Psychodynamic Therapists in California
Hi! I offer in-person therapy for adults, parents and children (0-10), both neurodivergent and neurotypical, who are asking - why am I feeling this way? If you notice yourself feeling burned out or have symptoms of depression and anxiety...Or if your child's wellbeing is worrying you or they are having under or over expressed behaviors, I could be a good fit to delve into the uncomfortable places and guide you out.
Hi! I offer in-person therapy for adults, parents and children (0-10), both neurodivergent and neurotypical, who are asking - why am I feeling this way? If you notice yourself feeling burned out or have symptoms of depression and anxiety...Or if your child's wellbeing is worrying you or they are having under or over expressed behaviors, I could be a good fit to delve into the uncomfortable places and guide you out.
Here at Tree of Life Counseling we support individuals, couples, and families of all ages who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. Our clients come to us seeking relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, and a desire to feel more grounded and understood. Our team provides a warm, inclusive space where healing can begin. Through evidence-based therapies, holistic practices, and creative approaches, we help clients build insight, develop coping skills, and strengthen relationships so they can move forward with confidence, balance, and a renewed sense of self.
Here at Tree of Life Counseling we support individuals, couples, and families of all ages who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. Our clients come to us seeking relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, and a desire to feel more grounded and understood. Our team provides a warm, inclusive space where healing can begin. Through evidence-based therapies, holistic practices, and creative approaches, we help clients build insight, develop coping skills, and strengthen relationships so they can move forward with confidence, balance, and a renewed sense of self.
Our practice provides compassionate, professional mental health support for children, teens, young adults, and parents navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and developmental challenges. With a foundation of empathy, collaboration, and excellence, we create a safe and understanding space where individuals and families can heal, grow, and thrive. Whether supporting children with mental health concerns, guiding teens and young adults through life’s challenges, or empowering parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental delays, we are dedicated to providing personalized care that fosters resilience & well-being.
Our practice provides compassionate, professional mental health support for children, teens, young adults, and parents navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and developmental challenges. With a foundation of empathy, collaboration, and excellence, we create a safe and understanding space where individuals and families can heal, grow, and thrive. Whether supporting children with mental health concerns, guiding teens and young adults through life’s challenges, or empowering parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental delays, we are dedicated to providing personalized care that fosters resilience & well-being.
You’ve worked hard to build a successful life and career, but behind the scenes you may feel overwhelmed trying to balance work, parenting, relationships, and the constant pressure to do it all. Maybe you find yourself feeling anxious, emotionally drained, impatient with your partner, disconnected from your family, or carrying guilt no matter how much you accomplish.
You don’t have to keep doing this alone. Therapy can help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, create healthier boundaries, and navigate the challenges of your career and home life with more compassion and support.
You’ve worked hard to build a successful life and career, but behind the scenes you may feel overwhelmed trying to balance work, parenting, relationships, and the constant pressure to do it all. Maybe you find yourself feeling anxious, emotionally drained, impatient with your partner, disconnected from your family, or carrying guilt no matter how much you accomplish.
You don’t have to keep doing this alone. Therapy can help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, create healthier boundaries, and navigate the challenges of your career and home life with more compassion and support.
Do you find yourself struggling with your emotions? Does it seem like you are overwhelmed by your feelings, or instead that you have to keep a tight lid on your emotions so as not to do damage to your relationships, career and family life? I work well with people who are struggling with feelings of being "stuck" in their lives and with their emotions, and who wonder if there's more to life in terms of vitality and aliveness. I'll aim to help you increase your emotional intelligence so that your emotions work with rather than against you.
Do you find yourself struggling with your emotions? Does it seem like you are overwhelmed by your feelings, or instead that you have to keep a tight lid on your emotions so as not to do damage to your relationships, career and family life? I work well with people who are struggling with feelings of being "stuck" in their lives and with their emotions, and who wonder if there's more to life in terms of vitality and aliveness. I'll aim to help you increase your emotional intelligence so that your emotions work with rather than against you.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected—even though your life looks “successful” on paper? We specialize in helping individuals and couples with anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, and trauma. Whether you're navigating stress, perfectionism, or feeling stuck in your relationship, therapy can help you feel more grounded, clear, and connected. We also offer EMDR for deeper healing and lasting change.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected—even though your life looks “successful” on paper? We specialize in helping individuals and couples with anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, and trauma. Whether you're navigating stress, perfectionism, or feeling stuck in your relationship, therapy can help you feel more grounded, clear, and connected. We also offer EMDR for deeper healing and lasting change.
Stevie Luna Ibarra
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW, CSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Hi, I'm Stevie! I'm a queer, second-generation Mexican and Filipina Associate Clinical Social Worker based in Long Beach, CA.
I often work with people who are carrying the heaviness of life transitions, burnout, trauma– and feel disconnected from themselves and others. Through therapy, I create heart-centered spaces for folks who give so much of themselves to others, but struggle to receive that same care in return. My sessions feel like casual conversations that encourage you to deepen your understanding and relationships with yourself, your world, and the systems you navigate.
Hi, I'm Stevie! I'm a queer, second-generation Mexican and Filipina Associate Clinical Social Worker based in Long Beach, CA.
I often work with people who are carrying the heaviness of life transitions, burnout, trauma– and feel disconnected from themselves and others. Through therapy, I create heart-centered spaces for folks who give so much of themselves to others, but struggle to receive that same care in return. My sessions feel like casual conversations that encourage you to deepen your understanding and relationships with yourself, your world, and the systems you navigate.
Neuro-Psychotherapy: This unique therapeutic modality combines psychotherapy with a brain and behavior perspective. The integrative format helps you better understand your brain patterns in relationship to your behavior and emotional output. This information will help you to permanently correct the negative feeling or behavior, allowing you to establish positive patterns instead. We offer individual, family and couples therapy to children, adolescents and adults with the following problems or difficulties: sadness/depression, mood swings, anxiety (panic attacks), social phobia, poor social skills, OCD, substance abuse (relapse prevention), video game/internet/pornography addiction, gambling, eating disorders, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, anger problems, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, PTSD.
Neuro-Psychotherapy: This unique therapeutic modality combines psychotherapy with a brain and behavior perspective. The integrative format helps you better understand your brain patterns in relationship to your behavior and emotional output. This information will help you to permanently correct the negative feeling or behavior, allowing you to establish positive patterns instead. We offer individual, family and couples therapy to children, adolescents and adults with the following problems or difficulties: sadness/depression, mood swings, anxiety (panic attacks), social phobia, poor social skills, OCD, substance abuse (relapse prevention), video game/internet/pornography addiction, gambling, eating disorders, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, anger problems, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, PTSD.
What if therapy could feel like a soft place to land—not a performance or task, but a steady space where your full self is welcomed? I offer a mindful, presence-based approach rooted in deep respect for your inner world. Together we slow down and tune in—through curiosity, body awareness, and gentle exploration. This helps you reconnect with your inner compass: the part of you that knows what you need, even if it’s been buried under pain, pressure, or old patterns. Many clients describe feeling more real, more whole, and less alone in the process.
What if therapy could feel like a soft place to land—not a performance or task, but a steady space where your full self is welcomed? I offer a mindful, presence-based approach rooted in deep respect for your inner world. Together we slow down and tune in—through curiosity, body awareness, and gentle exploration. This helps you reconnect with your inner compass: the part of you that knows what you need, even if it’s been buried under pain, pressure, or old patterns. Many clients describe feeling more real, more whole, and less alone in the process.
Hi! My name is Carmi Ruiz and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I'm based in Washington state and licensed in both California and Washington but I'm working statewide with California clients via telehealth. I work with adults and older adults, and I specialize in PTSD, anxiety and depression. My specialty population has historically been military, from active duty to spouse, to Veteran, however I also enjoy working with general population.
Hi! My name is Carmi Ruiz and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I'm based in Washington state and licensed in both California and Washington but I'm working statewide with California clients via telehealth. I work with adults and older adults, and I specialize in PTSD, anxiety and depression. My specialty population has historically been military, from active duty to spouse, to Veteran, however I also enjoy working with general population.
Congratulations on taking the courageous first step toward healing and renewed hope!
With over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide compassionate support for those dealing with anxiety, relationships challenges, and infidelity. Through both in-person or online sessions, I offer a confidential, safe environment that fosters healing, growth, and resilience.
Congratulations on taking the courageous first step toward healing and renewed hope!
With over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide compassionate support for those dealing with anxiety, relationships challenges, and infidelity. Through both in-person or online sessions, I offer a confidential, safe environment that fosters healing, growth, and resilience.
Jodi Milstein, LMFT, LPCC, and RockStarTherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
7 Endorsed
Sherman Oaks, CA 91411
Are you looking for a safe, nurturing, supportive environment where you can work on reaching a higher level of personal satisfaction, fulfillment and happiness? I support the idea that each individual has great freedom in directing his or her own future and resolving past issues as well as a large capacity for achieving personal growth. I believe it is important to remember that everyone's challenges and concerns are unique to them. I take a humanistic approach to psychotherapy. I am flexible in utilizing a variety of theoretical
orientations depending upon the client, their personal issues, and communication style.
Are you looking for a safe, nurturing, supportive environment where you can work on reaching a higher level of personal satisfaction, fulfillment and happiness? I support the idea that each individual has great freedom in directing his or her own future and resolving past issues as well as a large capacity for achieving personal growth. I believe it is important to remember that everyone's challenges and concerns are unique to them. I take a humanistic approach to psychotherapy. I am flexible in utilizing a variety of theoretical
orientations depending upon the client, their personal issues, and communication style.
I am trained in EMDR, psychodynamic and systems psychotherapies, and utilize various therapeutic techniques from an integrative strengths-based relational approach to help individuals heal from past trauma and develop strategies to prevent further distress.
My practice is primarily focused on treating adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. I have published numerous peer reviewed papers, two seminal books on sibling abuse (Caffaro & Conn-Caffaro, 1998; Caffaro, 2014, Sibling Abuse Trauma, NY: Routledge), trained mental health professionals internationally, and serve as Advisory Board Member on the Sibling Aggression & Abuse Research and Advocacy Initiative (SAARA). I am a licensed psychologist and marriage & family therapist with more than 30 years of clinical experience treating depression, anxiety, and symptoms of cPTSD in adult survivors of childhood interpersonal trauma.
I am trained in EMDR, psychodynamic and systems psychotherapies, and utilize various therapeutic techniques from an integrative strengths-based relational approach to help individuals heal from past trauma and develop strategies to prevent further distress.
My practice is primarily focused on treating adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. I have published numerous peer reviewed papers, two seminal books on sibling abuse (Caffaro & Conn-Caffaro, 1998; Caffaro, 2014, Sibling Abuse Trauma, NY: Routledge), trained mental health professionals internationally, and serve as Advisory Board Member on the Sibling Aggression & Abuse Research and Advocacy Initiative (SAARA). I am a licensed psychologist and marriage & family therapist with more than 30 years of clinical experience treating depression, anxiety, and symptoms of cPTSD in adult survivors of childhood interpersonal trauma.
I utilize a psychodynamic, relational, and mindfulness based approach to assist clients in increasing awareness of the nuances of their inner worlds with curiosity and compassion.
With a background as a dancer and performance artist, I am drawn to working with artists and performers, as well as anyone seeking to understand and shift patterns they may feel stuck in — creatively or otherwise. Ultimately, I hope to facilitate a greater sense of freedom, peace, and fulfillment for my clients.
I utilize a psychodynamic, relational, and mindfulness based approach to assist clients in increasing awareness of the nuances of their inner worlds with curiosity and compassion.
With a background as a dancer and performance artist, I am drawn to working with artists and performers, as well as anyone seeking to understand and shift patterns they may feel stuck in — creatively or otherwise. Ultimately, I hope to facilitate a greater sense of freedom, peace, and fulfillment for my clients.
My role is to guide and help you in developing insight, greater satisfaction, and symptom relief. I provide support by discussing your concerns and feelings, and by helping you resolve and move towards your goals, such as fulfillment, belonging, to cope with hardship or to feel 'unstuck'. I guide you in examining your situation, struggles and relationships, facilitating deeper understanding and strengths to make positive shifts. My style is warm, collaborative and engaging. I compassionately promote therapeutic healing, growth & change. For youth, I practice a combo of play, talk and behavioral therapy, parent coaching/support.
My role is to guide and help you in developing insight, greater satisfaction, and symptom relief. I provide support by discussing your concerns and feelings, and by helping you resolve and move towards your goals, such as fulfillment, belonging, to cope with hardship or to feel 'unstuck'. I guide you in examining your situation, struggles and relationships, facilitating deeper understanding and strengths to make positive shifts. My style is warm, collaborative and engaging. I compassionately promote therapeutic healing, growth & change. For youth, I practice a combo of play, talk and behavioral therapy, parent coaching/support.
Does it feel like your teen is slipping away—shutting down, acting out, or struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or school challenges? Are they overwhelmed, frustrated, or disconnected from family and friends? Watching your teen struggle is painful, and finding the right support can feel overwhelming.
At Elite Teen Counseling, we specialize in helping teens navigate these challenges with expert, compassionate therapy designed to help them regain confidence, build resilience, and thrive.
Does it feel like your teen is slipping away—shutting down, acting out, or struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or school challenges? Are they overwhelmed, frustrated, or disconnected from family and friends? Watching your teen struggle is painful, and finding the right support can feel overwhelming.
At Elite Teen Counseling, we specialize in helping teens navigate these challenges with expert, compassionate therapy designed to help them regain confidence, build resilience, and thrive.
I work with clients on issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, identity, self esteem and recovering and resolving trauma. I am available to work with individuals, couples and adolescents. I have significant clinical experience with sexual assault, intimate partner violence, childhood sexual trauma, and eating disorders.
I work with clients on issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, identity, self esteem and recovering and resolving trauma. I am available to work with individuals, couples and adolescents. I have significant clinical experience with sexual assault, intimate partner violence, childhood sexual trauma, and eating disorders.
Welcome. I provide adolescent, individual, and family counseling and relational psychotherapy. I treat symptoms related to insecure attachment (relationships), trauma, anxiety, depression and addiction. Additionally, I have extensive experience treating individuals with personality challenges and specialize in ADHD/LD. I believe in the resiliency of the human mind, body, and spirit and understand the vulnerability and courage it takes to initiate personal growth. I am a compassionate and dedicated practitioner that provides a safe and caring environment. I utilize a variety of theoretical approaches to meet your specific needs.
Welcome. I provide adolescent, individual, and family counseling and relational psychotherapy. I treat symptoms related to insecure attachment (relationships), trauma, anxiety, depression and addiction. Additionally, I have extensive experience treating individuals with personality challenges and specialize in ADHD/LD. I believe in the resiliency of the human mind, body, and spirit and understand the vulnerability and courage it takes to initiate personal growth. I am a compassionate and dedicated practitioner that provides a safe and caring environment. I utilize a variety of theoretical approaches to meet your specific needs.
Natasha Anne Freitas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Ventura, CA 93001
Waitlist for new clients
I utilize Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
I believe that healing, growth, and change are available to all people, regardless of their present circumstances or their past misfortune. I believe therapy is a collaborative effort and each individual is an expert on their personal experiences and goals. I seek to explore and build from each client's personal strengths to find viable solutions, enhance coping skills, and nurture the path to positive change. I believe no one is truly alone, and that feelings of loneliness can be very real and overwhelming. There is strength in reaching out for help. I seek to provide an empathetic environment of self-discovery and change.
I utilize Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
I believe that healing, growth, and change are available to all people, regardless of their present circumstances or their past misfortune. I believe therapy is a collaborative effort and each individual is an expert on their personal experiences and goals. I seek to explore and build from each client's personal strengths to find viable solutions, enhance coping skills, and nurture the path to positive change. I believe no one is truly alone, and that feelings of loneliness can be very real and overwhelming. There is strength in reaching out for help. I seek to provide an empathetic environment of self-discovery and change.
It's amazing how our life can affects us, sometimes good and sometimes bad. I believe that life is about taking small steps to help us achieve our overall goals. Unfortunately, challenges, stressors and doubts can get in our way, making our journey difficult, confusing, uncertain and sometimes scary. I am here to help and support you on your journey. After working in non profits organizations, I have over 9 years of experience working with clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, domestic violence, parenting issues, grief/loss, sexual assault, generational trauma, co parenting struggles, work related stressors and suicide.
It's amazing how our life can affects us, sometimes good and sometimes bad. I believe that life is about taking small steps to help us achieve our overall goals. Unfortunately, challenges, stressors and doubts can get in our way, making our journey difficult, confusing, uncertain and sometimes scary. I am here to help and support you on your journey. After working in non profits organizations, I have over 9 years of experience working with clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, domestic violence, parenting issues, grief/loss, sexual assault, generational trauma, co parenting struggles, work related stressors and suicide.
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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.