Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy in Newport Beach
Psychodynamic therapy helps you understand the feelings, patterns and early experiences that shape how you think, feel and relate, so you can change what keeps repeating. Our depth-oriented therapists work with adults, couples, teens and families.
In person at our Newport Beach office, serving Irvine, Costa Mesa and Orange County, or by telehealth anywhere in California.
Prefer to talk? Call (714) 497-3008
What it is
What Is Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy that looks beneath symptoms to what drives them. Many of our reactions, fears and relationship patterns took shape early in life and now run outside our awareness. Therapy brings them into view, so you can understand them and respond differently.
It is also sometimes referred to as depth-oriented or insight-oriented therapy. People often come to us for:
- Patterns that keep repeating in relationships
- Anxiety or depression that keeps coming back
- Feeling stuck despite insight or effort
- Low self-esteem and harsh self-criticism
- Trouble with intimacy, trust or closeness
- Unresolved grief or childhood experiences
- Life transitions and questions of identity
- Wanting to understand yourself more deeply
Research supports psychodynamic therapy for depression, anxiety and other concerns, and studies suggest its benefits often keep growing after therapy ends.
Our approach
How Psychodynamic Therapy Works Here
Sessions are open and conversational. You talk about what is on your mind, and your therapist helps you notice themes: the feelings you avoid, the conflicts that repeat and the ways old relationships echo in current ones.
We also pay attention to what happens between you and your therapist. Those moments often mirror your other relationships, which makes the therapy room a safe place to understand patterns and try something new.
What to expect
It starts with a free consultation call. We match you with a therapist based on your needs and goals. Sessions are 50 minutes, usually weekly, in person at our Newport Beach office or by telehealth anywhere in California.
Our psychodynamic approach guides all of our work, including individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy.
Questions
Psychodynamic Therapy FAQ
How is psychodynamic therapy different from CBT?
CBT focuses on changing specific thoughts and behaviors, often over a set number of sessions. Psychodynamic therapy explores where those thoughts and patterns come from, aiming for deeper and longer-lasting change. We also bring in practical tools when they help.
Is psychodynamic therapy the same as psychoanalysis?
They share the same roots. Psychoanalysis usually meets several times a week. Psychodynamic therapy usually meets weekly, face to face, and applies the same ideas more flexibly.
How long does psychodynamic therapy take?
Some people feel relief within a few months. Deeper change usually unfolds over 6 months to a year or longer, and you set the pace with your therapist.
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Yes. Studies support its effectiveness for depression, anxiety and other concerns, and research suggests its benefits often continue after therapy ends.
Do you offer psychodynamic therapy online?
Yes. We offer secure telehealth sessions anywhere in California, and some clients mix in-person and online sessions.
Do you take insurance?
We are an out-of-network practice. That lets us keep caseloads manageable, protect your privacy and keep insurance companies out of decisions about your care. If your plan has out-of-network benefits, we can provide a superbill for possible reimbursement.
Ready to Start Psychodynamic Therapy?
Book a free consultation to talk through what's going on and get matched with the right therapist. We see clients from Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Irvine, Costa Mesa and across Orange County.
Prefer to talk? Call (714) 497-3008
Forbes Individual and Family Therapy, Inc.
4060 Campus Dr, Suite 120, Newport Beach, CA 92660