Psychodynamic Therapists in Asheville, NC
We all need support sometimes to cope with life’s challenges. I am here to help. My top priority is to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for you to feel connected and understood. Together we will explore what you hope to get out of therapy, identify strengths and barriers, and actively develop solutions. I will help you to take manageable risks to live authentically, process painful thoughts and feelings, and achieve your goals for a healthy and fulfilling life. I take an integrative approach, drawing from cognitive-behavioral and contemporary psychodynamic and attachment based approaches.
We all need support sometimes to cope with life’s challenges. I am here to help. My top priority is to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for you to feel connected and understood. Together we will explore what you hope to get out of therapy, identify strengths and barriers, and actively develop solutions. I will help you to take manageable risks to live authentically, process painful thoughts and feelings, and achieve your goals for a healthy and fulfilling life. I take an integrative approach, drawing from cognitive-behavioral and contemporary psychodynamic and attachment based approaches.
Lissa Friedman
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LMHC, ATR, CHT
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
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.
By incorporating EMDR techniques within a psychodynamic framework, I will help you find relief from oppressive thoughts and impulses and move towards a more balanced and empowered state of being.
Let's get curious, and work together to unlock the transformative power of your unconscious mind! I believe that through the process of therapy we can relieve you from the shackles of burdensome negative thoughts and discover true self and self love. As a psychodynamic therapist, I am deeply committed to facilitating transformative change and healing in the lives of my clients. If you are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and healing, I am here to walk alongside you! I work with men, women, adults, adolescents, couples and everything in-between.
By incorporating EMDR techniques within a psychodynamic framework, I will help you find relief from oppressive thoughts and impulses and move towards a more balanced and empowered state of being.
Let's get curious, and work together to unlock the transformative power of your unconscious mind! I believe that through the process of therapy we can relieve you from the shackles of burdensome negative thoughts and discover true self and self love. As a psychodynamic therapist, I am deeply committed to facilitating transformative change and healing in the lives of my clients. If you are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and healing, I am here to walk alongside you! I work with men, women, adults, adolescents, couples and everything in-between.
Wendy Boxer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
I am not able to accept new clients at this time. I have over 35 years of experience as a mental health clinician. I am trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy - which means that I believe that who we are as adults is shaped by the past relationships we had in our families. The difficulties we have in our work, relationships and within ourselves, can be managed better and overcome, when we have greater understanding of how these earlier experiences have shaped us. Change happens as this understanding opens up new possibilities for what we want for ourselves, and how we experience ourselves and others.
I am not able to accept new clients at this time. I have over 35 years of experience as a mental health clinician. I am trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy - which means that I believe that who we are as adults is shaped by the past relationships we had in our families. The difficulties we have in our work, relationships and within ourselves, can be managed better and overcome, when we have greater understanding of how these earlier experiences have shaped us. Change happens as this understanding opens up new possibilities for what we want for ourselves, and how we experience ourselves and others.
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Asheville
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
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.
Melissa Middlebrook
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, RYT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28806
Waitlist for new clients
I take an experiential, integrative approach drawing from my extensive trainings & lived experience in mindfulness, somatic + nervous system based therapies, attachment theory and psychodynamic approaches.
None of us are immune to life's challenges and we also don't come with instructions on how to navigate these. We often carry our past experiences and stress without realizing it— to the point where we feel it not only emotionally, but also in our physical bodies. Research confirms the mind and body aren’t so separate after all, but more of an interdependent unit greatly influencing one another. Past traumas, anxiety, depression, feeling stuck, chronic illness, difficult life transition, caught in the cycles of shame + self criticism; these are all labels and struggles many of us identify with at some point, but they don't define us.
I take an experiential, integrative approach drawing from my extensive trainings & lived experience in mindfulness, somatic + nervous system based therapies, attachment theory and psychodynamic approaches.
None of us are immune to life's challenges and we also don't come with instructions on how to navigate these. We often carry our past experiences and stress without realizing it— to the point where we feel it not only emotionally, but also in our physical bodies. Research confirms the mind and body aren’t so separate after all, but more of an interdependent unit greatly influencing one another. Past traumas, anxiety, depression, feeling stuck, chronic illness, difficult life transition, caught in the cycles of shame + self criticism; these are all labels and struggles many of us identify with at some point, but they don't define us.
I use Somatic Experiencing and somatic attachment techniques, as well as an array of psychodynamic methods, to bring healing and lasting change.
I am a somatic psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, who enjoys working with people from all human backgrounds. I have been in practice 13 years. I specialize in trauma and attachment resolution, and the various mental/emotional/relational difficulties that can stem from trauma and attachment wounding. I also have a great passion and skill for working out patterns of oppression in the body. Aliveness, strength, respect, laughter, kindness, humility… these are all qualities central to the work I do. Together we will create an alliance to discover the true and beautiful health that exists inside you, and let your truest self shine!
I use Somatic Experiencing and somatic attachment techniques, as well as an array of psychodynamic methods, to bring healing and lasting change.
I am a somatic psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, who enjoys working with people from all human backgrounds. I have been in practice 13 years. I specialize in trauma and attachment resolution, and the various mental/emotional/relational difficulties that can stem from trauma and attachment wounding. I also have a great passion and skill for working out patterns of oppression in the body. Aliveness, strength, respect, laughter, kindness, humility… these are all qualities central to the work I do. Together we will create an alliance to discover the true and beautiful health that exists inside you, and let your truest self shine!
Grounded in a deeply humanistic and psychodynamic framework- I work with individuals as they detangle themselves from the scars of their past and the unhelpful narratives that result.
There is no need to struggle alone, and yet we often do. Our suffering may appear in many different forms, from depression and anxiety, to relationship issues, substance use and more. It’s time to shed this idea that “we have to have it all together” and allow ourselves be human for a moment. In this honest space, my clients tend to become more in touch with their authentic selves and establish beliefs, values, narratives and take steps towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Grounded in a deeply humanistic and psychodynamic framework- I work with individuals as they detangle themselves from the scars of their past and the unhelpful narratives that result.
There is no need to struggle alone, and yet we often do. Our suffering may appear in many different forms, from depression and anxiety, to relationship issues, substance use and more. It’s time to shed this idea that “we have to have it all together” and allow ourselves be human for a moment. In this honest space, my clients tend to become more in touch with their authentic selves and establish beliefs, values, narratives and take steps towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
I enjoy existential, meaning-making therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies, and psychodynamic approaches.
Sometimes life's stressors can weigh us down and make going through day-to-day life feel challenging and even isolating. You don't have to go through this alone! Counseling is a process of self-discovery and understanding, as well as a way to pursue a life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and enjoyable. I am here to draw out and build on your strengths, aid you in understanding yourself, and help you make changes to improve your everyday life. I will accompany you on this journey and use my expertise in counseling and your expertise on yourself to bring healing to your wounds and begin engaging in an intentional and desirable future.
I enjoy existential, meaning-making therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies, and psychodynamic approaches.
Sometimes life's stressors can weigh us down and make going through day-to-day life feel challenging and even isolating. You don't have to go through this alone! Counseling is a process of self-discovery and understanding, as well as a way to pursue a life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and enjoyable. I am here to draw out and build on your strengths, aid you in understanding yourself, and help you make changes to improve your everyday life. I will accompany you on this journey and use my expertise in counseling and your expertise on yourself to bring healing to your wounds and begin engaging in an intentional and desirable future.
Laura Sullivan
Counselor, Laura Sullivan, MACP, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28804 (Online Only)
I use a relationally focused psychodynamic approach.
I often support people who feel anxious, stressed, and disconnected from their own experience. Therapy is a place to be seen, known, and understood, so that you can relearn to come home to yourself. My hope is that through our work together you would come to have a living felt sense of your deep worth, as well as make meaning of your cohesive story, accepting all parts of who you have been, who you are, and who you want to be. My job as your therapist is to consistently offer non-judgmental kindness, insight and thoughtful interventions as we partner in moving you toward fuller and more satisfying participation in your own life.
I use a relationally focused psychodynamic approach.
I often support people who feel anxious, stressed, and disconnected from their own experience. Therapy is a place to be seen, known, and understood, so that you can relearn to come home to yourself. My hope is that through our work together you would come to have a living felt sense of your deep worth, as well as make meaning of your cohesive story, accepting all parts of who you have been, who you are, and who you want to be. My job as your therapist is to consistently offer non-judgmental kindness, insight and thoughtful interventions as we partner in moving you toward fuller and more satisfying participation in your own life.
Mary Flora
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, PhD, LCMHC, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28804
Tweens, Adolescents, Adults, & Seniors are invited to explore relationship patterns that have contributed to psychological distress and gain awareness of how to positively contribute to interpersonal effectiveness, establish meaningful connections, and set appropriate boundaries. Self concept, unmet needs, and self defeating patterns are explored while establishing goals to reach your full potential. Healthy communication strategies and relationship principles are shared to promote prosocial engagement. Trauma focused, Jungian psychodynamic Theory & Community Resiliency Model Trained. Equine & Canine Assisted Service Provider.
Tweens, Adolescents, Adults, & Seniors are invited to explore relationship patterns that have contributed to psychological distress and gain awareness of how to positively contribute to interpersonal effectiveness, establish meaningful connections, and set appropriate boundaries. Self concept, unmet needs, and self defeating patterns are explored while establishing goals to reach your full potential. Healthy communication strategies and relationship principles are shared to promote prosocial engagement. Trauma focused, Jungian psychodynamic Theory & Community Resiliency Model Trained. Equine & Canine Assisted Service Provider.
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Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MBA
Verified Verified
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Asheville, NC 28801
I draw from various modalities, including Somatics, EMDR, Trauma, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and spiritually oriented approaches, allowing feelings to surface & release.
We humans are wired for contact and connection. Yet sometimes we don't know how to develop the needed connections; relationship building and managing one’s life effectively can thus be both terrifying and exhilarating . Lack of healthy support and resultant traumas leave us depressed, anxious, isolated, or insecure, leading to addictions, obsessions and compulsions, poor communication, relationship difficulties, or general dis-ease in one’s life. Yet healing is possible, and finding a therapist with whom you resonate is crucial.
I draw from various modalities, including Somatics, EMDR, Trauma, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and spiritually oriented approaches, allowing feelings to surface & release.
We humans are wired for contact and connection. Yet sometimes we don't know how to develop the needed connections; relationship building and managing one’s life effectively can thus be both terrifying and exhilarating . Lack of healthy support and resultant traumas leave us depressed, anxious, isolated, or insecure, leading to addictions, obsessions and compulsions, poor communication, relationship difficulties, or general dis-ease in one’s life. Yet healing is possible, and finding a therapist with whom you resonate is crucial.
Micah Sullivan
Counselor, MACP, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28804 (Online Only)
I work in a relational psychodynamic way, integrating Internal Family Systems and other modalities to work with our complexities.
Sometimes our current way of being ourselves feels stuck. Perhaps something in you feels unhealed, unwell, dead, or disconnected, incapable, or inaccessible. There are innumerable ways to speak of a rich and fulfilling life, but I believe one thing required is a feeling a wholeness and integration in our way of being. Trauma, pain, shame, stuck patterns of disconnection – there can be many obstacles to a thriving way of being ourselves. If you can relate to this, I say with compassion: “Welcome!" I work with individuals and couples who want to cultivate deeper connection and fulfillment in life.
I work in a relational psychodynamic way, integrating Internal Family Systems and other modalities to work with our complexities.
Sometimes our current way of being ourselves feels stuck. Perhaps something in you feels unhealed, unwell, dead, or disconnected, incapable, or inaccessible. There are innumerable ways to speak of a rich and fulfilling life, but I believe one thing required is a feeling a wholeness and integration in our way of being. Trauma, pain, shame, stuck patterns of disconnection – there can be many obstacles to a thriving way of being ourselves. If you can relate to this, I say with compassion: “Welcome!" I work with individuals and couples who want to cultivate deeper connection and fulfillment in life.
Mary Edson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801 (Online Only)
Welcome! Counseling offers a safe, nonjudgmental, space for exploring the psyche, finding meaning in challenging life events, and experiencing a sense of hope. The counseling process can be creative and exciting, and at times, it can be difficult. I seek to be open, supportive, curious, and responsive to my clients as they navigate their journey. I lean toward a psychodynamic psychotherapy model, exploring how our attachment styles, family stories, coping mechanisms, and unconscious layers of thoughts and feelings influence our present day life.
Welcome! Counseling offers a safe, nonjudgmental, space for exploring the psyche, finding meaning in challenging life events, and experiencing a sense of hope. The counseling process can be creative and exciting, and at times, it can be difficult. I seek to be open, supportive, curious, and responsive to my clients as they navigate their journey. I lean toward a psychodynamic psychotherapy model, exploring how our attachment styles, family stories, coping mechanisms, and unconscious layers of thoughts and feelings influence our present day life.
Chris Gantt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803 (Online Only)
Learning and practice in Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Awareness, Circle of Security and Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy have all served my holistic approach to the healing process.
I am here to help people who feel stuck in anxiety and depression to find their way through these challenging emotions to a sense of ease in a more authentic and satisfying relationship with life and themselves. My holistic practice is rooted in building a safe, supportive relationship and trusting your inner wisdom as we work side by side exploring life's challenges. Working together we'll discover your unique needs and strengths in developing our goals for treatment. I am committed to empathy and open-mindedness while utilizing therapeutic techniques with proven effectiveness.
Learning and practice in Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Awareness, Circle of Security and Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy have all served my holistic approach to the healing process.
I am here to help people who feel stuck in anxiety and depression to find their way through these challenging emotions to a sense of ease in a more authentic and satisfying relationship with life and themselves. My holistic practice is rooted in building a safe, supportive relationship and trusting your inner wisdom as we work side by side exploring life's challenges. Working together we'll discover your unique needs and strengths in developing our goals for treatment. I am committed to empathy and open-mindedness while utilizing therapeutic techniques with proven effectiveness.
Jennifer Padilla
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA, LCASA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
I work with clients to help them approach their strong emotions, negative thoughts, and trust issues pulling from attachment based and psychodynamic theories.
Sometimes, the survival mechanisms and belief systems that help us survive our childhoods do not serve us well later in life. A therapeutic relationship that is both safe and challenging helps us heal those early wounds, reclaim the spirit that we were born with, and return us to our authentic selves. My mission as a therapist is to help my clients recognize their self-worth, and become the whole people they were meant to be.
I work with clients to help them approach their strong emotions, negative thoughts, and trust issues pulling from attachment based and psychodynamic theories.
Sometimes, the survival mechanisms and belief systems that help us survive our childhoods do not serve us well later in life. A therapeutic relationship that is both safe and challenging helps us heal those early wounds, reclaim the spirit that we were born with, and return us to our authentic selves. My mission as a therapist is to help my clients recognize their self-worth, and become the whole people they were meant to be.
Chris Byrne
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
I believe that the deepest healing happens when therapy is rooted in connection, empathy, and compassion, so my first goal is to create an environment in which you feel understood and supported. Likewise, I believe we are truly whole when our most important relationships are thriving – including our relationship with ourselves. Strengthening these relationships is a primary focus of my therapeutic approach, along with the attainment of embodiment, mindfulness, and freedom. I work from a psychodynamic and experiential perspective to guide you towards an experience of authenticity and alignment with yourself, others, and the world.
I believe that the deepest healing happens when therapy is rooted in connection, empathy, and compassion, so my first goal is to create an environment in which you feel understood and supported. Likewise, I believe we are truly whole when our most important relationships are thriving – including our relationship with ourselves. Strengthening these relationships is a primary focus of my therapeutic approach, along with the attainment of embodiment, mindfulness, and freedom. I work from a psychodynamic and experiential perspective to guide you towards an experience of authenticity and alignment with yourself, others, and the world.
My primary therapeutic modalities are psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral, but my overall approach is eclectic, utilizing whatever modalities are best suited to the individual.
Do you want to change something in your life that isn't working for you? Perhaps you've been struggling with anxiety or depression, a relationship that isn't fulfilling, or a lack of purpose for your life. You may have gotten help before but found that it didn't last, or merely removed the symptoms. I will help you get relief by working to resolve your problem at its root cause.
My primary therapeutic modalities are psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral, but my overall approach is eclectic, utilizing whatever modalities are best suited to the individual.
Do you want to change something in your life that isn't working for you? Perhaps you've been struggling with anxiety or depression, a relationship that isn't fulfilling, or a lack of purpose for your life. You may have gotten help before but found that it didn't last, or merely removed the symptoms. I will help you get relief by working to resolve your problem at its root cause.
I am a contemporary, psychodynamic/analytic oriented psychotherapist, who will work with you to move through emotional obstacles to create pathways for deeply fulfilling change in your personal and/or professional life. My approach is based on understanding the combination of your past experiences, current situation and future hopes. I am both supportive and analytic in helping you move into underlying causes of distress. I work with couples, adults and pre-teens/teens who suffer from anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, career considerations and major life transitions including fertility, parenting, sexuality, divorce, affairs, empty nest. I welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation and needs.
I am a contemporary, psychodynamic/analytic oriented psychotherapist, who will work with you to move through emotional obstacles to create pathways for deeply fulfilling change in your personal and/or professional life. My approach is based on understanding the combination of your past experiences, current situation and future hopes. I am both supportive and analytic in helping you move into underlying causes of distress. I work with couples, adults and pre-teens/teens who suffer from anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, career considerations and major life transitions including fertility, parenting, sexuality, divorce, affairs, empty nest. I welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation and needs.
I ground my practice in compassionate curiosity, imaginal exploration, a poetic sensibility, and a psychodynamic view that examines how the past lives on in the present.
Life is relational. From our first breath to our last, we are in relation to someone or something. Oftentimes, our suffering can be traced back to feeling stuck in our ways of relating, finding that no matter who or what we’re relating to, we feel anxious, depressed, unheard, or unloved. It can be helpful to pause and observe how our relationships and general patterns of relating are constraining or frustrating our lives in some way. Themes that I enjoy working with are anxiety, depression, grief, developmental trauma, relationship issues, doubt, faith, meaninglessness, spirituality, family of origin issues, dreaming, and meditation
I ground my practice in compassionate curiosity, imaginal exploration, a poetic sensibility, and a psychodynamic view that examines how the past lives on in the present.
Life is relational. From our first breath to our last, we are in relation to someone or something. Oftentimes, our suffering can be traced back to feeling stuck in our ways of relating, finding that no matter who or what we’re relating to, we feel anxious, depressed, unheard, or unloved. It can be helpful to pause and observe how our relationships and general patterns of relating are constraining or frustrating our lives in some way. Themes that I enjoy working with are anxiety, depression, grief, developmental trauma, relationship issues, doubt, faith, meaninglessness, spirituality, family of origin issues, dreaming, and meditation
See more therapy options for Asheville
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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.