Psychodynamic Therapists in Richmond, VA
Whether you're dealing with childhood trauma, relationship difficulties, or struggling with anxiety and depression, my goal is to help you heal, grow, and thrive. Together, we will navigate the complexities of your experiences, strengthen your sense of self, and empower you to create meaningful connections in your life. Drawing on the principles of attachment theory and trauma-informed care, I recognize the fundamental significance of secure relationships and their role in shaping our well-being.
Whether you're dealing with childhood trauma, relationship difficulties, or struggling with anxiety and depression, my goal is to help you heal, grow, and thrive. Together, we will navigate the complexities of your experiences, strengthen your sense of self, and empower you to create meaningful connections in your life. Drawing on the principles of attachment theory and trauma-informed care, I recognize the fundamental significance of secure relationships and their role in shaping our well-being.
Helping clients become the best version of themselves through building a comfortable and non-judgmental therapeutic alliance. Welcoming diverse clients from every walk of life.
Helping clients become the best version of themselves through building a comfortable and non-judgmental therapeutic alliance. Welcoming diverse clients from every walk of life.
Have you had difficulty finding solutions that work for you, maintaining relationships or make positive changes? A good match between client and therapist is the key to a productive therapeutic experience - this is the foundation for self-discovery and personal growth. I am comfortable addressing a broad range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, family and relationship conflict, work stress and symptom management.
Have you had difficulty finding solutions that work for you, maintaining relationships or make positive changes? A good match between client and therapist is the key to a productive therapeutic experience - this is the foundation for self-discovery and personal growth. I am comfortable addressing a broad range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, family and relationship conflict, work stress and symptom management.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing challenges like anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship conflict, and more. I provide neuroaffirming autism and ADHD assessments for children and adults, along with parent coaching and family therapy. My practice is integrative, person-centered, inclusive, trauma/systems-informed, and neuroaffirming. I respect your identity and experiences, creating a safe space for collaboration, growth, and healing with guidance, support, and sometimes humor.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing challenges like anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship conflict, and more. I provide neuroaffirming autism and ADHD assessments for children and adults, along with parent coaching and family therapy. My practice is integrative, person-centered, inclusive, trauma/systems-informed, and neuroaffirming. I respect your identity and experiences, creating a safe space for collaboration, growth, and healing with guidance, support, and sometimes humor.
I work from a psychodynamic approach and incorporate the Gottman Method, attachment theory, and Emotionally Focused approaches.
On the outside, your life works. But in your relationship, something isn’t clicking. Conversations about sex and intimacy go in circles, desire feels mismatched or nonexistent, and sex has become strained, avoidant, or routine. You may deeply care for your partner, but your relationship no longer feels the same. You’re ready to move beyond surface-level solutions and create a relationship built on emotional security, intimacy, and lasting satisfaction.
I work from a psychodynamic approach and incorporate the Gottman Method, attachment theory, and Emotionally Focused approaches.
On the outside, your life works. But in your relationship, something isn’t clicking. Conversations about sex and intimacy go in circles, desire feels mismatched or nonexistent, and sex has become strained, avoidant, or routine. You may deeply care for your partner, but your relationship no longer feels the same. You’re ready to move beyond surface-level solutions and create a relationship built on emotional security, intimacy, and lasting satisfaction.
Chris E Carson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
5 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23220
Waitlist for new clients
I have specific post graduate training in psychodynamic psychotherapy with individuals and couples from the Washington School of Psychiatry.
Im guided by in depth training in Relationships, Forest Therapy, Meditation/Mindfulness, Ecology (Herbs, Plants and Trees), Aromatherapy, Exploring Dreams, Shamanic Astrology, Jungian Analysis, Ceremony & Journey Practices.
I have specific post graduate training in psychodynamic psychotherapy with individuals and couples from the Washington School of Psychiatry.
Im guided by in depth training in Relationships, Forest Therapy, Meditation/Mindfulness, Ecology (Herbs, Plants and Trees), Aromatherapy, Exploring Dreams, Shamanic Astrology, Jungian Analysis, Ceremony & Journey Practices.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by anxiety, constant worry, or perfectionistic standards, therapy can be a place where relief and understanding begin. I work with individuals who are thoughtful and self-aware, yet feel stuck under the weight of intrusive thoughts, overthinking, fear of making mistakes, and ongoing self-doubt. Anxiety may show up as rigid expectations, repetitive thinking, difficulty tolerating uncertainty, or feeling paralyzed by decisions. This may also bring challenges around relationships, transitions (school, career, identity shifts), or lingering responses to past stress or trauma that continue to impact you.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by anxiety, constant worry, or perfectionistic standards, therapy can be a place where relief and understanding begin. I work with individuals who are thoughtful and self-aware, yet feel stuck under the weight of intrusive thoughts, overthinking, fear of making mistakes, and ongoing self-doubt. Anxiety may show up as rigid expectations, repetitive thinking, difficulty tolerating uncertainty, or feeling paralyzed by decisions. This may also bring challenges around relationships, transitions (school, career, identity shifts), or lingering responses to past stress or trauma that continue to impact you.
I work adults age 25+ who are navigating trauma, attachment wounds, identity shifts, and relationship patterns that are no longer working. Many of my clients find they have spent years being the “strong one” for others, often while feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected on the inside. I have extensive experience supporting clients in the perinatal and postpartum period, as well as those who may have tried therapy before and are now ready to slow down, go deeper, and understand not just what they’re feeling, but why—and how to heal it on a body and nervous system level.
I work adults age 25+ who are navigating trauma, attachment wounds, identity shifts, and relationship patterns that are no longer working. Many of my clients find they have spent years being the “strong one” for others, often while feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected on the inside. I have extensive experience supporting clients in the perinatal and postpartum period, as well as those who may have tried therapy before and are now ready to slow down, go deeper, and understand not just what they’re feeling, but why—and how to heal it on a body and nervous system level.
Feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities to others? Do you feel as though you’re living on “automatic,” frustrated that your life no longer reflects the dreams you once had for yourself? It can be an incredibly lonely place—but you do not have to navigate it alone. I can help you move toward healing, growth, & transformation. From a strengths-based & hope-focused perspective, I support individuals & couples at every stage of commitment by providing practical strategies to build & sustain healthy, fulfilling relationships—both now & in the future. Change is possible, & the life you envision is already within reach.
Feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities to others? Do you feel as though you’re living on “automatic,” frustrated that your life no longer reflects the dreams you once had for yourself? It can be an incredibly lonely place—but you do not have to navigate it alone. I can help you move toward healing, growth, & transformation. From a strengths-based & hope-focused perspective, I support individuals & couples at every stage of commitment by providing practical strategies to build & sustain healthy, fulfilling relationships—both now & in the future. Change is possible, & the life you envision is already within reach.
My ideal clients are adults who have been carrying something heavy for a long time — and are finally ready to look at it. They come in navigating trauma, grief, LGBTQ+ identity stress, racial trauma, or attachment wounds that quietly shape every relationship they have. They're self-aware enough to know something needs to change but haven't found a space that actually feels safe enough to go there. Through trauma-informed, attachment-focused therapy, we work together to understand not just what happened — but how it lives in you now, and how to shift that.
My ideal clients are adults who have been carrying something heavy for a long time — and are finally ready to look at it. They come in navigating trauma, grief, LGBTQ+ identity stress, racial trauma, or attachment wounds that quietly shape every relationship they have. They're self-aware enough to know something needs to change but haven't found a space that actually feels safe enough to go there. Through trauma-informed, attachment-focused therapy, we work together to understand not just what happened — but how it lives in you now, and how to shift that.
I am trained in and use a variety of approaches including a strengths-based approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Mindfulness.
I enjoy helping people heal as they learn about themselves, navigate change, and restore hope. I have a passion for working with adolescents and adults across the lifespan, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, who are facing various challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, adjusting to acute and chronic illness, and navigating life transitions. I believe building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and respect provides the foundation for growth and progress.
I am trained in and use a variety of approaches including a strengths-based approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Mindfulness.
I enjoy helping people heal as they learn about themselves, navigate change, and restore hope. I have a passion for working with adolescents and adults across the lifespan, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, who are facing various challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, adjusting to acute and chronic illness, and navigating life transitions. I believe building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and respect provides the foundation for growth and progress.
My name is Kathleen, but everyone calls me Katy! I am a Richmond native, born and raised! I have my Master of Social Work and my Bachelor of Social Work from VCU (GO RAMS!). College and graduate school were where I found my passions. I have over a decade of experience working with adults, children, and families, those experiencing loss, and individuals with traumatic brain injury. Supporting others to feel empowered through their experience, is what I hope to bring to my client's therapy experience.
My name is Kathleen, but everyone calls me Katy! I am a Richmond native, born and raised! I have my Master of Social Work and my Bachelor of Social Work from VCU (GO RAMS!). College and graduate school were where I found my passions. I have over a decade of experience working with adults, children, and families, those experiencing loss, and individuals with traumatic brain injury. Supporting others to feel empowered through their experience, is what I hope to bring to my client's therapy experience.
Amanda Coulbourn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
2 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23294
Waitlist for new clients
You may find yourself longing for a different way of relating—to others, to your emotions, or to yourself. Perhaps old patterns no longer serve you, or you feel caught in dynamics that repeat despite your best efforts. My approach is curious, direct, and engaged—challenging what keeps you stuck while honoring your capacity to grow.
You may find yourself longing for a different way of relating—to others, to your emotions, or to yourself. Perhaps old patterns no longer serve you, or you feel caught in dynamics that repeat despite your best efforts. My approach is curious, direct, and engaged—challenging what keeps you stuck while honoring your capacity to grow.
My approach is solution-focused, skill-based, and psychodynamic.
Hi there! My name is Ceresa. I am the owner of MINDbody Wellness Therapy with 20+ years of experience working in mental health. I have always been very grateful for my intuitive ability to understand and connect with people and have dedicated my time helping others do the same. My work spans from psychiatric emergency rooms, inpatient/outpatient care, residential settings, trauma clinics, shelters, schools, courtrooms, prisons, and criminal justice reform. I have supervised clinicians, educated communities, overseen programs and contributed to social policy change with a deep commitment to mental health advocacy and systemic reform.
My approach is solution-focused, skill-based, and psychodynamic.
Hi there! My name is Ceresa. I am the owner of MINDbody Wellness Therapy with 20+ years of experience working in mental health. I have always been very grateful for my intuitive ability to understand and connect with people and have dedicated my time helping others do the same. My work spans from psychiatric emergency rooms, inpatient/outpatient care, residential settings, trauma clinics, shelters, schools, courtrooms, prisons, and criminal justice reform. I have supervised clinicians, educated communities, overseen programs and contributed to social policy change with a deep commitment to mental health advocacy and systemic reform.
I use a very eclectic approach in which I am engaged and actively involved in the therapeutic process. I ask lots of questions. I invite my patients to move away from self-judgment and to be truly curious about themselves and their lives. We look together at patterns of functioning, at assumptions about the self, at how the present reflects the past. The goal is authenticity and the path is self-awareness.
I use a very eclectic approach in which I am engaged and actively involved in the therapeutic process. I ask lots of questions. I invite my patients to move away from self-judgment and to be truly curious about themselves and their lives. We look together at patterns of functioning, at assumptions about the self, at how the present reflects the past. The goal is authenticity and the path is self-awareness.
I use existential and psychodynamic techniques to uncover the motivations that drive emotions, beliefs and behavior.
Sometimes, life can be difficult to navigate, and you just need someone with whom to process all that is going on inside of you. You may be struggling with your faith journey or with relating to your children, your partner, or your parents. You might be asking scary questions about your own identity, including gender or sexuality, and how to integrate that with your faith. You might be trying to acclimate to the U.S. after growing up overseas. You might be failing to maintain focus on what matters in life and need some emotional support to live the life you always hoped you would live.
I use existential and psychodynamic techniques to uncover the motivations that drive emotions, beliefs and behavior.
Sometimes, life can be difficult to navigate, and you just need someone with whom to process all that is going on inside of you. You may be struggling with your faith journey or with relating to your children, your partner, or your parents. You might be asking scary questions about your own identity, including gender or sexuality, and how to integrate that with your faith. You might be trying to acclimate to the U.S. after growing up overseas. You might be failing to maintain focus on what matters in life and need some emotional support to live the life you always hoped you would live.
Hi, I’m Ylisha! When anxiety, self-doubt, or relationship patterns keep showing up no matter how hard you try, therapy can help you understand what’s really going on. I work with adults navigating self-esteem concerns and life transitions, helping them build confidence, clarity, and balance. Together, we’ll explore your strengths and create practical solutions that align with your values.
Hi, I’m Ylisha! When anxiety, self-doubt, or relationship patterns keep showing up no matter how hard you try, therapy can help you understand what’s really going on. I work with adults navigating self-esteem concerns and life transitions, helping them build confidence, clarity, and balance. Together, we’ll explore your strengths and create practical solutions that align with your values.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered SandPlay Therapist and Registered Play Therapist, I am passionate about working with individuals and helping them navigate towards growth while assisting them with creating a deeper sense of their life's purpose and meaning. I have a great appreciation for others and a willingness of joining my clients on their journey to wholeness. I easily connect with my clients providing comfort and support, while ensuring a safe, nurturing and trusting place for them to voice and share their stories.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered SandPlay Therapist and Registered Play Therapist, I am passionate about working with individuals and helping them navigate towards growth while assisting them with creating a deeper sense of their life's purpose and meaning. I have a great appreciation for others and a willingness of joining my clients on their journey to wholeness. I easily connect with my clients providing comfort and support, while ensuring a safe, nurturing and trusting place for them to voice and share their stories.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011, and since then, I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and find meaningful paths toward healing and growth.
My approach to therapy is client-centered and holistic. I believe that every person’s story is unique, and I work to create a safe, compassionate space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported. Together, we’ll explore not only the challenges you’re facing.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011, and since then, I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and find meaningful paths toward healing and growth.
My approach to therapy is client-centered and holistic. I believe that every person’s story is unique, and I work to create a safe, compassionate space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported. Together, we’ll explore not only the challenges you’re facing.
In my work, I use a blend of CBT, Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT), attachment theory, psychodynamic theory, Imago theory, and the Gottman method.
Are you suffering from the end of a relationship? A job? Do you feel like you are in crisis, or no longer feel like yourself? Maybe you’re realizing that your life as it is in this moment is not working for you. Perhaps you feel alone, lost, or at a loss for what to do. Congratulations on taking the first step to finding relief and taking control. Life is too short to surrender to bad relationships, hold grudges, let trauma control us, or to be anxious or angry all the time. You may feel stuck, but there is hope.
In my work, I use a blend of CBT, Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT), attachment theory, psychodynamic theory, Imago theory, and the Gottman method.
Are you suffering from the end of a relationship? A job? Do you feel like you are in crisis, or no longer feel like yourself? Maybe you’re realizing that your life as it is in this moment is not working for you. Perhaps you feel alone, lost, or at a loss for what to do. Congratulations on taking the first step to finding relief and taking control. Life is too short to surrender to bad relationships, hold grudges, let trauma control us, or to be anxious or angry all the time. You may feel stuck, but there is hope.
See more therapy options for Richmond
Nearby Psychodynamic Therapists Searches for Richmond
- Ashland
- Bellevue
- Bon Air
- Chester
- Chesterfield
- Colonial Heights
- Glen Allen
- Henrico
- Mechanicsville
- Midlothian
- North Chesterfield
- West End
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.