Photo of David Cortez, Licensed Professional Counselor in 78251, TX
David Cortez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78251  (Online Only)
Schedule your free consultation & guidance session! Whether it is addiction, codependency, trauma, depression, or anxiety, nothing should get in your way of you living your best life! What has happened before today, what is happening now, and the worries of what may happen tomorrow can be a source of suffering for everyone. Take action and move towards your goals, dreams, passions, and best you. I have nearly a decade of experience helping individuals strive for the life that they know they should have, reach milestones, find their voice, and be the catalyst for change in their own lives. Every person can be the hero of their story!
Schedule your free consultation & guidance session! Whether it is addiction, codependency, trauma, depression, or anxiety, nothing should get in your way of you living your best life! What has happened before today, what is happening now, and the worries of what may happen tomorrow can be a source of suffering for everyone. Take action and move towards your goals, dreams, passions, and best you. I have nearly a decade of experience helping individuals strive for the life that they know they should have, reach milestones, find their voice, and be the catalyst for change in their own lives. Every person can be the hero of their story!
(210) 361-0795 View (210) 361-0795

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.