Psychodynamic Therapists in Cardiff By The Sea, CA

John Joseph Tarsitano
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Online Only
I work from psychodynamic and Jungian perspectives, offering a reflective, compassionate space that fosters curiosity and honesty.
You’ve taken a courageous step by exploring therapy, and I honor the path that has led you here. You might be feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Perhaps you’re navigating a major transition, experiencing a sense of loss, or longing for deeper meaning and connection. Whatever has brought you to this point, know that you don’t have to face it alone. I offer a compassionate, reflective space where you can slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been neglected, forgotten, or left behind.
I work from psychodynamic and Jungian perspectives, offering a reflective, compassionate space that fosters curiosity and honesty.
You’ve taken a courageous step by exploring therapy, and I honor the path that has led you here. You might be feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Perhaps you’re navigating a major transition, experiencing a sense of loss, or longing for deeper meaning and connection. Whatever has brought you to this point, know that you don’t have to face it alone. I offer a compassionate, reflective space where you can slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been neglected, forgotten, or left behind.
(760) 971-7632 View (760) 971-7632
Shauna Oeth
Psychologist, PhD
Welcome! I've been helping people to understand themselves and navigate life's challenges for over 30 years. I always aim to be empathic, collaborative, productive and practical. My care and our conversations would be thorough, individualized and holistic, integrating multiple perspectives and strategies. I enjoy working with older teens through older adults, and have specialty interests in adolescence, relationships, women's issues, eating concerns, and parenting at all ages. Having raised two young adults, I understand the challenges of modern family life and staying balanced in our hectic world.
Welcome! I've been helping people to understand themselves and navigate life's challenges for over 30 years. I always aim to be empathic, collaborative, productive and practical. My care and our conversations would be thorough, individualized and holistic, integrating multiple perspectives and strategies. I enjoy working with older teens through older adults, and have specialty interests in adolescence, relationships, women's issues, eating concerns, and parenting at all ages. Having raised two young adults, I understand the challenges of modern family life and staying balanced in our hectic world.
(760) 496-5628 View (760) 496-5628
Josh Beckman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Waitlist for new clients
I provide kind and professional care, my approach is flexible and I work with clients to identify and understand their challenges and help them work towards resolution. My focus is on healing life traumas, building strong and safe attachments and helping clients learn to live an authentic, connected life. I work to help identify the parts of us that feel disconnected, are in pain and help develop skills to feel better, connected and happy. As an adoptee, my clinical focus is working through the lifelong traumatic impact of adoption, abandonment or relinquishment and process unmet childhood emotional needs.
I provide kind and professional care, my approach is flexible and I work with clients to identify and understand their challenges and help them work towards resolution. My focus is on healing life traumas, building strong and safe attachments and helping clients learn to live an authentic, connected life. I work to help identify the parts of us that feel disconnected, are in pain and help develop skills to feel better, connected and happy. As an adoptee, my clinical focus is working through the lifelong traumatic impact of adoption, abandonment or relinquishment and process unmet childhood emotional needs.
(760) 334-5619 View (760) 334-5619
Dr. Dianne Sterling
Psychologist, MS, PsyD
Waitlist for new clients
For over 30 years I have been adding, blending and refining many treatment modalities, including mindfulness psychotherapy, MCBT and psychodynamic therapy to ensure the best fit for each person while encouraging self-compassion.
I employ an eclectic approach, emphasizing addressing symptoms and issues with self-compassion , while being informed with the most up to date research. In addition, I provide Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy as an affiliate of Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute, am active in Psychedelic clinical trials as a lead therapist and provide integration therapy.
For over 30 years I have been adding, blending and refining many treatment modalities, including mindfulness psychotherapy, MCBT and psychodynamic therapy to ensure the best fit for each person while encouraging self-compassion.
I employ an eclectic approach, emphasizing addressing symptoms and issues with self-compassion , while being informed with the most up to date research. In addition, I provide Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy as an affiliate of Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute, am active in Psychedelic clinical trials as a lead therapist and provide integration therapy.
(760) 530-4743 View (760) 530-4743
Michael Gallagher
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I integrate EMDR and psychodynamic interventions to help you process stuck emotions, shift long-standing patterns, and reconnect with your core self.
You're tired of pretending everything is fine when inside, it's not. Maybe you're constantly anxious, emotionally numb, or stuck in the same painful patterns- in relationships, in your work, or just with yourself. You've tried coping, pushing through or staying busy, but it's no longer working. You're looking for real change- not just temporary relief.
I integrate EMDR and psychodynamic interventions to help you process stuck emotions, shift long-standing patterns, and reconnect with your core self.
You're tired of pretending everything is fine when inside, it's not. Maybe you're constantly anxious, emotionally numb, or stuck in the same painful patterns- in relationships, in your work, or just with yourself. You've tried coping, pushing through or staying busy, but it's no longer working. You're looking for real change- not just temporary relief.
(760) 606-5787 View (760) 606-5787
Kimberly Nenemay
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
As a psychologist, I believe that establishing a good working relationship with my client is first and foremost. I will support you to address your concerns, such as relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, work-life balance struggles, anxiety, depression, identity issues, just to name a few. In order to facilitate a meaningful change, my approach is specific to your needs and is based on over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I offer virtual and in-person traditional talk therapy, integrated therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). We will collaborate together to decide which approach is best.
As a psychologist, I believe that establishing a good working relationship with my client is first and foremost. I will support you to address your concerns, such as relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, work-life balance struggles, anxiety, depression, identity issues, just to name a few. In order to facilitate a meaningful change, my approach is specific to your needs and is based on over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I offer virtual and in-person traditional talk therapy, integrated therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). We will collaborate together to decide which approach is best.
(619) 345-6745 View (619) 345-6745
Dr. Lauren Wyatt - Trauma and Attachment Expert
Psychological Associate, Ph.D.
1 Endorsed
You may appear to be holding everything together while privately feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or trapped in the same painful patterns. Trauma, relationship wounds, anxiety, depression, grief, or major life changes may be affecting how safe you feel, how you connect with others, and how you see yourself. Perhaps you understand why you struggle but still cannot seem to change it. Therapy can offer a place to slow down, feel genuinely understood, and begin making sense of what you have been carrying. You do not have to keep navigating it alone.
You may appear to be holding everything together while privately feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or trapped in the same painful patterns. Trauma, relationship wounds, anxiety, depression, grief, or major life changes may be affecting how safe you feel, how you connect with others, and how you see yourself. Perhaps you understand why you struggle but still cannot seem to change it. Therapy can offer a place to slow down, feel genuinely understood, and begin making sense of what you have been carrying. You do not have to keep navigating it alone.
(619) 612-0857 View (619) 612-0857
Jenna Suway
Psychologist, PhD
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
My theoretical approach to treatment is integrative with a strong focus on psychodynamic approaches and a multicultural perspective.
I help adolescents and adults navigate difficulties in their lives. Some of the treatment areas in which I work relate to identity (e.g., LGBTQ+ individuals), anxiety, transitions, values, trauma, and mood. My goal is to create an open and safe environment from which to explore, process, and learn. It is an honor to get to know you and to work collaboratively to address whatever brings you to therapy. I look forward to speaking with you.
My theoretical approach to treatment is integrative with a strong focus on psychodynamic approaches and a multicultural perspective.
I help adolescents and adults navigate difficulties in their lives. Some of the treatment areas in which I work relate to identity (e.g., LGBTQ+ individuals), anxiety, transitions, values, trauma, and mood. My goal is to create an open and safe environment from which to explore, process, and learn. It is an honor to get to know you and to work collaboratively to address whatever brings you to therapy. I look forward to speaking with you.
(442) 313-2372 View (442) 313-2372
Transformative Marriage and Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Serves Area
You may appear to be functioning well on the outside, yet internally feel anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in painful relationship patterns. Many of my clients struggle with betrayal trauma, codependency, love addiction, emotional neglect, or the effects of addiction within the family. You might feel exhausted from repeating the same cycles, doubting your reality, or losing yourself while trying to care for others. With 28 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I offer a structured, compassionate, and direct approach. My work focuses on developmental trauma, attachment repair, boundaries, self-worth, and relationshi
You may appear to be functioning well on the outside, yet internally feel anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in painful relationship patterns. Many of my clients struggle with betrayal trauma, codependency, love addiction, emotional neglect, or the effects of addiction within the family. You might feel exhausted from repeating the same cycles, doubting your reality, or losing yourself while trying to care for others. With 28 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I offer a structured, compassionate, and direct approach. My work focuses on developmental trauma, attachment repair, boundaries, self-worth, and relationshi
(760) 618-1909 View (760) 618-1909
Stephanie Ann Massey
Psychologist, PsyD
Serves Area
Psychodynamic therapy with cognitive behavioral tools to achieve a better quality of life when suffering with anxiety and mood disorders.
I have a unique ability to connect with people. Sometimes there are people that have a hard time clarifying what their thoughts and feelings are. They get confused. They hear voices in their head. They think people are making fun of them because they are born different. It can be really hard for Their own families to help. I help their families achieve common ground . Teenagers know I am real even if I tell them things they don’t want to hear. I have assisted many young adults make the difficult transition to adulthood. Older adults know that I want to hear about their life and assist them with the challenges of getting old.
Psychodynamic therapy with cognitive behavioral tools to achieve a better quality of life when suffering with anxiety and mood disorders.
I have a unique ability to connect with people. Sometimes there are people that have a hard time clarifying what their thoughts and feelings are. They get confused. They hear voices in their head. They think people are making fun of them because they are born different. It can be really hard for Their own families to help. I help their families achieve common ground . Teenagers know I am real even if I tell them things they don’t want to hear. I have assisted many young adults make the difficult transition to adulthood. Older adults know that I want to hear about their life and assist them with the challenges of getting old.
(619) 432-3764 View (619) 432-3764
Micaela Meile
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you feeling emotionally exhausted by everyday demands, relationship challenges, school stress, anxiety & depression, or past traumas? You’re not alone. Life can be difficult, but healing is possible. I’m passionate about supporting individuals through life’s uncertainties and challenges. Realizing you’re not alone is powerful and healing. I’m here to offer a steady hand and compassionate heart. By prioritizing your mental health, you’ve already shown great resilience. It would be an honor to help you rediscover peace and confidence. Your story matters and I am here to listen and work with you towards your goals.
Are you feeling emotionally exhausted by everyday demands, relationship challenges, school stress, anxiety & depression, or past traumas? You’re not alone. Life can be difficult, but healing is possible. I’m passionate about supporting individuals through life’s uncertainties and challenges. Realizing you’re not alone is powerful and healing. I’m here to offer a steady hand and compassionate heart. By prioritizing your mental health, you’ve already shown great resilience. It would be an honor to help you rediscover peace and confidence. Your story matters and I am here to listen and work with you towards your goals.
(424) 417-2740 View (424) 417-2740
Julie Badaracco
Psychologist, PsyD
8 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi there! I am Dr. Julie Badaracco and I work with adults on depression, anxiety, acculturation issues, identity development, trauma, time and stress management, and major life transitions. I genuinely enjoy working with individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds and will work to incorporate your cultural identity and values into your therapy. My therapy approach is collaborative in nature as I strive to understand who you are and your unique concerns. I value a strong working relationship, as I believe that to experience growth and healing you must feel that you can trust me and speak openly.
Hi there! I am Dr. Julie Badaracco and I work with adults on depression, anxiety, acculturation issues, identity development, trauma, time and stress management, and major life transitions. I genuinely enjoy working with individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds and will work to incorporate your cultural identity and values into your therapy. My therapy approach is collaborative in nature as I strive to understand who you are and your unique concerns. I value a strong working relationship, as I believe that to experience growth and healing you must feel that you can trust me and speak openly.
(619) 292-0493 View (619) 292-0493
Grace Berke Montgomery
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
I have 30 years of clinical experience in a multitude of settings, including all phases of patient care, from an initial assessment to developing a course of treatment and altering the course as indicated with input from the patient. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences, pursued a graduate degree, and earned a Masters's Degree in Counseling Psychology at National University, San Diego, CA. My experience is expansive developmentally with regard to age as well as the condition for which the person is seeking care.
I have 30 years of clinical experience in a multitude of settings, including all phases of patient care, from an initial assessment to developing a course of treatment and altering the course as indicated with input from the patient. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences, pursued a graduate degree, and earned a Masters's Degree in Counseling Psychology at National University, San Diego, CA. My experience is expansive developmentally with regard to age as well as the condition for which the person is seeking care.
(626) 669-3495 View (626) 669-3495
Laurie Ann Sanford
Psychologist, PsyD
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Aloha my name is Laurie Sanford. I have worked as a clinician for over 30 years, 15 of which has been as a clinical psychologist.I have been priviledged to teach in a doctoral clinical psychology program as well as to provide in-training psychotherapy to psychiatry residents at Tripler Army Medical Center. I specialize in individual and couples' therapy. My work is informed by training at the Stone Center at Wellesley College and at Harvard Medical School, where I was supervised by Trauma expert, Dr. Judith Herman. I have practices in San Diego California and Honolulu Hawaii.
Aloha my name is Laurie Sanford. I have worked as a clinician for over 30 years, 15 of which has been as a clinical psychologist.I have been priviledged to teach in a doctoral clinical psychology program as well as to provide in-training psychotherapy to psychiatry residents at Tripler Army Medical Center. I specialize in individual and couples' therapy. My work is informed by training at the Stone Center at Wellesley College and at Harvard Medical School, where I was supervised by Trauma expert, Dr. Judith Herman. I have practices in San Diego California and Honolulu Hawaii.
(808) 561-4752 View (808) 561-4752
Dr. Celeste Carlson
Psychological Associate, PsyD
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
My work is grounded in relational and psychodynamic approaches and informed by trauma theory and a deep belief in the healing power of connection.
I work with individuals who are carrying a great deal internally, even if others may not realize it. I have a special focus on working with emerging adults and student-athletes navigating identity shifts, burnout, and the transition into adulthood. This often includes feeling uncertain about who you are outside of achievement, sport, academics, or external expectations, especially when the structures that once defined you begin to change or fall away. As a former Division I collegiate athlete, I understand the intensity of performance-driven environments and how deeply they can shape identity, self-worth, and emotional experience.
My work is grounded in relational and psychodynamic approaches and informed by trauma theory and a deep belief in the healing power of connection.
I work with individuals who are carrying a great deal internally, even if others may not realize it. I have a special focus on working with emerging adults and student-athletes navigating identity shifts, burnout, and the transition into adulthood. This often includes feeling uncertain about who you are outside of achievement, sport, academics, or external expectations, especially when the structures that once defined you begin to change or fall away. As a former Division I collegiate athlete, I understand the intensity of performance-driven environments and how deeply they can shape identity, self-worth, and emotional experience.
(323) 529-6059 View (323) 529-6059
Michael Gallagher
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Online Only
One of my biggest passions is helping others overcome problems and giving back in a way I was helped. I’m a licensed therapist specializing in ISTDP, helping adults overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction by quickly identifying and resolving the emotional patterns that drive symptoms. I offer compassionate, focused sessions that help you access core feelings, reduce distress, and build more effective ways of coping and relating.
One of my biggest passions is helping others overcome problems and giving back in a way I was helped. I’m a licensed therapist specializing in ISTDP, helping adults overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction by quickly identifying and resolving the emotional patterns that drive symptoms. I offer compassionate, focused sessions that help you access core feelings, reduce distress, and build more effective ways of coping and relating.
(858) 544-0941 View (858) 544-0941
Sarah Rewers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA , LMFT
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Many of my clients approach me feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, and burnt out. I’m an experienced therapist who works well with individuals navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, and boundary setting. My approach is to provide you with a free and protected space to express difficult thoughts and feelings and to facilitate the emergence of your authentic self, helping you feel more whole.
Many of my clients approach me feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, and burnt out. I’m an experienced therapist who works well with individuals navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, and boundary setting. My approach is to provide you with a free and protected space to express difficult thoughts and feelings and to facilitate the emergence of your authentic self, helping you feel more whole.
(415) 594-4965 View (415) 594-4965
Elizabeth 'betsy' Hegardt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
7 Endorsed
Serves Area
If you've found yourself wondering, "Is this really all there is? Is this the life I imagined?" you're not alone. People describe coming to my office as feeling like a huge exhale to the heaviness of your week where time can slow down and you can redefine how you take care of yourself.
If you've found yourself wondering, "Is this really all there is? Is this the life I imagined?" you're not alone. People describe coming to my office as feeling like a huge exhale to the heaviness of your week where time can slow down and you can redefine how you take care of yourself.
(619) 503-7562 View (619) 503-7562
Colleen Mullen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
6 Endorsed
Online Only
You didn’t get to where you are by accident—but you still don’t always trust your own judgment. You reach career goals, support others, and look like you’ve got it all together, yet still feel stuck in self-doubt, burnout, or emotional patterns you thought you outgrew. I help high-achieving women untangle the perfectionism that leads to overwhelm, the fear that blocks boundaries, and the relationship struggles that leave them feeling alone—even when they’re not. I have a special interest in helping women who are seeking to turn their adhd into a superpower rather than a saboteur.
You didn’t get to where you are by accident—but you still don’t always trust your own judgment. You reach career goals, support others, and look like you’ve got it all together, yet still feel stuck in self-doubt, burnout, or emotional patterns you thought you outgrew. I help high-achieving women untangle the perfectionism that leads to overwhelm, the fear that blocks boundaries, and the relationship struggles that leave them feeling alone—even when they’re not. I have a special interest in helping women who are seeking to turn their adhd into a superpower rather than a saboteur.
(619) 391-9437 View (619) 391-9437

More Therapists Nearby

Leah Bellack
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Life is full of transitions and sometimes it's hard to know who you are on the other side of them. Maybe you're navigating a career shift, a relationship change, or simply a quiet but persistent feeling that something needs to be different. You're not broken. You're just ready for something more - more clarity, more confidence, more ease. I work with young professionals like yourself who are in the messy middle; people who are done feeling stuck, second-guessing themselves and ready to build a life that actually feels like theirs.
Life is full of transitions and sometimes it's hard to know who you are on the other side of them. Maybe you're navigating a career shift, a relationship change, or simply a quiet but persistent feeling that something needs to be different. You're not broken. You're just ready for something more - more clarity, more confidence, more ease. I work with young professionals like yourself who are in the messy middle; people who are done feeling stuck, second-guessing themselves and ready to build a life that actually feels like theirs.
(760) 374-4291 View (760) 374-4291

See more therapy options for Cardiff By The Sea

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.