Psychodynamic Therapists in Brownsville, TX

Photo of Axel Bolanos, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Brownsville, TX
Axel Bolanos
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Brownsville, TX 78526
My therapeutic approach is psychodynamic, however, I integrate various modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and person-centered therapy, to tailor the treatment to meet the specific needs of each client based on their unique experiences, cultural background, and goals.
I am here to help those who have recognized the need for support and are motivated to engage in the therapeutic process. Those who may be facing a variety of issues, feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about how to navigate current circumstances but feel committed to making positive changes in their life. If you have a genuine desire to gain insight, develop coping strategies, and enhance your overall well-being you have taken the first step! Being open to self-reflection and willing to explore new perspectives can be frightening, but I am here to walk alongside you, every step of the way.
My therapeutic approach is psychodynamic, however, I integrate various modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and person-centered therapy, to tailor the treatment to meet the specific needs of each client based on their unique experiences, cultural background, and goals.
I am here to help those who have recognized the need for support and are motivated to engage in the therapeutic process. Those who may be facing a variety of issues, feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about how to navigate current circumstances but feel committed to making positive changes in their life. If you have a genuine desire to gain insight, develop coping strategies, and enhance your overall well-being you have taken the first step! Being open to self-reflection and willing to explore new perspectives can be frightening, but I am here to walk alongside you, every step of the way.
(956) 305-2589 View (956) 305-2589
Photo of Marcos Kito Holtzman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Brownsville, TX
Marcos Kito Holtzman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brownsville, TX 78520
Over the last 20 years working as a psychotherapist, I have found that, we all long to be truly seen, heard, and understood; to experience real connection and be known by others. When these needs are not adequately met, it affects us deeply and may manifest as depression, anxiety, and many times addiction. Sometimes traumatic events occur in our lives, and we have difficulties creating or maintaining relationships. I'm here to help clear the trauma of the past or guide you through challenges of the present. I will help guide you in a way that is collaborative and centered on your goals and desires.
Over the last 20 years working as a psychotherapist, I have found that, we all long to be truly seen, heard, and understood; to experience real connection and be known by others. When these needs are not adequately met, it affects us deeply and may manifest as depression, anxiety, and many times addiction. Sometimes traumatic events occur in our lives, and we have difficulties creating or maintaining relationships. I'm here to help clear the trauma of the past or guide you through challenges of the present. I will help guide you in a way that is collaborative and centered on your goals and desires.
(512) 729-7544 View (512) 729-7544
Photo of Colón Counseling, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Brownsville, TX
Colón Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Brownsville, TX 78521
Whether one is suffering from a chronic mental disorder, or the "worried well", I tailor therapeutic needs for each individual client. I use multiple theoretic approaches and the most up-to-date techniques to help individuals gain insight into their issues, decrease their symptoms, and to uncover the underlying issues that cause their distress. My goal is to help individuals reach their full potential, and to improve their daily functioning in a compassionate, personalized, and private setting.
Whether one is suffering from a chronic mental disorder, or the "worried well", I tailor therapeutic needs for each individual client. I use multiple theoretic approaches and the most up-to-date techniques to help individuals gain insight into their issues, decrease their symptoms, and to uncover the underlying issues that cause their distress. My goal is to help individuals reach their full potential, and to improve their daily functioning in a compassionate, personalized, and private setting.
(956) 287-3549 View (956) 287-3549
Photo of New Spark Counseling, PLLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brownsville, TX
New Spark Counseling, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, CGCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brownsville, TX 78520
New Spark Counseling is a mental health and wellness center that specializes in providing marriage counseling and couples therapy. We believe that with the right help, any relationship can be saved. Our mission is to provide counseling services that help build trust, improve communication, and develop intimacy. Our approach is tailored specifically for your needs, so you can feel confident that you’re getting the best possible care.
New Spark Counseling is a mental health and wellness center that specializes in providing marriage counseling and couples therapy. We believe that with the right help, any relationship can be saved. Our mission is to provide counseling services that help build trust, improve communication, and develop intimacy. Our approach is tailored specifically for your needs, so you can feel confident that you’re getting the best possible care.
(956) 410-2802 View (956) 410-2802
Photo of Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brownsville, TX
Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brownsville, TX 78521  (Online Only)
We're here to help you reach your therapy goals at Lifebulb! We’ll connect you with the best possible therapist for your unique goals, someone who genuinely cares about helping you. We’re all about making therapy enjoyable for both therapists and clients. Whether you prefer in-person sessions at our locations or online through telehealth, we've got you covered. Our team consists of highly trained and licensed clinicians who are passionate about the therapy process. Let's work together to achieve your goals!
We're here to help you reach your therapy goals at Lifebulb! We’ll connect you with the best possible therapist for your unique goals, someone who genuinely cares about helping you. We’re all about making therapy enjoyable for both therapists and clients. Whether you prefer in-person sessions at our locations or online through telehealth, we've got you covered. Our team consists of highly trained and licensed clinicians who are passionate about the therapy process. Let's work together to achieve your goals!
(956) 452-0605 View (956) 452-0605
Photo of Gloria Gitlin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Brownsville, TX
Gloria Gitlin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Brownsville, TX 78526
Hello, I am Gloria Gitlin, a licensed professional counselor with forty-two years of clinical experience. I have experience working with Individuals, Couples, Families, and Minors who are facing Behavioral Issues, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Self Esteem, Spirituality, Anxiety, and many more. I use a mix of ACT, Adlerian, Christian Counseling, Client-Centered Therapy, CBT, CPT, Compassion Focused, Couples Therapy, Culturally Sensitive, EFT, Family Systems, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Interpersonal, Jungian, MBCT, Intervention, and many more. I believe I could help others in distress and give peace in their situations.
Hello, I am Gloria Gitlin, a licensed professional counselor with forty-two years of clinical experience. I have experience working with Individuals, Couples, Families, and Minors who are facing Behavioral Issues, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Self Esteem, Spirituality, Anxiety, and many more. I use a mix of ACT, Adlerian, Christian Counseling, Client-Centered Therapy, CBT, CPT, Compassion Focused, Couples Therapy, Culturally Sensitive, EFT, Family Systems, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Interpersonal, Jungian, MBCT, Intervention, and many more. I believe I could help others in distress and give peace in their situations.
(430) 213-4241 View (430) 213-4241
Photo of Anna D Gomez, Licensed Professional Counselor in Brownsville, TX
Anna D Gomez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Brownsville, TX 78520
Ebony Center was born from a heartfelt dream of providing a practical, interactive, solution-focused treatment approach to provide support and practical feedback to help patients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns, with sensitivity and compassion, I help patients find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues. Blending conventional and alternative approaches, I draw on variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each patient. I work with each patient to help them build on their strengths to identify and achieve life's goals.
Ebony Center was born from a heartfelt dream of providing a practical, interactive, solution-focused treatment approach to provide support and practical feedback to help patients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns, with sensitivity and compassion, I help patients find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues. Blending conventional and alternative approaches, I draw on variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each patient. I work with each patient to help them build on their strengths to identify and achieve life's goals.
(956) 284-6604 View (956) 284-6604
Photo of Sylvia Chelf, Licensed Professional Counselor in Brownsville, TX
Sylvia Chelf
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LCDC, NCC
Verified Verified
Brownsville, TX 78526
Feeling depressed, anxious, or struggling to cope with everyday life challenges? Or perhaps, you just need assistance in prioritizing your mental health. If so, I can help. I have a wealth of experience treating a myriad of mental health issues. Voted Top 3 Best Rated Therapist, at Priority Counseling, I provide you with the tools necessary to cope with these challenges, and will help you live the life you deserve. I can help you develop resiliency and help you to focus on what matters most in life. Call me today to schedule an appointment at (956) 224-9505. I am currently accepting new clients.
Feeling depressed, anxious, or struggling to cope with everyday life challenges? Or perhaps, you just need assistance in prioritizing your mental health. If so, I can help. I have a wealth of experience treating a myriad of mental health issues. Voted Top 3 Best Rated Therapist, at Priority Counseling, I provide you with the tools necessary to cope with these challenges, and will help you live the life you deserve. I can help you develop resiliency and help you to focus on what matters most in life. Call me today to schedule an appointment at (956) 224-9505. I am currently accepting new clients.
(956) 446-0264 View (956) 446-0264
Photo of Joseph David LaBeau, Licensed Professional Counselor in Brownsville, TX
Joseph David LaBeau
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd, BA, CH-AC, CBH
Verified Verified
Brownsville, TX 78521  (Online Only)
Session rating 4.8 out of 5 for the last 1,025 sessions….it’s all in the training and experience of the counselor. I myself would want a mature counselor with exceptional experience and training in both medical and psychological aspects of distress and resilience. I would want a counselor who had undergone extensive depth therapy themselves as a part of their training so I could have reason to believe they would not let their own unresolved issues affect their work with me. If you agree, then welcome! Welcome to the counseling service of Joseph D. LaBeau. You have found the service you have been looking for.
Session rating 4.8 out of 5 for the last 1,025 sessions….it’s all in the training and experience of the counselor. I myself would want a mature counselor with exceptional experience and training in both medical and psychological aspects of distress and resilience. I would want a counselor who had undergone extensive depth therapy themselves as a part of their training so I could have reason to believe they would not let their own unresolved issues affect their work with me. If you agree, then welcome! Welcome to the counseling service of Joseph D. LaBeau. You have found the service you have been looking for.
(956) 587-0543 View (956) 587-0543
Photo of Melissa Guerra, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Brownsville, TX
Melissa Guerra
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brownsville, TX 78521
Do you ever look in the mirror and feel like a stranger is staring back? Have you wondered when you lost touch with who you really are? Maybe you've been on autopilot, feeling stuck, and constantly replaying past or future scenarios. Depression and anxiety are so common in our fast-paced world, but opening up about how you're feeling is the first step toward finding peace of mind. Nuestra cultura influye en la salud mental, y es tiempo de entender en lugar de ignorar.
Do you ever look in the mirror and feel like a stranger is staring back? Have you wondered when you lost touch with who you really are? Maybe you've been on autopilot, feeling stuck, and constantly replaying past or future scenarios. Depression and anxiety are so common in our fast-paced world, but opening up about how you're feeling is the first step toward finding peace of mind. Nuestra cultura influye en la salud mental, y es tiempo de entender en lugar de ignorar.
(210) 934-5504 View (210) 934-5504
Photo of Ginger L Brown, Licensed Professional Counselor in Brownsville, TX
Ginger L Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brownsville, TX 78520
I take an integrative eclectic therapy approach that fits you. I believe it is a team approach between the client and therapist to work actively towards treatment goals. I have 14 years of experience in multiple therapeutic settings working with a culturally diverse population of children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience designing and implementing appropriate individualized treatment plans with clearly defined culturally sensitive goals that encourage healthy supportive environments, communication between children and their support system and promotes mental wellness for the whole child, fostering resiliency.
I take an integrative eclectic therapy approach that fits you. I believe it is a team approach between the client and therapist to work actively towards treatment goals. I have 14 years of experience in multiple therapeutic settings working with a culturally diverse population of children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience designing and implementing appropriate individualized treatment plans with clearly defined culturally sensitive goals that encourage healthy supportive environments, communication between children and their support system and promotes mental wellness for the whole child, fostering resiliency.
(956) 253-1486 View (956) 253-1486
Photo of Counseling and Wellness Services, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brownsville, TX
Counseling and Wellness Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT-S, CAC, MTS, MA
Verified Verified
Brownsville, TX 78520
Waitlist for new clients
You can heal in your goals by developing new skills to become the better person you want to be. By overcoming behavioral issues in whatever lifestyle and situation you find yourself in. In counseling, we can see our vulnerability as human beings where we find ourselves facing irrational ways of thinking that take us to negative feelings and then we act them out. Thus, the process of learning other ventures to life is to face ourselves at times with our own issues and learn to re-think things out. To heal ourselves is to also not only learn to change ourselves but to forgive ourselves along the journey of our lives.
You can heal in your goals by developing new skills to become the better person you want to be. By overcoming behavioral issues in whatever lifestyle and situation you find yourself in. In counseling, we can see our vulnerability as human beings where we find ourselves facing irrational ways of thinking that take us to negative feelings and then we act them out. Thus, the process of learning other ventures to life is to face ourselves at times with our own issues and learn to re-think things out. To heal ourselves is to also not only learn to change ourselves but to forgive ourselves along the journey of our lives.
(956) 363-4283 View (956) 363-4283

Online Therapists

Photo of Dr. Christian Javier Crespo Rodriguez, Pre-Licensed Professional in Brownsville, TX
Dr. Christian Javier Crespo Rodriguez
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified Verified
McAllen, TX 78504
I have experience with various models of therapy such as: CBT (short and long term, focused on trauma and play therapy), mindfulness, and depth psychology (psychodynamic approach).
Have you ever wondered if what you feel is going to end? If there is really a solution to your problems? Or, how are you going to manage to find acceptance in the difficult circumstances of life? To this and many other questions that I help my clients find their own answers. From the simplest to the most complex. From the conscious to the unconscious. My goal is to model a relationship with the client, provide him/her with tools that help them in their search for themselves. I am the lamp while you lead your own way. With me you will find your own mirror, a place where you will be who you are when you are with yourself.
I have experience with various models of therapy such as: CBT (short and long term, focused on trauma and play therapy), mindfulness, and depth psychology (psychodynamic approach).
Have you ever wondered if what you feel is going to end? If there is really a solution to your problems? Or, how are you going to manage to find acceptance in the difficult circumstances of life? To this and many other questions that I help my clients find their own answers. From the simplest to the most complex. From the conscious to the unconscious. My goal is to model a relationship with the client, provide him/her with tools that help them in their search for themselves. I am the lamp while you lead your own way. With me you will find your own mirror, a place where you will be who you are when you are with yourself.
(956) 395-1761 View (956) 395-1761
Photo of Dr. Juan Carlos Castillo, Psychologist in Brownsville, TX
Dr. Juan Carlos Castillo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
McAllen, TX 78504
I utilize an integrative approach to psychotherapy that combines Schema Therapy, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Experiential, Interpersonal and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
My interests and experience include working with personality disorders, trauma, anxiety and depression. Additionally, I assist successful individuals with adjustment issues such as relationship problems, divorce, works problems and general stress. Many of my patients have attempted therapy several times before and are pleased with my unique approach to understanding and helping with their affliction or helping them remove limitations to a fulfilling and satisfying life. Being raised in the valley and training in the DFW metroplex, has given me experience working with a diverse population of patients. Also meet Pav my therapy dog!
I utilize an integrative approach to psychotherapy that combines Schema Therapy, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Experiential, Interpersonal and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
My interests and experience include working with personality disorders, trauma, anxiety and depression. Additionally, I assist successful individuals with adjustment issues such as relationship problems, divorce, works problems and general stress. Many of my patients have attempted therapy several times before and are pleased with my unique approach to understanding and helping with their affliction or helping them remove limitations to a fulfilling and satisfying life. Being raised in the valley and training in the DFW metroplex, has given me experience working with a diverse population of patients. Also meet Pav my therapy dog!
(956) 540-5696 View (956) 540-5696
Photo of Dr. Mary Gonzales, Psychologist in Brownsville, TX
Dr. Mary Gonzales
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Harlingen, TX 78552
My treatment methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Brief Psychodynamic Therapy.
Greetings,  I am a bilingual and bi-cultural (English and Spanish) psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in providing psychological services. My main focus when doing psychotherapy is helping to clear the emotional obstacles that may be hindering or impairing your self-growth and psychological well-being. I will first sit down with you and find out what may be causing you distress or be obstructing your growth. The next step would be to co-create a therapy plan that is tailored for you.
My treatment methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Brief Psychodynamic Therapy.
Greetings,  I am a bilingual and bi-cultural (English and Spanish) psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in providing psychological services. My main focus when doing psychotherapy is helping to clear the emotional obstacles that may be hindering or impairing your self-growth and psychological well-being. I will first sit down with you and find out what may be causing you distress or be obstructing your growth. The next step would be to co-create a therapy plan that is tailored for you.
(956) 320-6300 View (956) 320-6300
Photo of Christelle Garza, Pre-Licensed Professional in Brownsville, TX
Christelle Garza
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edinburg, TX 78539  (Online Only)
I have years of experience treating children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of concerns using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
My goal is to provide an inclusive and supportive therapy environment that allows a safe space to my clients to experience their emotions, share their struggles and challenges and grow and develop new skills that will help improve their life. If you are depressed, feeling anxious, have chronic stress, experiencing loss and grief, I can work with you in identifying your therapy needs. I believe that therapy should be individualized and tailored to each person.
I have years of experience treating children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of concerns using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
My goal is to provide an inclusive and supportive therapy environment that allows a safe space to my clients to experience their emotions, share their struggles and challenges and grow and develop new skills that will help improve their life. If you are depressed, feeling anxious, have chronic stress, experiencing loss and grief, I can work with you in identifying your therapy needs. I believe that therapy should be individualized and tailored to each person.
(469) 824-9630 View (469) 824-9630
Photo of Kim Villabona, Psychologist in Brownsville, TX
Kim Villabona
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
McAllen, TX 78501  (Online Only)
I have been a psychologist for over 30 years with a breadth of experience in a variety of clinical settings. I received extensive training in psychodynamic therapy, including studies at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute. This depth approach is especially helpful for individuals who have a pattern of difficulties in relationships or have personality issues that hold them back in their personal and professional lives. Individuals with long standing self-esteem issues often find a depth approach especially helpful as do individuals with anxiety and depression who have not been helped by other therapy approaches.
I have been a psychologist for over 30 years with a breadth of experience in a variety of clinical settings. I received extensive training in psychodynamic therapy, including studies at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute. This depth approach is especially helpful for individuals who have a pattern of difficulties in relationships or have personality issues that hold them back in their personal and professional lives. Individuals with long standing self-esteem issues often find a depth approach especially helpful as do individuals with anxiety and depression who have not been helped by other therapy approaches.
(979) 272-6716 View (979) 272-6716
Photo of The Groves Assessment and Psychotherapy, Psychologist in Brownsville, TX
The Groves Assessment and Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
McAllen, TX 78504
Our mission at The Groves is to provide a comprehensive, safe, supportive, and compassionate healing environment that focuses on cultivating self-discovery, connection, healing, and personal growth. We focus on providing you with high quality and diverse psychological services to children, teens, adults, and couples, that include the following: individual and group therapy, assessments, pediatric therapy, and animal assisted therapy. Our team consists of a dynamic group of elite, skilled clinicians, who strive to help clients navigate life's struggles. Our services are available in both English and Spanish.
Our mission at The Groves is to provide a comprehensive, safe, supportive, and compassionate healing environment that focuses on cultivating self-discovery, connection, healing, and personal growth. We focus on providing you with high quality and diverse psychological services to children, teens, adults, and couples, that include the following: individual and group therapy, assessments, pediatric therapy, and animal assisted therapy. Our team consists of a dynamic group of elite, skilled clinicians, who strive to help clients navigate life's struggles. Our services are available in both English and Spanish.
(956) 267-1932 View (956) 267-1932
Photo of SonderMind - Therapy that works., Licensed Professional Counselor in Brownsville, TX
SonderMind - Therapy that works.
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Mission, TX 78572  (Online Only)
I'm a licensed in Texas with 8 years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and truly enjoy listening the truth is very few people want to be analyzed, they want to humanized. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes self-awareness and I am honored that you are here I would truly enjoy assisting you in addressing your mental and emotional health needs. Sincerely, Bryan Young LPC
I'm a licensed in Texas with 8 years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and truly enjoy listening the truth is very few people want to be analyzed, they want to humanized. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes self-awareness and I am honored that you are here I would truly enjoy assisting you in addressing your mental and emotional health needs. Sincerely, Bryan Young LPC
(726) 224-7382 View (726) 224-7382
Photo of Cynthia Gongora-Enriquez, Licensed Professional Counselor in Brownsville, TX
Cynthia Gongora-Enriquez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, CGE, CCTP, CCATP
Verified Verified
Mission, TX 78572
Welcome! Are you seeking therapy to navigate a past, current, and/or future difficult season? Entering therapy is never easy, I admire the courage it has taken for you to be here. I specialize in treating adults with Anxiety, Grief, & Trauma, but not limited to relationship issues, life transitions, pregnancy-prenatal-postpartum, premarital-marital-post marital, depression, parenting, and behavioral problems. My approach is to accept you where you are, in a non-judging, neutral, and safe zone. My desire for you is to obtain an optimal level of living, especially when it comes to your mental and emotional state.
Welcome! Are you seeking therapy to navigate a past, current, and/or future difficult season? Entering therapy is never easy, I admire the courage it has taken for you to be here. I specialize in treating adults with Anxiety, Grief, & Trauma, but not limited to relationship issues, life transitions, pregnancy-prenatal-postpartum, premarital-marital-post marital, depression, parenting, and behavioral problems. My approach is to accept you where you are, in a non-judging, neutral, and safe zone. My desire for you is to obtain an optimal level of living, especially when it comes to your mental and emotional state.
(956) 253-0927 View (956) 253-0927

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.