Psychodynamic Therapists in Lake Balboa, CA
I blend psychodynamic, CBT, existential, and strength-based approaches to meet your unique needs.
Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Whether you’re navigating depression, anxiety, grief, identity exploration, or major life transitions, therapy can offer the space and support your need to move forward.
I specialize in working with adults who are seeking clarity, healing, and meaningful change. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling disconnected, burned out, or uncertain about their next steps. I have a special focus on supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and I bring both professional experience and personal understanding as a self-identified lesbian therapist.
I blend psychodynamic, CBT, existential, and strength-based approaches to meet your unique needs.
Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Whether you’re navigating depression, anxiety, grief, identity exploration, or major life transitions, therapy can offer the space and support your need to move forward.
I specialize in working with adults who are seeking clarity, healing, and meaningful change. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling disconnected, burned out, or uncertain about their next steps. I have a special focus on supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and I bring both professional experience and personal understanding as a self-identified lesbian therapist.
Has trauma, anxiety, or depression interfered with the potential to become the best version of yourself? We often feel defined by traumatic or emotionally difficult experiences that often leave us feeling stuck in place rather than moving forward towards our goals. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space for you to develop an understanding of yourself to overcome past experiences or fears that define you. Our work together will be met with unconditional acceptance, creative approaches, and the utmost compassion.
Has trauma, anxiety, or depression interfered with the potential to become the best version of yourself? We often feel defined by traumatic or emotionally difficult experiences that often leave us feeling stuck in place rather than moving forward towards our goals. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space for you to develop an understanding of yourself to overcome past experiences or fears that define you. Our work together will be met with unconditional acceptance, creative approaches, and the utmost compassion.
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
You have the power to change your life. We all have moments when we struggle with periods of difficult transitions, relationship conflict and loss. At times we become overwhelmed with feelings of sadness, worry and confusion, not knowing where to turn for answers. We get disconnected from our authentic self and lose touch with our life's meaning and purpose. Together we can work to identify obstacles and formulate strategies to help you unlock your full potential, pursue your goals, and make the changes you are seeking. I will help you sort through your thoughts and feelings so you can rediscover your power and reclaim your life.
You have the power to change your life. We all have moments when we struggle with periods of difficult transitions, relationship conflict and loss. At times we become overwhelmed with feelings of sadness, worry and confusion, not knowing where to turn for answers. We get disconnected from our authentic self and lose touch with our life's meaning and purpose. Together we can work to identify obstacles and formulate strategies to help you unlock your full potential, pursue your goals, and make the changes you are seeking. I will help you sort through your thoughts and feelings so you can rediscover your power and reclaim your life.
I am a licensed MFT with experience as a hospice volunteer, behaviorist, and career counselor. I have worked with everyone from preschool children to centenarians. I have been in the mental health field for over 20 years. I have an office in Sherman Oaks, and I offer free evaluations and consultations.
I am a licensed MFT with experience as a hospice volunteer, behaviorist, and career counselor. I have worked with everyone from preschool children to centenarians. I have been in the mental health field for over 20 years. I have an office in Sherman Oaks, and I offer free evaluations and consultations.
Danielle Cutler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Lake Balboa, CA 91406
Not accepting new clients
I am basically an integrative therapist: I work through a psychodynamic lens while also providing and using tools and information from many different types of therapy.
I am a Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and a Certified ADHD Professional. I work through a depth-psychology lens to pinpoint and heal developmental and trauma wounds by identifying unconscious thoughts that create the symptoms that lead you to therapy. Meanwhile, I simultaneously provide knowledge and tools to empower and guide you to discovery and embodiment of your true Self. During the pandemic I experienced and then trained in brainspotting, which I use in person and online to nuke the source of stubborn symptoms that have not responded to traditional talk therapy.
I am basically an integrative therapist: I work through a psychodynamic lens while also providing and using tools and information from many different types of therapy.
I am a Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and a Certified ADHD Professional. I work through a depth-psychology lens to pinpoint and heal developmental and trauma wounds by identifying unconscious thoughts that create the symptoms that lead you to therapy. Meanwhile, I simultaneously provide knowledge and tools to empower and guide you to discovery and embodiment of your true Self. During the pandemic I experienced and then trained in brainspotting, which I use in person and online to nuke the source of stubborn symptoms that have not responded to traditional talk therapy.
More Therapists Nearby
Using a psychodynamic approach, we explore the underlying factors of behavior.
Welcome to my practice. It can be hard to make that call to a psychologist but you owe it to yourself if you are struggling in your life. You don't have to struggle alone. I can help by providing you with a positive and safe place to help you process your feelings. Our goal is to discover what is blocking you from living to your full potential and making positive changes.
Using a psychodynamic approach, we explore the underlying factors of behavior.
Welcome to my practice. It can be hard to make that call to a psychologist but you owe it to yourself if you are struggling in your life. You don't have to struggle alone. I can help by providing you with a positive and safe place to help you process your feelings. Our goal is to discover what is blocking you from living to your full potential and making positive changes.
I draw from psychodynamic and relational approaches, and integrate evidence-based methods such as CBT, ACT, DBT, and MBT, always tailoring the work in a person-centered way to meet each client's unique needs.
Many people come to therapy feeling stuck, anxious, or weighed down by challenges they cannot seem to shake. Maybe old ways of coping are no longer working, or you are moving through a transition that feels too heavy to manage alone. Together we can create a space to approach these struggles differently and open the door to growth and healing.
I draw from psychodynamic and relational approaches, and integrate evidence-based methods such as CBT, ACT, DBT, and MBT, always tailoring the work in a person-centered way to meet each client's unique needs.
Many people come to therapy feeling stuck, anxious, or weighed down by challenges they cannot seem to shake. Maybe old ways of coping are no longer working, or you are moving through a transition that feels too heavy to manage alone. Together we can create a space to approach these struggles differently and open the door to growth and healing.
Life can be difficult and overwhelming, especially when you feel unequipped or have a lack of support. My approach is conversational and collaborative, creating a relaxed environment where you can free your inner thoughts and feelings. Through open exploration, we uncover personal strengths, what is serving you, and what you want to change.
Life can be difficult and overwhelming, especially when you feel unequipped or have a lack of support. My approach is conversational and collaborative, creating a relaxed environment where you can free your inner thoughts and feelings. Through open exploration, we uncover personal strengths, what is serving you, and what you want to change.
Emotional pain may be part of the human experience but suffering does not have to be. Strong emotions can be paralyzing and lead you to feel hopeless and helpless. My goal is to help you reduce your suffering and provide you skills to help cope with whatever life throws at you. My mission is to provide a supportive, client-centered, safe and validating environment where you can feel held, understood and encouraged to reach your goals.
Emotional pain may be part of the human experience but suffering does not have to be. Strong emotions can be paralyzing and lead you to feel hopeless and helpless. My goal is to help you reduce your suffering and provide you skills to help cope with whatever life throws at you. My mission is to provide a supportive, client-centered, safe and validating environment where you can feel held, understood and encouraged to reach your goals.
You’ve been holding it all together for a long time—but lately, it’s catching up with you. Whether you’re managing anxiety, navigating complicated relationships, or just feeling off and can’t quite name it, therapy can help. You deserve a space where you don’t have to explain every part of your identity just to be understood.
I specialize in working with people of color, LGBTQ+ folx, trauma survivors, and those in non-monogamous, polyamorous or alternative relationship structures. My approach is direct, warm, and collaborative—think of me as someone who brings curiosity, clinical expertise, and yes, a little humor into the room.
You’ve been holding it all together for a long time—but lately, it’s catching up with you. Whether you’re managing anxiety, navigating complicated relationships, or just feeling off and can’t quite name it, therapy can help. You deserve a space where you don’t have to explain every part of your identity just to be understood.
I specialize in working with people of color, LGBTQ+ folx, trauma survivors, and those in non-monogamous, polyamorous or alternative relationship structures. My approach is direct, warm, and collaborative—think of me as someone who brings curiosity, clinical expertise, and yes, a little humor into the room.
Hello, my name is Maria G. Avitia, LCSW License 120538. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, CA and I work with clients via telehealth. I work with adults and elderly population. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and stress using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I have found my style and approach is a good fit for Adults and Elderly population. I specialize in anxiety, depression, stress and grief/loss. I work to help clients navigate their concerns and allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook in life.
Hello, my name is Maria G. Avitia, LCSW License 120538. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, CA and I work with clients via telehealth. I work with adults and elderly population. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and stress using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I have found my style and approach is a good fit for Adults and Elderly population. I specialize in anxiety, depression, stress and grief/loss. I work to help clients navigate their concerns and allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook in life.
I want to help you live your best life - whatever that means to you! I have experience helping people who are managing trauma, grief, depression, identity struggles, relationship concerns, life transitions, and anxiety. I love assisting clients from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. I can conduct sessions in both English and Spanish and am also a culturally inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirming provider.
I want to help you live your best life - whatever that means to you! I have experience helping people who are managing trauma, grief, depression, identity struggles, relationship concerns, life transitions, and anxiety. I love assisting clients from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. I can conduct sessions in both English and Spanish and am also a culturally inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirming provider.
My clinical home is in Relational, Psychodynamic, and Internal Family Systems Therapy for Individuals and Couples.
You’re smart, busy, and maybe a little crispy around the edges. Big job, little kids, endless demands. You look fine on the outside but inside you feel disconnected, stressed, or stuck. Maybe your marriage feels flat, work politics are eating at you, or you’re restless and bored. You don’t want therapy that just nods and hums. You want something collaborative, challenging, and useful. You want to feel more alive, more connected, and less trapped in the same old patterns.
My clinical home is in Relational, Psychodynamic, and Internal Family Systems Therapy for Individuals and Couples.
You’re smart, busy, and maybe a little crispy around the edges. Big job, little kids, endless demands. You look fine on the outside but inside you feel disconnected, stressed, or stuck. Maybe your marriage feels flat, work politics are eating at you, or you’re restless and bored. You don’t want therapy that just nods and hums. You want something collaborative, challenging, and useful. You want to feel more alive, more connected, and less trapped in the same old patterns.
My integrative approach balances relational psychodynamic therapy, solution focus, somatics (Mind-body), and mindfulness.
My clients are diverse, and I’m an ally to all. Male clients value my camaraderie in exploring what it means to be both strong & vulnerable. Female clients appreciate the safe, healing connection with a male therapist. I help couples move from conflict towards understanding & intimacy.
My integrative approach balances relational psychodynamic therapy, solution focus, somatics (Mind-body), and mindfulness.
My clients are diverse, and I’m an ally to all. Male clients value my camaraderie in exploring what it means to be both strong & vulnerable. Female clients appreciate the safe, healing connection with a male therapist. I help couples move from conflict towards understanding & intimacy.
I work through a relational, neurodiversity affirming, inclusive, feminist lens. I believe that to THRIVE is a natural desire of being human; and yet we are often stuck in surviving. We want to feel effective, creative, and balanced. With over 20 years of practice, I've enjoyed building powerful, therapeutic relationships with Young Adults, Adolescents, Aging Adults, Families, and groups in multiple settings. Together, we access and process change through collaborative, creative, strength-based approaches. Some common issues I work with are: anxiety, life transitions, creative blocks/joy, traumas, and addiction.
I work through a relational, neurodiversity affirming, inclusive, feminist lens. I believe that to THRIVE is a natural desire of being human; and yet we are often stuck in surviving. We want to feel effective, creative, and balanced. With over 20 years of practice, I've enjoyed building powerful, therapeutic relationships with Young Adults, Adolescents, Aging Adults, Families, and groups in multiple settings. Together, we access and process change through collaborative, creative, strength-based approaches. Some common issues I work with are: anxiety, life transitions, creative blocks/joy, traumas, and addiction.
Everyone struggles from time to time, but not everyone can summon the courage and determination to ask for help. Do you want to understand yourself better, how you feel about the world around you? Have you been wondering what your "gut" (aka feelings and instincts) has been trying to tell you? Do you want to build upon your strengths and connect more meaningfully to the people in your life? Learn to be fully present, authentic, and honest each day, and begin to find your unique kind of peace as we start on the path towards understanding and acceptance. Welcome.
Everyone struggles from time to time, but not everyone can summon the courage and determination to ask for help. Do you want to understand yourself better, how you feel about the world around you? Have you been wondering what your "gut" (aka feelings and instincts) has been trying to tell you? Do you want to build upon your strengths and connect more meaningfully to the people in your life? Learn to be fully present, authentic, and honest each day, and begin to find your unique kind of peace as we start on the path towards understanding and acceptance. Welcome.
Patrick M. McCloskey
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
4 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Relationships shape so much of our well-being—whether they’re romantic, platonic, or the one we have with ourselves. I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of love, intimacy, and personal growth. Whether you’re working through relationship challenges, healing from past experiences, or striving for deeper self-understanding, I provide a supportive and affirming space to help you move forward with confidence.
Relationships shape so much of our well-being—whether they’re romantic, platonic, or the one we have with ourselves. I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of love, intimacy, and personal growth. Whether you’re working through relationship challenges, healing from past experiences, or striving for deeper self-understanding, I provide a supportive and affirming space to help you move forward with confidence.
Psychodynamic, ACT, DBT, Family Systems, Ego-Psychology, TLDP, Object-Relations, Multicultural, Existential, Psychoanalytic, Art-Therapy, and more.
Seeking therapy is an act of hope. It takes strength & courage to believe your life can be bigger, freer. It’s my privilege to guide you on this journey.
A therapist should be more than just someone to talk to. They must be expertly trained to heal. As a clinical psychologist, I will listen to you, work to understand your lived experience and cultural background. I will support you and also challenge you! Together we’ll untangle whatever is holding you back.
You deserve someone skilled, who gives concierge care, not the generic treatment of today’s “therapy mills”. If you’re ready for real change, let's get to work!
Psychodynamic, ACT, DBT, Family Systems, Ego-Psychology, TLDP, Object-Relations, Multicultural, Existential, Psychoanalytic, Art-Therapy, and more.
Seeking therapy is an act of hope. It takes strength & courage to believe your life can be bigger, freer. It’s my privilege to guide you on this journey.
A therapist should be more than just someone to talk to. They must be expertly trained to heal. As a clinical psychologist, I will listen to you, work to understand your lived experience and cultural background. I will support you and also challenge you! Together we’ll untangle whatever is holding you back.
You deserve someone skilled, who gives concierge care, not the generic treatment of today’s “therapy mills”. If you’re ready for real change, let's get to work!
Hello, my name is Roger Portillo (LCSW), a mental health therapist working in Southern California, specifically the San Gabriel Valley. I provide assistance to individuals, of any gender, that are 1st/2nd generation parents searching for emotional tranquility in an ever-changing world. If you are feeling disconnected or out of touch, reach out, and learn more. I can help. My therapeutic approach is interpersonal and relational. My work is based on a therapeutic bond that fosters trust and open communication. It's judgment-free yet purposeful on the goals set by the individual seeking therapy.
Hello, my name is Roger Portillo (LCSW), a mental health therapist working in Southern California, specifically the San Gabriel Valley. I provide assistance to individuals, of any gender, that are 1st/2nd generation parents searching for emotional tranquility in an ever-changing world. If you are feeling disconnected or out of touch, reach out, and learn more. I can help. My therapeutic approach is interpersonal and relational. My work is based on a therapeutic bond that fosters trust and open communication. It's judgment-free yet purposeful on the goals set by the individual seeking therapy.
Nearby Psychodynamic Therapists Searches for Lake Balboa
- Encino
- Mission Hills
- North Hills
- Northridge
- Panorama City
- Porter Ranch
- Reseda
- San Fernando
- Sherman Oaks
- Tarzana
- Van Nuys
- Winnetka
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.