Psychodynamic Therapists in Gainesville, FL
![Photo of Julia Murchison, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5caee18f-318f-4c9d-9957-eefe29bb6f4e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Julia Murchison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gainesville, FL 32653 (Online Only)
I use cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, ACT, polyvagal theory, and mindfulness skills through a psychodynamic lens to empower you to uncover the emotional blocks and thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida working as a clinical therapist. My focus is helping people learn to feel safe in their own body while addressing issues of stress, anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, and substance use.
I use cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, ACT, polyvagal theory, and mindfulness skills through a psychodynamic lens to empower you to uncover the emotional blocks and thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida working as a clinical therapist. My focus is helping people learn to feel safe in their own body while addressing issues of stress, anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, and substance use.
![Photo of Sandy Alexis Levy, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b2c932d-8433-4a5f-b39e-28b8a5545d71/1/320x400.jpeg)
I use psychodynamic, cognitive and Internal Family Systems techniques.
If you feel depressed or anxious, frustrated with yourself or someone else, or reeling from an important life transition, therapy can be life-changing. As your therapist, we will identify the source of your discomfort, and guide you toward repairing the disconnect between how you feel and who you want to be. I work with couples and families as well, having difficulties with communication and living harmoniously together. I specialize in young adults (18-35), for whom therapy can be pivotal in achieving great growth and change. Another specialty is those having issues with parenting, and balancing work/family/individual needs.
I use psychodynamic, cognitive and Internal Family Systems techniques.
If you feel depressed or anxious, frustrated with yourself or someone else, or reeling from an important life transition, therapy can be life-changing. As your therapist, we will identify the source of your discomfort, and guide you toward repairing the disconnect between how you feel and who you want to be. I work with couples and families as well, having difficulties with communication and living harmoniously together. I specialize in young adults (18-35), for whom therapy can be pivotal in achieving great growth and change. Another specialty is those having issues with parenting, and balancing work/family/individual needs.
![Photo of David Cox, PhD, EdS, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c0e959d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work from a perspective that is focused and strategic, combining priniciples of mindfulness, psychodynamic theory and EMDR.
I work with men, women, students, and couples. My master's focus was in mental health and trauma, my PhD internship focused on community mental health. I treat anxiety and stress, along with trauma disorders using EMDR. I can help clients with a wide range of issues. My approach to therapy is client centered. I treat the whole person, not just a symptom profile of the person. Results from my work include symptom reduction and clients feeling more confident and focused. Clients also report not feeling so burdened internally, thus freeing them to be more alive and present, thus increasing quality of life experience,
I work from a perspective that is focused and strategic, combining priniciples of mindfulness, psychodynamic theory and EMDR.
I work with men, women, students, and couples. My master's focus was in mental health and trauma, my PhD internship focused on community mental health. I treat anxiety and stress, along with trauma disorders using EMDR. I can help clients with a wide range of issues. My approach to therapy is client centered. I treat the whole person, not just a symptom profile of the person. Results from my work include symptom reduction and clients feeling more confident and focused. Clients also report not feeling so burdened internally, thus freeing them to be more alive and present, thus increasing quality of life experience,
![Photo of Michal Katz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/19b8662c-790d-4d00-afe2-5a2379e4cd91/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michal Katz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Gainesville, FL 32608 (Online Only)
The most common include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR, and psychodynamic theories.
Hi there, I'm Michal! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to therapy is strength-based. I believe that each client is the expert on their life and has the innate ability to heal themselves. I am here to support and help the client re-discover their natural and inherited inner wisdom. The client is never the problem, it is the environment and the conditioned or unhealthy defense mechanism that we learned along the way. Through reflection, analysis, and hands-on application of therapy, I have helped many clients develop new coping skills, insights, and capacity to resolve life challenges.
The most common include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR, and psychodynamic theories.
Hi there, I'm Michal! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to therapy is strength-based. I believe that each client is the expert on their life and has the innate ability to heal themselves. I am here to support and help the client re-discover their natural and inherited inner wisdom. The client is never the problem, it is the environment and the conditioned or unhealthy defense mechanism that we learned along the way. Through reflection, analysis, and hands-on application of therapy, I have helped many clients develop new coping skills, insights, and capacity to resolve life challenges.
![Photo of Ginger Stegall - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Gainesville](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/359105e3-9677-4a51-97b9-2026f1409fbf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Gainesville
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Verified Verified
Gainesville, FL 32606
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
![Photo of Lissa Friedman, PhD, LMHC, ATR, CHT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c71a2b4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lissa Friedman
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LMHC, ATR, CHT
Verified Verified
Gainesville, FL 32601
I am eclectic, psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, mindful, whatever works.
www.lissafriedman.com - I like to help people find the deep knot of their pattern, gently lovingly untie it, and bring healing to the wound. I have been a therapist for about 30 years, and in private Practice since 1987. While my style is eclectic, it is my warmth, compassion, and acceptance that underlie all of my work. I try to provide an environment, much like a container, for my clients to open to their own natural self compassion and acceptance. Seeing each person as whole, rather than deficient provides an environment for people to come to a natural place of healing.
I am eclectic, psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, mindful, whatever works.
www.lissafriedman.com - I like to help people find the deep knot of their pattern, gently lovingly untie it, and bring healing to the wound. I have been a therapist for about 30 years, and in private Practice since 1987. While my style is eclectic, it is my warmth, compassion, and acceptance that underlie all of my work. I try to provide an environment, much like a container, for my clients to open to their own natural self compassion and acceptance. Seeing each person as whole, rather than deficient provides an environment for people to come to a natural place of healing.
![Photo of Courtney Mann, MSW, RCSWI](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92ced147-938d-4774-a325-121bb4c4262c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Courtney Mann
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, MSW, RCSWI
Verified Verified
Gainesville, FL 32603 (Online Only)
My treatment modality draws from relational and psychodynamic frameworks as well as DBT, which can be tailored based on your individual needs.
Hi and thanks for reading! I'm a relational therapist focused on collaborating together to create long lasting change in the way you feel about yourself, your life, and your relationships. Feeling safe while you explore what you've been through and what might be causing you to feel stuck is a crucial part of this work. If you've been struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, or the ability to navigate difficult emotions, I would love to work with you.
My treatment modality draws from relational and psychodynamic frameworks as well as DBT, which can be tailored based on your individual needs.
Hi and thanks for reading! I'm a relational therapist focused on collaborating together to create long lasting change in the way you feel about yourself, your life, and your relationships. Feeling safe while you explore what you've been through and what might be causing you to feel stuck is a crucial part of this work. If you've been struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, or the ability to navigate difficult emotions, I would love to work with you.
![Photo of Daniellys Diaz, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/989ddcd0-3327-40fd-8a2b-456a8ed06239/2/320x400.jpeg)
Daniellys "Danny" Diaz graduated from Webster University with a Master's Degree in Counseling in 2018 before continuing on as a Family Behavioral Therapist at a nonprofit organization. Her goal as your therapist is to make you feel comfortable, hopeful, and validated when addressing lifestyle stressors via therapeutic interventions, discussions, and activities. A safe space will be provided to explore challenges such as anxiety & depression, addictions, grief, trauma, relationship issues, anger management, and more.
Daniellys "Danny" Diaz graduated from Webster University with a Master's Degree in Counseling in 2018 before continuing on as a Family Behavioral Therapist at a nonprofit organization. Her goal as your therapist is to make you feel comfortable, hopeful, and validated when addressing lifestyle stressors via therapeutic interventions, discussions, and activities. A safe space will be provided to explore challenges such as anxiety & depression, addictions, grief, trauma, relationship issues, anger management, and more.
![Photo of Vicki Knox, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81960a85-eb1c-4c12-8ba8-80d048dc72ad/2/320x400.jpeg)
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”- Maya Angelou. Whatever your story may be, I hope to create a safe and healing space for you to share it. I believe that being seen and heard fully is an intricate part of the healing process. Together we can tap into your strengths to work through trauma, difficult relationships, and challenges in your life.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”- Maya Angelou. Whatever your story may be, I hope to create a safe and healing space for you to share it. I believe that being seen and heard fully is an intricate part of the healing process. Together we can tap into your strengths to work through trauma, difficult relationships, and challenges in your life.
![Photo of Dr. Kelly Aissen, PhD, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d2d6592-3569-4bf3-a276-cee5a62efc80/2/320x400.jpeg)
In therapy I aim to engage clients in their process of personal growth and meet them where they are in their change process. Various interventions are used to meet the diversity of clientele that I work with. My personal approach to therapy is supportive of self-care and the influences of family and environmental contexts.
In therapy I aim to engage clients in their process of personal growth and meet them where they are in their change process. Various interventions are used to meet the diversity of clientele that I work with. My personal approach to therapy is supportive of self-care and the influences of family and environmental contexts.
![Photo of Cheryl A Barry, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9ade226-cccc-4b96-8eaf-88739816ba19/3/320x400.jpeg)
Cheryl A Barry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gainesville, FL 32653
My client has a need to feel better about issues that they cannot resolve. My client wants to be educated about what they are feeling, and why they experience it. My client will learn, and apply managing techniques for coping, calming and self correcting their triggers to dysfunctional thoughts and actions.
My client has a need to feel better about issues that they cannot resolve. My client wants to be educated about what they are feeling, and why they experience it. My client will learn, and apply managing techniques for coping, calming and self correcting their triggers to dysfunctional thoughts and actions.
15 Second Videos
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Gainesville
Florida Acupuncture and Counseling, Inc.
Sandy M Flory
Isabell Springer
Lakesha T Bowie
Graham Wesley Morris
Blair German
Isabell Springer
Kathleen McKee
Elisabeth Ansel Edwards
Jacky Tenorio
Elizabeth Gottlieb Gattone
Brent P. Mruz
Callena Jones
Martin Avellaneda
Bertha F Barrett
Daniela Gelbspan
Shakti Marchetti
Caroline Evelyn King
Katie Bernard
Josephine Chu
Pamala T Love
![Photo of Miranda Johnson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e50d7c0-c24a-4a7c-b220-b4de69de8436/4/320x400.jpeg)
Miranda Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gainesville, FL 32608 (Online Only)
You’re driven and ambitious, but sometimes find yourself stuck on the couch, overwhelmed by anxiety, procrastination, and perfectionism. Some days you’re on top of the world, and others, you constantly second-guess yourself. You feel the pressure to keep it together, balancing your job, relationships, and life... and you are tired. You get in your own head and escape through mindless eating, drinking, doom scrolling, and sleepless nights, but deep down, you have big goals. The fog of self-doubt and fear of failure makes it hard to get started, and you’re ready for a change.
You’re driven and ambitious, but sometimes find yourself stuck on the couch, overwhelmed by anxiety, procrastination, and perfectionism. Some days you’re on top of the world, and others, you constantly second-guess yourself. You feel the pressure to keep it together, balancing your job, relationships, and life... and you are tired. You get in your own head and escape through mindless eating, drinking, doom scrolling, and sleepless nights, but deep down, you have big goals. The fog of self-doubt and fear of failure makes it hard to get started, and you’re ready for a change.
![Photo of Kelly Ann Nenezian - Gainesville Healing House, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/497caf4a-47a3-4e87-91d3-015cafe9b975/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Gainesville Healing House we are passionate about deep level healing. We believe that in order to access your healthiest and most fulfilled self you must be able to clear any traumas and/or shame messaging. Much of our inner life is subconscious which can lead us to confusion when our life isn't quite what we want it to be. Unhealed trauma and shame can look like relationship struggles, lack of self-esteem, poor school performance, addictions, keeping yourself stressed and too busy. We are here to help you work to make the unconscious conscious so you can be on your way to your most authentically you life.
At Gainesville Healing House we are passionate about deep level healing. We believe that in order to access your healthiest and most fulfilled self you must be able to clear any traumas and/or shame messaging. Much of our inner life is subconscious which can lead us to confusion when our life isn't quite what we want it to be. Unhealed trauma and shame can look like relationship struggles, lack of self-esteem, poor school performance, addictions, keeping yourself stressed and too busy. We are here to help you work to make the unconscious conscious so you can be on your way to your most authentically you life.
![Photo of Karissa K Boser, MPA, MA, LMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50c67cf9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Karissa K Boser
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MPA, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gainesville, FL 32601
Waitlist for new clients
Throughout life, we face life changes, identity and personal crises, losses, and possible disconnection with ourselves and with others. When we begin to explore these changes in a safe and supportive space, we may begin to authentically express our needs and desires, while also creating and maintaining healthy boundaries for ourselves. Creating a life of greater joy and abundance is achieved through honest and open communication, reflection, and a deeper relationship with ourselves and with others.
Throughout life, we face life changes, identity and personal crises, losses, and possible disconnection with ourselves and with others. When we begin to explore these changes in a safe and supportive space, we may begin to authentically express our needs and desires, while also creating and maintaining healthy boundaries for ourselves. Creating a life of greater joy and abundance is achieved through honest and open communication, reflection, and a deeper relationship with ourselves and with others.
![Photo of Damita Hartz - Florida Acupuncture and Counseling, Inc](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb87f87b-3ba0-4aaf-bc29-040d4093aaf4/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Florida Acupuncture and Counseling, our goal is to provide exceptional quality care for each individual. The physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of the body are all interrelated. Each person has a different story formed from the unique events throughout our lives that shape us, often throwing our bodies off balance. At Florida Acupuncture and Counseling we strive to formulate a treatment plan specific to you in order to aid you in your journey back into balance by helping restore body, mind, and spirit. We desire to be set apart, giving light to everyone who comes through our door; to create a healing environment where patients do not feel like they're just another name on a schedule, but a place where patients will be filled with peace and joy.
At Florida Acupuncture and Counseling, our goal is to provide exceptional quality care for each individual. The physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of the body are all interrelated. Each person has a different story formed from the unique events throughout our lives that shape us, often throwing our bodies off balance. At Florida Acupuncture and Counseling we strive to formulate a treatment plan specific to you in order to aid you in your journey back into balance by helping restore body, mind, and spirit. We desire to be set apart, giving light to everyone who comes through our door; to create a healing environment where patients do not feel like they're just another name on a schedule, but a place where patients will be filled with peace and joy.
![Photo of Monica R Grey - Florida Acupuncture and Counseling, Inc., LCSW, LMT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/511806a2-5edc-4dce-839f-1f406d563745/2/320x400.jpeg)
Florida Acupuncture and Counseling, Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMT
Verified Verified
Gainesville, FL 32606
My career as a therapist, since 1993, along with my life experience, and study of both traditional, and complementary modalities, has provided me with the skills, insight, and ability to work with a diverse population. We live in challenging times. We are often faced with life situations that are difficult to deal with. By helping clients to address issues, supporting them to find their own answers, as well as providing helpful tools to improve coping, symptoms of depression and anxiety can be reduced or eliminated. My goal is to help you to live a better life, enjoy your relationships and families, and work efficiently.
My career as a therapist, since 1993, along with my life experience, and study of both traditional, and complementary modalities, has provided me with the skills, insight, and ability to work with a diverse population. We live in challenging times. We are often faced with life situations that are difficult to deal with. By helping clients to address issues, supporting them to find their own answers, as well as providing helpful tools to improve coping, symptoms of depression and anxiety can be reduced or eliminated. My goal is to help you to live a better life, enjoy your relationships and families, and work efficiently.
![Photo of Sandy M Flory, MEd, EdS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f795ada0-4844-46a7-a913-6b5ea9c4147e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sandy M Flory
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MEd, EdS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Gainesville, FL 32601
Living in a vibrant college town, I have a particular passion for working with college students and adult professionals who are navigating the complexities of life transitions, academic pressures, and personal growth. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and empathetic space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, uncover their inner strengths, and foster lasting positive change. Whether you’re seeking to manage stress, heal from trauma, or enhance your overall well-being, I am here to support you on your path to wellness.
Living in a vibrant college town, I have a particular passion for working with college students and adult professionals who are navigating the complexities of life transitions, academic pressures, and personal growth. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and empathetic space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, uncover their inner strengths, and foster lasting positive change. Whether you’re seeking to manage stress, heal from trauma, or enhance your overall well-being, I am here to support you on your path to wellness.
![Photo of Dr. Isabell Springer, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e09dae4d-8b54-489d-8949-35513c08d0e0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Isabell Springer
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Gainesville, FL 32606 (Online Only)
*** VOTED TOP 3 MARRIAGE COUNSELORS *** After years of therapy and hundreds spent on books, it was one brief moment with Isabell that changed everything! She opened a door that I had closed for years. Aspects of my life were revisited, put into a new perspective, allowing me to find the freedom and happiness I had been missing for years. Her keen insights and ability to facilitate unfinished business puts her in a position to transform lives and that's what she does. Read what others are saying about her - do yourself a favor - take advantage of what will most likely be your life changing moment as well. -Male, 34
*** VOTED TOP 3 MARRIAGE COUNSELORS *** After years of therapy and hundreds spent on books, it was one brief moment with Isabell that changed everything! She opened a door that I had closed for years. Aspects of my life were revisited, put into a new perspective, allowing me to find the freedom and happiness I had been missing for years. Her keen insights and ability to facilitate unfinished business puts her in a position to transform lives and that's what she does. Read what others are saying about her - do yourself a favor - take advantage of what will most likely be your life changing moment as well. -Male, 34
![Photo of Rebecca Frye - Florida LGBTQ+ Teletherapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1980ebe-2cd4-443a-a6c8-7ee9fab51e59/2/320x400.jpeg)
Florida LGBTQ+ Teletherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Gainesville, FL 32606 (Online Only)
Experienced therapist providing teletherapy to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies across the state of Florida. Are you wanting to make changes in your life but struggling to find the motivation to get started? Our conversations often include topics like anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, addiction and feelings of being overwhelmed by life. I also specialize in working with professionals in high stress jobs. My focus is on providing a safe environment where you can share anything on your heart of mind without fear of judgement.
Experienced therapist providing teletherapy to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies across the state of Florida. Are you wanting to make changes in your life but struggling to find the motivation to get started? Our conversations often include topics like anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, addiction and feelings of being overwhelmed by life. I also specialize in working with professionals in high stress jobs. My focus is on providing a safe environment where you can share anything on your heart of mind without fear of judgement.
![Photo of Ashley Bobroff, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9dc3c85c-a459-4b48-816d-477d5663a0ff/1/320x400.jpeg)
Is your child struggling with a trauma, life event, grief, or navigating this neurotypical world that we live in? Does your child need some extra support in processing difficult experiences? I'm here to walk alongside them in their journey. I have specific training and experience in working from a trauma-informed lens with children who have been through trauma/abuse, struggle with suicidal ideation, have experienced grief/loss, and neurodivergent children that may need help figuring out how to move through the world around them. I tailor my therapy to the individual child and their experience, developmental level, and personality.
Is your child struggling with a trauma, life event, grief, or navigating this neurotypical world that we live in? Does your child need some extra support in processing difficult experiences? I'm here to walk alongside them in their journey. I have specific training and experience in working from a trauma-informed lens with children who have been through trauma/abuse, struggle with suicidal ideation, have experienced grief/loss, and neurodivergent children that may need help figuring out how to move through the world around them. I tailor my therapy to the individual child and their experience, developmental level, and personality.
See more therapy options for Gainesville
Nearby Psychodynamic Therapists Searches for Gainesville
See More Psychodynamic TherapistsNearby Searches for Gainesville
- Alachua
- Hawthorne
- High Springs
- Keystone Heights
- Lake Butler
- Melrose
- Micanopy
- Newberry
- Reddick
- Starke
- Trenton
- Williston
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.