problems as proof that we are ready and capable of dealing with them.
Julie Herzog
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
For example, I utilize brief therapy models, a psychodynamic approach as well as employing play and art therapy techniques.
I am a holistic psychotherapist and will work to help you integrate mind, body and spirit. I believe we all have the propensity for health and wellness. Together we can work with your acute crisis or your desire to explore a deeper connection to self. Helping individuals (children, teens, adults), couples and families throughout the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay area....I look forward to meeting you, working with you and assisting you in achieving better mental health.
For example, I utilize brief therapy models, a psychodynamic approach as well as employing play and art therapy techniques.
I am a holistic psychotherapist and will work to help you integrate mind, body and spirit. I believe we all have the propensity for health and wellness. Together we can work with your acute crisis or your desire to explore a deeper connection to self. Helping individuals (children, teens, adults), couples and families throughout the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay area....I look forward to meeting you, working with you and assisting you in achieving better mental health.
Karen Huckaby
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Waitlist for new clients
My approach to therapy is typically long-term, client-focused, and combines elements of attachment, existential, and psychodynamic therapies, and works to find the best possible method to help the client meet their own needs – usually with stories, humor, and empathic understanding.
What's up! I'm love working with young adults and individuals who are going through big changes: sorting out their identity, new job/college experiences, shifts in relationship or religious beliefs. I also work with those who've experienced religious trauma, had adverse religious experiences, or experienced spiritual abuse. I won't ask clients to go where I haven't been myself: I've been doing my own healing in these areas over the years as well. It’s such an honor to work with courageous people who want to figure themselves out, so they can figure out where they'd like to go!
My approach to therapy is typically long-term, client-focused, and combines elements of attachment, existential, and psychodynamic therapies, and works to find the best possible method to help the client meet their own needs – usually with stories, humor, and empathic understanding.
What's up! I'm love working with young adults and individuals who are going through big changes: sorting out their identity, new job/college experiences, shifts in relationship or religious beliefs. I also work with those who've experienced religious trauma, had adverse religious experiences, or experienced spiritual abuse. I won't ask clients to go where I haven't been myself: I've been doing my own healing in these areas over the years as well. It’s such an honor to work with courageous people who want to figure themselves out, so they can figure out where they'd like to go!
Dr. Chyneitha Cook | California Teletherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
As an integrative therapist, I am primarily cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and psychodynamic in orientation.
Are you worried, frustrated, or just plain disappointed with certain situations in your life? Perhaps your issues are current, or maybe they have been resurfacing, with no resolution. Seeking help is a big step, but it's a step in the right direction. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety and depression. My clients learn to consider all aspects of their functioning as human beings (biological, psychological, spiritual, etc.). I will assist you with developing a plan for working through the past or current situations that are hindering your progress in life, so that you can begin to function more effectively, and thrive.
As an integrative therapist, I am primarily cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and psychodynamic in orientation.
Are you worried, frustrated, or just plain disappointed with certain situations in your life? Perhaps your issues are current, or maybe they have been resurfacing, with no resolution. Seeking help is a big step, but it's a step in the right direction. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety and depression. My clients learn to consider all aspects of their functioning as human beings (biological, psychological, spiritual, etc.). I will assist you with developing a plan for working through the past or current situations that are hindering your progress in life, so that you can begin to function more effectively, and thrive.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
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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.