Psychodynamic Therapists in Indianapolis, IN

Photo of Emily Clark, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Emily Clark
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
My clinical approach is psychodynamic, strengths based, and person centered.
My goal is to create a safe space for my clients to feel heard, understood, and empowered. I have 9 years of experience working in community mental health settings with pre-teens, teenagers, parents, and families. I also have experience collaborating with teachers and school administrators to help aid in meeting a child's needs in the school setting. I have a passion for helping individuals learn healthy ways to regulate emotions, manage relationship difficulties, and find healing from trauma and difficult life experiences. Along with this, I enjoy assisting parents with finding new ways to navigate parenting challenges.
My clinical approach is psychodynamic, strengths based, and person centered.
My goal is to create a safe space for my clients to feel heard, understood, and empowered. I have 9 years of experience working in community mental health settings with pre-teens, teenagers, parents, and families. I also have experience collaborating with teachers and school administrators to help aid in meeting a child's needs in the school setting. I have a passion for helping individuals learn healthy ways to regulate emotions, manage relationship difficulties, and find healing from trauma and difficult life experiences. Along with this, I enjoy assisting parents with finding new ways to navigate parenting challenges.
(463) 275-2359 View (463) 275-2359
Photo of Kimberly Graves-Hicks, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kimberly Graves-Hicks
Marriage & Family Therapist
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello, I'm Kimberly. I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families return to love for themselves and others. Together, we will co-create peaceful spaces to make sense of the past while sitting in the present, and anticipating the future. I believe in the power of creating a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. My approach is collaborative and empathetic, ensuring that you feel heard and supported every step of the way.
Hello, I'm Kimberly. I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families return to love for themselves and others. Together, we will co-create peaceful spaces to make sense of the past while sitting in the present, and anticipating the future. I believe in the power of creating a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. My approach is collaborative and empathetic, ensuring that you feel heard and supported every step of the way.
(812) 561-8311 View (812) 561-8311
Photo of Cassandra Avenatti - Heartland Healing Counseling & Consultation, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-S
Heartland Healing Counseling & Consultation
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-S
3 Endorsed
Online Only
HHC meaningfully centers LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities, working with motivated folks build insight, confront obstacles, heal wounds, to move toward self-actualization & ease. Our team of therapists represent many identities & modalities and are grounded in from queer feminist frameworks. We value self-determination, harm reduction, and disability & racial justice. Relationships are built through collaboration, creativity, and recognition of the environmental & cultural factors that impact client's lives. Our team includes six therapists and an administrator to help with your onboarding and billing needs.
HHC meaningfully centers LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities, working with motivated folks build insight, confront obstacles, heal wounds, to move toward self-actualization & ease. Our team of therapists represent many identities & modalities and are grounded in from queer feminist frameworks. We value self-determination, harm reduction, and disability & racial justice. Relationships are built through collaboration, creativity, and recognition of the environmental & cultural factors that impact client's lives. Our team includes six therapists and an administrator to help with your onboarding and billing needs.
(812) 799-2069 View (812) 799-2069
Photo of Shannon Ellis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP, EMDR
Shannon Ellis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP, EMDR
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Hi I'm Shan :) ! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who's been working as a therapist since 2018. I'm big hearted, non judgmental and believe in the healing power of authenticity. I specialize in working with adults that are looking to heal: trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, people-pleasing, self-confidence/self-worth, Nervous system regulation, depression & anxiety. During our first session together, I hope to create a safe and comfortable environment for you to share with me what brought you this moment. We will work together to create a plan of care that fits you, meets you where you are at, and helps you grow.
Hi I'm Shan :) ! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who's been working as a therapist since 2018. I'm big hearted, non judgmental and believe in the healing power of authenticity. I specialize in working with adults that are looking to heal: trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, people-pleasing, self-confidence/self-worth, Nervous system regulation, depression & anxiety. During our first session together, I hope to create a safe and comfortable environment for you to share with me what brought you this moment. We will work together to create a plan of care that fits you, meets you where you are at, and helps you grow.
(765) 487-5007 View (765) 487-5007
Photo of Rhonda Peet, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rhonda Peet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Indianapolis, IN 46260
I work with adults ages 25-65+ who are interested in making fundamental changes in their lives and in managing their mental health. Life today is very stressful. Hundreds of people just like you are feeling the effects of what is going on in the world today. Many people I have talked with lately who haven't considered therapy are deciding to do so. How long have you been struggling with anxiety? Sleepless nights? Feeling hopeless about your current situation? Are you ready to try something new? I use several therapy approaches with research-based interventions including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
I work with adults ages 25-65+ who are interested in making fundamental changes in their lives and in managing their mental health. Life today is very stressful. Hundreds of people just like you are feeling the effects of what is going on in the world today. Many people I have talked with lately who haven't considered therapy are deciding to do so. How long have you been struggling with anxiety? Sleepless nights? Feeling hopeless about your current situation? Are you ready to try something new? I use several therapy approaches with research-based interventions including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
(317) 981-3904 View (317) 981-3904
Photo of Jerry Wheeler, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Jerry Wheeler
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Online Only
Hello, I'm Jerry. You want something to change, but you don't know where to start. Maybe it's how you feel. Sometimes your thoughts, feelings, emotions, stories, and sensations try to get in the way of moving toward what's meaningful to you. Maybe it's the state of your relationship. Sometimes the communication patterns between the two of you can erode trust and commitment, leaving your relationship bond damaged or broken.
Hello, I'm Jerry. You want something to change, but you don't know where to start. Maybe it's how you feel. Sometimes your thoughts, feelings, emotions, stories, and sensations try to get in the way of moving toward what's meaningful to you. Maybe it's the state of your relationship. Sometimes the communication patterns between the two of you can erode trust and commitment, leaving your relationship bond damaged or broken.
(317) 961-6419 View (317) 961-6419
Photo of Alexandria Dunn, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexandria Dunn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Online Only
I often use a psychodynamic approach to look back at your lived experiences and make connections to the here and now - addressing each issue with appropriate therapeutic interventions.
I specialize in addictions, trauma, codependency, family issues, chronic suicidality, adolescents-adults (12+), personality disorders, self-harm, life transitions and interpersonal relationsihps. I have worked with a variety of individuals and have a vast understanding of many concerns that have walked through my door.
I often use a psychodynamic approach to look back at your lived experiences and make connections to the here and now - addressing each issue with appropriate therapeutic interventions.
I specialize in addictions, trauma, codependency, family issues, chronic suicidality, adolescents-adults (12+), personality disorders, self-harm, life transitions and interpersonal relationsihps. I have worked with a variety of individuals and have a vast understanding of many concerns that have walked through my door.
(574) 355-8957 View (574) 355-8957
Photo of Dyrek Chowning, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, LMHCA
Dyrek Chowning
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, LMHCA
Indianapolis, IN 46256
I offer a mixture of psychodynamic, culturally competent, trauma-informed, strength-focused, compassionate, and depth-oriented counseling that will help you discover insights about yourself that you've never considered.
I know life can be hard. For me, therapy is all about healing the parts of yourself that are desperate need of love, attention, and affection. You deserve a therapist that understands your struggle and I'm here to meet that need with a wealth of my own experience and wisdom in healing from childhood trauma, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD. My ideal client is someone who is sick and tired of suffering and comes to therapy ready for a successful healing process!
I offer a mixture of psychodynamic, culturally competent, trauma-informed, strength-focused, compassionate, and depth-oriented counseling that will help you discover insights about yourself that you've never considered.
I know life can be hard. For me, therapy is all about healing the parts of yourself that are desperate need of love, attention, and affection. You deserve a therapist that understands your struggle and I'm here to meet that need with a wealth of my own experience and wisdom in healing from childhood trauma, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD. My ideal client is someone who is sick and tired of suffering and comes to therapy ready for a successful healing process!
(765) 326-3905 View (765) 326-3905
Photo of Kelly Curry, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Kelly Curry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Indianapolis, IN 46260
I use a psychodynamic framework, and I have an eclectic therapeutic approach to meet you where you're at.
You’ve been in therapy before—maybe more than once—and you’ve gained real insight. You understand yourself better. And yet, here you are again, feeling stuck in the same patterns, the same relationship dynamics, the same quiet ache of disconnection. You’re not broken. You’re just ready for something deeper. The clients I work with are thoughtful, self-aware people who are ready for something to shift—not just in how they think about themselves, but in how they feel. They’re drawn to deeper emotional exploration, willing to sit with what’s underneath —not with self-judgment, but with curiosity.
I use a psychodynamic framework, and I have an eclectic therapeutic approach to meet you where you're at.
You’ve been in therapy before—maybe more than once—and you’ve gained real insight. You understand yourself better. And yet, here you are again, feeling stuck in the same patterns, the same relationship dynamics, the same quiet ache of disconnection. You’re not broken. You’re just ready for something deeper. The clients I work with are thoughtful, self-aware people who are ready for something to shift—not just in how they think about themselves, but in how they feel. They’re drawn to deeper emotional exploration, willing to sit with what’s underneath —not with self-judgment, but with curiosity.
(317) 204-8347 x410 View (317) 204-8347 x410
Photo of Denise A. Senter, Counselor, MA, LMHC
Denise A. Senter
Counselor, MA, LMHC
1 Endorsed
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Waitlist for new clients
"I am a trusted and compassionate professional who enjoys helping others to be creative in resolving complex issues. Regarded as a specialist in mental health and consultation, I provide brief, solution-focused therapy and psycho-dynamic work. I also provide consultation, training, and workshops for staff, agencies and groups. As a former mental health consultant with the NFL, I am very effective in helping clients, athletes and coaches to attain desired goals and success. From clients with chronic illnesses to clients seeking to explore spirituality and faith - I work to help increase a sense of purpose, effectiveness, calm and wellness."
"I am a trusted and compassionate professional who enjoys helping others to be creative in resolving complex issues. Regarded as a specialist in mental health and consultation, I provide brief, solution-focused therapy and psycho-dynamic work. I also provide consultation, training, and workshops for staff, agencies and groups. As a former mental health consultant with the NFL, I am very effective in helping clients, athletes and coaches to attain desired goals and success. From clients with chronic illnesses to clients seeking to explore spirituality and faith - I work to help increase a sense of purpose, effectiveness, calm and wellness."
(317) 401-5426 View (317) 401-5426
Photo of Joan Schneider, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCSW
Joan Schneider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Indianapolis, IN 46240
This is a commitment in finding a therapist, a step closer to peace of mind and healing your heart. Listening, being heard, witnessing, and validating your story are invaluable to your recovery. I am skilled in the area of addictions, abuse recovery, grief and bereavement, PTSD, stress, anxiety, and depression. I will help you learn about compassion for yourself and help you restore your integrity and self-esteem. This can be a transformation, helping you become who you want to be! You will leave each session with a "food for thought" note. It will include thoughts from your session and ideas to focus on between sessions.
This is a commitment in finding a therapist, a step closer to peace of mind and healing your heart. Listening, being heard, witnessing, and validating your story are invaluable to your recovery. I am skilled in the area of addictions, abuse recovery, grief and bereavement, PTSD, stress, anxiety, and depression. I will help you learn about compassion for yourself and help you restore your integrity and self-esteem. This can be a transformation, helping you become who you want to be! You will leave each session with a "food for thought" note. It will include thoughts from your session and ideas to focus on between sessions.
(317) 961-8846 View (317) 961-8846
Photo of Denise Mullenhour, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Denise Mullenhour
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Do you find yourself unable to shut your mind off? Replaying past events or chronically worrying? Is your inner critic keeping you from finding confidence in yourself and security with your place in the world? Have you experienced emotional pain and confusion that keeps your past in the present? Are you struggling to build self-esteem or find self-worth? Has the stress from daily responsibilities compounded existing problems with depression, anxiety, or loss?
Do you find yourself unable to shut your mind off? Replaying past events or chronically worrying? Is your inner critic keeping you from finding confidence in yourself and security with your place in the world? Have you experienced emotional pain and confusion that keeps your past in the present? Are you struggling to build self-esteem or find self-worth? Has the stress from daily responsibilities compounded existing problems with depression, anxiety, or loss?
(317) 900-4460 View (317) 900-4460
Photo of Aly Brown, Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, CCTP
Aly Brown
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, CCTP
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you struggle with feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and thoughts about not being good enough? Do you find yourself worrying about your intimate and platonic relationships? Do you often get accused of "overreacting" to a situation? You’re not alone! My approach is warm, interactive, and non-judgmental. Although flexible, I tend to use a combination of EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), Person-Centered Therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.
Do you struggle with feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and thoughts about not being good enough? Do you find yourself worrying about your intimate and platonic relationships? Do you often get accused of "overreacting" to a situation? You’re not alone! My approach is warm, interactive, and non-judgmental. Although flexible, I tend to use a combination of EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), Person-Centered Therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.
(219) 641-3057 View (219) 641-3057
Photo of Rachel Clark, Counselor, LMHC
Rachel Clark
Counselor, LMHC
2 Endorsed
Indianapolis, IN 46205
My approach to therapy is psychodynamic, meaning I work on a deep level of both feeling and thinking to help you gain insight and make meaningful, lasting change.
You're tired of merely surviving. Maybe anxiety has made your world small and lonely, or depression and feelings of worthlessness have kept you disconnected from yourself and other people. Perhaps you've developed patterns of engaging with others and with yourself that once protected you in difficult or traumatic circumstances but now cause pain that is becoming unbearable. Maybe you're not sure who you are and life feels dull and empty. Whatever has brought you here, you do not have to bear it alone. It is possible to thrive rather than just survive.
My approach to therapy is psychodynamic, meaning I work on a deep level of both feeling and thinking to help you gain insight and make meaningful, lasting change.
You're tired of merely surviving. Maybe anxiety has made your world small and lonely, or depression and feelings of worthlessness have kept you disconnected from yourself and other people. Perhaps you've developed patterns of engaging with others and with yourself that once protected you in difficult or traumatic circumstances but now cause pain that is becoming unbearable. Maybe you're not sure who you are and life feels dull and empty. Whatever has brought you here, you do not have to bear it alone. It is possible to thrive rather than just survive.
(317) 593-2381 View (317) 593-2381
Photo of Kevin Strawbridge, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Kevin Strawbridge
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Greetings and thank you for your interest in my practice. My approach to treatment of individuals, couples, and family's is tailored to fit the unique needs of each situation. I have experience in working with a variety of concerns relating to challenging thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Greetings and thank you for your interest in my practice. My approach to treatment of individuals, couples, and family's is tailored to fit the unique needs of each situation. I have experience in working with a variety of concerns relating to challenging thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
(317) 891-5739 View (317) 891-5739
Photo of Karrie Thomas, Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Karrie Thomas
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Indianapolis, IN 46260
If you’ve been carrying anxiety, grief, or emotional pain for a long time and are ready for a shift, welcome. I offer a calm, steady, compassionate space where you can move beyond holding on. Together, we’ll explore your inner world and reconnect with the parts of you that carry hope, strength, and balance. I work with teens, individuals, and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, grief, and relational struggles. What matters most to me is how these challenges show up in everyday life. My hope is to offer a calm, steady space where you can slow down, reflect, and find a way forward.
If you’ve been carrying anxiety, grief, or emotional pain for a long time and are ready for a shift, welcome. I offer a calm, steady, compassionate space where you can move beyond holding on. Together, we’ll explore your inner world and reconnect with the parts of you that carry hope, strength, and balance. I work with teens, individuals, and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, grief, and relational struggles. What matters most to me is how these challenges show up in everyday life. My hope is to offer a calm, steady space where you can slow down, reflect, and find a way forward.
(317) 252-5518 View (317) 252-5518
Photo of Tami Krichiver, Psychologist, PsyD, HSPP
Tami Krichiver
Psychologist, PsyD, HSPP
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Winnicott wrote, "Feeling real is more than existing; it is finding a way to exist as oneself." It is my hope that through the process of therapy, you'll come to know and develop yourself in ways that are life affirming. I am a clinical psychologist, providing psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups. My approach is collaborative, and together we'll uncover new perspectives for understanding and managing difficulties that hold you back. We'll look for patterns from your past that inform your current circumstances, and nurture the character strengths that help you live more fully.
Winnicott wrote, "Feeling real is more than existing; it is finding a way to exist as oneself." It is my hope that through the process of therapy, you'll come to know and develop yourself in ways that are life affirming. I am a clinical psychologist, providing psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups. My approach is collaborative, and together we'll uncover new perspectives for understanding and managing difficulties that hold you back. We'll look for patterns from your past that inform your current circumstances, and nurture the character strengths that help you live more fully.
(317) 567-9561 View (317) 567-9561
Photo of Brandy Boerner, Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Brandy Boerner
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Indianapolis, IN 46217
Specializing in RTM and EMDR to help my clients heal from traumatic pasts and beliefs that may be keeping them stuck in mindsets and behaviors that no longer serve them. I also work with other forms of treatments to help you begin to feel better. If you are reading this right now, I know you are hurting, experiencing emotional pain. You likely feel stuck and don’t know what to do next. Whether looking for individual or couples counseling, I can help you meet your goals. You want to feel unstuck, more content, less guilt and shame, improved self-esteem, improved relationship satisfaction and an improved overall sense of well-being.
Specializing in RTM and EMDR to help my clients heal from traumatic pasts and beliefs that may be keeping them stuck in mindsets and behaviors that no longer serve them. I also work with other forms of treatments to help you begin to feel better. If you are reading this right now, I know you are hurting, experiencing emotional pain. You likely feel stuck and don’t know what to do next. Whether looking for individual or couples counseling, I can help you meet your goals. You want to feel unstuck, more content, less guilt and shame, improved self-esteem, improved relationship satisfaction and an improved overall sense of well-being.
(317) 666-4079 View (317) 666-4079
Photo of Elana Jones, Counselor, LMHCA
Elana Jones
Counselor, LMHCA
Indianapolis, IN 46202
With a background working in foster care and case management for individuals with disabilities, she has gained extensive experience supporting a diverse range of clients, from children and teens to adults. Elana is dedicated to helping others achieve their best selves and fostering a safe, authentic space for self-expression. Elana brings a personal understanding of the counseling process, having been a client herself. She views counseling as a vital component of self-care and personal development.
With a background working in foster care and case management for individuals with disabilities, she has gained extensive experience supporting a diverse range of clients, from children and teens to adults. Elana is dedicated to helping others achieve their best selves and fostering a safe, authentic space for self-expression. Elana brings a personal understanding of the counseling process, having been a client herself. She views counseling as a vital component of self-care and personal development.
(317) 743-7210 View (317) 743-7210
Photo of Andrea Barbour, Marriage & Family Therapist, BA, MA, LMFT, PhD-ABD
Andrea Barbour
Marriage & Family Therapist, BA, MA, LMFT, PhD-ABD
4 Endorsed
Indianapolis, IN 46240
I work with patients (individuals, romantic relationships of all kinds, families, and groups) who struggle with crisis and long-standing emotional distress. Specifically, I address trauma, dissociative disorders, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and other types of suffering from a primarily systemic, relational, self-psychological psychoanalytic lens. Clients who benefit most from their work with me are motivated to come to understand the conscious and unconscious dynamics that keep them from living and relating in the way they most long to. I see clients at least once per week.
I work with patients (individuals, romantic relationships of all kinds, families, and groups) who struggle with crisis and long-standing emotional distress. Specifically, I address trauma, dissociative disorders, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and other types of suffering from a primarily systemic, relational, self-psychological psychoanalytic lens. Clients who benefit most from their work with me are motivated to come to understand the conscious and unconscious dynamics that keep them from living and relating in the way they most long to. I see clients at least once per week.
(463) 223-8998 View (463) 223-8998

See more therapy options for Indianapolis

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.