Psychodynamic Therapists in Portland, OR
Helping others discover peace, connection, and confidence in the face of turmoil has long been a passion of mine. I believe everyone is capable of growth and healing if they are provided sufficient encouragement, support, and effective strategies. My therapeutic style is conversational and relaxed. I encourage clients to identify and communicate their unique needs and concerns in order to improve interpersonal relationships, manage bothersome emotions or behaviors, and develop healthier family connections. No matter their goal, I strongly believe in the client’s right to decide the focus of therapy.
Helping others discover peace, connection, and confidence in the face of turmoil has long been a passion of mine. I believe everyone is capable of growth and healing if they are provided sufficient encouragement, support, and effective strategies. My therapeutic style is conversational and relaxed. I encourage clients to identify and communicate their unique needs and concerns in order to improve interpersonal relationships, manage bothersome emotions or behaviors, and develop healthier family connections. No matter their goal, I strongly believe in the client’s right to decide the focus of therapy.
YOU are worth it! I'm excited to see you make the move towards well being and I hope to be part of your journey. I believe everyone deserves to love themselves, believe in themselves and feel confident in their abilities. Whether it's a life transition, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief & loss, or something else, my goal is to walk alongside you on this journey, incorporating compassion and gentleness into our sessions together. I believe in the unique strengths of all individuals & families and prioritize tailoring treatment specific to the needs of all clients.
YOU are worth it! I'm excited to see you make the move towards well being and I hope to be part of your journey. I believe everyone deserves to love themselves, believe in themselves and feel confident in their abilities. Whether it's a life transition, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief & loss, or something else, my goal is to walk alongside you on this journey, incorporating compassion and gentleness into our sessions together. I believe in the unique strengths of all individuals & families and prioritize tailoring treatment specific to the needs of all clients.
I find human beings and their unique experiences fascinating, and see each of us as beings trying our best to navigate our life experiences in the best way we possibly can. I specialize in working with neurodivergent adolescents and adults who are looking to discover and maximize their personal talents and strengths, often in a world that does not accept or understand them. Many come to me for assessment and diagnosis, others come for deep inner exploration and ways to ease their suffering. Some come for practical tips to improve their lives, while others come for a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
I find human beings and their unique experiences fascinating, and see each of us as beings trying our best to navigate our life experiences in the best way we possibly can. I specialize in working with neurodivergent adolescents and adults who are looking to discover and maximize their personal talents and strengths, often in a world that does not accept or understand them. Many come to me for assessment and diagnosis, others come for deep inner exploration and ways to ease their suffering. Some come for practical tips to improve their lives, while others come for a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Do you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, depression, or the weight of past experiences? You may appear to have things together on the outside while struggling internally to stay balanced and grounded. Therapy can help you slow down, gain clarity, and develop practical tools to move forward with confidence.
Do you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, depression, or the weight of past experiences? You may appear to have things together on the outside while struggling internally to stay balanced and grounded. Therapy can help you slow down, gain clarity, and develop practical tools to move forward with confidence.
If you are navigating trauma, relationships, low self-esteem, confusing patterns, anxiety, or depression that won't let up, I would love to support you. I use EMDR along with talk therapy, and prioritize working collaboratively in a warm, nonjudgmental relationship. EMDR is one of the most powerful tools I've encountered. I've seen it create breakthroughs that consistently surprise and move both my clients and myself. We target the root so change isn't just understood, it's felt. I believe in each person's innate ability to rise above challenges and look forward to meeting with you.
If you are navigating trauma, relationships, low self-esteem, confusing patterns, anxiety, or depression that won't let up, I would love to support you. I use EMDR along with talk therapy, and prioritize working collaboratively in a warm, nonjudgmental relationship. EMDR is one of the most powerful tools I've encountered. I've seen it create breakthroughs that consistently surprise and move both my clients and myself. We target the root so change isn't just understood, it's felt. I believe in each person's innate ability to rise above challenges and look forward to meeting with you.
My clinical practice is trauma informed and person centered. I enjoy working with people who are navigating difficulties related to major life transitions, sexual and gender identity development, conflicts within their family of origin, relationship issues and surviving and healing from trauma. I also value and strive to work effectively across cultural, ethnic and racial identities.
My clinical practice is trauma informed and person centered. I enjoy working with people who are navigating difficulties related to major life transitions, sexual and gender identity development, conflicts within their family of origin, relationship issues and surviving and healing from trauma. I also value and strive to work effectively across cultural, ethnic and racial identities.
Talk therapy is a brave endeavor and can be extremely creative and rewarding. The most important part of my approach is creating an effective working partnership with you, so that you can get the most out of therapy. Ongoing distress in our lives can bring us to therapy, and with good work can lead us to both acceptance and long-term psychological flexibility and wellness. Many people find this path to be an exciting and generative one. It can even be fun at times. With my training from around the world, I specialize in creating unique clinical formulations to aid clients in fostering shifts in their lives.
Talk therapy is a brave endeavor and can be extremely creative and rewarding. The most important part of my approach is creating an effective working partnership with you, so that you can get the most out of therapy. Ongoing distress in our lives can bring us to therapy, and with good work can lead us to both acceptance and long-term psychological flexibility and wellness. Many people find this path to be an exciting and generative one. It can even be fun at times. With my training from around the world, I specialize in creating unique clinical formulations to aid clients in fostering shifts in their lives.
InnerCanvas Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, C8184
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
I offer a safe space for those in the LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent communities and others, to come and process their emotions utilizing psychodynamic principals.
Our work together will be creative, integrative and mindful. I have extensive training in psychotherapy and art therapy. Our sessions could include talk therapy, therapeutic art, and sensory awareness. Perfect for individuals and Couples. I offer empathy, positivity, and validation of your experience.
I offer a safe space for those in the LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent communities and others, to come and process their emotions utilizing psychodynamic principals.
Our work together will be creative, integrative and mindful. I have extensive training in psychotherapy and art therapy. Our sessions could include talk therapy, therapeutic art, and sensory awareness. Perfect for individuals and Couples. I offer empathy, positivity, and validation of your experience.
The primary interventions I use in my practice are from Relational-Cultural Therapy, Relational Psychodynamic Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
I offer individual sex therapy and couples therapy. I support individuals and partners in improving communication, navigating relational and sexual trauma, exploring libido differences, and expanding pleasure. I specialize in working with queer and trans clients, non-monogamous and kink communities, and those experiencing pelvic pain or painful sex.
The primary interventions I use in my practice are from Relational-Cultural Therapy, Relational Psychodynamic Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
I offer individual sex therapy and couples therapy. I support individuals and partners in improving communication, navigating relational and sexual trauma, exploring libido differences, and expanding pleasure. I specialize in working with queer and trans clients, non-monogamous and kink communities, and those experiencing pelvic pain or painful sex.
Catherine Dahrens-Epperly
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
5 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97212
It happens to everyone at some point, but still there is no way to fully prepare for it. The unthinkable. The potential loss you never want to acknowledge. The loss that never even crossed your mind as a possibility. And you find yourself completely side-swiped by unrelenting grief. Waves of depression, shock, anger, and sheer pain wash over your life leaving you feeling unstable, out of control, and many times misunderstood by those closest to you. You need someone to talk to who really understands the impact of grief and hard transitions, and gives you permission to speak and feel anything and everything you are experiencing.
It happens to everyone at some point, but still there is no way to fully prepare for it. The unthinkable. The potential loss you never want to acknowledge. The loss that never even crossed your mind as a possibility. And you find yourself completely side-swiped by unrelenting grief. Waves of depression, shock, anger, and sheer pain wash over your life leaving you feeling unstable, out of control, and many times misunderstood by those closest to you. You need someone to talk to who really understands the impact of grief and hard transitions, and gives you permission to speak and feel anything and everything you are experiencing.
My approach to therapy primarily follows Integrated Therapy utilizing Psychodynamic, Attachment, and Family Systems theories.
Do you experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, parenting struggles, relational dynamic issues, major life transitions, or personal identity concerns? I am here to support you finding your voice within yourself and in close relationships. I believe that our past informs our present, in how we connect to and experience our lives. I find behavior to be an important opening to explore the underlying feelings an individual is experiencing in response to others. I view therapy as a collaborative process in which you are the expert of your own life and I am an empathetic and supportive guide helping create a brave, accepting space.
My approach to therapy primarily follows Integrated Therapy utilizing Psychodynamic, Attachment, and Family Systems theories.
Do you experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, parenting struggles, relational dynamic issues, major life transitions, or personal identity concerns? I am here to support you finding your voice within yourself and in close relationships. I believe that our past informs our present, in how we connect to and experience our lives. I find behavior to be an important opening to explore the underlying feelings an individual is experiencing in response to others. I view therapy as a collaborative process in which you are the expert of your own life and I am an empathetic and supportive guide helping create a brave, accepting space.
I specialize working with individuals experiencing a broad range of issues, including ADHD, trauma, CPTSD, self-esteem, life transitions, mood disorders, and more. My ideal client has a desire to know themselves on a deeper level, and is curious and open to their own experience. I am aware that people show up in their own unique way, and I want to offer a space that is open and accepting to each person I see.
I specialize working with individuals experiencing a broad range of issues, including ADHD, trauma, CPTSD, self-esteem, life transitions, mood disorders, and more. My ideal client has a desire to know themselves on a deeper level, and is curious and open to their own experience. I am aware that people show up in their own unique way, and I want to offer a space that is open and accepting to each person I see.
Do you struggle with concentration, overthinking, or replaying interactions with others afterward? Do things that used to interest you feel flat? Do you feel like you're always trying to catch up with life, yet still falling behind? Would you like to understand yourself with more ease — to feel in line with who you are, instead of fighting against yourself every day?
Do you struggle with concentration, overthinking, or replaying interactions with others afterward? Do things that used to interest you feel flat? Do you feel like you're always trying to catch up with life, yet still falling behind? Would you like to understand yourself with more ease — to feel in line with who you are, instead of fighting against yourself every day?
I am an addiction expert who helps people, or their family and friends when they are struggling with life and/or substances. I create a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship to explore old and new patterns, and provide the insight and tools needed to put the pieces together and live a more authentic life.
I am an addiction expert who helps people, or their family and friends when they are struggling with life and/or substances. I create a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship to explore old and new patterns, and provide the insight and tools needed to put the pieces together and live a more authentic life.
Debbie Bensching
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, MSWAC, LICSW
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205
Waitlist for new clients
I guide the process of working through problems to enhance performance in activities of daily living in work, relationships, recreation & professional settings. Problem areas include difficulties with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger, grief & loss, women's issues, habit disorders, addictions recovery: drugs, alcohol, food; ACOA, family members affected by addiction, trauma: post-traumatic stress, rape, abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), dissociative disorders, relationships: marriage / domestic partner, parent-child, divorce/ separation, parenting. Also work with difficulties with sleep, relaxation, or underperforming.
I guide the process of working through problems to enhance performance in activities of daily living in work, relationships, recreation & professional settings. Problem areas include difficulties with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger, grief & loss, women's issues, habit disorders, addictions recovery: drugs, alcohol, food; ACOA, family members affected by addiction, trauma: post-traumatic stress, rape, abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), dissociative disorders, relationships: marriage / domestic partner, parent-child, divorce/ separation, parenting. Also work with difficulties with sleep, relaxation, or underperforming.
As a therapist, I am passionate about working with youth and young adults, guiding them through the changes they face during their transformative and pivotal years. I believe in providing a supportive space where young people can navigate the challenges of learning, growing, and developing into confident young adults. My goal is to help them build resilience, self-awareness, confidence in their identity, and the skills necessary to thrive in their journey toward adulthood.
As a therapist, I am passionate about working with youth and young adults, guiding them through the changes they face during their transformative and pivotal years. I believe in providing a supportive space where young people can navigate the challenges of learning, growing, and developing into confident young adults. My goal is to help them build resilience, self-awareness, confidence in their identity, and the skills necessary to thrive in their journey toward adulthood.
Madison M Weiss
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, C8184
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
You may be someone who seeks the equilibrium, safety, inner strength and peace of mind which can emerge from living more authentically. You may even know the road to get there, but have experienced times of difficulty, moving you away from where you want to be internally or relationally. You may be ready to engage in delving more deeply into yourself. Therapy can help you reach your goals. It can help you refine your communication skills, and teach you new ones. Face your feelings, and learn to move through them in a safe space that is completely yours. Get a better sense of who you are and who you want to be in the world.
You may be someone who seeks the equilibrium, safety, inner strength and peace of mind which can emerge from living more authentically. You may even know the road to get there, but have experienced times of difficulty, moving you away from where you want to be internally or relationally. You may be ready to engage in delving more deeply into yourself. Therapy can help you reach your goals. It can help you refine your communication skills, and teach you new ones. Face your feelings, and learn to move through them in a safe space that is completely yours. Get a better sense of who you are and who you want to be in the world.
I've spent most of my life learning to translate between two worlds—and that's exactly what I help my clients do. I work with neurodivergent children, teens, and adults navigating life with autism, ADHD, or OCD. Many come in feeling like they've been misread their whole lives—too much, too sensitive, too scattered, too something. What I know from the inside out is that the problem was never you. It was the mismatch between who you are and a world that wasn't designed with you in mind. With over 10 years of community-based experience—including 5 years dedicated specifically to neurodivergent youth, I bring real clinical depth.
I've spent most of my life learning to translate between two worlds—and that's exactly what I help my clients do. I work with neurodivergent children, teens, and adults navigating life with autism, ADHD, or OCD. Many come in feeling like they've been misread their whole lives—too much, too sensitive, too scattered, too something. What I know from the inside out is that the problem was never you. It was the mismatch between who you are and a world that wasn't designed with you in mind. With over 10 years of community-based experience—including 5 years dedicated specifically to neurodivergent youth, I bring real clinical depth.
When working with people, I use evidence-based approaches like Psychodynamic therapy and Mentalization-based therapy.
We all struggle with pain both visible and invisible. But a life filled with meaning, healthy relationships, and joy is still possible. Welcome! My name is Zach, and I will listen to your experience with a compassionate ear. I believe the process of healing unfolds within a caring relationship characterized by curiosity, warmth, and play.
When working with people, I use evidence-based approaches like Psychodynamic therapy and Mentalization-based therapy.
We all struggle with pain both visible and invisible. But a life filled with meaning, healthy relationships, and joy is still possible. Welcome! My name is Zach, and I will listen to your experience with a compassionate ear. I believe the process of healing unfolds within a caring relationship characterized by curiosity, warmth, and play.
I support my clients to find safety, rest, and joy within themselves, often in the midst of very challenging circumstances. I work with folks healing from trauma – especially childhood, religious, sexual, and relational traumas – those exploring their authentic identities, and those who want support in life transitions large and small. I believe that you are the expert of your own experience. Together we will create a space where you can explore deeper layers of your experience, to understand, and potentially reframe, strategies that no longer serve you, and to take steps towards a richer connection with yourself and others.
I support my clients to find safety, rest, and joy within themselves, often in the midst of very challenging circumstances. I work with folks healing from trauma – especially childhood, religious, sexual, and relational traumas – those exploring their authentic identities, and those who want support in life transitions large and small. I believe that you are the expert of your own experience. Together we will create a space where you can explore deeper layers of your experience, to understand, and potentially reframe, strategies that no longer serve you, and to take steps towards a richer connection with yourself and others.
See more therapy options for Portland
Nearby Psychodynamic Therapists Searches for Portland
- Aloha
- Beaverton
- Clackamas
- Gladstone
- Gresham
- Happy Valley
- Lake Oswego
- Milwaukie
- Oak Grove
- Tigard
- Tualatin
- West Linn
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.