Psychodynamic Therapists in Knoxville, TN

Photo of Katie Black, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katie Black
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37923  (Online Only)
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches including CBT, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Existential, EFT, and Faith-Based therapy.
I am a fully licensed professional counselor with 7 years of therapy experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their personal journeys. I see patients aged 8 and up with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, mood disorders, OCD, and struggling with their walk in faith. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to understand your unique challenges and develop personalized strategies for overcoming them. I am accepting new patients via virtual/telehealth services through a HIPAA-compliant video conference.
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches including CBT, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Existential, EFT, and Faith-Based therapy.
I am a fully licensed professional counselor with 7 years of therapy experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their personal journeys. I see patients aged 8 and up with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, mood disorders, OCD, and struggling with their walk in faith. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to understand your unique challenges and develop personalized strategies for overcoming them. I am accepting new patients via virtual/telehealth services through a HIPAA-compliant video conference.
(865) 761-2797 View (865) 761-2797
Photo of Brooke Morrell, MSSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brooke Morrell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37923
In teens and adults, I blend psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive approaches in order to help clients understand themselves and encourage posttraumatic growth.
YOU are the expert of your own experience. I believe that all clients deserve to feel heard and supported, no matter what they are struggling with. While I specialize in trauma treatment, I find that the principles of trauma-informed care apply to most clients. I affirm clients of all religions, races, and sexual identities. Effective therapy is all about offering a safe space for clients to share, and then helping them push themselves to achieve the life they want. My clients are encouraged to consider their own goals and how to achieve them, emphasizing the client's strengths and self-determination.
In teens and adults, I blend psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive approaches in order to help clients understand themselves and encourage posttraumatic growth.
YOU are the expert of your own experience. I believe that all clients deserve to feel heard and supported, no matter what they are struggling with. While I specialize in trauma treatment, I find that the principles of trauma-informed care apply to most clients. I affirm clients of all religions, races, and sexual identities. Effective therapy is all about offering a safe space for clients to share, and then helping them push themselves to achieve the life they want. My clients are encouraged to consider their own goals and how to achieve them, emphasizing the client's strengths and self-determination.
(865) 830-6399 View (865) 830-6399
Photo of Landon J Dalton, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Landon J Dalton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37919
I utilize Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, ACT, Existential, psychodynamic approaches.
Visit my website for real-time availability and to request an appointment. I am a licensed therapist that works with adults and young adults. My approach to therapy is holistic and is individually tailored to meet the needs of my clients. By using an insight-oriented therapeutic approach, I aim to help clients learn not just "how" to cope, but also, why these thoughts/behaviors started to occur. I work in a relaxed, welcoming setting with individuals who are motivated to take a deeper look into themselves. I believe everyone is capable of making significant changes in their life for the better!
I utilize Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, ACT, Existential, psychodynamic approaches.
Visit my website for real-time availability and to request an appointment. I am a licensed therapist that works with adults and young adults. My approach to therapy is holistic and is individually tailored to meet the needs of my clients. By using an insight-oriented therapeutic approach, I aim to help clients learn not just "how" to cope, but also, why these thoughts/behaviors started to occur. I work in a relaxed, welcoming setting with individuals who are motivated to take a deeper look into themselves. I believe everyone is capable of making significant changes in their life for the better!
(865) 509-9970 View (865) 509-9970
Photo of Julianna Saah, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Julianna Saah
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37923
While I individualize sessions to the uniqueness of each client, I often utilize talk therapy techniques from several evidence-based practices, including DBT, CBT, and psychodynamic therapy, along with the use of art therapy techniques.
Whether you are going through a major life event that you would like to process, need someone to talk to about the everyday stressors of life, or anything in between, I am here for you. I have been working in the mental health and social work field for several years, where I most recently supported children and teens in the crisis intervention setting. Through this experience, I found a passion for working with teens and young adults to process life’s challenges, relationships, transitional periods, and more.
While I individualize sessions to the uniqueness of each client, I often utilize talk therapy techniques from several evidence-based practices, including DBT, CBT, and psychodynamic therapy, along with the use of art therapy techniques.
Whether you are going through a major life event that you would like to process, need someone to talk to about the everyday stressors of life, or anything in between, I am here for you. I have been working in the mental health and social work field for several years, where I most recently supported children and teens in the crisis intervention setting. Through this experience, I found a passion for working with teens and young adults to process life’s challenges, relationships, transitional periods, and more.
(865) 390-3973 View (865) 390-3973
Photo of Rachel Lucero, tLPC, Counselor
Rachel Lucero
Counselor, tLPC
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923
I use an insight-driven, psychodynamic based approach as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients achieve their values-based goals.
I am Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the states of New Mexico (LPCC), Pennsylvania (LPC), Colorado (LPC) and Tennessee (LPC-MHSP temp). Since 2016, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with mental health issues including trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and more. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders in adults and teens and work with individuals and families to foster feeling from disordered eating.
I use an insight-driven, psychodynamic based approach as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients achieve their values-based goals.
I am Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the states of New Mexico (LPCC), Pennsylvania (LPC), Colorado (LPC) and Tennessee (LPC-MHSP temp). Since 2016, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with mental health issues including trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and more. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders in adults and teens and work with individuals and families to foster feeling from disordered eating.
(865) 800-3841 View (865) 800-3841
Photo of Christopher D Watkins, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christopher D Watkins
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37919
Waitlist for new clients
I use a Cyclical Psychodynamic approach. This is an integrative approach to therapy, which combines empirically supported therapies- relational psychodynamics, cognitive-behavioral therapy, attachment theory, and family systems theory. It works by creating corrective emotional experiences in therapy and developing new ways of interacting with others outside of therapy. This process facilitates increased awareness, resilience, better strategies, and increased effectiveness.
I use a Cyclical Psychodynamic approach. This is an integrative approach to therapy, which combines empirically supported therapies- relational psychodynamics, cognitive-behavioral therapy, attachment theory, and family systems theory. It works by creating corrective emotional experiences in therapy and developing new ways of interacting with others outside of therapy. This process facilitates increased awareness, resilience, better strategies, and increased effectiveness.
(865) 264-2400 View (865) 264-2400
Photo of Michael J Greenberg - OCD Associates, PhD, Psychologist
OCD Associates
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37902  (Online Only)
We therefore integrate psychodynamic work within and alongside ERP, to foster deeper and more lasting change than ERP alone can offer.
We specialize in Rumination-Focused ERP for OCD and anxiety disorders. This approach focuses on treating compulsive rumination, and provides a highly systematic yet gentler approach to exposure therapy. RF-ERP can be helpful to patients who have not made significant progress in other types of treatment, including individuals with Pure O or Sensorimotor OCD.
We therefore integrate psychodynamic work within and alongside ERP, to foster deeper and more lasting change than ERP alone can offer.
We specialize in Rumination-Focused ERP for OCD and anxiety disorders. This approach focuses on treating compulsive rumination, and provides a highly systematic yet gentler approach to exposure therapy. RF-ERP can be helpful to patients who have not made significant progress in other types of treatment, including individuals with Pure O or Sensorimotor OCD.
(865) 745-8633 View (865) 745-8633
Photo of Taylor Worley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Taylor Worley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923
I utilize various therapeutic techniques from DBT, ACT, Emotion Focused Therapy, & Psychodynamic interventions to help clients build insight, learn new skills, and grow as individuals.
Asking for help can be a hard and scary thing to do. It takes courage to admit you’re struggling. To me, therapy should be a safe space where you can be open, honest, and vulnerable without fear of judgment. Some of my areas of interest and specialized training include treating depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, substance abuse, and interpersonal/relationship challenges. In my practice, I primarily see adults and have a particular passion for working with women struggling with identity, self-esteem, relationship, & postpartum issues.
I utilize various therapeutic techniques from DBT, ACT, Emotion Focused Therapy, & Psychodynamic interventions to help clients build insight, learn new skills, and grow as individuals.
Asking for help can be a hard and scary thing to do. It takes courage to admit you’re struggling. To me, therapy should be a safe space where you can be open, honest, and vulnerable without fear of judgment. Some of my areas of interest and specialized training include treating depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, substance abuse, and interpersonal/relationship challenges. In my practice, I primarily see adults and have a particular passion for working with women struggling with identity, self-esteem, relationship, & postpartum issues.
(865) 822-8537 View (865) 822-8537
Photo of Maria Milo, PsyD, Psychologist
Maria Milo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37919
I primarily work from an interpersonal and psychodynamic approach, with added elements of existential psychotherapy.
Finding a therapist that is a good fit for you is pivotal to a beneficial and meaningful experience in therapy. A strong therapeutic relationship is the vehicle for change and the strongest predictor of treatment success. My international education encouraged me to adopt a flexible, curious, and inclusive perspective on the factors that contribute to one's identity and difficulties (e.g., religion, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, etc.). I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space to support clients' introspective journeys, exploration of identities, and understanding of the self, others, and the world.
I primarily work from an interpersonal and psychodynamic approach, with added elements of existential psychotherapy.
Finding a therapist that is a good fit for you is pivotal to a beneficial and meaningful experience in therapy. A strong therapeutic relationship is the vehicle for change and the strongest predictor of treatment success. My international education encouraged me to adopt a flexible, curious, and inclusive perspective on the factors that contribute to one's identity and difficulties (e.g., religion, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, etc.). I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space to support clients' introspective journeys, exploration of identities, and understanding of the self, others, and the world.
(844) 952-2604 View (844) 952-2604
Photo of Alexis Fitzpatrick, MSSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexis Fitzpatrick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37922
I work with children and adults utilizing EMDR, CBT, TF-CBT, MI, DBT, and psychodynamic approach.
You deserve to live a life of overall wellness. Anxiety and trauma can make you feel stuck in cycles, impacting not only your personal well-being but also your connections with others. Unwanted thoughts and emotions can be overwhelming to process, leaving you struggling to communicate effectively. Maybe you are seeking a solution to combat your current processing patterns or want to feel more connected to yourself or others. My ultimate goal is to walk with you while exploring your emotions and thoughts without judgment.
I work with children and adults utilizing EMDR, CBT, TF-CBT, MI, DBT, and psychodynamic approach.
You deserve to live a life of overall wellness. Anxiety and trauma can make you feel stuck in cycles, impacting not only your personal well-being but also your connections with others. Unwanted thoughts and emotions can be overwhelming to process, leaving you struggling to communicate effectively. Maybe you are seeking a solution to combat your current processing patterns or want to feel more connected to yourself or others. My ultimate goal is to walk with you while exploring your emotions and thoughts without judgment.
(615) 209-9251 View (615) 209-9251
Photo of Katherine Myers, LCSW, LICSW, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katherine Myers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, CEDS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37919  (Online Only)
My treatment philosophy is primarily based in psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy.
Maybe you have waited a long time to seek help and suffered in silence. Perhaps you've become accustomed to this discomfort or a pain. Or maybe you desire change through seeking understanding and want a greater sense of wellbeing. Therapy may help you with this process of personal growth and healing. Whether you have a crisis, traumatic experience, significant life challenge or are wanting to experience greater fulfillment therapy may be for you.
My treatment philosophy is primarily based in psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy.
Maybe you have waited a long time to seek help and suffered in silence. Perhaps you've become accustomed to this discomfort or a pain. Or maybe you desire change through seeking understanding and want a greater sense of wellbeing. Therapy may help you with this process of personal growth and healing. Whether you have a crisis, traumatic experience, significant life challenge or are wanting to experience greater fulfillment therapy may be for you.
(336) 203-0760 View (336) 203-0760
Photo of Sara Jane Tinker, LCSW, EMDR, SEP®, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Jane Tinker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR, SEP®
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37932  (Online Only)
For underlying issues we'll compound Attachment, EFT, EMDR, Psychodynamic, and Self Psychology therapies.
Want restored self-worth, healthy patterns to get needs met, and a loving, authentic relationship? Desire more friends? Less over-thinking, over-reacting? Life in the present moment? Peace? End worry? I combine Somatic Experiencing, Attachment Work, & EMDR to help heal broken hearts & childhood wounds; or specific needs for recovery from stress, trauma, accidents, illness, assault, chronic pain, betrayal, loss, infidelity, or breakups; easing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, PTSD & Complex Trauma, or addictive behaviors. I work with couples, individuals, & the range of personality and mood disorders.
For underlying issues we'll compound Attachment, EFT, EMDR, Psychodynamic, and Self Psychology therapies.
Want restored self-worth, healthy patterns to get needs met, and a loving, authentic relationship? Desire more friends? Less over-thinking, over-reacting? Life in the present moment? Peace? End worry? I combine Somatic Experiencing, Attachment Work, & EMDR to help heal broken hearts & childhood wounds; or specific needs for recovery from stress, trauma, accidents, illness, assault, chronic pain, betrayal, loss, infidelity, or breakups; easing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, PTSD & Complex Trauma, or addictive behaviors. I work with couples, individuals, & the range of personality and mood disorders.
(615) 488-6131 View (615) 488-6131
Photo of Lindsay-Jean (Lj) Brehm, Pre-Licensed Professional
Lindsay-Jean (Lj) Brehm
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37914
Waitlist for new clients
Are you wondering if therapy is right for you? If you are eager to understand yourself better, work on having more fulfilling and mutually beneficial relationships, heal from broken relationships, embrace major changes in your life, and feel more powerful in your own life, then working with me may facilitate the change that you desire. I work from a Psychodynamic perspective and am heavily influenced by Humanistic theories and techniques. I view clients holistically. I strive to support clients by meeting them where they are, joining with them, and creating a safe environment in which they are able to move toward wellness.
Are you wondering if therapy is right for you? If you are eager to understand yourself better, work on having more fulfilling and mutually beneficial relationships, heal from broken relationships, embrace major changes in your life, and feel more powerful in your own life, then working with me may facilitate the change that you desire. I work from a Psychodynamic perspective and am heavily influenced by Humanistic theories and techniques. I view clients holistically. I strive to support clients by meeting them where they are, joining with them, and creating a safe environment in which they are able to move toward wellness.
(423) 556-4005 View (423) 556-4005
Photo of Dr. Andre Wielemaker, PhD, HSP, Psychologist
Dr. Andre Wielemaker
Psychologist, PhD, HSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37901
Hey! I'm Dr. Andre, a licensed clinical psychologist. No matter who you are or what situation you're in, I aim to understand you and help you find relief and clarity. I provide a genuine, trusting relationship in a judgement free atmosphere to explore the concerns you are experiencing. I work with Men and Women facing anxiety, depression, stress, and dysfunctional patterns and lifestyles. I also work with Couples facing relationship distress and I specialize in therapy that includes a CBT, DBT, MI, SFBT, and a psychodynamic oriented style. I am currently offering sessions via Telehealth (online video).
Hey! I'm Dr. Andre, a licensed clinical psychologist. No matter who you are or what situation you're in, I aim to understand you and help you find relief and clarity. I provide a genuine, trusting relationship in a judgement free atmosphere to explore the concerns you are experiencing. I work with Men and Women facing anxiety, depression, stress, and dysfunctional patterns and lifestyles. I also work with Couples facing relationship distress and I specialize in therapy that includes a CBT, DBT, MI, SFBT, and a psychodynamic oriented style. I am currently offering sessions via Telehealth (online video).
(615) 437-2064 View (615) 437-2064
Photo of Ben Foodman, LCSW, CMPC, CSCS, TSAC-F, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ben Foodman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CMPC, CSCS, TSAC-F
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37916
When working with athletes who have psychological concerns with sports performance, ADD / ADHD, PTSD, trauma, anxiety & depression, Ben utilizes his background as a Brainspotting Consultant, training in Neurofeedback, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, & sport psychology tactics.
Ben Foodman's training includes having a background as a licensed psychotherapist with advanced training in sport psychology & motor behavior, Brainspotting, biofeedback and neurofeedback. He has helped athletes at all levels with sports mental blocks, PTSD, ADD / ADHD, non-sport related trauma, anxiety, depression, and transition from sport injuries. He is also able to provide alternative interventions for clients looking to alleviate their mental health symptoms such as the Yips. He has worked with a wide variety of professional, Olympic, collegiate & high school athletes as well as musicians and tactical athletes.
When working with athletes who have psychological concerns with sports performance, ADD / ADHD, PTSD, trauma, anxiety & depression, Ben utilizes his background as a Brainspotting Consultant, training in Neurofeedback, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, & sport psychology tactics.
Ben Foodman's training includes having a background as a licensed psychotherapist with advanced training in sport psychology & motor behavior, Brainspotting, biofeedback and neurofeedback. He has helped athletes at all levels with sports mental blocks, PTSD, ADD / ADHD, non-sport related trauma, anxiety, depression, and transition from sport injuries. He is also able to provide alternative interventions for clients looking to alleviate their mental health symptoms such as the Yips. He has worked with a wide variety of professional, Olympic, collegiate & high school athletes as well as musicians and tactical athletes.
(980) 255-5535 View (980) 255-5535
Photo of Michael C Van Camp - Hope Counseling Services LLC, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hope Counseling Services LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923
We are accepting new clients! At Hope Counseling, we understand how difficult it is to reach out for help. Our goal is to prove our commitment to you, in your journey to better mental health. We are dedicated and passionate about providing individualized treatment to our clients. Whether it is first onset psychosis or ongoing depression, marital problems or divorce recovery, anxiety or trauma we are here to serve you. We have enjoyed working with clients of different ages and background, that have reached their goals and made lasting improvements. We hope you will be our next successful client! HEALING happens here!
We are accepting new clients! At Hope Counseling, we understand how difficult it is to reach out for help. Our goal is to prove our commitment to you, in your journey to better mental health. We are dedicated and passionate about providing individualized treatment to our clients. Whether it is first onset psychosis or ongoing depression, marital problems or divorce recovery, anxiety or trauma we are here to serve you. We have enjoyed working with clients of different ages and background, that have reached their goals and made lasting improvements. We hope you will be our next successful client! HEALING happens here!
(865) 234-9860 View (865) 234-9860
Photo of Kelsie McGlothin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelsie McGlothin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37922
Waitlist for new clients
Healing from complex/developmental trauma can feel daunting. My job is to walk alongside you in this process.
Healing from complex/developmental trauma can feel daunting. My job is to walk alongside you in this process.
(865) 213-7670 View (865) 213-7670
Photo of Carrie Joy Wadman - Carrie Joy Counseling, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carrie Joy Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37921
Carrie's background and training is in Integrative Mental Health for Anxiety and Depression, Gender, and Substance Use (both abstinence and moderation goals) Therapy. After a very rewarding and joyful career of raising five children, Carrie discovered her passion for psychology, therapy, and the clients she has been honoured to work with. Nothing is quite as rewarding as watching a client during an "aha" moment or hearing about a particularly difficult challenge successfully overcome. Nothing touches the soul quite as much as someone trusting you with their deepest of pains.
Carrie's background and training is in Integrative Mental Health for Anxiety and Depression, Gender, and Substance Use (both abstinence and moderation goals) Therapy. After a very rewarding and joyful career of raising five children, Carrie discovered her passion for psychology, therapy, and the clients she has been honoured to work with. Nothing is quite as rewarding as watching a client during an "aha" moment or hearing about a particularly difficult challenge successfully overcome. Nothing touches the soul quite as much as someone trusting you with their deepest of pains.
(813) 541-0145 View (813) 541-0145
Photo of Alexander Jose Velez, t-LPC, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Alexander Jose Velez
Pre-Licensed Professional, t-LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37922
Although my background is in trauma, I have clinical experience and training in assisting all people in dealing with the variety of life struggles. We all face different challenges in life and respond to them in our own ways. As such, each approach in treatment should be unique and person centered. My goal is to help each person along their journey in processing and overcoming their unique challenges so that they can thrive on their own..
Although my background is in trauma, I have clinical experience and training in assisting all people in dealing with the variety of life struggles. We all face different challenges in life and respond to them in our own ways. As such, each approach in treatment should be unique and person centered. My goal is to help each person along their journey in processing and overcoming their unique challenges so that they can thrive on their own..
(865) 505-8113 View (865) 505-8113
Photo of Phil Randall, PhD, HSP, CGP, Psychologist
Phil Randall
Psychologist, PhD, HSP, CGP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37934  (Online Only)
Are you struggling in your relationships? Having a hard time communicating with others? Do you find yourself stuck in the same patterns with other people? Feeling stressed out, anxious, or depressed because nobody seems to know what you need? If you feel stuck and aren’t sure where to go next – I can help. My focus is improving your relationships and managing anxiety, stress, and mood issues stemming from day-to-day life. We live in the context of our social relationships (family, friends, romantic, etc.), and there is no better way to treat mental health concerns than through a social lens.
Are you struggling in your relationships? Having a hard time communicating with others? Do you find yourself stuck in the same patterns with other people? Feeling stressed out, anxious, or depressed because nobody seems to know what you need? If you feel stuck and aren’t sure where to go next – I can help. My focus is improving your relationships and managing anxiety, stress, and mood issues stemming from day-to-day life. We live in the context of our social relationships (family, friends, romantic, etc.), and there is no better way to treat mental health concerns than through a social lens.
(865) 217-2009 View (865) 217-2009
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.