Photo of Jennifer R Panish, Psychologist in Lafayette, CA
Jennifer R Panish
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
I work from a Psychodynamic and relational orientation often pulling in interventions from a more cognitive and integrative approach.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I help people create meaningful change in their lives. My approach is self empowering and compassionate with a sensitivity to cultural differences and social justice. My strength as a therapist is in making deep connections with people, creating a sense of safety and helping clients identify and confront their issues. My personality style is warm, sincere, and down to earth. Those who see me describe me as someone who is "caring, warm, a great listener, interactive, and offers honest insightful feedback."
I work from a Psychodynamic and relational orientation often pulling in interventions from a more cognitive and integrative approach.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I help people create meaningful change in their lives. My approach is self empowering and compassionate with a sensitivity to cultural differences and social justice. My strength as a therapist is in making deep connections with people, creating a sense of safety and helping clients identify and confront their issues. My personality style is warm, sincere, and down to earth. Those who see me describe me as someone who is "caring, warm, a great listener, interactive, and offers honest insightful feedback."
(510) 488-2492 View (510) 488-2492
Photo of Sheila Lynn Matz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Sheila Lynn Matz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
I am a licensed therapist who works with adolescents, adults, and families, and am someone who believes in the resilience and innate healing potential in each individual. It is my job to work with my clients to come up with a plan to address their mental health concerns and to improve their well being. I have training in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, client-centered therapy, and family systems therapy.
I am a licensed therapist who works with adolescents, adults, and families, and am someone who believes in the resilience and innate healing potential in each individual. It is my job to work with my clients to come up with a plan to address their mental health concerns and to improve their well being. I have training in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, client-centered therapy, and family systems therapy.
(925) 968-4164 View (925) 968-4164
Photo of Andrea (Andy) Cecile Bohn, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Andrea (Andy) Cecile Bohn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MPH, MS
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Is there something in your life preventing you from being your best self? Struggling with an addiction? Waking up feeling there must be more to life? Frequently anxious? Let me help you make changes to alter your inner life. You deserve to be happy. I am a warm, enthusiastic and direct therapist, insightful and a good listener. My work is attachment based with psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral leanings, topic directed. Let's navigate through your experiences and feelings together. Begin your road to recovery now. Acquire tools to help you move forward. Specialties: relationships, addiction/ recovery, depression, anxiety.
Is there something in your life preventing you from being your best self? Struggling with an addiction? Waking up feeling there must be more to life? Frequently anxious? Let me help you make changes to alter your inner life. You deserve to be happy. I am a warm, enthusiastic and direct therapist, insightful and a good listener. My work is attachment based with psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral leanings, topic directed. Let's navigate through your experiences and feelings together. Begin your road to recovery now. Acquire tools to help you move forward. Specialties: relationships, addiction/ recovery, depression, anxiety.
(510) 497-0848 View (510) 497-0848
Photo of Chelsie Crilly, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Lafayette, CA
Chelsie Crilly
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
I specialize in working with ADHD, HSP, and ASD. Being in our bodies- and being in our world- can be very difficult. This is especially true when when you're a highly sensitive person. My typical client often hears "you're being too much" while also dreading the feeling of not "being enough". I'm here to take a deep dive into what's making you feel like "too much" and highlight the ways you are "just enough for the right people". Typically, my client's goals are to live more comfortably in their sensitive skin, find liberation from shame, and better manage depression and anxiety.
I specialize in working with ADHD, HSP, and ASD. Being in our bodies- and being in our world- can be very difficult. This is especially true when when you're a highly sensitive person. My typical client often hears "you're being too much" while also dreading the feeling of not "being enough". I'm here to take a deep dive into what's making you feel like "too much" and highlight the ways you are "just enough for the right people". Typically, my client's goals are to live more comfortably in their sensitive skin, find liberation from shame, and better manage depression and anxiety.
(925) 744-6783 x8 View (925) 744-6783 x8
Photo of Katie Byram, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Katie Byram
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
As the parent of a high school or college student, it is heart-wrenching to witness your child struggle without knowing how to ease their burden. Lately, you've noticed they're often anxious & overwhelmed, trying to balance academic pressure and extracurricular demands. The college transition, physical changes, and social pressures leave them feeling insecure & burnt out. You may have noticed they're really hard on themselves even when they don't deserve it. All the upcoming changes are piling onto their existing stress, and you're unsure how to help them when they push you away.
As the parent of a high school or college student, it is heart-wrenching to witness your child struggle without knowing how to ease their burden. Lately, you've noticed they're often anxious & overwhelmed, trying to balance academic pressure and extracurricular demands. The college transition, physical changes, and social pressures leave them feeling insecure & burnt out. You may have noticed they're really hard on themselves even when they don't deserve it. All the upcoming changes are piling onto their existing stress, and you're unsure how to help them when they push you away.
(925) 438-0360 View (925) 438-0360
Photo of Cristine Peterson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Cristine Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
I work with individuals who have experienced trauma and are seeking relief through an integrative, relational, and somatic approach. Drawing on somatic techniques such as EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, I support my clients in connecting to the felt sense of their bodies as a source of information. I believe that a gentle inquiry into the body’s felt sense allows us to safely integrate the past into the present and clarify what’s true for us in any given moment.
I work with individuals who have experienced trauma and are seeking relief through an integrative, relational, and somatic approach. Drawing on somatic techniques such as EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, I support my clients in connecting to the felt sense of their bodies as a source of information. I believe that a gentle inquiry into the body’s felt sense allows us to safely integrate the past into the present and clarify what’s true for us in any given moment.
(510) 369-0989 View (510) 369-0989
Photo of Dr. Jillian Chase, Psychological Associate in Lafayette, CA
Dr. Jillian Chase
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Hello! I specialize in serving clients struggling with navigating interpersonal relationships, anxiety, grief, or trauma related to wounds of attachment with primary caregivers. I consider the implications of early relational experiences, paired with a framework that examines the interplay between biology, psychology, and socio-environmental factors.
Hello! I specialize in serving clients struggling with navigating interpersonal relationships, anxiety, grief, or trauma related to wounds of attachment with primary caregivers. I consider the implications of early relational experiences, paired with a framework that examines the interplay between biology, psychology, and socio-environmental factors.
(510) 630-2465 View (510) 630-2465
Photo of Ines M Vaniman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Ines M Vaniman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
There are so many different reasons to seek therapy and it is my job to get you to where you want to get, as quickly as possible. I am a down to earth, experienced therapist. I use scientifically proven approaches, based on the needs and preferences of my patients. I focus on building strong relationships and providing a space where we can develop and implement a plan to make meaningful change happen. I have over 15 years of experience working in this field and feel very passionate about this work.
There are so many different reasons to seek therapy and it is my job to get you to where you want to get, as quickly as possible. I am a down to earth, experienced therapist. I use scientifically proven approaches, based on the needs and preferences of my patients. I focus on building strong relationships and providing a space where we can develop and implement a plan to make meaningful change happen. I have over 15 years of experience working in this field and feel very passionate about this work.
(925) 246-2964 View (925) 246-2964
Photo of Dawn Shifreen-Pomerantz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Dawn Shifreen-Pomerantz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, Psychoa
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
I believe patients come to us because they feel grief, anxiety, depression and traumatized or alienated from themselves and others. The suffering you experience comes in many forms and you do not always have the words to say what you feel. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents whom have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, creative blocks, ADHD, chronic somatic pains and/or are experiencing grief and loss. I also work with couples and families. I have a specialization in expressive arts therapy and sandtray for those who may have difficulty expressing their feelings, memories and experiences through verbal means.
I believe patients come to us because they feel grief, anxiety, depression and traumatized or alienated from themselves and others. The suffering you experience comes in many forms and you do not always have the words to say what you feel. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents whom have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, creative blocks, ADHD, chronic somatic pains and/or are experiencing grief and loss. I also work with couples and families. I have a specialization in expressive arts therapy and sandtray for those who may have difficulty expressing their feelings, memories and experiences through verbal means.
(925) 263-6612 View (925) 263-6612
Photo of Colette M. Bischer-Choate, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Colette M. Bischer-Choate
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
It takes courage and awareness to seek therapy. If you are experiencing depression or anxiety, difficult relationships (past or present) or going through a life transition I may be able to help. Together we will work to determine whether this will be short-term solution focused treatment or more long-term, deeper work. We will build a safe place for you to experience yourself and help you to identify your strengths as well as areas of challenge. A place that is yours to receive the care you need.
It takes courage and awareness to seek therapy. If you are experiencing depression or anxiety, difficult relationships (past or present) or going through a life transition I may be able to help. Together we will work to determine whether this will be short-term solution focused treatment or more long-term, deeper work. We will build a safe place for you to experience yourself and help you to identify your strengths as well as areas of challenge. A place that is yours to receive the care you need.
(925) 204-3981 View (925) 204-3981
Photo of Maria Viviana (Guerrero) Higbee, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Maria Viviana (Guerrero) Higbee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
Do you struggle with anxiety? Do intrusive thoughts and worries keep you up at night? Is low self-esteem holding you back from accomplishing your dreams? Do you long for deeper connections with your family and friends but struggle with opening up to them? You are not alone! Many individuals experience these challenges on a day-to-day basis. Have you ever considered counseling? As your therapist, I exist to provide you with a safe and judgement-free zone to ensure you are supported unconditionally. Together, we can take the journey to achieve your personal freedom.
Do you struggle with anxiety? Do intrusive thoughts and worries keep you up at night? Is low self-esteem holding you back from accomplishing your dreams? Do you long for deeper connections with your family and friends but struggle with opening up to them? You are not alone! Many individuals experience these challenges on a day-to-day basis. Have you ever considered counseling? As your therapist, I exist to provide you with a safe and judgement-free zone to ensure you are supported unconditionally. Together, we can take the journey to achieve your personal freedom.
(925) 515-2675 View (925) 515-2675
Photo of Johanna Marie McShane, Psychologist in Lafayette, CA
Johanna Marie McShane
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
I specialize in helping people through life transitions of all kinds- from work/career to family and personal. Change is a part of life, and it can be disruptive, unsettling, and challenging. It can also be an opportunity for creativity and evaluation of our lives. I help people assess where they are now, where they want to go, and how to get there. Trained as a high level violinist, I have a particular passion for helping musicians and athletes through transitions related to their sport or instrument- things like dealing with injuries, or making decisions about whether to pursue athletics or music at the next higher level.
I specialize in helping people through life transitions of all kinds- from work/career to family and personal. Change is a part of life, and it can be disruptive, unsettling, and challenging. It can also be an opportunity for creativity and evaluation of our lives. I help people assess where they are now, where they want to go, and how to get there. Trained as a high level violinist, I have a particular passion for helping musicians and athletes through transitions related to their sport or instrument- things like dealing with injuries, or making decisions about whether to pursue athletics or music at the next higher level.
(925) 308-5774 View (925) 308-5774
Photo of Bruce Sorenson, Pre-Licensed Professional in Lafayette, CA
Bruce Sorenson
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Everyone has challenges and battles to fight. A pain-free life is not always possible. Even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s difficulties. Whether you struggle with depression, grief, anxiety, or other issues, you should know there is hope for better tomorrows.
Everyone has challenges and battles to fight. A pain-free life is not always possible. Even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s difficulties. Whether you struggle with depression, grief, anxiety, or other issues, you should know there is hope for better tomorrows.
(925) 248-4567 View (925) 248-4567
Photo of Laura N. Naman, Psychologist in Lafayette, CA
Laura N. Naman
Psychologist, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Waitlist for new clients
Hello. If you are exploring the Psychology today website you are likely searching for answers, help, or change for yourself, a family member, or loved one through a difficult experience. If you are taking this step for the first time, in need of additional psychological services, or looking to change providers I commend you for taking this step forward. My hope and goal for each client/family I work with is to help you achieve a “Eureka!” moment and make meaningful and change propelling personal discoveries – whether through the psychotherapy services that I offer or the psychological testing/evaluation services that I offer.
Hello. If you are exploring the Psychology today website you are likely searching for answers, help, or change for yourself, a family member, or loved one through a difficult experience. If you are taking this step for the first time, in need of additional psychological services, or looking to change providers I commend you for taking this step forward. My hope and goal for each client/family I work with is to help you achieve a “Eureka!” moment and make meaningful and change propelling personal discoveries – whether through the psychotherapy services that I offer or the psychological testing/evaluation services that I offer.
(925) 900-5328 View (925) 900-5328
Photo of Kip Charles Leake, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Kip Charles Leake
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Are you feeling stuck? Cynical about relationships? Anxious? Troubled by anger? Confused? Overwhelmed? By building on the power of the therapeutic relationship, I encourage self-discovery, authenticity, and offer coping skills that help people work through these challenges. use a personally tailored approach designed to promote clarity, insight, and growth. Let's find your blindspots. My special interests are: EMDR for trauma; life transitions such as aging, grief, divorce, and retirement. It's time to break old habits and get off of automatic pilot! "An unexamined life is not worth living." --Socrates
Are you feeling stuck? Cynical about relationships? Anxious? Troubled by anger? Confused? Overwhelmed? By building on the power of the therapeutic relationship, I encourage self-discovery, authenticity, and offer coping skills that help people work through these challenges. use a personally tailored approach designed to promote clarity, insight, and growth. Let's find your blindspots. My special interests are: EMDR for trauma; life transitions such as aging, grief, divorce, and retirement. It's time to break old habits and get off of automatic pilot! "An unexamined life is not worth living." --Socrates
(925) 418-7272 View (925) 418-7272
Photo of Teri 'sachi' Swanberg, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Lafayette, CA
Teri 'sachi' Swanberg
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
My belief is everything is interconnected. When we hurt in one area of our lives, often times the other areas hurt with it. As simple as it may sound, sometimes feeling our feelings can be hard work. Truly understanding and being honest with authentic selves can be challenging and sometimes scary. No one should have to do this alone. Together, we can deeply listen and nurture your authentic self to help you heal and grow. We are not just talking together, we are experiencing. To learn more, visit my website at: nakaimatherapy.com
My belief is everything is interconnected. When we hurt in one area of our lives, often times the other areas hurt with it. As simple as it may sound, sometimes feeling our feelings can be hard work. Truly understanding and being honest with authentic selves can be challenging and sometimes scary. No one should have to do this alone. Together, we can deeply listen and nurture your authentic self to help you heal and grow. We are not just talking together, we are experiencing. To learn more, visit my website at: nakaimatherapy.com
(415) 496-0915 View (415) 496-0915
Photo of Ros Wyatt, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Lafayette, CA
Ros Wyatt
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
Are you struggling in your life right now?  Are you going through a challenging life transition, experiencing difficulties in your relationships, feeling anxious or depressed? You are very far from being alone.  There are times in our lives when we all need support and guidance, and seeking therapy shows both your courage and your desire to create change in your life.  I work to create a warm and welcoming environment and bring both empathy and humor to our collaboration. My aim is to create a trusting relationship where my clients feel safe and heard.
Are you struggling in your life right now?  Are you going through a challenging life transition, experiencing difficulties in your relationships, feeling anxious or depressed? You are very far from being alone.  There are times in our lives when we all need support and guidance, and seeking therapy shows both your courage and your desire to create change in your life.  I work to create a warm and welcoming environment and bring both empathy and humor to our collaboration. My aim is to create a trusting relationship where my clients feel safe and heard.
(925) 431-6279 View (925) 431-6279
Photo of Mara Geib Johnson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Mara Geib Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
Life can be challenging. Sometimes we need objective professional support to work through the challenges that are present for us. It is essential to have a safe and supportive environment to share what you are going through. Working with a compassionate therapist can help to untangle the areas of your life that are not flourishing in the way that you need them to.
Life can be challenging. Sometimes we need objective professional support to work through the challenges that are present for us. It is essential to have a safe and supportive environment to share what you are going through. Working with a compassionate therapist can help to untangle the areas of your life that are not flourishing in the way that you need them to.
(925) 273-7767 View (925) 273-7767
Photo of Julianne Fox, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Julianne Fox
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
I specialize in working with couples who are planning to have children, postpartum parents, and families to help promote healing and growth. Having and raising children is one of the hardest and longest-term projects anyone will ever take on. I want to help parents engage in this process with self-awareness, intention, and love to help improve their own well-being, as well as the child or children's. I believe wellness starts in the home and each member of a family unit can help contribute to positive connections through taking time to work on themselves and then care for others.
I specialize in working with couples who are planning to have children, postpartum parents, and families to help promote healing and growth. Having and raising children is one of the hardest and longest-term projects anyone will ever take on. I want to help parents engage in this process with self-awareness, intention, and love to help improve their own well-being, as well as the child or children's. I believe wellness starts in the home and each member of a family unit can help contribute to positive connections through taking time to work on themselves and then care for others.
(510) 405-6802 View (510) 405-6802
Photo of Peter Oppermann, Psychologist in Lafayette, CA
Peter Oppermann
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Feeling restless or easily distracted? Lacking energy, motivation, focus, or direction in life? Spinning your wheels in your career or relationships? Prone to pleasing others at all costs, yet feeling unhappy and misunderstood? Always too busy to stop and smell the flowers? I'd like to help you become more empowered, confident, and satisfied through facing and letting go of your fears, irritating beliefs, guilt, and suffering, so you can learn to communicate more effectively and have healthy relationships. For more than twenty-five years I have provided time-limited and in-depth psychotherapy to individuals, couples and groups.
Feeling restless or easily distracted? Lacking energy, motivation, focus, or direction in life? Spinning your wheels in your career or relationships? Prone to pleasing others at all costs, yet feeling unhappy and misunderstood? Always too busy to stop and smell the flowers? I'd like to help you become more empowered, confident, and satisfied through facing and letting go of your fears, irritating beliefs, guilt, and suffering, so you can learn to communicate more effectively and have healthy relationships. For more than twenty-five years I have provided time-limited and in-depth psychotherapy to individuals, couples and groups.
(925) 365-6955 View (925) 365-6955
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.