Psychodynamic Therapists in Washington, DC
It is my privilege to guide individuals, couples and groups to find their own way. You may experience vitality and despair, triumph and struggle, fulfillment and longing. However, when the "self" becomes impoverished it is vulnerable, emotionally scarred and injured. Are you self aware and in search of a deeper sense of self and the ultimate meaning of life?
It is my privilege to guide individuals, couples and groups to find their own way. You may experience vitality and despair, triumph and struggle, fulfillment and longing. However, when the "self" becomes impoverished it is vulnerable, emotionally scarred and injured. Are you self aware and in search of a deeper sense of self and the ultimate meaning of life?
I incorporate various forms of therapy: psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, relational therapy, strengths-based, solution-focused, and mindfulness based techniques.
I've found that the most crucial part of therapy is establishing a comfortable, collaborative therapeutic relationship and alliance. My goal is to create a safe, judgement-free space for a treatment experience that will be meaningful, healing, and supportive for a journey of self-discovery towards your goals and aspirations.
I incorporate various forms of therapy: psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, relational therapy, strengths-based, solution-focused, and mindfulness based techniques.
I've found that the most crucial part of therapy is establishing a comfortable, collaborative therapeutic relationship and alliance. My goal is to create a safe, judgement-free space for a treatment experience that will be meaningful, healing, and supportive for a journey of self-discovery towards your goals and aspirations.
Helaina Roisman, LICSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps individuals to navigate challenging life circumstances and relationships while maintaining a sense of balance and confidence. Taking a holistic solution-focused and collaborative approach, she helps individuals understand the root causes of their stress, anxiety and/or depression. Helaina understands that every person who seeks therapy is unique and complex and has the ability to increase satisfaction, confidence and overall wellness in their life.
Helaina Roisman, LICSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps individuals to navigate challenging life circumstances and relationships while maintaining a sense of balance and confidence. Taking a holistic solution-focused and collaborative approach, she helps individuals understand the root causes of their stress, anxiety and/or depression. Helaina understands that every person who seeks therapy is unique and complex and has the ability to increase satisfaction, confidence and overall wellness in their life.
Working from an integrative, psychodynamic approach, my clients generally find that therapy goes beyond symptom relief, and that over time, it helps them to develop a more vibrant and authentic sense of self - leading to healthier relationships, clearer thinking, and a deeper sense of meaningfulness and engagement in life.
Life is a journey, and often we get lost along the way. Psychotherapy is a transformative process that helps you to locate your internal compass, so that you can live a more fulfilling and productive life; navigate difficult periods and transitions; and ultimately feel more comfortable in your own skin. As a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, I have years of experience and training working with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career obstacles, self-esteem, family discord, grief and loss, defeating patterns of behavior, and the process of coming to terms with difficult and traumatic life situations.
Working from an integrative, psychodynamic approach, my clients generally find that therapy goes beyond symptom relief, and that over time, it helps them to develop a more vibrant and authentic sense of self - leading to healthier relationships, clearer thinking, and a deeper sense of meaningfulness and engagement in life.
Life is a journey, and often we get lost along the way. Psychotherapy is a transformative process that helps you to locate your internal compass, so that you can live a more fulfilling and productive life; navigate difficult periods and transitions; and ultimately feel more comfortable in your own skin. As a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, I have years of experience and training working with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career obstacles, self-esteem, family discord, grief and loss, defeating patterns of behavior, and the process of coming to terms with difficult and traumatic life situations.
Having been practicing for many years, I'm very eclectic, yet my foundational roots are psychodynamic theory, family systems, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
I am certified in anxiety, depression, and trauma (EMDR). I am also a relationship expert with a PhD in marriage and family therapy and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-S, LICSW). I have over 20 years of experience providing therapy to individuals, couples, groups, and families. I'm the author of the relationship survival guide- “Hate My Marriage”. Many of my clients choose alternative methods for dealing with anxiety and depression instead of prescription medication. I am also a certified herbalist and a practitioner of yoga. I'm not just EMDR "trained", but also certified with advanced hours in trauma.
Having been practicing for many years, I'm very eclectic, yet my foundational roots are psychodynamic theory, family systems, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
I am certified in anxiety, depression, and trauma (EMDR). I am also a relationship expert with a PhD in marriage and family therapy and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-S, LICSW). I have over 20 years of experience providing therapy to individuals, couples, groups, and families. I'm the author of the relationship survival guide- “Hate My Marriage”. Many of my clients choose alternative methods for dealing with anxiety and depression instead of prescription medication. I am also a certified herbalist and a practitioner of yoga. I'm not just EMDR "trained", but also certified with advanced hours in trauma.
I like to use a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to each client’s individual needs, but tend to draw most from cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy, while always using a strengths-based ap
I work primarily with young adults and adults experiencing stress, anxiety, and trauma, as well as issues relating to identity and self-esteem.
I like to use a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to each client’s individual needs, but tend to draw most from cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy, while always using a strengths-based ap
I work primarily with young adults and adults experiencing stress, anxiety, and trauma, as well as issues relating to identity and self-esteem.
Life feeling a bit too heavy lately? You are not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space to help you navigate anxiety, life transitions, and everything in between. My style is collaborative, down-to-earth, and tailored to your unique needs. I’m here to help you rediscover your strengths, work through life’s challenges, and take meaningful steps forward with understanding and support. Licensed in Washington D.C., California, and Florida.
Life feeling a bit too heavy lately? You are not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space to help you navigate anxiety, life transitions, and everything in between. My style is collaborative, down-to-earth, and tailored to your unique needs. I’m here to help you rediscover your strengths, work through life’s challenges, and take meaningful steps forward with understanding and support. Licensed in Washington D.C., California, and Florida.
After 34 years as a Licensed
Clinical Social Worker, I have decided not to renew the license and to continue working as a Relationship Coach.
What's wrong with this relationship? The same problems keep on repeating time after time. So what does a study of psychology reveal? A well-trained and experienced psychotherapist can help to shine a light into the dark unconscious places which shroud the mysteries. This helps to bring the issues into consciousness, and once there, allows you to work with them. This work involves change. There may be many underlying issues which will become the work as they become apparent.
After 34 years as a Licensed
Clinical Social Worker, I have decided not to renew the license and to continue working as a Relationship Coach.
What's wrong with this relationship? The same problems keep on repeating time after time. So what does a study of psychology reveal? A well-trained and experienced psychotherapist can help to shine a light into the dark unconscious places which shroud the mysteries. This helps to bring the issues into consciousness, and once there, allows you to work with them. This work involves change. There may be many underlying issues which will become the work as they become apparent.
If you’re ready to move beyond symptom relief and achieve deeper, more lasting change, I’d be honored to support you on that journey.
I specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful approach originally developed for trauma that is now used to address a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a trauma survivor, early life experiences shape how we respond to the world in ways we may not fully realize.
If you’re ready to move beyond symptom relief and achieve deeper, more lasting change, I’d be honored to support you on that journey.
I specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful approach originally developed for trauma that is now used to address a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a trauma survivor, early life experiences shape how we respond to the world in ways we may not fully realize.
What would it feel like to have someone help you navigate life’s challenges? Using an integrative approach, I work collaboratively with clients to better understand feelings of anxiety, sadness, frustration, and how to manage them. We discuss what you wish to get out of therapy and, using techniques from evidence-based approaches, work towards making sure you get the most out of our time together. My training includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Relational-Cultural Therapy.
What would it feel like to have someone help you navigate life’s challenges? Using an integrative approach, I work collaboratively with clients to better understand feelings of anxiety, sadness, frustration, and how to manage them. We discuss what you wish to get out of therapy and, using techniques from evidence-based approaches, work towards making sure you get the most out of our time together. My training includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Relational-Cultural Therapy.
My training and practice is psychodynamic, which focuses on understanding how you are feeling in the moment, and making connections between your past and present.
I’m a clinical psychologist specializing in understanding your relationship with others and with yourself and how these dynamics interfere with your quality of life. I graduated from a psychology doctoral program in 2004 and have worked at psychiatric and health rehabilitation hospitals, community mental health center, and long term care facilities, treating adolescents, adults and seniors. I have had a full- time private practice for over 15 years.
My training and practice is psychodynamic, which focuses on understanding how you are feeling in the moment, and making connections between your past and present.
I’m a clinical psychologist specializing in understanding your relationship with others and with yourself and how these dynamics interfere with your quality of life. I graduated from a psychology doctoral program in 2004 and have worked at psychiatric and health rehabilitation hospitals, community mental health center, and long term care facilities, treating adolescents, adults and seniors. I have had a full- time private practice for over 15 years.
My name is Dr. Marcela A. Bonafina, Ph.D., and I am a neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist.
I specialize in working with adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, identity transitions, trauma, and unexplained neurological symptoms (especially PNES).
I help by combining relational attunement, somatic awareness, narrative integration, and neural insight — mapping what your body, memory, and internal parts are saying, and helping you reclaim coherence and agency.
Together, we give voice to silenced parts, reconcile internal fragmentation, and reclaim your agency. I believe in respecting fragility as a source of strength.
My name is Dr. Marcela A. Bonafina, Ph.D., and I am a neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist.
I specialize in working with adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, identity transitions, trauma, and unexplained neurological symptoms (especially PNES).
I help by combining relational attunement, somatic awareness, narrative integration, and neural insight — mapping what your body, memory, and internal parts are saying, and helping you reclaim coherence and agency.
Together, we give voice to silenced parts, reconcile internal fragmentation, and reclaim your agency. I believe in respecting fragility as a source of strength.
My experience and training in humanistic, psychodynamic, and mindfulness psychotherapy will guide us in working toward your goals.
All of us need help from time to time to develop new ways of living fuller, more satisfying lives. My focus is on improving how you navigate life's challenges, changes, and relationships. Our work together can help you develop new skills and awareness, to create the life you want. My additional expertise in neuropsychology means that our work will integrate psychotherapy and current neuroscience — 'psychotherapy with the brain in mind' — a powerfully effective combination.
My experience and training in humanistic, psychodynamic, and mindfulness psychotherapy will guide us in working toward your goals.
All of us need help from time to time to develop new ways of living fuller, more satisfying lives. My focus is on improving how you navigate life's challenges, changes, and relationships. Our work together can help you develop new skills and awareness, to create the life you want. My additional expertise in neuropsychology means that our work will integrate psychotherapy and current neuroscience — 'psychotherapy with the brain in mind' — a powerfully effective combination.
My approach includes, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Humanistic Therapy, Psychodynamic to Hypnosis to assist client’s in working through life transitions.
Whether you want to talk, are looking for support through difficult times, or looking to make real change in your life, we can work together to achieve dreams, meet goals and rise above the ashes. Using my background as a mental health therapist, a certified addictions counselor, and specializations in spirituality, grief, multiculturalism, and hypnosis, I am sure we can find a way to work together toward your goal of well-being.
My approach includes, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Humanistic Therapy, Psychodynamic to Hypnosis to assist client’s in working through life transitions.
Whether you want to talk, are looking for support through difficult times, or looking to make real change in your life, we can work together to achieve dreams, meet goals and rise above the ashes. Using my background as a mental health therapist, a certified addictions counselor, and specializations in spirituality, grief, multiculturalism, and hypnosis, I am sure we can find a way to work together toward your goal of well-being.
My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable to share and know you will be heard during our time together. Together, we prioritize your goals and explore the best ways to help you achieve them. I am a general practitioner with a wealth of experience working with clients of all backgrounds who have diverse needs.
Anyone who has been affected by the widespread instability of job loss, please reach out and let me know; sliding scale financial options are top priority for you all.
My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable to share and know you will be heard during our time together. Together, we prioritize your goals and explore the best ways to help you achieve them. I am a general practitioner with a wealth of experience working with clients of all backgrounds who have diverse needs.
Anyone who has been affected by the widespread instability of job loss, please reach out and let me know; sliding scale financial options are top priority for you all.
Perhaps you're dealing with the pressures of every day life, or maybe something more deeply-rooted and mysterious that nags at you and holds you back. Or maybe every day is a struggle for you, to get out of bed, get to work, or even to do the things that bring you joy. Or perhaps you feel out of control, doing things that don't bring you joy. Maybe you want to know yourself better and understand the things that you do with more clarity. You might even have had something dreadful happen that just won't leave your mind, no matter what.
Perhaps you're dealing with the pressures of every day life, or maybe something more deeply-rooted and mysterious that nags at you and holds you back. Or maybe every day is a struggle for you, to get out of bed, get to work, or even to do the things that bring you joy. Or perhaps you feel out of control, doing things that don't bring you joy. Maybe you want to know yourself better and understand the things that you do with more clarity. You might even have had something dreadful happen that just won't leave your mind, no matter what.
I provide a supportive space to help you make sense of your experience. Rather than focusing on what’s “wrong,” we explore what your emotions and patterns are trying to tell you—creating more clarity, self-trust and relief.
I provide a supportive space to help you make sense of your experience. Rather than focusing on what’s “wrong,” we explore what your emotions and patterns are trying to tell you—creating more clarity, self-trust and relief.
Using the powerful tools of EMDR and Brainspotting to directly heal the nervous system and create new neural pathways in the brain, I will guide you from feeling stuck in old patterns to change with confidence and expansiveness. Together, we can free you from old traumas and habits to move past the past with renewed strength, real growth, and authenticity. It is possible to gain resilience and transform your life to live in the present moment and create meaningful relationships.
Using the powerful tools of EMDR and Brainspotting to directly heal the nervous system and create new neural pathways in the brain, I will guide you from feeling stuck in old patterns to change with confidence and expansiveness. Together, we can free you from old traumas and habits to move past the past with renewed strength, real growth, and authenticity. It is possible to gain resilience and transform your life to live in the present moment and create meaningful relationships.
Welcome. I am glad you’re here. Finding a therapist is hard. I want to make it easy. When we feel stuck, burdened by unhealthy patterns, or are experiencing life transitions, we can feel anxious, sad, overwhelmed, and lost. You have come to the right place. Therapy is a tool, much like visiting a doctor for your physical health, that can help you get back on track. My style is warm, authentic, and non-judgmental. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment by listening closely and responding with compassion. I will give you plenty of space to share, explore, and deepen your insight.
Welcome. I am glad you’re here. Finding a therapist is hard. I want to make it easy. When we feel stuck, burdened by unhealthy patterns, or are experiencing life transitions, we can feel anxious, sad, overwhelmed, and lost. You have come to the right place. Therapy is a tool, much like visiting a doctor for your physical health, that can help you get back on track. My style is warm, authentic, and non-judgmental. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment by listening closely and responding with compassion. I will give you plenty of space to share, explore, and deepen your insight.
Making the decision to embark on a therapeutic journey takes courage and vulnerability. Congratulations on taking this step towards improving your personal wellness. Productive therapy starts by creating a safe space and working on building a relationship that fosters trust. We will discuss your current reasons for engaging in therapy, explore parts of your history that may inform our work together, and develop a tailored plan to support symptom relief and address the root causes to optimize your healing and growth.
Making the decision to embark on a therapeutic journey takes courage and vulnerability. Congratulations on taking this step towards improving your personal wellness. Productive therapy starts by creating a safe space and working on building a relationship that fosters trust. We will discuss your current reasons for engaging in therapy, explore parts of your history that may inform our work together, and develop a tailored plan to support symptom relief and address the root causes to optimize your healing and growth.
See more therapy options for Washington
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.