FAQ

Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy that seeks to understand the unconscious dimensions of experience. These are aspects of the mind that may not be immediately accessible, yet still shape how we feel, think, and relate to others.

Rather than focusing on short-term symptom relief or behavioral strategies, psychodynamic therapy creates space for sustained reflection. It begins with the assumption that emotional life is layered, and that many of our most persistent difficulties are not purely rational or conscious. Through ongoing conversation, themes and patterns emerge that point to earlier relationships, internal conflicts, or ways of coping that may have once been necessary, but are now limiting.

The therapeutic relationship itself plays a central role. What unfolds in the room is not separate from the rest of life. It often mirrors the relational dynamics, defenses, and anxieties that shape experience more broadly. Over time, the therapy becomes a space where something new can be worked out. This involves not just insight, but a shift in how one relates to the structures that shape experience.

This kind of therapy takes time. While some individuals may engage in shorter-term work, particularly when focusing on a specific concern or period of transition, the process tends to be most meaningful when allowed to unfold over time. Psychodynamic therapy does not aim for a fixed endpoint or predetermined outcome. Instead, it offers the possibility of sustained reflection, where one can move through their own psychic landscape with greater freedom, complexity, and meaning.

Psychodynamic therapy is especially useful for individuals who are struggling with longstanding emotional patterns that are difficult to explain or resolve. This may include feelings of depression, anxiety, or shame that seem out of proportion to current circumstances, or ways of relating to others that feel stuck, repetitive, or confusing.

It is often helpful for those who have experienced complex trauma, particularly when early relationships were marked by inconsistency, neglect, or emotional intensity. It can also be useful for individuals with personality-related difficulties, including problems with identity, emotional regulation, or chronic interpersonal conflict, who may not respond well to structured, goal-oriented treatment.

Psychodynamic therapy is not limited to those with a specific diagnosis. Many people who seek this kind of work do so because they want to understand themselves more fully, make sense of internal contradictions, or relate differently to others over time. It is well-suited to those who are curious, reflective, and willing to engage in a process that unfolds gradually.

Yes. While psychodynamic therapy is often seen as “insight-oriented” or less structured than some brief therapies, it is supported by a growing body of empirical research. Meta-analyses have shown that psychodynamic therapy is effective in treating a wide range of difficulties, including depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, and relationship struggles.

Importantly, the benefits of this approach tend to grow over time, even after therapy ends. This suggests that the insight and emotional development gained through therapy continue to support long-term change.

For those interested, some key studies include:

Shedler, J. (2010). The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 65(2), 98–109. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018378

This article is widely cited for summarizing the evidence base for psychodynamic therapy. Shedler argues that psychodynamic therapy is as effective as, or more effective than, other empirically supported treatments, with enduring effects that extend beyond symptom reduction. 

Leichsenring, F., & Rabung, S. (2008). Effectiveness of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. JAMA, 300(13), 1551–1565. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.300.13.1551

This meta-analysis focuses on long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy, showing its efficacy for complex mental disorders such as personality disorders and chronic depression.

Leichsenring, F., & Rabung, S. (2011). Long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy in complex mental disorders: Update of a meta-analysis. British Journal of Psychiatry, 199(1), 15–22. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.110.082776

This follow-up refines the earlier findings and addresses some criticisms, reaffirming the role of psychodynamic psychotherapy for complex or treatment-resistant conditions.

The main difference lies in how change is pursued. Behavioral approaches like CBT tend to focus on identifying and modifying specific thoughts and behaviors in a structured, goal-oriented way. This can be helpful, especially when symptoms are clearly defined and time-limited intervention is needed.

In contrast, psychodynamic therapy is exploratory and relational. It emphasizes:

• Understanding how early experiences shape current emotions and relationships

• Identifying unconscious patterns that may be repeating in the present

• Working through emotional conflicts rather than just managing symptoms

Rather than teaching coping skills or assigning homework, the work happens through reflection, curiosity, and an honest therapeutic relationship. This approach can be particularly useful for those who feel stuck in recurring patterns or are looking for deeper, longer-lasting change.

Psychodynamic therapy can be considered a form of trauma therapy, though the term may not fully capture its depth or focus. Psychodynamic therapy has a long history of addressing trauma, going back to some of the earliest clinical explorations of how overwhelming experiences affect the mind. It focuses less on symptom elimination and more on understanding how trauma continues to shape relationships, emotions, and internal life, even in subtle or unconscious ways. This insight may allow someone to live with their trauma in a way that was not immediately apparent.

This is different from structured trauma treatments like EMDR, which are often more focused on reprocessing specific memories. While those techniques can be effective for certain forms of trauma, psychodynamic therapy may be better suited for those who experience the long-term, relational effects of trauma, or who feel that their experiences are more diffuse, complex, or difficult to articulate.

Rather than working through a protocol, psychodynamic therapy offers a consistent space to reflect, form new connections, and gradually metabolize what may have once felt overwhelming.

There’s no fixed timeline for therapy. I generally work in an open-ended format, which allows space for deeper, more lasting change. Some people come for a few months; others stay longer depending on their needs and goals. We can discuss what feels right for you.

Yes, in some cases. While my work tends to support longer-term engagement, I’m open to structured short-term work when appropriate. This can be helpful for people navigating a specific transition or decision point.

I do not accept insurance at this time. My practice is private-pay only. Some clients may choose to use out-of-network benefits, in which case I can provide a superbill for reimbursement.

My fee is $150 per 50-minute session. Payment is due at the time of service and can be made by card, check, or electronic transfer.

I generally meet with clients once per week on a consistent day and time. In some cases, more frequent sessions may be appropriate and can be discussed if needed.

I work with adults facing a range of challenges, including, but not limited to:

• Persistent anxiety or depression

• Repeating patterns in relationships

• Identity concerns

• Complex trauma

• Personality difficulties

• A general sense of feeling stuck or unfulfilled

You don’t need a diagnosis or a clear problem to begin. Therapy can be a space to reflect and make sense of your experience, wherever you are in life.