Psychodynamic Therapists in Vista, CA
When we've lost touch with our truer self, life is just harder. If you're not as present and engaged in your life as you'd like, you may also find your body weighing in through symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and unhelpful patterns of behavior. Underlying such symptoms are often vital, "offline" parts of ourselves that a good therapeutic alliance can help you to identify, strengthen and expand. If you're experiencing a readiness to take your online search for a therapist to the next level, I offer a brief phone consultation to help determine goodness of fit.
When we've lost touch with our truer self, life is just harder. If you're not as present and engaged in your life as you'd like, you may also find your body weighing in through symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and unhelpful patterns of behavior. Underlying such symptoms are often vital, "offline" parts of ourselves that a good therapeutic alliance can help you to identify, strengthen and expand. If you're experiencing a readiness to take your online search for a therapist to the next level, I offer a brief phone consultation to help determine goodness of fit.
I work with a variety of clients who all have one thing in common; the need to make sense of and overcome longstanding or deeply entrenched relationship or personal challenges. People like you, who grow tired of asking "When does life get better, and when do things change?" My answer may surprise you...it doesn't, and they don't. But that's our reason for hope; we don't have to rely on fuzzy concepts like "life" and "things", when we can engage in a powerful therapeutic process of authentic connection, restoration of hope, psychoeducation, evidence-based treatments, and helping you balance radical acceptance with skillful change.
I work with a variety of clients who all have one thing in common; the need to make sense of and overcome longstanding or deeply entrenched relationship or personal challenges. People like you, who grow tired of asking "When does life get better, and when do things change?" My answer may surprise you...it doesn't, and they don't. But that's our reason for hope; we don't have to rely on fuzzy concepts like "life" and "things", when we can engage in a powerful therapeutic process of authentic connection, restoration of hope, psychoeducation, evidence-based treatments, and helping you balance radical acceptance with skillful change.
Are you tired of having the same arguments with your significant other, family members, and friends? Would you like to have healthier communication, meaningful connections with others? If so, I can assist you with identifying patterns that impact your ability to do so.
Are you tired of having the same arguments with your significant other, family members, and friends? Would you like to have healthier communication, meaningful connections with others? If so, I can assist you with identifying patterns that impact your ability to do so.
I utilize evidence-based approaches including DBT, CBT-E, ACT, CBT-AR, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
As a former Division I swimmer, I experienced firsthand the unique pressures of being an elite athlete and bring this background to my work with teens managing disordered eating behaviors and body image distress. My therapy style is warm, energetic, and authentic, and I prioritize trust and safety in the therapeutic space.
I utilize evidence-based approaches including DBT, CBT-E, ACT, CBT-AR, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
As a former Division I swimmer, I experienced firsthand the unique pressures of being an elite athlete and bring this background to my work with teens managing disordered eating behaviors and body image distress. My therapy style is warm, energetic, and authentic, and I prioritize trust and safety in the therapeutic space.
At heart, I consider myself to be psychodynamic and humanistic in my approach while integrating various treatment modalities, including CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, and other interventions related to trauma and recovery.
I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2008. Born and raised in the Bay Area, I spent the majority of my adult life in Southern California. I received my Masters's Degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles in 2005. In 2006, I relocated to the Coachella Valley and spent a decade in county mental health services while establishing a small private practice from 2008 to 2016.
At heart, I consider myself to be psychodynamic and humanistic in my approach while integrating various treatment modalities, including CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, and other interventions related to trauma and recovery.
I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2008. Born and raised in the Bay Area, I spent the majority of my adult life in Southern California. I received my Masters's Degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles in 2005. In 2006, I relocated to the Coachella Valley and spent a decade in county mental health services while establishing a small private practice from 2008 to 2016.
I draw from psychodynamic, trauma-informed, CBT, and solution-focused approaches to help clients better understand emotional patterns, improve relationships, and build healthier ways of coping.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in patterns that keep repeating despite your best efforts? I work primarily with adults seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, eating disorders, addiction, and major life stressors. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, process difficult experiences, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.
I draw from psychodynamic, trauma-informed, CBT, and solution-focused approaches to help clients better understand emotional patterns, improve relationships, and build healthier ways of coping.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in patterns that keep repeating despite your best efforts? I work primarily with adults seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, eating disorders, addiction, and major life stressors. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, process difficult experiences, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Hi there, I'm Steve! Therapy can be scary. You never know what you'll learn about yourself and your life. I know I was scared when I started... So, congratulations on taking the big first step to becoming the best version of yourself. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals.
Hi there, I'm Steve! Therapy can be scary. You never know what you'll learn about yourself and your life. I know I was scared when I started... So, congratulations on taking the big first step to becoming the best version of yourself. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals.
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.
Starting therapy can be scary. You are taking a great first step. I am here to help you throughout this journey. I specialize in depression, anxiety, addiction, and other severe mental illnesses. I have a client-centered collaborative approach to therapy. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and goals. I am here to provide a safe and supportive environment for you. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Starting therapy can be scary. You are taking a great first step. I am here to help you throughout this journey. I specialize in depression, anxiety, addiction, and other severe mental illnesses. I have a client-centered collaborative approach to therapy. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and goals. I am here to provide a safe and supportive environment for you. Please reach out if you have any questions.
I focus on healing the wounds that have created internal negative "stories" about ourselves and the world to help people reconnect with their original creative, powerful, loving selves. Clients learn stress reduction and self-nurturing techniques to support themselves on the journey through processing trauma and throughout their lives. As clients heal from the past, they then learn new ways to communicate and interact effectively with others and to create the lives they wish to live.
I focus on healing the wounds that have created internal negative "stories" about ourselves and the world to help people reconnect with their original creative, powerful, loving selves. Clients learn stress reduction and self-nurturing techniques to support themselves on the journey through processing trauma and throughout their lives. As clients heal from the past, they then learn new ways to communicate and interact effectively with others and to create the lives they wish to live.
Hi, I’m Leah Yeshnik, LMFT.
I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is honest, direct, and grounded in presence. I listen deeply, reflect thoughtfully, and bring compassion, respect, consistency, humor, and accountability into the therapeutic space. My work is especially attuned to the emotional and relational experiences of women.
I incorporate a range of modalities to meet different learning styles and needs, including expressive arts, journaling, self-reflection, skill building, and somatic practices
Hi, I’m Leah Yeshnik, LMFT.
I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is honest, direct, and grounded in presence. I listen deeply, reflect thoughtfully, and bring compassion, respect, consistency, humor, and accountability into the therapeutic space. My work is especially attuned to the emotional and relational experiences of women.
I incorporate a range of modalities to meet different learning styles and needs, including expressive arts, journaling, self-reflection, skill building, and somatic practices
As a psychologist, I aim to help you heal the relationships that matter most, including how you relate to yourself. I work with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Perhaps you are looking at your child or adolescent and are confused by their behavior or at a loss for how to help them. Maybe you or an important relationship in your life is suffering and you feel stuck. Whatever challenges you are facing, my goal is to meet you with empathy and the fundamental belief that each of us is doing the best we can with the resources we have available to us in any given moment.
As a psychologist, I aim to help you heal the relationships that matter most, including how you relate to yourself. I work with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Perhaps you are looking at your child or adolescent and are confused by their behavior or at a loss for how to help them. Maybe you or an important relationship in your life is suffering and you feel stuck. Whatever challenges you are facing, my goal is to meet you with empathy and the fundamental belief that each of us is doing the best we can with the resources we have available to us in any given moment.
I specialize in relationally focused psychodynamic therapy, exploring how past experiences shape present relationships.
Understanding our emotions can sometimes feel like navigating a maze without a map. From the earliest moments of our lives, our relationships shape who we are and how we relate to the world. I'm Dr. Lisette Montañez, a licensed psychologist at Coastal Therapy Group in Carlsbad and Vista. I help teens, adults, and couples untangle the emotional threads that weave through their past and present. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, navigating relationship dynamics, processing trauma, or exploring your identity, I offer a safe and supportive space to explore your feelings at your own pace. I am actively taking new patients 4/1/2026.
I specialize in relationally focused psychodynamic therapy, exploring how past experiences shape present relationships.
Understanding our emotions can sometimes feel like navigating a maze without a map. From the earliest moments of our lives, our relationships shape who we are and how we relate to the world. I'm Dr. Lisette Montañez, a licensed psychologist at Coastal Therapy Group in Carlsbad and Vista. I help teens, adults, and couples untangle the emotional threads that weave through their past and present. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, navigating relationship dynamics, processing trauma, or exploring your identity, I offer a safe and supportive space to explore your feelings at your own pace. I am actively taking new patients 4/1/2026.
There is an undeniable urge toward growth, wholeness and healing within each individual. The journey of healing and growth is unique process for every individual. My approach to psychotherapy is holistic, creative, and embodied within a framework of Jungian psychology. It is tailored to meet the unique needs of individual and build on existing strengths. I implement evidence based treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, and ACT as well as creative approach. I tailor my approach for each client using a variety of tools including play therapy, sand tray, expressive art, active imagination and dream work.
There is an undeniable urge toward growth, wholeness and healing within each individual. The journey of healing and growth is unique process for every individual. My approach to psychotherapy is holistic, creative, and embodied within a framework of Jungian psychology. It is tailored to meet the unique needs of individual and build on existing strengths. I implement evidence based treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, and ACT as well as creative approach. I tailor my approach for each client using a variety of tools including play therapy, sand tray, expressive art, active imagination and dream work.
I use an integrative, evidence-based approach, drawing from psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused techniques, and trauma-informed Brainspotting.
Do you feel like you’re navigating life on autopilot, with anxiety or depression making it difficult to show up for your work, your relationships, or yourself? You may find yourself caught in cycles of people-pleasing or seeking external validation, only to end up feeling drained and unfulfilled. If you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. In our sessions, we’ll move beyond the 'what' to understand the ' the roots of your struggle while building practical, compassionate strategies to help you reclaim your confidence and advocate for your needs.
I use an integrative, evidence-based approach, drawing from psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused techniques, and trauma-informed Brainspotting.
Do you feel like you’re navigating life on autopilot, with anxiety or depression making it difficult to show up for your work, your relationships, or yourself? You may find yourself caught in cycles of people-pleasing or seeking external validation, only to end up feeling drained and unfulfilled. If you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. In our sessions, we’ll move beyond the 'what' to understand the ' the roots of your struggle while building practical, compassionate strategies to help you reclaim your confidence and advocate for your needs.
I can’t lie about it, sometimes therapy hurts. Growing pains are real, and often what we need in order to move forward is the very thing we find hardest to do. The purpose of therapy isn’t always to feel better, it is to feel more.
I can’t lie about it, sometimes therapy hurts. Growing pains are real, and often what we need in order to move forward is the very thing we find hardest to do. The purpose of therapy isn’t always to feel better, it is to feel more.
As a woman of faith, I understand the values and concerns of my Christian clients, and I know the power of God to heal and restore.
As a woman of faith, I understand the values and concerns of my Christian clients, and I know the power of God to heal and restore.
First and foremost, I provide and deliver client-centered treatment, utilizing a variety of modalities including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, and solution-focused interventions to address issues such as mood disorders, trauma, grief/loss and other life challenges which may arise.
Greetings! As a licensed MFT, my career continues to evolve as science and technology transform the behavioral health field. I have provided services to a culturally-diverse population across Southern California since 2004, including ten years with Riverside County in the desert region after graduating from Antioch University in 2005 with an M.A. degree in clinical psychology. I specialize in adults with addiction-recovery issues, LGBT+ patients, phase of life problems, and couples (limited). For insured clients: I work with two provider platforms, Headway and Rula (Path). Please email me directly for additional information!
First and foremost, I provide and deliver client-centered treatment, utilizing a variety of modalities including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, and solution-focused interventions to address issues such as mood disorders, trauma, grief/loss and other life challenges which may arise.
Greetings! As a licensed MFT, my career continues to evolve as science and technology transform the behavioral health field. I have provided services to a culturally-diverse population across Southern California since 2004, including ten years with Riverside County in the desert region after graduating from Antioch University in 2005 with an M.A. degree in clinical psychology. I specialize in adults with addiction-recovery issues, LGBT+ patients, phase of life problems, and couples (limited). For insured clients: I work with two provider platforms, Headway and Rula (Path). Please email me directly for additional information!
My clients are individuals who often carry with them unresolved feelings from either their past or present challenges. Viewing those issues from an objective and trusted practitioner is vital to the change process. Always viewing my clients with unconditional positive regard is essential to us being successful. Therapy can often be the first time someone gets to step out of the day to day of their lives. My hope is during this introspection, I can coach you in the direction you need to go, not where my training thinks you should go. While I may illuminate potential paths, you're taking the steps with me right behind you!
My clients are individuals who often carry with them unresolved feelings from either their past or present challenges. Viewing those issues from an objective and trusted practitioner is vital to the change process. Always viewing my clients with unconditional positive regard is essential to us being successful. Therapy can often be the first time someone gets to step out of the day to day of their lives. My hope is during this introspection, I can coach you in the direction you need to go, not where my training thinks you should go. While I may illuminate potential paths, you're taking the steps with me right behind you!
I use culturally-sensitive, psychodynamic, attachment, somatic, and mindfulness-based treatment orientations.
Hi! I am a warm, supportive, non-judgmental therapist that helps people with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, substance dependence, and relationshIp issues. I believe that therapy is a partnership, and it's through this connection that we are better able to understand our difficulties. Starting from my career in entertainment, I've worked with a diverse group of people. I have extensive experience working with creative, intelligent, caring, sensitive people. By working closely together, my clients build positive self-images, develop healthy relationships, and ultimately lead more harmonious, fulfilling lives.
I use culturally-sensitive, psychodynamic, attachment, somatic, and mindfulness-based treatment orientations.
Hi! I am a warm, supportive, non-judgmental therapist that helps people with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, substance dependence, and relationshIp issues. I believe that therapy is a partnership, and it's through this connection that we are better able to understand our difficulties. Starting from my career in entertainment, I've worked with a diverse group of people. I have extensive experience working with creative, intelligent, caring, sensitive people. By working closely together, my clients build positive self-images, develop healthy relationships, and ultimately lead more harmonious, fulfilling lives.
See more therapy options for Vista
Nearby Psychodynamic Therapists Searches for Vista
- Bonsall
- Camp Pendleton
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- Oceanside
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Valley Center
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.