Therapists in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC

Photo of Maribeth Hilliard Hager, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Maribeth Hilliard Hager
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20015
I use a psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness and strengths-based approach to treat adolescents, individual adults, couples and families.
I provide a supportive therapeutic environment helping individuals and families attain a greater understanding into their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Through this understanding, clients will make choices and decisions that will put them on a path to what they really want out of their lives, their families, and their relationships.
I use a psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness and strengths-based approach to treat adolescents, individual adults, couples and families.
I provide a supportive therapeutic environment helping individuals and families attain a greater understanding into their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Through this understanding, clients will make choices and decisions that will put them on a path to what they really want out of their lives, their families, and their relationships.
(301) 852-5023 View (301) 852-5023
Photo of Kara O'Leary, Psychologist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Kara O'Leary
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20015
Waitlist for new clients
I have a psychodynamic, relational orientation and practice empirically-supported treatments such as ACT, IPT, DBT, CBT-Insomnia, and EMDR.
When life becomes hard, painful, stressful, or traumatic, as it sometimes will, a person needs both new tools and new support. I specialize in helping people heal from the past and thrive in the present. I have 15 years of experience working with individuals and couples to reduce their suffering and find their resilience when they have been experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and health struggles.
I have a psychodynamic, relational orientation and practice empirically-supported treatments such as ACT, IPT, DBT, CBT-Insomnia, and EMDR.
When life becomes hard, painful, stressful, or traumatic, as it sometimes will, a person needs both new tools and new support. I specialize in helping people heal from the past and thrive in the present. I have 15 years of experience working with individuals and couples to reduce their suffering and find their resilience when they have been experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and health struggles.
(202) 915-8990 View (202) 915-8990
Photo of Kate Kelly, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Kate Kelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20008
I’m trained in multiple approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindful awareness, and body-based therapies; play, art, and sand therapy; and brain-based therapies, including Brainspotting.
I’m the founder and director of The Center for Family Well-Being, where we aim -- through our groups, individual therapy, and classes -- to help kids, teens, adults, couples, and families fully realize their potential with confidence, understanding, and an open heart. We're a group of highly-trained holistic therapists who integrate Western psychotherapy with the wisdom of Eastern mindful awareness practice, as well as other mind-body healing methods, for greater awareness, connection, and well-being for our clients -- within themselves and with others in their lives.
I’m trained in multiple approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindful awareness, and body-based therapies; play, art, and sand therapy; and brain-based therapies, including Brainspotting.
I’m the founder and director of The Center for Family Well-Being, where we aim -- through our groups, individual therapy, and classes -- to help kids, teens, adults, couples, and families fully realize their potential with confidence, understanding, and an open heart. We're a group of highly-trained holistic therapists who integrate Western psychotherapy with the wisdom of Eastern mindful awareness practice, as well as other mind-body healing methods, for greater awareness, connection, and well-being for our clients -- within themselves and with others in their lives.
(202) 804-8054 View (202) 804-8054
Photo of Andrea Mattison Fisher, Psychologist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Andrea Mattison Fisher
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20008
I have post doctoral training in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults.
"Picking up the telephone to make an initial appointment to see a psychologist, can be difficult for many people for various reasons. One may be feeling wounded, lost, or stuck. I am dedicated to helping children, adolescents, adults, and families begin to heal and get "unstuck" by freeing themselves of distressing and sometimes debilitating feelings such as depression, anxiety, and feeling out of control. I believe awareness and insight into your child's feelings and behaviors, and your feelings and behaviors, is the great gift of psychotherapy. At its best, psychotherapy is a rewarding, productive, and at times, fun experience."
I have post doctoral training in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults.
"Picking up the telephone to make an initial appointment to see a psychologist, can be difficult for many people for various reasons. One may be feeling wounded, lost, or stuck. I am dedicated to helping children, adolescents, adults, and families begin to heal and get "unstuck" by freeing themselves of distressing and sometimes debilitating feelings such as depression, anxiety, and feeling out of control. I believe awareness and insight into your child's feelings and behaviors, and your feelings and behaviors, is the great gift of psychotherapy. At its best, psychotherapy is a rewarding, productive, and at times, fun experience."
(202) 559-4850 View (202) 559-4850
Photo of Sheva Melmed, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Sheva Melmed
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20016
My practice includes listening from a psychodynamic perspective (understanding family and intergenerational dynamics) , focusing on the here and now through somatic and mindfulness techniques, developing a person's intuition, and understanding how a person relates to people in their life through the therapeutic relationship.
It is brave to choose how you want to craft your life. Many people are struggling through big life transitions, are unhappy in their relationships, or they want to move past anxiety and depression. Therapy is a place to understand what is happening now, and how to create something different and better to feel more satisfied. If this is you, I offer a space to look at and understand what is happening in your life, and how you can regain a sense of agency to create what you want. I am warm and engaging, and together we find patterns in your life that keep showing up and getting in your way. We look at how to cultivate what you want.
My practice includes listening from a psychodynamic perspective (understanding family and intergenerational dynamics) , focusing on the here and now through somatic and mindfulness techniques, developing a person's intuition, and understanding how a person relates to people in their life through the therapeutic relationship.
It is brave to choose how you want to craft your life. Many people are struggling through big life transitions, are unhappy in their relationships, or they want to move past anxiety and depression. Therapy is a place to understand what is happening now, and how to create something different and better to feel more satisfied. If this is you, I offer a space to look at and understand what is happening in your life, and how you can regain a sense of agency to create what you want. I am warm and engaging, and together we find patterns in your life that keep showing up and getting in your way. We look at how to cultivate what you want.
(202) 952-8507 View (202) 952-8507
Photo of Melanie Paci, Psychologist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Melanie Paci
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20015
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in trauma and stress, relationships, and couples therapy and have advanced training in evidence-based therapies, including ACT, IBCT, EMDR, RLT, and psychodynamic approaches.
Life is hard. Relationships are messy. Trauma from the past may live within us, and trauma from the present is all around us. You deserve a compassionate space for processing these realities and learning new skills to repair and deepen your important relationships and live a better life. In my 20 years of providing therapy, I have witnessed and been inspired by the overcoming of great suffering and the transformation of people’s relationships to themselves and others. I am grateful to have supported them in their process and welcome the opportunity to be a part of your story of self-discovery, healing, and growth.
I specialize in trauma and stress, relationships, and couples therapy and have advanced training in evidence-based therapies, including ACT, IBCT, EMDR, RLT, and psychodynamic approaches.
Life is hard. Relationships are messy. Trauma from the past may live within us, and trauma from the present is all around us. You deserve a compassionate space for processing these realities and learning new skills to repair and deepen your important relationships and live a better life. In my 20 years of providing therapy, I have witnessed and been inspired by the overcoming of great suffering and the transformation of people’s relationships to themselves and others. I am grateful to have supported them in their process and welcome the opportunity to be a part of your story of self-discovery, healing, and growth.
(646) 588-1520 View (646) 588-1520
Photo of Marsha Lucas, PhD - Psychologist, Psychologist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Marsha Lucas, PhD - Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, PSYPACT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20008  (Online Only)
My experience and training in humanistic, psychodynamic, and mindfulness psychotherapy will guide us in working toward your goals.
All of us need help from time to time to develop new ways of living fuller, richer lives. My focus is on improving how you perceive and navigate life's challenges, transitions, and relationships. Our work together can help you to develop new skills to create the life you want; to enhance your relationships, friendships, or worklife; and to move you toward greater abundance, mindfulness, and depth. My additional expertise in neuropsychology means that our work will integrate psychotherapy and current neuroscience -- 'psychotherapy with the brain in mind' -- a powerfully effective combination.
My experience and training in humanistic, psychodynamic, and mindfulness psychotherapy will guide us in working toward your goals.
All of us need help from time to time to develop new ways of living fuller, richer lives. My focus is on improving how you perceive and navigate life's challenges, transitions, and relationships. Our work together can help you to develop new skills to create the life you want; to enhance your relationships, friendships, or worklife; and to move you toward greater abundance, mindfulness, and depth. My additional expertise in neuropsychology means that our work will integrate psychotherapy and current neuroscience -- 'psychotherapy with the brain in mind' -- a powerfully effective combination.
(202) 331-3318 View (202) 331-3318
Photo of Sharon Kenthack, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Sharon Kenthack
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20016  (Online Only)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy with a high success rate in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, and many other problems. Together, I will help you identify what thoughts and behaviors have been unhelpful, preventing you from living the life you desire. You will learn strategies and techniques in session to apply in your daily life for effective change. We will work as a collaborative partnership, progressing at a pace most comfortable for you.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy with a high success rate in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, and many other problems. Together, I will help you identify what thoughts and behaviors have been unhelpful, preventing you from living the life you desire. You will learn strategies and techniques in session to apply in your daily life for effective change. We will work as a collaborative partnership, progressing at a pace most comfortable for you.
(301) 603-3105 View (301) 603-3105
Photo of Miriam Asher Kohn, Psychologist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Miriam Asher Kohn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20015
Are you feeling anxious? Stuck? Having trouble with your spouse, children, parents, friends, colleagues? Things are just not right? Why do it on your own? You need somebody objective and non-judgmental to bounce things off of. Making the decision to call a therapist is tough but it can really make a difference in how you feel and operate in this world. I have been a therapist for over 40 years and I know it really works. My style is warm, interactive and caring and I'm ready to help you tackle your problems.
Are you feeling anxious? Stuck? Having trouble with your spouse, children, parents, friends, colleagues? Things are just not right? Why do it on your own? You need somebody objective and non-judgmental to bounce things off of. Making the decision to call a therapist is tough but it can really make a difference in how you feel and operate in this world. I have been a therapist for over 40 years and I know it really works. My style is warm, interactive and caring and I'm ready to help you tackle your problems.
(202) 524-8633 View (202) 524-8633
Photo of Cara Depp Dehghan, Psychologist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Cara Depp Dehghan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20015
My passion is in working together with my clients to help them overcome anxiety and panic, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, relationship problems, grief and loss, problems with motivation, medically unexplained symptoms, behavior issues, and inattention. I enjoy helping people develop self-compassion and live more authentically so they can go from surviving to thriving. I integrate evidence-based techniques into treatment that I tailor to meet the unique needs of each individual with whom I work. I am able to provide services remotely to clients physically located in Maryland, DC, and Virginia and in-person in DC.
My passion is in working together with my clients to help them overcome anxiety and panic, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, relationship problems, grief and loss, problems with motivation, medically unexplained symptoms, behavior issues, and inattention. I enjoy helping people develop self-compassion and live more authentically so they can go from surviving to thriving. I integrate evidence-based techniques into treatment that I tailor to meet the unique needs of each individual with whom I work. I am able to provide services remotely to clients physically located in Maryland, DC, and Virginia and in-person in DC.
(202) 750-3425 View (202) 750-3425
Photo of Diane Reis, Psychologist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Diane Reis
Psychologist, PsyD, PLLC
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20008
If you are feeling stuck but want to move forward in life, or are in emotional pain, or seeking to work on mental health issues, I am happy to speak with you about individual psychotherapy or couple's therapy. I work with adults of all ages and backgrounds on problems in their relationships, workplace, family life, and at times of difficult life transitions. I offer a safe environment to talk comfortably and work collaboratively to improve a client’s well-being. I specialize in helping lawyers and medical professionals under stress. And having had a past involvement in politics, I enjoy working with elected/government officials.
If you are feeling stuck but want to move forward in life, or are in emotional pain, or seeking to work on mental health issues, I am happy to speak with you about individual psychotherapy or couple's therapy. I work with adults of all ages and backgrounds on problems in their relationships, workplace, family life, and at times of difficult life transitions. I offer a safe environment to talk comfortably and work collaboratively to improve a client’s well-being. I specialize in helping lawyers and medical professionals under stress. And having had a past involvement in politics, I enjoy working with elected/government officials.
(202) 738-5745 View (202) 738-5745
Photo of Monica Leonie Meerbaum, Psychologist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Monica Leonie Meerbaum
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20008
There is nothing like being listened to and understood on a deep level, with genuine interest and acceptance. This is what I strive to offer in therapy or analysis, as we explore together your hopes and dreams, your losses and regrets, your longings and fears. Many people come to therapy to free themselves from self-defeating patterns and the legacy of past traumas, so they can be more truly themselves in relation to others and live with greater satisfaction and meaning. My analytic training enables me to work intensively, and I enjoy incorporating experiential techniques like journaling, psychodrama, and art.
There is nothing like being listened to and understood on a deep level, with genuine interest and acceptance. This is what I strive to offer in therapy or analysis, as we explore together your hopes and dreams, your losses and regrets, your longings and fears. Many people come to therapy to free themselves from self-defeating patterns and the legacy of past traumas, so they can be more truly themselves in relation to others and live with greater satisfaction and meaning. My analytic training enables me to work intensively, and I enjoy incorporating experiential techniques like journaling, psychodrama, and art.
(240) 813-9612 View (240) 813-9612
Photo of Kristin Pillay, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Kristin Pillay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20015
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive experience working with kids, adolescents, and families and use a strengths based approach to meet children where they are. You can show up now and be seen, known, and valued at our new office. As a former school counselor, I know that children have varying school experiences and show up with you to build community, partner with you, and to meet each child where they are. I am curious, not all knowing, and consider the impact of words and actions. Our creative therapeutic interventions to support and to increase self understanding for kids across developmental stages
I have extensive experience working with kids, adolescents, and families and use a strengths based approach to meet children where they are. You can show up now and be seen, known, and valued at our new office. As a former school counselor, I know that children have varying school experiences and show up with you to build community, partner with you, and to meet each child where they are. I am curious, not all knowing, and consider the impact of words and actions. Our creative therapeutic interventions to support and to increase self understanding for kids across developmental stages
(202) 933-8243 View (202) 933-8243
Photo of Gabrielle Holder, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Gabrielle Holder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MEd
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20008
I am committed to helping people who feel challenged in relationships, in their professional lives, or creatively and emotionally. My approach is determined by your needs and pays attention to your strengths, guided by the belief that you already possess the ability to make things better. I provide individual therapy grounded in a strength based approach and often use holistic frames to promote insight and cultivate growth and change. I am noted for my warm demeanor, openness, positivity and authentic qualities. My practice offers a warm and caring place to build skills and enhance your growth.
I am committed to helping people who feel challenged in relationships, in their professional lives, or creatively and emotionally. My approach is determined by your needs and pays attention to your strengths, guided by the belief that you already possess the ability to make things better. I provide individual therapy grounded in a strength based approach and often use holistic frames to promote insight and cultivate growth and change. I am noted for my warm demeanor, openness, positivity and authentic qualities. My practice offers a warm and caring place to build skills and enhance your growth.
(202) 868-8760 View (202) 868-8760
Photo of Ann K Ewing, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Ann K Ewing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20016
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel like you're stuck in in any of your current relationships - spouse or partner, family, friends, or with work? Are you still seeking healthy relationships? Would you like to improve your relationship with yourself? Do you have sexual orientation or gender identity concerns, either for yourself or for someone you care about? Are you working to adjust to a significant change in your life - navigating a break-up, divorce, or move, grieving a loss, or becoming a parent? Do you strive to live authentically while struggling with the vulnerability needed to do so? Whatever your relational concerns or issues are, I can help.
Do you feel like you're stuck in in any of your current relationships - spouse or partner, family, friends, or with work? Are you still seeking healthy relationships? Would you like to improve your relationship with yourself? Do you have sexual orientation or gender identity concerns, either for yourself or for someone you care about? Are you working to adjust to a significant change in your life - navigating a break-up, divorce, or move, grieving a loss, or becoming a parent? Do you strive to live authentically while struggling with the vulnerability needed to do so? Whatever your relational concerns or issues are, I can help.
(202) 670-4933 View (202) 670-4933
Photo of Dr. Candace A. Koman, Psychologist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Dr. Candace A. Koman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20016
What would it feel like to have someone help you navigate life’s challenges? Using an integrative approach, I work collaboratively with clients to better understand feelings of anxiety, sadness, frustration, and how to manage them. We discuss what you wish to get out of therapy and, using techniques from evidence-based approaches, work towards making sure you get the most out of our time together. My training includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Relational-Cultural Therapy.
What would it feel like to have someone help you navigate life’s challenges? Using an integrative approach, I work collaboratively with clients to better understand feelings of anxiety, sadness, frustration, and how to manage them. We discuss what you wish to get out of therapy and, using techniques from evidence-based approaches, work towards making sure you get the most out of our time together. My training includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Relational-Cultural Therapy.
(202) 656-6051 View (202) 656-6051
Photo of Dr. Karin Arndt, Psychologist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Dr. Karin Arndt
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20008  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with women in young adulthood and midlife who struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, identity-related questions, adjustment difficulties, "family history stuff," existential malaise, the perimenopausal and menopausal transitions, spiritual concerns, and issues related to gender and sexuality. My goal is to help you experience greater self-awareness, freedom, and comfort in your skin. My style is warm and compassionate, while also being direct and (oftentimes) challenging. I bring humor to the therapeutic process and love what I do for a living.
I specialize in working with women in young adulthood and midlife who struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, identity-related questions, adjustment difficulties, "family history stuff," existential malaise, the perimenopausal and menopausal transitions, spiritual concerns, and issues related to gender and sexuality. My goal is to help you experience greater self-awareness, freedom, and comfort in your skin. My style is warm and compassionate, while also being direct and (oftentimes) challenging. I bring humor to the therapeutic process and love what I do for a living.
(202) 998-6817 View (202) 998-6817
Evolve Therapy Practice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20008
Evolve Therapy is a woman-owned business rooted in a holistic, strengths-based approach. Gabrielle Holder had the vision for a therapy culture built on her relationship expertise to foster empathy, empower client voice and create inclusivity. People need connections to survive and thrive, we are wired for it. We offer hope, possibility, and a space to connect with yourself and others.
Evolve Therapy is a woman-owned business rooted in a holistic, strengths-based approach. Gabrielle Holder had the vision for a therapy culture built on her relationship expertise to foster empathy, empower client voice and create inclusivity. People need connections to survive and thrive, we are wired for it. We offer hope, possibility, and a space to connect with yourself and others.
(202) 816-4373 View (202) 816-4373
Photo of Devon Pu in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Devon Pu
MPA, MSW, LGSW
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20016
Have you recently received a diagnosis of mental illness? Are you adjusting after a mental health crisis, or wrestling with past trauma that is impacting your ability to live the life you want to lead? Whether you’re navigating a new path, struggling with relationships, or looking to develop coping skills for lifelong chronic illness, my goal is to serve as a partner in your journey. I believe in the connection between our past experiences and the way we operate in our present environment. I strive to help clients understand how their physical body and mental health are linked!
Have you recently received a diagnosis of mental illness? Are you adjusting after a mental health crisis, or wrestling with past trauma that is impacting your ability to live the life you want to lead? Whether you’re navigating a new path, struggling with relationships, or looking to develop coping skills for lifelong chronic illness, my goal is to serve as a partner in your journey. I believe in the connection between our past experiences and the way we operate in our present environment. I strive to help clients understand how their physical body and mental health are linked!
(855) 629-2317 View (855) 629-2317
Photo of Monti Bush, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chevy Chase, Washington, DC
Monti Bush
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, Washington, DC 20008
I am a native Washingtonian who is passionate about assisting individuals and couples in navigating the challenges of everyday life. I am trauma aware with training in multiple therapeutic modalities and use an eclectic approach with my clients. My foundational belief is that therapy is best practiced collaboratively by building trust with clients and creating an individualized plan of care. Much of my work has been with those who need support in addressing grief, effective communication, anxiety, depression, trauma, and gaining greater self-awareness.
I am a native Washingtonian who is passionate about assisting individuals and couples in navigating the challenges of everyday life. I am trauma aware with training in multiple therapeutic modalities and use an eclectic approach with my clients. My foundational belief is that therapy is best practiced collaboratively by building trust with clients and creating an individualized plan of care. Much of my work has been with those who need support in addressing grief, effective communication, anxiety, depression, trauma, and gaining greater self-awareness.
(202) 519-1225 View (202) 519-1225

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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.