Therapists in 17112
Derek Schoffstall
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Imagine a future where you're not just surviving, but thriving in your personal and relational life. This journey is rooted in the belief that it's never too late to reach out for help, and that positive change is always possible. Whether you're working through personal challenges like self-doubt and anxiety, or navigating relationship issues such as communication barriers or infidelity, I am here to support you. Our goal is to transform these challenges into catalysts for growth and relational healing.
Imagine a future where you're not just surviving, but thriving in your personal and relational life. This journey is rooted in the belief that it's never too late to reach out for help, and that positive change is always possible. Whether you're working through personal challenges like self-doubt and anxiety, or navigating relationship issues such as communication barriers or infidelity, I am here to support you. Our goal is to transform these challenges into catalysts for growth and relational healing.
See more therapy options for 17112
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.