Psychodynamic therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Browse Psychodynamic therapists in Santa Monica, California. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
Psychodynamic
Christian Holmes
Marriage and Family Therapist, M.A., Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Find freedom, joy, and purpose. I help clients actualize their health, wealth, relationships and higher purpose. I specialize in working with high achievers in the areas of anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship issues / family conflict and spiritual growth. I also do significant work with clients experiencing attachment issues and trauma / PTSD using EMDR.
8 Years Experience
In-Person in Santa Monica, CA 90403
Online in Santa Monica, CA
Psychodynamic
Bruce Howard
Psychologist, PhD
For over 30 years, I have brought expertise, creativity, enthusiasm, and positive change to individuals and couples I have worked with. To achieve personal goals, effective therapy must bring integration of the physiological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions of our functioning.
43 Years Experience
In-Person in Santa Monica, CA
Online in Santa Monica, CA
Psychodynamic
Dr. Maxwell Rappoport
Psychologist, Ph.D.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and my goal is to make that step feel comfortable, productive, and worthwhile. I’m a clinical psychologist who believes meaningful progress happens when therapy feels like a genuine working relationship built on trust, openness, curiosity, and collaboration. I bring empathy, creativity, and a down-to-earth style to our work, adapting therapy to who you are rather than expecting you to fit a particular approach.
Clients often tell me they feel at ease with me quickly, which can make it easier to talk honestly about what isn’t working and understand the patterns that may be keeping them feeling trapped. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety or overthinking, relationship difficulties, performance pressure, unhealthy ways of coping, or simply feel that something in your life needs to change, we’ll work together to better understand what’s getting in the way and find practical ways forward.
I especially enjoy working with people who are thoughtful and curious about themselves but want more than insight alone. If you’re looking for therapy that is engaged, collaborative, and focused on helping you translate greater self-understanding into meaningful change, I’d be glad to connect and see if we’re a good fit.
9 Years Experience
Online in Santa Monica, CA (Online Only)
Psychodynamic
Dr Mark Baker
Psychologist, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Marriage and Family Therapist
Our counseling center focuses on in depth individual psychotherapy for those who have tried other approaches and yet still find themselves in need of something more, as well as intensive marital therapy by skilled clinicians who specialize in repairing broken bonds in intimate relationships.
46 Years Experience
In-Person in Santa Monica, CA 90403
Psychodynamic
Timothy Walker
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Where within you does conflict persist?
Is it in the body, a swirling energy the surges without explanation, keeping you spinning in thought circles and struggling to sleep or relax (ANXIETY)?
Is it in the heart, the whistling emptiness of grief, or the stabbing pain of ruptured relationships, and lost connections (DEPRESSION)?
Is it in the head, thoughts that won’t stop reciting their well worn verses of what-ifs and should-haves (OCD/ADHD)?
Is it in the spirit, an anguish of being, the unknown outnumbering the known to a paralyzing degree, questions of WHY swirling intangible as mist, existential questions, the ground beneath our feet uneven and unsteady (BELIEF/MEANING)?
Is it in all of the above, and in your dreams as well, impacting ability to connect with others, to be still with yourself, to be intimate, to give and receive love, to accept what was, embrace what will be, and surrender to the now (TRAUMA)?
9 Years Experience
Online in Santa Monica, CA (Online Only)
Psychodynamic
Christopher Schadt
Psychologist, PsyD
I really love what I do and I'm passionate about helping men become the fullest versions of themselves. It is my goal to help you connect to your sense of purpose, to yourself and to those you love most in your life. Therapy helps us to understand what's getting in the way and target those obstacles to help you start living, not just doing. If this resonates with you, let's get to work.
8 Years Experience
In-Person in Santa Monica, CA 90405
Online in Santa Monica, CA
Psychodynamic
Tracey Kiernan
Marriage and Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
You may be finding that things that used to feel manageable no longer do. You’re overthinking more, feeling anxious or on edge, or noticing you’re either reacting quickly or shutting down altogether. You might feel disconnected from yourself, unsure why you feel “off,” or frustrated that you can’t seem to get back to how you used to be. In your relationship, you may be having the same conversations on repeat, feeling unheard, or struggling to stay connected despite your efforts. For many, this is happening alongside a major life shift—like perimenopause, burnout, or changes in identity—that’s hard to fully put into words but deeply felt.
I specialize in working with women and couples navigating high-functioning anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, relationship challenges, and life transitions, including perimenopause. These experiences can impact not only your sense of self, but also how you show up in your relationships, often leading to repeated conflict, emotional distance, or difficulty communicating in a way that actually feels productive.
My approach to therapy is both compassionate and focused. I integrate evidence-based modalities such as ACT, CBT, psychodynamic, Gestalt, somatic, and Gottman-informed couples therapy. We begin by helping you feel more grounded and regulated, so you’re not just talking about your experiences, but are able to work with them in a meaningful way. From there, we explore the underlying patterns driving what you’re experiencing and focus on creating lasting, practical change.
Therapy with me is collaborative, direct, and tailored to you. The goal is not just insight, but helping you feel more like yourself again—clearer, more connected, and better able to navigate your life and relationships.
2 Years Experience
In-Person in Santa Monica, CA 90405
Online in Santa Monica, CA
Psychodynamic
KIM RICHARDSON LINDLEY
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, I CADC II
When asked to describe myself in one word, I generally choose unflappable, which may be another way of saying grounded. I jumped into this work with two feet, training first in addiction at UCLA, and then at Pacific Graduate Institute for a Masters in Counseling. I am a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, I CADC II, and hold dual licensure as LMFT and LPCC. I also trained in EMDR, at the Parnell Institute.
17 Years Experience
In-Person Near Santa Monica, CA
Online in Santa Monica, CA
Psychodynamic
Alan Hanft
Psychiatrist, M.D.
I’m a board certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and also a board certified Adult Psychiatrist, seeing young children, teenagers, and adults. In general, my approach is to listen carefully, empathetically, to try to understand your situation as well, thoroughly as possible, and then work with you to develop a safe and effective treatment plan in a supportive environment. I believe a comprehensive plan is best, and not to rely solely on medications, although medications can certainly be very helpful in many situations. The goal is to help you with your problems, relieve distress, and thus improve your quality of life.
34 Years Experience
In-Person Near Santa Monica, CA
Psychodynamic
Todd Deutsch
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward can be difficult to navigate on your own. For more than 20 years, I’ve helped individuals, couples, men, and high functioning professionals better understand what’s getting in the way and move toward greater confidence, connection, and fulfillment.
I specialize in men’s therapy and work with men around relationships, anger, vulnerability, self-esteem, identity, communication, and the pressures they often carry in their personal and professional lives. I also work with high functioning professionals who may appear successful on the outside while privately dealing with stress, burnout, relationship challenges, emotional disconnection, self-doubt, or feeling stuck despite their accomplishments.
I’m also the author of Grounded Openness, a book about attachment, relationships, and learning to open your heart without losing yourself. My approach is warm, genuine, practical, and collaborative, and I want therapy to feel like a place where you can be yourself while working toward meaningful and lasting change.
If you’re wondering whether we might be a good fit, I invite you to reach out for a complimentary 10–15 minute introductory call.
21 Years Experience
In-Person Near Santa Monica, CA
Online in Santa Monica, CA
Psychodynamic Therapy therapists in Santa Monica, CA Statistics
Psychodynamic Therapy therapists in Santa Monica, CA average 15 years of experience and charge around $217 per session. 97% offer online sessions. The most commonly treated issues are Anxiety or Fears (79%), Depression (72%), and Trauma and PTSD (58%).
Average years in practice
15 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$217
Accept insurance
30%
Offer sliding scale
50%
Gender ID
| 68% |
Female |
|
| 30% |
Male |
|
| 1% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 1% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 61% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 36% |
Online Only |
|
| 3% |
In Person Only |
|
Top Specialties
| 79% | Anxiety or Fears |
| 72% | Depression |
| 58% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 55% | Relationship and Marriage Counseling |
| 50% | Loss or Grief |
| 50% | Stress |
| 48% | Self Esteem |
Ages Served
| 99% | Adult |
| 67% | Young Adult |
| 52% | Teen |
| 45% | Senior |
| 19% | Children |
Client Focus
| 55% | Women |
| 43% | LGBTQ+ |
| 38% | Men |
| 26% | Christian |
| 23% | Asian |