Photo of David Paul, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 22030, VA
David Paul
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MDiv
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
Through mindfulness practices grounded in cognitive behavioral theory along with psychodynamic techniques you will gain new insights and awareness of old patterns that cause undue suffering.
The goal of all therapy and counseling is to reduce suffering. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, impulsivity, ADHD, relationship problems, traumatic past, gender identity, sexual orientation, or just feeling stuck and dissatisfied with life, therapy can be a powerful vehicle for holistic change and increased peace and contentment. By focusing on your natural strengths we work collaboratively to identify the roadblocks internally and externally getting in the way of leading a fulfilled life.
Through mindfulness practices grounded in cognitive behavioral theory along with psychodynamic techniques you will gain new insights and awareness of old patterns that cause undue suffering.
The goal of all therapy and counseling is to reduce suffering. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, impulsivity, ADHD, relationship problems, traumatic past, gender identity, sexual orientation, or just feeling stuck and dissatisfied with life, therapy can be a powerful vehicle for holistic change and increased peace and contentment. By focusing on your natural strengths we work collaboratively to identify the roadblocks internally and externally getting in the way of leading a fulfilled life.
(202) 849-9624 View (202) 849-9624
Photo of Anne Mader, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 22030, VA
Anne Mader
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030  (Online Only)
Anne also works from a relational and psychodynamic perspective while integrating mindfulness and curiosity.
Anne is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington, DC, and Virginia. Currently, she is only seeing clients via telehealth. She received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and holds a Bachelor of the Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee. Anne has received advanced training in Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, and Sensorimotor Psychology. Anne's areas of interest working through life transitions, relationship issues, work/life balance, and trauma. She provides a warm and inviting space to come as you are, without judgment.
Anne also works from a relational and psychodynamic perspective while integrating mindfulness and curiosity.
Anne is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington, DC, and Virginia. Currently, she is only seeing clients via telehealth. She received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and holds a Bachelor of the Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee. Anne has received advanced training in Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, and Sensorimotor Psychology. Anne's areas of interest working through life transitions, relationship issues, work/life balance, and trauma. She provides a warm and inviting space to come as you are, without judgment.
(202) 979-9841 View (202) 979-9841
Photo of Eamonn Carolan Rivers Of Hope Counseling, Resident in Counseling in 22030, VA
Eamonn Carolan Rivers Of Hope Counseling
Resident in Counseling, MA
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030  (Online Only)
I draw from psychodynamic, gestalt, and cognitive behavioral approaches, and offer online sessions for ease of access.
Have you gone through something painful and wondered why you aren’t feeling “back to normal” yet? Or maybe started to wonder why you can’t stop certain patterns in your life, despite all your best efforts? Wondering about these things is normal, and therapy can be helpful in helping you find answers to these questions.
I draw from psychodynamic, gestalt, and cognitive behavioral approaches, and offer online sessions for ease of access.
Have you gone through something painful and wondered why you aren’t feeling “back to normal” yet? Or maybe started to wonder why you can’t stop certain patterns in your life, despite all your best efforts? Wondering about these things is normal, and therapy can be helpful in helping you find answers to these questions.
(571) 620-6430 View (571) 620-6430
Photo of The Center for Connection, Healing & Change, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in 22030, VA
The Center for Connection, Healing & Change, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC, LCSW, LMFT-R, LPC-R
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
Accepting new clients - The Center for Connection, Healing & Change focuses on the creation of secure, close, and satisfying relationships- within us and between us. We choose to specialize in relationships because we know the importance of satisfying connections for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Services explore the relationship we have with both ourselves and others; how well we can live with emotional ease, know who we are, ask for what we need, be responsive to loved ones, set boundaries, deal with loss, move through stressful experiences, find our purpose, and access resilience in moments of need.
Accepting new clients - The Center for Connection, Healing & Change focuses on the creation of secure, close, and satisfying relationships- within us and between us. We choose to specialize in relationships because we know the importance of satisfying connections for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Services explore the relationship we have with both ourselves and others; how well we can live with emotional ease, know who we are, ask for what we need, be responsive to loved ones, set boundaries, deal with loss, move through stressful experiences, find our purpose, and access resilience in moments of need.
(571) 777-0640 View (571) 777-0640
Photo of Couples Therapy at The Center for Connection, Marriage & Family Therapist in 22030, VA
Couples Therapy at The Center for Connection
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC, LCSW, LMFT-R, LPC-R
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
We help couples build person-to-person, heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul connections. We all long to be seen, heard, understood, held, and cherished by our precious person. Being in secure connection often conflicts with how life has shaped us. For many of us, relationship experiences have included bumps in the road, needs have been missed, wounds have developed, protections have grown, trust has been broken, limited beliefs have emerged, and parts of us have been hidden away. We help couples explore how life has influenced their interactions and then find lasting ways to heal, connect, repair, meet unmet needs, and build security.
We help couples build person-to-person, heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul connections. We all long to be seen, heard, understood, held, and cherished by our precious person. Being in secure connection often conflicts with how life has shaped us. For many of us, relationship experiences have included bumps in the road, needs have been missed, wounds have developed, protections have grown, trust has been broken, limited beliefs have emerged, and parts of us have been hidden away. We help couples explore how life has influenced their interactions and then find lasting ways to heal, connect, repair, meet unmet needs, and build security.
(571) 200-4205 View (571) 200-4205
Photo of Insightful-healing.com in 22030, VA
Insightful-healing.com
LPC
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030  (Online Only)
I specialize in PTSD. I am Trauma-Informed and EMDR-informed. We will be a team in your treatment process. I work with adults, couples, and families and have extensive experience with adolescents. Whether it's a couple's communication issues, an out-of-control teenager, anxiety, depression, or significant trauma history, we are a team. Together there are endless opportunities to live your best life. Let's get started today.
I specialize in PTSD. I am Trauma-Informed and EMDR-informed. We will be a team in your treatment process. I work with adults, couples, and families and have extensive experience with adolescents. Whether it's a couple's communication issues, an out-of-control teenager, anxiety, depression, or significant trauma history, we are a team. Together there are endless opportunities to live your best life. Let's get started today.
(571) 470-5513 View (571) 470-5513
Photo of Anwar Taylor, Pre-Licensed Professional in 22030, VA
Anwar Taylor
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMFT-R
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
When we are in conflict, disconnection, or misunderstanding with a loved one, we all experience distress. Our protective strategies come alive- we shut down, criticize, go numb, or pursue for reconnection. We find ourselves in the same old dance, talking different relational languages we can’t seem to reconcile, having the same old fight. I help individuals, couples, and families talk about what is happening inside them, identify needs, and understand what is at the core of any recurring patterns. I make space for all the ways life has shaped each of you, how this impacts your interactions, and where the misses are taking place.
When we are in conflict, disconnection, or misunderstanding with a loved one, we all experience distress. Our protective strategies come alive- we shut down, criticize, go numb, or pursue for reconnection. We find ourselves in the same old dance, talking different relational languages we can’t seem to reconcile, having the same old fight. I help individuals, couples, and families talk about what is happening inside them, identify needs, and understand what is at the core of any recurring patterns. I make space for all the ways life has shaped each of you, how this impacts your interactions, and where the misses are taking place.
(571) 771-2637 View (571) 771-2637
Photo of Urfa Javed, LPC Intern in 22030, VA
Urfa Javed
LPC Intern, LPC , Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
If you're here, you're likely having difficulty coping with something in your life, such as relationships, overwhelming anxiety, or unresolved issues from your past. Do you find yourself overthinking and worrying constantly? Do you feel like you are not enough? Do you feel guilty about being irritable with your loved ones? Are you struggling to find meaning and happiness in life? In a supportive and non-judgmental environment, I can help you find your authentic self and facilitate change and healing so that you can create or rediscover meaning and purpose in your relationships and life.
If you're here, you're likely having difficulty coping with something in your life, such as relationships, overwhelming anxiety, or unresolved issues from your past. Do you find yourself overthinking and worrying constantly? Do you feel like you are not enough? Do you feel guilty about being irritable with your loved ones? Are you struggling to find meaning and happiness in life? In a supportive and non-judgmental environment, I can help you find your authentic self and facilitate change and healing so that you can create or rediscover meaning and purpose in your relationships and life.
(571) 556-3837 View (571) 556-3837
Photo of Virginia Therapy & Wellness, Psychologist in 22030, VA
Virginia Therapy & Wellness
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
We are a group of highly skilled therapists who work with adolescents, adults, couples & families who struggle with relationship issues, family conflict, anxiety, OCD, self esteem, life transitions, coping skills, PTSD, chronic illness, spirituality, depression, grief, and more. We provide compassionate, holistic, culturally-sensitive care, and embrace diversity and inclusivity. Whether you're looking to develop skills, or for someone to listen and care about what you're going through, one of our therapists is bound to be a good fit. We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about us. We look forward to working with you!
We are a group of highly skilled therapists who work with adolescents, adults, couples & families who struggle with relationship issues, family conflict, anxiety, OCD, self esteem, life transitions, coping skills, PTSD, chronic illness, spirituality, depression, grief, and more. We provide compassionate, holistic, culturally-sensitive care, and embrace diversity and inclusivity. Whether you're looking to develop skills, or for someone to listen and care about what you're going through, one of our therapists is bound to be a good fit. We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about us. We look forward to working with you!
(571) 655-3767 View (571) 655-3767
Photo of Nabila Hassan, Licensed Professional Counselor in 22030, VA
Nabila Hassan
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, CAADC, CCTP-I, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
Are you anxious, overwhelmed, overthinking, ruminating, feeling stuck with thoughts of past events & don't know how to control or change this pattern? Do you feel paralyzed with emotions, self-judgement, fear, regrets, shame or rigid thinking? Are you struggling with never feeling good enough? Have you experienced childhood trauma or neglect? Do you have a pattern of dissociating or engage in self-destructive behavioral pattern? Are life circumstances, thoughts or emotions causing you to feel shutdown, disconnected or angry? Are your symptoms impacting your relationship? Do you feel lonely or empty? I may be able to help!
Are you anxious, overwhelmed, overthinking, ruminating, feeling stuck with thoughts of past events & don't know how to control or change this pattern? Do you feel paralyzed with emotions, self-judgement, fear, regrets, shame or rigid thinking? Are you struggling with never feeling good enough? Have you experienced childhood trauma or neglect? Do you have a pattern of dissociating or engage in self-destructive behavioral pattern? Are life circumstances, thoughts or emotions causing you to feel shutdown, disconnected or angry? Are your symptoms impacting your relationship? Do you feel lonely or empty? I may be able to help!
(703) 879-6964 View (703) 879-6964
Photo of Dessia Crawmer, LCSW Private Practice, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 22030, VA
Dessia Crawmer, LCSW Private Practice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
I believe therapeutic skill combined with sensitive attunement can illuminate a healing path, removing psychological barriers and empowering clients to reach their full potential. I am a highly competent psychotherapist with twenty-two years of counseling experience. I specialize in creating a safe environment to explore issues that will result in integration and lasting change. The relationship bond that I form with each client, I consider a sacred trust to be guarded and respected. I use a deeply effective EMDR model which produces desirable results proven by research. I have EMDR certification . I counsel individuals, couples, and families. Visit my website for more information.
I believe therapeutic skill combined with sensitive attunement can illuminate a healing path, removing psychological barriers and empowering clients to reach their full potential. I am a highly competent psychotherapist with twenty-two years of counseling experience. I specialize in creating a safe environment to explore issues that will result in integration and lasting change. The relationship bond that I form with each client, I consider a sacred trust to be guarded and respected. I use a deeply effective EMDR model which produces desirable results proven by research. I have EMDR certification . I counsel individuals, couples, and families. Visit my website for more information.
(703) 496-4550 View (703) 496-4550
Photo of Child, Teen and Family Therapy at CCHC, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in 22030, VA
Child, Teen and Family Therapy at CCHC
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MS, LMFT-R, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
At The Center for Connection, Healing & Change we specialize in working with toddlers, children, teens, and their families. Our family therapists are skilled in working with relationships, attachment, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, behavioral concerns, academics, trauma, life transitions, somatic issues, identity, self-worth, trauma, adoption, and loss. As each family is different, we utilize evidence-based models to help you find real-world solutions that fit you and your unique family needs. A full description of our treatment philosophy and the areas we work with can be found at www.thecenterforconnection.com
At The Center for Connection, Healing & Change we specialize in working with toddlers, children, teens, and their families. Our family therapists are skilled in working with relationships, attachment, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, behavioral concerns, academics, trauma, life transitions, somatic issues, identity, self-worth, trauma, adoption, and loss. As each family is different, we utilize evidence-based models to help you find real-world solutions that fit you and your unique family needs. A full description of our treatment philosophy and the areas we work with can be found at www.thecenterforconnection.com
(571) 380-8411 View (571) 380-8411
Photo of Laura Wakefield, Licensed Professional Counselor in 22030, VA
Laura Wakefield
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
I support individuals and couples by using the science of attachment to make sense of important relationships. My role is to help you to organize your life experiences and emotions so you can better understand your patterns/needs for connection and then find more satisfying ways to share and relate to loved ones. I work to help you make sense of your emotions, especially the vulnerabilities, misunderstandings, protections, and hurts that underpin your experience and often drive your behavior or responses. From there, I can support you to create more satisfying relationships, abundant self-work, clear boundaries, and emotional calm.
I support individuals and couples by using the science of attachment to make sense of important relationships. My role is to help you to organize your life experiences and emotions so you can better understand your patterns/needs for connection and then find more satisfying ways to share and relate to loved ones. I work to help you make sense of your emotions, especially the vulnerabilities, misunderstandings, protections, and hurts that underpin your experience and often drive your behavior or responses. From there, I can support you to create more satisfying relationships, abundant self-work, clear boundaries, and emotional calm.
(571) 200-5220 View (571) 200-5220
Photo of Kathi Scholz, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor in 22030, VA
Kathi Scholz, Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Life can be a roller coaster. It takes us high with the birth of a child, falling in love, or reaching new goals. It may drop us low mourning a death, suffering abuse, grappling with sexual issues, feeling isolated. Sometimes we feel stuck with no hope on the horizon. You are unique but not alone. Whatever your struggles might be, fighting these battles on your own can be difficult, painful and overwhelming. Your struggles are your journey and sometimes it feels like that road comes to a dead end. Because each journey is unique, I use an integration of therapies to seek other inroads into your healing. One size does not fit all.
Life can be a roller coaster. It takes us high with the birth of a child, falling in love, or reaching new goals. It may drop us low mourning a death, suffering abuse, grappling with sexual issues, feeling isolated. Sometimes we feel stuck with no hope on the horizon. You are unique but not alone. Whatever your struggles might be, fighting these battles on your own can be difficult, painful and overwhelming. Your struggles are your journey and sometimes it feels like that road comes to a dead end. Because each journey is unique, I use an integration of therapies to seek other inroads into your healing. One size does not fit all.
(703) 957-7439 View (703) 957-7439
Photo of Sandhya Sharma, Counselor in 22030, VA
Sandhya Sharma
Counselor, LPC, CAC II, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Sandhya Sharma is a South Asian Indian LPC and certified addictions specialist who works with: Adults, Teens, LGBTQ community, and International Communities. Sandhya will help create a safe and supportive therapy environment and work with you collaboratively to both accurately assess your strengths as well as areas of struggle. She will develop a treatment plan with you to help you facilitate behavioral changes that more successfully meet your goals. Sandhya will help you look at the ways you have been currently coping with life’s problems and help you to develop new strategies from a strengths-based perspective. 
Sandhya Sharma is a South Asian Indian LPC and certified addictions specialist who works with: Adults, Teens, LGBTQ community, and International Communities. Sandhya will help create a safe and supportive therapy environment and work with you collaboratively to both accurately assess your strengths as well as areas of struggle. She will develop a treatment plan with you to help you facilitate behavioral changes that more successfully meet your goals. Sandhya will help you look at the ways you have been currently coping with life’s problems and help you to develop new strategies from a strengths-based perspective. 
(703) 828-0647 View (703) 828-0647
Photo of The Center for Connection, Healing & Change, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in 22030, VA
The Center for Connection, Healing & Change, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC, LCSW, LMFT-R, LPC-R
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
Accepting new clients - The Center for Connection, Healing & Change focuses on the creation of secure, close, and satisfying relationships- within us and between us. We choose to specialize in relationships because we know the importance of satisfying connections for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Services explore the relationship we have with both ourselves and others; how well we can live with emotional ease, know who we are, ask for what we need, be responsive to loved ones, set boundaries, deal with loss, move through stressful experiences, find our purpose, and access resilience in moments of need.
Accepting new clients - The Center for Connection, Healing & Change focuses on the creation of secure, close, and satisfying relationships- within us and between us. We choose to specialize in relationships because we know the importance of satisfying connections for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Services explore the relationship we have with both ourselves and others; how well we can live with emotional ease, know who we are, ask for what we need, be responsive to loved ones, set boundaries, deal with loss, move through stressful experiences, find our purpose, and access resilience in moments of need.
(571) 200-3248 View (571) 200-3248
Photo of Laura Grandy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 22030, VA
Laura Grandy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
Whether you are seeking therapy to find concrete solutions to problems that feel unmanageable, heal from past experiences, explore gender and sexuality issues, or better understand yourself and your story, Laura would be honored to be a part of your process. Laura believes every client is unique, and therefore, has an eclectic person-centered approach in working with clients. Laura uses dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, creative art therapies, and mindfulness strategies to help those in her care meet their needs, reach their treatment goals, and create change.
Whether you are seeking therapy to find concrete solutions to problems that feel unmanageable, heal from past experiences, explore gender and sexuality issues, or better understand yourself and your story, Laura would be honored to be a part of your process. Laura believes every client is unique, and therefore, has an eclectic person-centered approach in working with clients. Laura uses dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, creative art therapies, and mindfulness strategies to help those in her care meet their needs, reach their treatment goals, and create change.
(703) 844-3788 View (703) 844-3788
Photo of Kim Arellano, Marriage & Family Therapist in 22030, VA
Kim Arellano
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030  (Online Only)
I enjoy helping people who are feeling undone by life or loved ones to find their way. In couples therapy, I help you forge a rewarding & resilient relationship by cultivating the right change. In individual therapy, I help adults dealing with psychological distress, trauma, anxiety, or depression stemming from issues in family of origin, primary relationship, immediate family, and workplace. I am trauma-responsive and neurodivergence-informed in all that I do. On a personal note, I’ve been married 26 years, raised 3 young adults, and had a prior career. From this, I draw great empathy, compassion, and encouragement for my clients.
I enjoy helping people who are feeling undone by life or loved ones to find their way. In couples therapy, I help you forge a rewarding & resilient relationship by cultivating the right change. In individual therapy, I help adults dealing with psychological distress, trauma, anxiety, or depression stemming from issues in family of origin, primary relationship, immediate family, and workplace. I am trauma-responsive and neurodivergence-informed in all that I do. On a personal note, I’ve been married 26 years, raised 3 young adults, and had a prior career. From this, I draw great empathy, compassion, and encouragement for my clients.
(571) 339-3103 View (571) 339-3103
Photo of Alexandra Arkoian, Resident in Counseling in 22030, VA
Alexandra Arkoian
Resident in Counseling, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030  (Online Only)
I am a compassionate, open-minded, and nonjudgmental Licensed Resident Counselor who is curious about my clients and their unique emotional, cultural, and social experiences. My nature as a therapist is empathic, nurturing, inquisitive, and creative. I will appreciate the qualities that make you unique and facilitate a healing space to help you gain more self-awareness, develop more mindfulness skills, and explore your strengths, desires, and challenges. I am passionate about helping my clients find their way back to themselves through self-compassion so that they may experience a more fulfilling life.
I am a compassionate, open-minded, and nonjudgmental Licensed Resident Counselor who is curious about my clients and their unique emotional, cultural, and social experiences. My nature as a therapist is empathic, nurturing, inquisitive, and creative. I will appreciate the qualities that make you unique and facilitate a healing space to help you gain more self-awareness, develop more mindfulness skills, and explore your strengths, desires, and challenges. I am passionate about helping my clients find their way back to themselves through self-compassion so that they may experience a more fulfilling life.
(703) 982-0536 View (703) 982-0536
Photo of Jackie Sargent, Licensed Professional Counselor in 22030, VA
Jackie Sargent
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-BC, LCPAT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
The journey towards healing is a path marked by resilience and courage. It is one of self-discovery, growth, and transformation—a voyage of understanding and mending wounds, both seen and unseen. My name is Jackie, and I am here, ready and willing to walk beside you on this meaningful journey towards healing. I am a trauma-informed board certified art therapist and licensed professional counselor with over 13 years of clinical and supervisory experience. I integrate art therapy, sand tray therapy, and IFS into my practice. As such, I am dedicated to a therapeutic intervention that is rooted in nurturance and creative expression.
The journey towards healing is a path marked by resilience and courage. It is one of self-discovery, growth, and transformation—a voyage of understanding and mending wounds, both seen and unseen. My name is Jackie, and I am here, ready and willing to walk beside you on this meaningful journey towards healing. I am a trauma-informed board certified art therapist and licensed professional counselor with over 13 years of clinical and supervisory experience. I integrate art therapy, sand tray therapy, and IFS into my practice. As such, I am dedicated to a therapeutic intervention that is rooted in nurturance and creative expression.
(571) 470-5219 View (571) 470-5219

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.