Psychodynamic Therapists in Oakland-Winchell, Kalamazoo, MI
Lydia Cm Boonzaayer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
3 Endorsed
Oakland-Winchell, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Life is often really tough. My goal is to provide a safe space for my clients to share their story, their struggles, their victories and their goals so they can feel less alone and also have a therapeutic partner to sort through what they'd like to understand better about themselves in order to take new steps towards wellness and growth. Being understood by a compassionate person is strengthening, and so is having a therapeutic partner to help you think about what you're thinking about and what you'd rather be focusing on.
Life is often really tough. My goal is to provide a safe space for my clients to share their story, their struggles, their victories and their goals so they can feel less alone and also have a therapeutic partner to sort through what they'd like to understand better about themselves in order to take new steps towards wellness and growth. Being understood by a compassionate person is strengthening, and so is having a therapeutic partner to help you think about what you're thinking about and what you'd rather be focusing on.
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside person-centered and psychodynamic therapies.
I am experienced in and enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I believe no one should have to walk alone through the challenges and difficulties of life. I consider it a privilege to provide support and encouragement to others while helping them to find the hope and healing God offers through His love and grace. I stress the importance of the therapeutic relationship as the means in which to help others gain personal growth and strength in order to live the life God has called them to live. I have been married 33 years and have four adult children.
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside person-centered and psychodynamic therapies.
I am experienced in and enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I believe no one should have to walk alone through the challenges and difficulties of life. I consider it a privilege to provide support and encouragement to others while helping them to find the hope and healing God offers through His love and grace. I stress the importance of the therapeutic relationship as the means in which to help others gain personal growth and strength in order to live the life God has called them to live. I have been married 33 years and have four adult children.
While I tailor treatment to each individual or couple, I typically rely on relational psychodynamic psychotherapy—an evidence-based therapeutic approach rooted in the psychoanalytic tradition.
The word "relational" in this context highlights the critical importance of an authentic client-therapist relationship in the process of healing. This type of psychotherapy cannot be done through treatment manuals, self-help books, or AI-powered chatbots. It is both a science and an art and requires extensive training and supervision for the therapist.
While I tailor treatment to each individual or couple, I typically rely on relational psychodynamic psychotherapy—an evidence-based therapeutic approach rooted in the psychoanalytic tradition.
The word "relational" in this context highlights the critical importance of an authentic client-therapist relationship in the process of healing. This type of psychotherapy cannot be done through treatment manuals, self-help books, or AI-powered chatbots. It is both a science and an art and requires extensive training and supervision for the therapist.
Ryan Strong
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
1 Endorsed
Oakland-Winchell, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Not accepting new clients
Your situation is not unworkable. Trauma, stress, and mental health struggles are part of life. What you make of these elements is your contribution to the art of living, an art form that often demands practice and growth. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space, as well as the tools and knowledge to help you realign with the deepest parts of yourself. My ideal client is ready to overcome hesitation, move forward and re-establish authentic living. I will assist you in shifting away from endless cycles of struggling against yourself towards living intimately with the natural joy available to you in this life.
Your situation is not unworkable. Trauma, stress, and mental health struggles are part of life. What you make of these elements is your contribution to the art of living, an art form that often demands practice and growth. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space, as well as the tools and knowledge to help you realign with the deepest parts of yourself. My ideal client is ready to overcome hesitation, move forward and re-establish authentic living. I will assist you in shifting away from endless cycles of struggling against yourself towards living intimately with the natural joy available to you in this life.
Life is very full. In the mad dash to keep up, we can lose connection with ourselves and our people. This disconnection tends to leave us feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or even checked-out. Therapy provides an empathic space to feel seen, which helps open doors to a deeper understanding of ourselves, our emotions, and our relationships. It is an opportunity to understand ways our past may be affecting our present experiences—and see the patterns therein. When we understand and empathize with these patterns, we can move toward growth to navigate life feeling more confident and capable.
Life is very full. In the mad dash to keep up, we can lose connection with ourselves and our people. This disconnection tends to leave us feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or even checked-out. Therapy provides an empathic space to feel seen, which helps open doors to a deeper understanding of ourselves, our emotions, and our relationships. It is an opportunity to understand ways our past may be affecting our present experiences—and see the patterns therein. When we understand and empathize with these patterns, we can move toward growth to navigate life feeling more confident and capable.
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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.