Therapists in M4H
Gordon Gates
Registered Social Worker, MA, MSW, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4H
If you want to speak to someone who won't judge, really listens, and can help you find your best self, I would love to hear from you. The first priority is finding a therapist you feel safe with. We begin by exploring the issues and understanding the challenges, but the real work is learning to be gentle with ourselves as we acknowledge the need for a shift and begin to implement new practices. If you have had a traumatic experience, try to seek support within 3 months to prevent PTSD and other issues from developing. EMDR can help immensely to decrease distress. There are no distance issues online. Clients from anywhere welcome.
If you want to speak to someone who won't judge, really listens, and can help you find your best self, I would love to hear from you. The first priority is finding a therapist you feel safe with. We begin by exploring the issues and understanding the challenges, but the real work is learning to be gentle with ourselves as we acknowledge the need for a shift and begin to implement new practices. If you have had a traumatic experience, try to seek support within 3 months to prevent PTSD and other issues from developing. EMDR can help immensely to decrease distress. There are no distance issues online. Clients from anywhere welcome.
See more therapy options for M4H
Psychodynamic Counsellors
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.