Psychodynamic Therapists in Malibu, CA
Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, or confused? Ever been stuck and don’t know why? Felt isolated in your struggles? Have you experienced the pain of betrayal or the frustration of not being supported? If any of these resonate with you, know you're not alone. I get it. Been there. The pain, the guilt, the sense of failure.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, or confused? Ever been stuck and don’t know why? Felt isolated in your struggles? Have you experienced the pain of betrayal or the frustration of not being supported? If any of these resonate with you, know you're not alone. I get it. Been there. The pain, the guilt, the sense of failure.
I combine psychodynamic styles, to explore your past, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to create changes in the present, and Positive Psychology, to fully access the moment and your strengths.
Are you going through a challenging period in your life? Do you feel stuck in a situation you would like to change? Covid has triggered so much trauma this year. You are not alone. Do you struggle with anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, blocks, or insecurities? Do you wonder if there is more to life and how to find lasting peace and happiness, or balance in your life? I work with clients through traditional therapy, & a mind, body, spirit approach, including kundalini yoga, sound healing, and meditation. My goal is to help my clients find peace & create lasting change in all areas of their lives in my oceanfront Malibu office.
I combine psychodynamic styles, to explore your past, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to create changes in the present, and Positive Psychology, to fully access the moment and your strengths.
Are you going through a challenging period in your life? Do you feel stuck in a situation you would like to change? Covid has triggered so much trauma this year. You are not alone. Do you struggle with anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, blocks, or insecurities? Do you wonder if there is more to life and how to find lasting peace and happiness, or balance in your life? I work with clients through traditional therapy, & a mind, body, spirit approach, including kundalini yoga, sound healing, and meditation. My goal is to help my clients find peace & create lasting change in all areas of their lives in my oceanfront Malibu office.
I see each client as unique with their own specific therapeutic needs, subsequently I draw from a combination of theories including Psychodynamic, ACT and CBT.
I work with families experiencing relationship issues, childhood trauma, depression and anxiety. My approach is collaborative, compassionate and goal orientated. Our time together will be spent establishing the fundamental causes of your distress which may be resulting in unhelpful behavioral patterns. We can then move forward to build skills that will support and guide you outside of the therapy room.
I have first hand experience of raising my own family which I believe enhances my understanding of my clients’ parenting struggles (and joys!).
I see each client as unique with their own specific therapeutic needs, subsequently I draw from a combination of theories including Psychodynamic, ACT and CBT.
I work with families experiencing relationship issues, childhood trauma, depression and anxiety. My approach is collaborative, compassionate and goal orientated. Our time together will be spent establishing the fundamental causes of your distress which may be resulting in unhelpful behavioral patterns. We can then move forward to build skills that will support and guide you outside of the therapy room.
I have first hand experience of raising my own family which I believe enhances my understanding of my clients’ parenting struggles (and joys!).
Justin Leitstein is a marriage and family therapist. The Malibu-based psychotherapist and former director of two acclaimed treatment centers works with individuals, couples, and families. Justin has an established reputation amongst many treatment professionals for providing instrumental therapeutic results for a wide range of challenges. He draws upon his refined therapeutic resources to deliver customized treatment programs for individuals and families.
Justin Leitstein is a marriage and family therapist. The Malibu-based psychotherapist and former director of two acclaimed treatment centers works with individuals, couples, and families. Justin has an established reputation amongst many treatment professionals for providing instrumental therapeutic results for a wide range of challenges. He draws upon his refined therapeutic resources to deliver customized treatment programs for individuals and families.
I believe that the better you feel about yourself, the clearer your judgment will be, and the more effectively you'll be able to address your issues. So I work to provide you with a safe, energizing environment. Which means I listen carefully to what you have to say - that's key. I put myself in your place. I reflect back to you what I've seen and heard. And I let you know what I think, so you don't have to guess. I have a Marriage and Family Therapist license, a Ph.D., and two master's degrees.
I believe that the better you feel about yourself, the clearer your judgment will be, and the more effectively you'll be able to address your issues. So I work to provide you with a safe, energizing environment. Which means I listen carefully to what you have to say - that's key. I put myself in your place. I reflect back to you what I've seen and heard. And I let you know what I think, so you don't have to guess. I have a Marriage and Family Therapist license, a Ph.D., and two master's degrees.
Life can be rough. Perhaps you are wondering if things will ever get better. Perhaps you want to learn more about yourself and the patterns that are linked to your unhappiness. Perhaps you want to explore your relationships, or work life. Whatever the challenge, psychotherapy can serve as powerful means to get curious and institute the growth and change you are seeking.
Life can be rough. Perhaps you are wondering if things will ever get better. Perhaps you want to learn more about yourself and the patterns that are linked to your unhappiness. Perhaps you want to explore your relationships, or work life. Whatever the challenge, psychotherapy can serve as powerful means to get curious and institute the growth and change you are seeking.
My practice focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families who are suffering from emotional or physical pain or the aftereffects of trauma. We help them resolve the traumatic experience, as well as its consequences (e.g. physical pain, stress, disability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, medication dependence, isolation, etc.) Although many of our patients have not responded well to prior therapies, we've had outstanding success in helping them move from feeling a severe loss to finding a new and positive beginning. We love to work with people who are ready to change and eager to learn how to do it.
My practice focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families who are suffering from emotional or physical pain or the aftereffects of trauma. We help them resolve the traumatic experience, as well as its consequences (e.g. physical pain, stress, disability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, medication dependence, isolation, etc.) Although many of our patients have not responded well to prior therapies, we've had outstanding success in helping them move from feeling a severe loss to finding a new and positive beginning. We love to work with people who are ready to change and eager to learn how to do it.
It takes time to choose the best therapist for you. When you're ready, let's talk and see if we might be a good fit. I appreciate the importance of this process, which is why I offer a free phone consultation to address any questions or concerns you may have prior to scheduling an appointment. Consider me a resource- even if we don't end up working together. Remember, life can be much more than survival. Change is closer than you may think. Keep reaching out.
It takes time to choose the best therapist for you. When you're ready, let's talk and see if we might be a good fit. I appreciate the importance of this process, which is why I offer a free phone consultation to address any questions or concerns you may have prior to scheduling an appointment. Consider me a resource- even if we don't end up working together. Remember, life can be much more than survival. Change is closer than you may think. Keep reaching out.
PROBLEMS?? Let's talk SOULUTIONS!! My private practice offers both an in office setting, West Los Angeles area, or the convenience of Teletherapy sessions. The flexibility of Teletherapy sessions saves on your drive time & eliminates uncomfortable "psych" office waiting rooms. Teens, adults, couples & families have an opportunity to recieve the help they need in a safe comfortable setting at a time best for you! I am interested in assisting you with your conflicts, creating a healthier happier lifestyle for yourself and your relationships. Feel free to call me 858-451-0771 to get you the help you need.
PROBLEMS?? Let's talk SOULUTIONS!! My private practice offers both an in office setting, West Los Angeles area, or the convenience of Teletherapy sessions. The flexibility of Teletherapy sessions saves on your drive time & eliminates uncomfortable "psych" office waiting rooms. Teens, adults, couples & families have an opportunity to recieve the help they need in a safe comfortable setting at a time best for you! I am interested in assisting you with your conflicts, creating a healthier happier lifestyle for yourself and your relationships. Feel free to call me 858-451-0771 to get you the help you need.
I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and various psychodynamic approaches, but also in coaching young, autistic adults.
Thank you for reaching out, which in itself is an act of courage. My ideal client is ready to tackle their obstacles to happiness with honesty and dedication. I love working with people on the autism spectrum as well as with traumatized clients, and those who want to stay sober. I also support couples who are ready to change their communication and reduce their reactivity. If you wish to use your spirituality I will love to incorporate this in our work. I work best with clients who seek peaceful ways and functional relationships.
I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and various psychodynamic approaches, but also in coaching young, autistic adults.
Thank you for reaching out, which in itself is an act of courage. My ideal client is ready to tackle their obstacles to happiness with honesty and dedication. I love working with people on the autism spectrum as well as with traumatized clients, and those who want to stay sober. I also support couples who are ready to change their communication and reduce their reactivity. If you wish to use your spirituality I will love to incorporate this in our work. I work best with clients who seek peaceful ways and functional relationships.
My holistic approach blends psychodynamic, humanistic, and somatic orientations to offer a comprehensive, tailored experience.
Are conflict and disconnection creating barriers in your relationships? Do you long for deeper intimacy but feel stuck in unhelpful patterns? With personalized, expert guidance, you can overcome these challenges. As a therapist specializing in relationship dynamics, I offer a compassionate, insightful approach tailored to high-achieving individuals and couples. Together, we’ll create a safe, supportive space to enhance communication, foster connection, and promote lasting change.I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, PTSD and Complex PTSD, as well as patterns like people-pleasing, perfection.
My holistic approach blends psychodynamic, humanistic, and somatic orientations to offer a comprehensive, tailored experience.
Are conflict and disconnection creating barriers in your relationships? Do you long for deeper intimacy but feel stuck in unhelpful patterns? With personalized, expert guidance, you can overcome these challenges. As a therapist specializing in relationship dynamics, I offer a compassionate, insightful approach tailored to high-achieving individuals and couples. Together, we’ll create a safe, supportive space to enhance communication, foster connection, and promote lasting change.I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, PTSD and Complex PTSD, as well as patterns like people-pleasing, perfection.
Over the years, I have integrated bioenergetic therapy, yoga, Tai Chi, Buddhism, meditation, and psychotherapy into my approach, which I call Meditative Awareness Therapy. I help people move beyond focusing only on external problems and instead develop greater self-awareness, emotional intimacy, and inner balance.
Throughout my career, I have worked in hospitals and clinical settings supporting individuals in psychiatry, neurology, neurosurgery, and hospice care. Whether providing deep therapeutic work or practical emotional support, I am dedicated to honest, compassionate guidance.
Over the years, I have integrated bioenergetic therapy, yoga, Tai Chi, Buddhism, meditation, and psychotherapy into my approach, which I call Meditative Awareness Therapy. I help people move beyond focusing only on external problems and instead develop greater self-awareness, emotional intimacy, and inner balance.
Throughout my career, I have worked in hospitals and clinical settings supporting individuals in psychiatry, neurology, neurosurgery, and hospice care. Whether providing deep therapeutic work or practical emotional support, I am dedicated to honest, compassionate guidance.
I blend psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and integrative depth psychology to help you navigate life's complexities.
You’re doing the best you can at navigating life, yet something still feels out of alignment. Whether you’re dealing with high-performance burnout, emotional overwhelm, or unfulfilling relationships, you know there’s more to life than simply managing emotions, you want to thrive. I specialize in working with high-achieving individuals and those seeking deeper fulfillment, using advanced clinical and integrative approaches, including Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and somatic therapies, to help you break through limitations and rediscover clarity, purpose, and balance.
I blend psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and integrative depth psychology to help you navigate life's complexities.
You’re doing the best you can at navigating life, yet something still feels out of alignment. Whether you’re dealing with high-performance burnout, emotional overwhelm, or unfulfilling relationships, you know there’s more to life than simply managing emotions, you want to thrive. I specialize in working with high-achieving individuals and those seeking deeper fulfillment, using advanced clinical and integrative approaches, including Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and somatic therapies, to help you break through limitations and rediscover clarity, purpose, and balance.
Seeking psychotherapy can be an exciting yet intimidating step to take in your life. It is difficult to know what to expect from the experience, from your therapist, or from yourself. Acknowledging these uncertainties and the often complex nature of psychotherapy, I approach the process with warmth, empathy, and professionalism.
Seeking psychotherapy can be an exciting yet intimidating step to take in your life. It is difficult to know what to expect from the experience, from your therapist, or from yourself. Acknowledging these uncertainties and the often complex nature of psychotherapy, I approach the process with warmth, empathy, and professionalism.
Are you the one everyone leans on—but secretly feel worn down, unseen, or lonely in your own life?
You might look like you’re holding it all together from the outside, but inside, you’re overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply tired of pretending. Maybe you’re navigating a major life transition—grief, a breakup, parenting burnout, or even the quiet ache of a relationship that’s lost its spark.
Whether you’re working through relationship issues, emotional exhaustion, or just trying to make sense of what’s next, disordered eating, or depression, I create space for real, lasting change.
Are you the one everyone leans on—but secretly feel worn down, unseen, or lonely in your own life?
You might look like you’re holding it all together from the outside, but inside, you’re overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply tired of pretending. Maybe you’re navigating a major life transition—grief, a breakup, parenting burnout, or even the quiet ache of a relationship that’s lost its spark.
Whether you’re working through relationship issues, emotional exhaustion, or just trying to make sense of what’s next, disordered eating, or depression, I create space for real, lasting change.
Maybe you want to feel more at rest within yourself again, or for the first time. You may be seeking support with anxiety, a life transition, postpartum changes, relational patterns, or how trauma and early relational experiences continue to affect your sense of safety, connection, and self. You might want to shift how you relate to yourself, your partner, or your child. You’re feeling stuck in familiar emotional patterns and want support moving forward in your healing.
Maybe you want to feel more at rest within yourself again, or for the first time. You may be seeking support with anxiety, a life transition, postpartum changes, relational patterns, or how trauma and early relational experiences continue to affect your sense of safety, connection, and self. You might want to shift how you relate to yourself, your partner, or your child. You’re feeling stuck in familiar emotional patterns and want support moving forward in your healing.
My mission is your personal growth. As a positive psychologist, I design our sessions focusing on encouraging you to identify and develop your own positive emotions, positive experiences and positive traits. Initially our work includes your most pressing concerns, but my overall treatment plan nurtures that which is best within you. We study your strengths and virtues and tailor new ways to use your resources and achieve your goals. In a safe atmosphere, we remove obstacles, change unhelpful thinking patterns and unsupportive behaviors, all in an effort to enhance your happiness.
My mission is your personal growth. As a positive psychologist, I design our sessions focusing on encouraging you to identify and develop your own positive emotions, positive experiences and positive traits. Initially our work includes your most pressing concerns, but my overall treatment plan nurtures that which is best within you. We study your strengths and virtues and tailor new ways to use your resources and achieve your goals. In a safe atmosphere, we remove obstacles, change unhelpful thinking patterns and unsupportive behaviors, all in an effort to enhance your happiness.
I integrate a psychodynamic lens and basic neurobiology with CBT, DBT, ACT, MI, EFT, family systems, and mindfulness interventions.
Let me start by sharing some real appreciation that you are taking steps to look for support. It can be overwhelming to even know where to start and I have so much respect that you’re here. As you’re choosing a therapist - be picky! Therapeutic fit is so critical to the process. Over the years, I have tailored my skills and approach for clients who struggle with anxiety, regulating and understanding emotions, self-esteem, advocating for themselves, and relationship/boundary issues. I also enjoy working with couples to help rebuild connection, deepen shared understanding, and strengthen healthy conflict and communication skills.
I integrate a psychodynamic lens and basic neurobiology with CBT, DBT, ACT, MI, EFT, family systems, and mindfulness interventions.
Let me start by sharing some real appreciation that you are taking steps to look for support. It can be overwhelming to even know where to start and I have so much respect that you’re here. As you’re choosing a therapist - be picky! Therapeutic fit is so critical to the process. Over the years, I have tailored my skills and approach for clients who struggle with anxiety, regulating and understanding emotions, self-esteem, advocating for themselves, and relationship/boundary issues. I also enjoy working with couples to help rebuild connection, deepen shared understanding, and strengthen healthy conflict and communication skills.
I have advanced training in psychodynamic, trauma-focused, and cognitive behavioral therapy, and am Certified in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
We are wired for connection, but the demands of high-achieving lives, past wounds, or unspoken expectations can lead to loneliness and disconnection. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling with relationship issues, or weighed down by the pressures of life, therapy can be a space to slow down and reconnect. Change is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.
I have advanced training in psychodynamic, trauma-focused, and cognitive behavioral therapy, and am Certified in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
We are wired for connection, but the demands of high-achieving lives, past wounds, or unspoken expectations can lead to loneliness and disconnection. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling with relationship issues, or weighed down by the pressures of life, therapy can be a space to slow down and reconnect. Change is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in psychodynamic therapy.
I’m a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Malibu and Beverly Hills, working with adults of all ages. I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. My work focuses on everyday stress, healthy aging, and understanding how past experiences continue to shape the present.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in psychodynamic therapy.
I’m a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Malibu and Beverly Hills, working with adults of all ages. I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. My work focuses on everyday stress, healthy aging, and understanding how past experiences continue to shape the present.
See more therapy options for Malibu
Nearby Psychodynamic Therapists Searches for Malibu
- Agoura
- Agoura Hills
- Calabasas
- Calabasas Hills
- Hidden Hills
- Oak Park
- Pacific Palisades
- Santa Monica
- Topanga
- West Hills
- Westlake Village
- Woodland Hills
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.