Psychoanalytic Therapists in Berkeley, CA

My approach to therapy is grounded in contemporary psychodynamic/ psychoanalytic practice that is relationally oriented and also influenced by aspects from Buddhist philosophy, Internal Family Systems, and narrative therapy.
There are many reasons why you might be looking for a therapist at this time. You may be navigating a life transition, struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling stuck in limiting relational patterns, contending with critical inner voices, relying on unhealthy coping strategies, or seeking to heal from difficult family experiences and systems of oppression. You might have the sense that you need to make some changes in order to find more satisfaction in your life, but are unsure how to go about doing so. Reaching out for help can feel like a risk, but it also a life-affirming act of bravery...and a necessary first step.
My approach to therapy is grounded in contemporary psychodynamic/ psychoanalytic practice that is relationally oriented and also influenced by aspects from Buddhist philosophy, Internal Family Systems, and narrative therapy.
There are many reasons why you might be looking for a therapist at this time. You may be navigating a life transition, struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling stuck in limiting relational patterns, contending with critical inner voices, relying on unhealthy coping strategies, or seeking to heal from difficult family experiences and systems of oppression. You might have the sense that you need to make some changes in order to find more satisfaction in your life, but are unsure how to go about doing so. Reaching out for help can feel like a risk, but it also a life-affirming act of bravery...and a necessary first step.

Licensed in California, I also hold certifications in trauma-informed and psychoanalytic-psychodynamic therapy.
Sometimes life poses challenges or does not work out the way we hoped. At some point, everyone needs help during difficult times. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to foster growth, healing, and self-compassion. I love working with people of all ages. I am deeply committed to meeting you and/or your child wherever you/they are so that over time you can find more ease and clarity in your daily and inner life.
Licensed in California, I also hold certifications in trauma-informed and psychoanalytic-psychodynamic therapy.
Sometimes life poses challenges or does not work out the way we hoped. At some point, everyone needs help during difficult times. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to foster growth, healing, and self-compassion. I love working with people of all ages. I am deeply committed to meeting you and/or your child wherever you/they are so that over time you can find more ease and clarity in your daily and inner life.

I offer psychoanalytic psychotherapy for people seeking therapy once per week as well as intensive psychoanalysis 3-5 times per week.
The intimate relationship that develops in therapy requires being willing to be deeply known. Crisis, uncertainty, unwanted patterns, doubt, self-criticism & anxiety are unsettling. Addressing internal conflict is a private & individual process but that does not mean it must be done alone. Therapy is an opportunity to understand yourself better. It is a place to give attention to the wounds of being “othered” due to a personal issue or identity (race, sexuality, gender, immigration status, ethnicity, class, being donor conceived, disability, etc). Therapy offers an opportunity to confront fears & challenges in being understood.
I offer psychoanalytic psychotherapy for people seeking therapy once per week as well as intensive psychoanalysis 3-5 times per week.
The intimate relationship that develops in therapy requires being willing to be deeply known. Crisis, uncertainty, unwanted patterns, doubt, self-criticism & anxiety are unsettling. Addressing internal conflict is a private & individual process but that does not mean it must be done alone. Therapy is an opportunity to understand yourself better. It is a place to give attention to the wounds of being “othered” due to a personal issue or identity (race, sexuality, gender, immigration status, ethnicity, class, being donor conceived, disability, etc). Therapy offers an opportunity to confront fears & challenges in being understood.

I am trained in both psychoanalytic psychotherapy and performance psychology.
Hi, I’m Jessica Good. I am a licensed psychotherapist working with adults, adolescents, couples and families in the Bay Area. I support clients in understanding themselves better and improving their mental health. Whether I am helping my clients manage anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or relationship conflicts, I take a strengths-based and collaborative approach with clients. I like to combine insight-oriented depth work over time with practical therapeutic tools for daily life. I offer in person and virtual sessions.
I am trained in both psychoanalytic psychotherapy and performance psychology.
Hi, I’m Jessica Good. I am a licensed psychotherapist working with adults, adolescents, couples and families in the Bay Area. I support clients in understanding themselves better and improving their mental health. Whether I am helping my clients manage anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or relationship conflicts, I take a strengths-based and collaborative approach with clients. I like to combine insight-oriented depth work over time with practical therapeutic tools for daily life. I offer in person and virtual sessions.

Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
I work online and am kink and LGBTQ friendly. I offer psychoanalytic therapy, which means that I practice a unique form of listening that is attuned to all the dimensions of your speech (and your being). I’m especially interested in working with trauma in all its manifestations and have a great deal of experience with the myriad complexities trauma presents.
Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
I work online and am kink and LGBTQ friendly. I offer psychoanalytic therapy, which means that I practice a unique form of listening that is attuned to all the dimensions of your speech (and your being). I’m especially interested in working with trauma in all its manifestations and have a great deal of experience with the myriad complexities trauma presents.

I work from an integrative psychoanalytic perspective.
Exploration of your inner life helps to remove obstacles in the way of experiencing more joy and less pain. Finding words for your feelings in a trusting therapeutic relationship mitigates the shame that keeps problems fixed and frightening. We face these issues straightforwardly, but with humor, and with compassion.
I work from an integrative psychoanalytic perspective.
Exploration of your inner life helps to remove obstacles in the way of experiencing more joy and less pain. Finding words for your feelings in a trusting therapeutic relationship mitigates the shame that keeps problems fixed and frightening. We face these issues straightforwardly, but with humor, and with compassion.

While I adapt my approach to your particular needs, my foundation is psychoanalytic psychotherapy; a two-year post-graduate training has significantly informed my thinking.
I believe that insecure relationships (of many forms) are the root of most suffering. As a result, my work is focused on those who wish to improve their relational lives. This includes single people who aspire to having a romantic relationship, but who seem to encounter difficulties in securing one; those who are already in a romantic relationship, but are facing challenges; people contending with struggles with friends or family; or people who aren't so sure about how they relate to, well, themselves. I also work with those who aren't even necessarily sure what has them down or anxious, but who hope to learn and to get unstuck.
While I adapt my approach to your particular needs, my foundation is psychoanalytic psychotherapy; a two-year post-graduate training has significantly informed my thinking.
I believe that insecure relationships (of many forms) are the root of most suffering. As a result, my work is focused on those who wish to improve their relational lives. This includes single people who aspire to having a romantic relationship, but who seem to encounter difficulties in securing one; those who are already in a romantic relationship, but are facing challenges; people contending with struggles with friends or family; or people who aren't so sure about how they relate to, well, themselves. I also work with those who aren't even necessarily sure what has them down or anxious, but who hope to learn and to get unstuck.

I work from a relational psychoanalytic lens with a background in somatics, which offers exploratory questions and tools for navigating emotional pain, feelings of numbness, and relationship distress.
I frequently work with those who are navigating complex trauma (CPTSD) symptoms or who struggle with perfectionism, shame, dissociation, and self-worth. I welcome themes related to belonging, grief, gender dysphoria, non-monogamy, BDSM/kink, mood disorders and chronic illness. I offer individual as well as relationship or couples therapy.
I work from a relational psychoanalytic lens with a background in somatics, which offers exploratory questions and tools for navigating emotional pain, feelings of numbness, and relationship distress.
I frequently work with those who are navigating complex trauma (CPTSD) symptoms or who struggle with perfectionism, shame, dissociation, and self-worth. I welcome themes related to belonging, grief, gender dysphoria, non-monogamy, BDSM/kink, mood disorders and chronic illness. I offer individual as well as relationship or couples therapy.

I am an analytic candidate at the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California.
Life can be difficult. Sometimes we feel stuck. It may be that recent events, difficult feelings or relationship challenges are making it clear that some things are not working. It could be that stress, worry or confusion have felt overwhelming and lead to unhelpful patterns with yourself and the others you care most about. Within the frameworks of relational psychodynamic and somatic psychotherapy I offer a warm, supportive presence so you can explore whats difficult, hone your strengths and become more fully yourself.
I am an analytic candidate at the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California.
Life can be difficult. Sometimes we feel stuck. It may be that recent events, difficult feelings or relationship challenges are making it clear that some things are not working. It could be that stress, worry or confusion have felt overwhelming and lead to unhelpful patterns with yourself and the others you care most about. Within the frameworks of relational psychodynamic and somatic psychotherapy I offer a warm, supportive presence so you can explore whats difficult, hone your strengths and become more fully yourself.

Attachment based and psychoanalytic psychotherapy guide my practice.
You are hurting, or anxious, are considering psychotherapy and whether to trust me to facilitate your healing. My experience with adults, couples and children will support your inner journey and that of loved ones. We will create space for you to contemplate internal, external and relationship challenges. Through an attuned therapeutic relationship, I will help you address internal challenges - depression, anxiety and trauma. Empathically, I help you face external challenges - discrimination, immigration and life transitions. I also support you in navigating relationships, in which your internal worlds connect with those of others.
Attachment based and psychoanalytic psychotherapy guide my practice.
You are hurting, or anxious, are considering psychotherapy and whether to trust me to facilitate your healing. My experience with adults, couples and children will support your inner journey and that of loved ones. We will create space for you to contemplate internal, external and relationship challenges. Through an attuned therapeutic relationship, I will help you address internal challenges - depression, anxiety and trauma. Empathically, I help you face external challenges - discrimination, immigration and life transitions. I also support you in navigating relationships, in which your internal worlds connect with those of others.

from UC Berkeley and have undergone several years of advanced psychoanalytic training at the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis and the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis.
People come to see me when they are stuck. You've achieved success, but you repeat patterns in your thinking, behavior, and relationships. You lack meaning and purpose. You struggle to live in the present. Your pain may show up as anxiety, depression, relationship and career difficulties, issues with sexuality, or in your body. Psychoanalysis is a talking cure that addresses the root causes of unhappiness. Through this process, you'll gain a new understanding of what brought you to where you are. It will open a path to your desire and a new knowledge of what you want in life. This practice offers a way forward that is more alive.
from UC Berkeley and have undergone several years of advanced psychoanalytic training at the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis and the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis.
People come to see me when they are stuck. You've achieved success, but you repeat patterns in your thinking, behavior, and relationships. You lack meaning and purpose. You struggle to live in the present. Your pain may show up as anxiety, depression, relationship and career difficulties, issues with sexuality, or in your body. Psychoanalysis is a talking cure that addresses the root causes of unhappiness. Through this process, you'll gain a new understanding of what brought you to where you are. It will open a path to your desire and a new knowledge of what you want in life. This practice offers a way forward that is more alive.

My education and training has been primarily psychodynamic/ psychoanalytic, and my approach reflects the application of this evidence-base.
My work is informed by years of practice and research in evidence-based methods and interventions aimed at helping people change. I create strong collaborative relationships with a goal of helping to improve personal and interpersonal effectiveness, and to bringing about one's best, most authentic self. By working on problematic relationship patterns, changing patterns of thought and behavior, and by learning to become more flexible and integrated, my aim is to increase my patients' overall effectiveness and help them lead happier, more fulfilling lives. I expect changes made in therapy will lead to systemic improvements in my patients' lives.
My education and training has been primarily psychodynamic/ psychoanalytic, and my approach reflects the application of this evidence-base.
My work is informed by years of practice and research in evidence-based methods and interventions aimed at helping people change. I create strong collaborative relationships with a goal of helping to improve personal and interpersonal effectiveness, and to bringing about one's best, most authentic self. By working on problematic relationship patterns, changing patterns of thought and behavior, and by learning to become more flexible and integrated, my aim is to increase my patients' overall effectiveness and help them lead happier, more fulfilling lives. I expect changes made in therapy will lead to systemic improvements in my patients' lives.

I practice psychoanalytic therapy, focusing on the unconscious mind, therapeutic relationship, & uncensored exploration.
Welcome! My practice is particularly suited for individuals looking for an LGBTQ+ knowledgeable and affirming therapist. While these identities may not always be what brings you into therapy, working with someone who can hold them as important lenses that deepen an understanding of the self and how one navigates the world can be an especially fulfilling experience. Additionally, I have a special interest in working with folks around all stages of queer family building, from pre-conception to postpartum and beyond. In my couples work, I have a special interest in supporting relationships undergoing challenging transitions.
I practice psychoanalytic therapy, focusing on the unconscious mind, therapeutic relationship, & uncensored exploration.
Welcome! My practice is particularly suited for individuals looking for an LGBTQ+ knowledgeable and affirming therapist. While these identities may not always be what brings you into therapy, working with someone who can hold them as important lenses that deepen an understanding of the self and how one navigates the world can be an especially fulfilling experience. Additionally, I have a special interest in working with folks around all stages of queer family building, from pre-conception to postpartum and beyond. In my couples work, I have a special interest in supporting relationships undergoing challenging transitions.

My work is grounded in contemporary and relational psychoanalytic theory, with particular attention paid to multicultural context.
I am a Community Member at The SF Center for Psychoanalysis. I was on the faculty of the Women's Therapy Center in Berkeley, CA 2011-2020.
My work is grounded in contemporary and relational psychoanalytic theory, with particular attention paid to multicultural context.
I am a Community Member at The SF Center for Psychoanalysis. I was on the faculty of the Women's Therapy Center in Berkeley, CA 2011-2020.

I work hard to make a relationship with clients that provides a context for understanding; using, in a few words, a relational psychoanalytic approach.
I believe that as human beings, we are hard-wired with the need to get our emotional experience into the mind of a trusted other. My work as a psychotherapist is to find emotional resonance with my clients' life experiences, deriving both from their family of origin and from present-day situations and relationships. Whether a client is depressed, anxious, struggling with relationship problems, trying to overcome traumatic experiences, or trying to find their own unique, personal voice in a complex world, talking in psychotherapy can help to expand your capacity for growth and happiness.
I work hard to make a relationship with clients that provides a context for understanding; using, in a few words, a relational psychoanalytic approach.
I believe that as human beings, we are hard-wired with the need to get our emotional experience into the mind of a trusted other. My work as a psychotherapist is to find emotional resonance with my clients' life experiences, deriving both from their family of origin and from present-day situations and relationships. Whether a client is depressed, anxious, struggling with relationship problems, trying to overcome traumatic experiences, or trying to find their own unique, personal voice in a complex world, talking in psychotherapy can help to expand your capacity for growth and happiness.

Informed by psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theory, I help patients understand who they are.
I am a bilingual, bicultural (English and Spanish-speaking) psychologist who provides psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to young adults and adults. I support patients in fostering resilience and in building more meaningful, connected relationships.
Informed by psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theory, I help patients understand who they are.
I am a bilingual, bicultural (English and Spanish-speaking) psychologist who provides psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to young adults and adults. I support patients in fostering resilience and in building more meaningful, connected relationships.

I use a neurodevelopmental and psychoanalytic perspective that is informed by the impacts of society and culture.
Creativity can be foundational to positive and longstanding change. We come into the world with an innate skill to solve the many problems that arise during development. Sometimes these solutions bring up new challenges or get in the way of our relationships and our ability to enjoy life. I work with children, adults, elders, and couples who are struggling to adapt to a stressful world. By developing a trusting relationship where exploration is welcomed and analyzed, we are able to find new ways of functioning, new solutions to our interpersonal conflicts, and improve our ability to flexibly adapt to our changing world.
I use a neurodevelopmental and psychoanalytic perspective that is informed by the impacts of society and culture.
Creativity can be foundational to positive and longstanding change. We come into the world with an innate skill to solve the many problems that arise during development. Sometimes these solutions bring up new challenges or get in the way of our relationships and our ability to enjoy life. I work with children, adults, elders, and couples who are struggling to adapt to a stressful world. By developing a trusting relationship where exploration is welcomed and analyzed, we are able to find new ways of functioning, new solutions to our interpersonal conflicts, and improve our ability to flexibly adapt to our changing world.

My orientation is relational with a psychoanalytic bent.
I believe that the most effective route to change and healing is through self awareness, I strive to work towards that end in all the therapy I do, both with couples and with individuals. I have found that there is no more powerful tool for breaking old patterns and affecting real change than self knowledge. With people who are curious and willing to look inward, I can help them do deep work and find out who they are and why they do the things they do..
My orientation is relational with a psychoanalytic bent.
I believe that the most effective route to change and healing is through self awareness, I strive to work towards that end in all the therapy I do, both with couples and with individuals. I have found that there is no more powerful tool for breaking old patterns and affecting real change than self knowledge. With people who are curious and willing to look inward, I can help them do deep work and find out who they are and why they do the things they do..

I combine a natural enthusiasm for, and belief in, therapeutic work with a well rounded training background in body based therapy and relational psychoanalytic training.
With over 14 years of clinical experience, I help men and women, couples and families (especially adult siblings) address a variety forms of distress, from anxiety and depression, to addiction or just a general sense that something feels off in their lives in order to find more fulfillment and meaning. Whether I am working with an individual, couple or family, I am attuned to multiple forms of communication as a direct means for assessment, diagnosis and treatment for what ails each client, and what blocks them from their own joy and peace. I am interested in working with clients with a curiosity of their inner worlds.
I combine a natural enthusiasm for, and belief in, therapeutic work with a well rounded training background in body based therapy and relational psychoanalytic training.
With over 14 years of clinical experience, I help men and women, couples and families (especially adult siblings) address a variety forms of distress, from anxiety and depression, to addiction or just a general sense that something feels off in their lives in order to find more fulfillment and meaning. Whether I am working with an individual, couple or family, I am attuned to multiple forms of communication as a direct means for assessment, diagnosis and treatment for what ails each client, and what blocks them from their own joy and peace. I am interested in working with clients with a curiosity of their inner worlds.

In addition, my work is influenced by psychoanalytic theory and attachment theory, and is informed by an awareness of trauma, including complex and inter-generational trauma.
Specialties: Anxiety, Cultural Issues, Depression, Relationship Issues, Trauma and Abuse, Women's Issues
In addition, my work is influenced by psychoanalytic theory and attachment theory, and is informed by an awareness of trauma, including complex and inter-generational trauma.
Specialties: Anxiety, Cultural Issues, Depression, Relationship Issues, Trauma and Abuse, Women's Issues
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Does psychoanalytic therapy work?
Psychoanalytic therapy derives from the work of Sigmund Freud. In this type of therapy, discovering buried thoughts and emotions from the unconscious will help a person work through their difficulties and negative behaviors. Research shows that psychoanalytic therapy can be highly effective, with patients reporting improvement in mood, quality of life, and overall well-being.
How long are people typically in psychoanalytic therapy?
Traditional psychoanalysis is in-depth and is conducted in five sessions every week. Today, modern psychoanalytic therapy is less intense and normally incorporates as few as one or two sessions a week. In some cases, positive change can occur quickly. However, if the condition, difficulty, or behavior is deep-seated, improvement may require many months or years of therapy.
Is psychoanalytic therapy suitable for young people?
Children and adolescents can benefit from this type of therapy. Many kids and teens are often unable to form and communicate their thoughts and emotions. Psychoanalytic therapy uses specific techniques such as dream analysis, symbolism, and free association or word association; all of which can be useful tools for less-communicative young people. Through this therapy, a patient will hopefully make connections between what they feel inside and how the world works outside.
Can psychoanalytic therapy be done online?
Modern-day psychoanalytic therapy is very different from traditional psychoanalysis. While an individual can sit face-to-face with the psychoanalyst for multiple sessions a week, they do not have to. Today, psychoanalytic therapy can be effectively conducted online or by phone. The key is that the individual confronts what is repressed and avoided, and this can be done whether in person or over online video.