Psychodynamic Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Simone Elizabeth Writer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I blend psychodynamic, somatic, and attachment-based therapy with Relational Life Therapy, the Gottman Method, and the Enneagram - because love is complicated, and so are humans.
Love on life support? I help couples and individuals in crisis rebuild trust, repair resentment, and reconnect—before it’s too late. Whether you're struggling in your relationship or repeating painful patterns in love, I help break toxic cycles and create real, lasting change.
I work with high achievers, perfectionists, and deep-feelers who struggle in love. Whether your relationship feels more like a battlefield or you keep choosing emotionally unavailable partners, I help untangle the deeper patterns at play. My integrative approach brings both insight and action, so you’re not just talking about change—you’re living it.
I blend psychodynamic, somatic, and attachment-based therapy with Relational Life Therapy, the Gottman Method, and the Enneagram - because love is complicated, and so are humans.
Love on life support? I help couples and individuals in crisis rebuild trust, repair resentment, and reconnect—before it’s too late. Whether you're struggling in your relationship or repeating painful patterns in love, I help break toxic cycles and create real, lasting change.
I work with high achievers, perfectionists, and deep-feelers who struggle in love. Whether your relationship feels more like a battlefield or you keep choosing emotionally unavailable partners, I help untangle the deeper patterns at play. My integrative approach brings both insight and action, so you’re not just talking about change—you’re living it.
Grounded in psychodynamic theory, trauma-informed care, and a multicultural perspective, my work goes beyond surface-level solutions to uncover deeper patterns and lasting insights.
Hi there! I’m Dr. Shuyi Liu, a Licensed Counseling Psychologist dedicated to helping people navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, workplace stress, burnout, minority stress, and ADHD. I believe in the profound power of being truly seen and understood with compassion, after all, how can we be fully loved if we aren’t fully seen? My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can embrace your authentic self. Alongside my clinical work, I am a professor and researcher at SFSU, teaching and studying ways to make therapy more effective. I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey.
Grounded in psychodynamic theory, trauma-informed care, and a multicultural perspective, my work goes beyond surface-level solutions to uncover deeper patterns and lasting insights.
Hi there! I’m Dr. Shuyi Liu, a Licensed Counseling Psychologist dedicated to helping people navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, workplace stress, burnout, minority stress, and ADHD. I believe in the profound power of being truly seen and understood with compassion, after all, how can we be fully loved if we aren’t fully seen? My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can embrace your authentic self. Alongside my clinical work, I am a professor and researcher at SFSU, teaching and studying ways to make therapy more effective. I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey.
Jaime M Bardacke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I work with individuals, children, and families from a psychodynamic perspective to explore the ways conscious and unconscious processes affect current patterns, emotions, and behavior.
I work extensively with children and adults who have experienced child abuse and neglect. I am particularly interested in issues of trauma, anxiety, depression, identity, and challenging life circumstances. I provide in-person short-term, long-term, and crisis intervention treatment.
I work with individuals, children, and families from a psychodynamic perspective to explore the ways conscious and unconscious processes affect current patterns, emotions, and behavior.
I work extensively with children and adults who have experienced child abuse and neglect. I am particularly interested in issues of trauma, anxiety, depression, identity, and challenging life circumstances. I provide in-person short-term, long-term, and crisis intervention treatment.
I often practice psychodynamic therapy, however, together we will find what works best for you.
As a psychologist, my role is being your partner on your path to greater wellbeing. I believe the bedrock of this partnership is your sense of safety within it, and it is from this safe place that change begins to feel possible. I believe that the quality and strength of our partnership has a great impact on how effective our work is together, and our first step forward is developing a relationship in which you feel secure and empowered.
I often practice psychodynamic therapy, however, together we will find what works best for you.
As a psychologist, my role is being your partner on your path to greater wellbeing. I believe the bedrock of this partnership is your sense of safety within it, and it is from this safe place that change begins to feel possible. I believe that the quality and strength of our partnership has a great impact on how effective our work is together, and our first step forward is developing a relationship in which you feel secure and empowered.
For older individuals, I provide talk therapy influenced by several psychological principles of culturally responsive and psychodynamic.
As a clinical psychologist who is passionate about establishing meaningful relationships, my clinical practice is geared toward both individuals and families. My work with children, adolescents, and adults is aimed to provide treatment that corresponds to one’s developmental stage. I invite those who would like support in the complexities of life to a space that is open and accepting.
For older individuals, I provide talk therapy influenced by several psychological principles of culturally responsive and psychodynamic.
As a clinical psychologist who is passionate about establishing meaningful relationships, my clinical practice is geared toward both individuals and families. My work with children, adolescents, and adults is aimed to provide treatment that corresponds to one’s developmental stage. I invite those who would like support in the complexities of life to a space that is open and accepting.
I offer support through connection and trust, using CBT, DBT, ACT, Humanistic, and Psychodynamic approaches.
I treat anxiety, depression, bipolar/mood disorders, addictions, PTSD and complex trauma, adjustment disorders, obsessive/compulsive behaviors and grief and loss issues. I also have supported many in navigating life transitions, LGBTQ+, self-esteem and women’s issues, workplace stress, relationship and parenting conflicts and the myriad of life challenges that bring disconnection and distress to our lives. I am here to join with you as you explore therapy as a path to heal and thrive. Taking the step to engage in therapy can feel daunting. I will take that step with you and provide support and a safe place.
I offer support through connection and trust, using CBT, DBT, ACT, Humanistic, and Psychodynamic approaches.
I treat anxiety, depression, bipolar/mood disorders, addictions, PTSD and complex trauma, adjustment disorders, obsessive/compulsive behaviors and grief and loss issues. I also have supported many in navigating life transitions, LGBTQ+, self-esteem and women’s issues, workplace stress, relationship and parenting conflicts and the myriad of life challenges that bring disconnection and distress to our lives. I am here to join with you as you explore therapy as a path to heal and thrive. Taking the step to engage in therapy can feel daunting. I will take that step with you and provide support and a safe place.
CBT, Psychodynamic, Client Centered, and Solution Focused are approaches I often use.
Are you experiencing workplace or relationship challenges? Do you feel anxious, worried or sad in life? Do you want to feel better about yourself? These are all normal feelings that people experience and bring to therapy. Although exploring uncomfortable emotions and experiences may make you feel vulnerable and anxious, I will be there to guide you through it. My approach is to understand your history, how it impacts you, and help you make choices and changes to ease your path forward. I do this in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment.
CBT, Psychodynamic, Client Centered, and Solution Focused are approaches I often use.
Are you experiencing workplace or relationship challenges? Do you feel anxious, worried or sad in life? Do you want to feel better about yourself? These are all normal feelings that people experience and bring to therapy. Although exploring uncomfortable emotions and experiences may make you feel vulnerable and anxious, I will be there to guide you through it. My approach is to understand your history, how it impacts you, and help you make choices and changes to ease your path forward. I do this in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment.
I will treat you with respect and compassion, combining mindfulness with therapeutic modalities which can include cognitive behavioral, somatic, parts work, psychodynamic and others.
As your therapist, I create an environment for you to feel safe to explore fears, challenges and your deepest desires. I'm here to empower you! I'll offer a variety of techniques and collaborate with you in developing goals to co-create a therapeutic experience, facilitating healing and personal growth. I use an anti-oppression, disability justice framework and consider how ethnicity, class, gender, age, ability and sexuality intersect. My background as a community organizer for social justice informs my practice. I will tailor our work together to address your unique and specific needs and preferences.
I will treat you with respect and compassion, combining mindfulness with therapeutic modalities which can include cognitive behavioral, somatic, parts work, psychodynamic and others.
As your therapist, I create an environment for you to feel safe to explore fears, challenges and your deepest desires. I'm here to empower you! I'll offer a variety of techniques and collaborate with you in developing goals to co-create a therapeutic experience, facilitating healing and personal growth. I use an anti-oppression, disability justice framework and consider how ethnicity, class, gender, age, ability and sexuality intersect. My background as a community organizer for social justice informs my practice. I will tailor our work together to address your unique and specific needs and preferences.
My approach is integrative, collaborative, and psychodynamic, and is influenced by mindfulness, attachment needs, and emotional focusing.
Therapy is an opportunity to come home to yourself and expand your capacity for connection and vitality. My role is to be by your side as you examine parts of yourself that are difficult to face alone. I shine a warm light on experiences, emotions, and beliefs that have yet to be processed, and seek to expand upon sources of strength, expression, connection, and beauty. Whatever the areas of growth you bring to the therapeutic space, my priority is to hold an empathic, non-judgmental, inclusive space in which you feel safe and deeply seen.
My approach is integrative, collaborative, and psychodynamic, and is influenced by mindfulness, attachment needs, and emotional focusing.
Therapy is an opportunity to come home to yourself and expand your capacity for connection and vitality. My role is to be by your side as you examine parts of yourself that are difficult to face alone. I shine a warm light on experiences, emotions, and beliefs that have yet to be processed, and seek to expand upon sources of strength, expression, connection, and beauty. Whatever the areas of growth you bring to the therapeutic space, my priority is to hold an empathic, non-judgmental, inclusive space in which you feel safe and deeply seen.
Ryan James Carroll
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I am grounded in a psychodynamic, humanist, and somatic framework.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges, attachment issues, communication, self-trust, purpose, life transformation, self-discovery, and processing childhood/life trauma. My approach is grounded in compassion, mindfulness, and energetic engagement, aiming to foster deep, meaningful change.
I am grounded in a psychodynamic, humanist, and somatic framework.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges, attachment issues, communication, self-trust, purpose, life transformation, self-discovery, and processing childhood/life trauma. My approach is grounded in compassion, mindfulness, and energetic engagement, aiming to foster deep, meaningful change.
I work from a relational, psychodynamic perspective.
When seeking a skilled therapist, you are probably a bit overwhelmed by how and whom to choose at such a vulnerable time. It is of paramount importance, I feel, that it’s the ‘right fit” and to ascertain that the issues you are wrestling with can be addressed, clarified, and resolved by a highly skilled, attuned psychotherapist. I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for 40 years, and consider myself a “depth psychotherapist” — rather than a quick ‘fix.” My style is flexibly active and engaged.
I work from a relational, psychodynamic perspective.
When seeking a skilled therapist, you are probably a bit overwhelmed by how and whom to choose at such a vulnerable time. It is of paramount importance, I feel, that it’s the ‘right fit” and to ascertain that the issues you are wrestling with can be addressed, clarified, and resolved by a highly skilled, attuned psychotherapist. I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for 40 years, and consider myself a “depth psychotherapist” — rather than a quick ‘fix.” My style is flexibly active and engaged.
Meet Our Psychodynamic Therapists
Sarah Weller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
As a trauma-informed therapist, I use Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and psychodynamic approaches to help you process past negative experiences so that we discover more joy and purpose in the present.
I am a licensed psychotherapist serving individuals and couples in breathtaking San Francisco. I specialize in working with those impacted by trauma and navigating life transitions. Through a blend of evidence-based techniques, warmth and humor, I strive to create a safe space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. When you work with me, we will work together to explore and uncover meaning to your whole human experience so that we can move past stuck narratives and find meaningful, lasting change.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I use Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and psychodynamic approaches to help you process past negative experiences so that we discover more joy and purpose in the present.
I am a licensed psychotherapist serving individuals and couples in breathtaking San Francisco. I specialize in working with those impacted by trauma and navigating life transitions. Through a blend of evidence-based techniques, warmth and humor, I strive to create a safe space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. When you work with me, we will work together to explore and uncover meaning to your whole human experience so that we can move past stuck narratives and find meaningful, lasting change.
One is skill-building/education, the second is psychodynamic/understanding how the past informs the present and the thirds involves working with archetypes and shadow work.
Now is the time to cultivate relationship super-powers.
Relationships are central to our sense of self, well-being and safety. During times of instability and systemic violence, our relationships and community are even more important. There is so much we cannot control in our greater environment. But we CAN choose to do the hard work to heal and strengthen our relationships.
Unraveling past pain and cyclical arguments requires persistence, patience and skilled support. We can work together one on one to focus on healing your relational self, or I can work with you and your partner, sibling or friend in relationship therapy.
One is skill-building/education, the second is psychodynamic/understanding how the past informs the present and the thirds involves working with archetypes and shadow work.
Now is the time to cultivate relationship super-powers.
Relationships are central to our sense of self, well-being and safety. During times of instability and systemic violence, our relationships and community are even more important. There is so much we cannot control in our greater environment. But we CAN choose to do the hard work to heal and strengthen our relationships.
Unraveling past pain and cyclical arguments requires persistence, patience and skilled support. We can work together one on one to focus on healing your relational self, or I can work with you and your partner, sibling or friend in relationship therapy.
Trained in psychodynamic, relational, mindfulness, family and cognitive behavioral treatment, I'm comfortable providing both long-term or brief psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is about building relationships. In seeking a therapist, it's important to find one who "gets you"; is able to understand your unique way of relating to the world and to others in your life. My goal is to be accepting of who you are, to help you better understand patterns in your life that are holding you back. I seek to create an environment where you can develop trust, feel safe, respected, cared for. Psychotherapy can be scary and requires a commitment on the part of both the therapist and the client. Although the road is sometimes painful, we travel through it together.
Trained in psychodynamic, relational, mindfulness, family and cognitive behavioral treatment, I'm comfortable providing both long-term or brief psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is about building relationships. In seeking a therapist, it's important to find one who "gets you"; is able to understand your unique way of relating to the world and to others in your life. My goal is to be accepting of who you are, to help you better understand patterns in your life that are holding you back. I seek to create an environment where you can develop trust, feel safe, respected, cared for. Psychotherapy can be scary and requires a commitment on the part of both the therapist and the client. Although the road is sometimes painful, we travel through it together.
I specialize in working with Asian and Asian Americans with a psychodynamic framework which is an evidence based approach to lasting change.
You are “highly functioning”. You have succeeded in most of the ways that were expected of you. Most people look to you for direction, leadership, and support. And, you have a different internal life. You feel resentful of all the obligations put on you. You struggle with intimacy. You feel alone despite having a large social network. You worry a lot. You have a hard time knowing what you need. You feel disconnected from yourself. You feel tired. You want more.
I specialize in working with Asian and Asian Americans with a psychodynamic framework which is an evidence based approach to lasting change.
You are “highly functioning”. You have succeeded in most of the ways that were expected of you. Most people look to you for direction, leadership, and support. And, you have a different internal life. You feel resentful of all the obligations put on you. You struggle with intimacy. You feel alone despite having a large social network. You worry a lot. You have a hard time knowing what you need. You feel disconnected from yourself. You feel tired. You want more.
My treatment approach blends psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapy techniques.
As a licensed clinical psychologist fluent in both English and Mandarin, I provide individual psychotherapy. In addition to my general therapy practice, where I treat people struggling with anxiety, depression, work and relationship issues, I also specialize in the treatment of trauma, personality disorders, grief, bereavement, gender issues, major life transitions, and cross-cultural adjustment. Therapy can be beneficial for people seeking understanding of their internal struggles, overwhelming emotional distress, or confusing symptoms and recurring negative experiences.
My treatment approach blends psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapy techniques.
As a licensed clinical psychologist fluent in both English and Mandarin, I provide individual psychotherapy. In addition to my general therapy practice, where I treat people struggling with anxiety, depression, work and relationship issues, I also specialize in the treatment of trauma, personality disorders, grief, bereavement, gender issues, major life transitions, and cross-cultural adjustment. Therapy can be beneficial for people seeking understanding of their internal struggles, overwhelming emotional distress, or confusing symptoms and recurring negative experiences.
I use an integrative approach and am particularly oriented to psychodynamic/analytic theories, relational theory, existential theory, mindfulness-based therapy, somatic therapy, cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies, and acceptance commitment therapy.
Therapy is a commitment to the positive transformation and evolution of the self. It can be an incredibly powerful tool to promote understanding and insight in order to make choices that create meaningful change.
My approach is collaborative, warm, engaged, and reflective, while also challenging patterns that may no longer serve you. I offer a compassionate and emotionally safe space where I can support you in developing a deep self connection where you can uncover wounds and defenses that limit you. Healing can then occur and allow you to realign yourself in order to move forward with increased meaning, purpose, and integrity.
I use an integrative approach and am particularly oriented to psychodynamic/analytic theories, relational theory, existential theory, mindfulness-based therapy, somatic therapy, cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies, and acceptance commitment therapy.
Therapy is a commitment to the positive transformation and evolution of the self. It can be an incredibly powerful tool to promote understanding and insight in order to make choices that create meaningful change.
My approach is collaborative, warm, engaged, and reflective, while also challenging patterns that may no longer serve you. I offer a compassionate and emotionally safe space where I can support you in developing a deep self connection where you can uncover wounds and defenses that limit you. Healing can then occur and allow you to realign yourself in order to move forward with increased meaning, purpose, and integrity.
My integrative psychodynamic approach incorporates depth work, experiential and insight-oriented methods, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatics, mindfulness practices, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
I frequently accept new patients for telehealth psychotherapy, specifically adults residing in California. Therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of issues. Many clients come to me experiencing emotional and mental distress, relationship problems, and questions about the overall quality and direction of their lives. Common concerns include worry and anxiety, depression, loneliness, career and work issues, challenges related to retirement, difficult family dynamics, and needs related to long-term recovery from substance use and other addictions.
My integrative psychodynamic approach incorporates depth work, experiential and insight-oriented methods, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatics, mindfulness practices, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
I frequently accept new patients for telehealth psychotherapy, specifically adults residing in California. Therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of issues. Many clients come to me experiencing emotional and mental distress, relationship problems, and questions about the overall quality and direction of their lives. Common concerns include worry and anxiety, depression, loneliness, career and work issues, challenges related to retirement, difficult family dynamics, and needs related to long-term recovery from substance use and other addictions.
I work with psychodynamic principles using humanistic, transpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral interventions with internal family systems and narrative concepts and exercises.
I have years of experience working with people of all ages experiencing depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, addictions, and other clinical issues. My style is to create a safe space for clients to explore feelings, address emotional pain, and try new conceptions of themselves. I can also support people who have had experiences with expanded states and wish to integrate them; I have many years of experience in psychedelic research and publications. I am also trained as a level 1 IFS therapist., and am excited about this work.
I work with psychodynamic principles using humanistic, transpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral interventions with internal family systems and narrative concepts and exercises.
I have years of experience working with people of all ages experiencing depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, addictions, and other clinical issues. My style is to create a safe space for clients to explore feelings, address emotional pain, and try new conceptions of themselves. I can also support people who have had experiences with expanded states and wish to integrate them; I have many years of experience in psychedelic research and publications. I am also trained as a level 1 IFS therapist., and am excited about this work.
Natalie Yates
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
My approach is grounded in psychodynamic and attachment theory, exploring how past experiences, early relationships, and unconscious processes shape your emotional landscape and relationships.
You may feel stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed—caught in cycles of overthinking, struggling with low self-esteem, or disconnected in your relationships. You might be deeply reflective and motivated to understand yourself, yet something still feels amiss. Perhaps painful relationship patterns leave you feeling unseen, or a sense of emotional distance makes it hard to connect—both with yourself and with others. I believe that these challenges, while painful, are deep openings for change. Together, we can untangle these challenges, exploring the roots of your struggles and uncovering pathways toward a more connected and fulfilling life.
My approach is grounded in psychodynamic and attachment theory, exploring how past experiences, early relationships, and unconscious processes shape your emotional landscape and relationships.
You may feel stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed—caught in cycles of overthinking, struggling with low self-esteem, or disconnected in your relationships. You might be deeply reflective and motivated to understand yourself, yet something still feels amiss. Perhaps painful relationship patterns leave you feeling unseen, or a sense of emotional distance makes it hard to connect—both with yourself and with others. I believe that these challenges, while painful, are deep openings for change. Together, we can untangle these challenges, exploring the roots of your struggles and uncovering pathways toward a more connected and fulfilling life.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Psychodynamic Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Belvedere
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
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.