Psychodynamic Therapists in Waterloo, ON
Emma Hartley
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA (she, her)
Are you looking for a therapist that knows what it's like to feel lost or overwhelmed and how to find your footing again? Noticing yourself feeling more anxious, "just tired", and craving a space to slow down and reconnect with a sense of meaning or purpose? Trying to make sense of shifts in mood, questioning careers, exploring relationships, parenting and identity, or a major life transition?
Jillian Ivany
Registered Psychotherapist
Life can feel overwhelming, leaving you anxious, disconnected, or stuck in painful patterns. I offer Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in a warm, non-judgmental space where all parts of you are welcome. Together we explore your inner world with curiosity to support healing, clarity, and connection to yourself and others. I offer virtual/in person session. Free 15min consultations available.
Siobhan McCarthy, MSW, RSW
Registered Individual and Family Therapist , Clinical Consultant
If you feel that you are not living your best life, your relationships are not what you hoped they would be, or the conflict in your life is not going away, perhaps it is time to talk to someone about it. Starting counselling is a brave first step and I will be there to support you through this process. Additionally, I provide supervision to Social Workers in Private Practice.
Alysha Bernstein
Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor & Traumatologist
I am a registered psychotherapist with a decade of experience in mental healthcare. I have built an authentic, client-centred, and empathic space in my private practice since 2020. We provide care for a wide range of mental health issues and couples or family conflict. My team is as accessible and affordable as possible and we are constantly learning new and better ways to support our clients
Lisa O’Donovan
Registered Psychotherapist
I offer Psychodynamic, trauma-informed therapy for adults and couples in-person in Burlington and virtually. I support clients navigating complex trauma, relationship difficulties, addiction and recovery, family dysfunction, and life transitions helping to uncover and understand emotional and relational patterns, process experiences, build greater self-awareness in a safe, compassionate space.
Jessica DeMille
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, B.Sc (Hons)
I work with individuals, couples, families, and children (10+), providing a safe, supportive space for exploration and growth. Using an integrative, client-centered approach, I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, relationships, and life transitions, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful change. Together, we explore tools and strategies to support emotional well-being.
Varshini Skantharajah
Registered Psychotherapist
Caitlin Kemmett
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I’m Caitlin, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) offering individual and couples therapy in Ottawa and virtually across Ontario. I support adults facing anxiety, burnout, ADHD, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My warm, collaborative approach blends CBT, ACT, and the Gottman Method to help you feel grounded, connected, and confident moving forward.
Amelia Traer
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA, PsiChi
My work is shaped by CBT, ACT, DBT, ERP, and trauma-informed, mindfulness-based approaches. I support clients with anxiety, burnout, OCD and phobias, ADHD, grief, life transitions, women's health, and chronic health concerns. Our therapy space adapts, with a focus on connection, emotional regulation, and practical strategies that fit your life.
Sophie Marie McPherson
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) B.A., M.A.
I offer psychotherapy services to teens and adults struggling with a wide range of presenting concerns. I have experience working with ADHD, anxiety, life transitions, stress, self-esteem and body image issues, chronic illness/pain, gender dysphoria, sexuality exploration, and non-monogamous relationships.
Sarah Perone
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I help individuals and couples break painful relationship cycles so they can feel more connected, secure, and confident. I support concerns like recurrent conflict, relationship anxiety (and ROCD), limerence, and resentment. Using an attachment- and evidence-based approach, I offer warm, non-judgmental virtual therapy across Ontario. Book a free 15-minute consultation to get started.
Yasmin Rombola-Bacchus
Registered Psychotherapist
Picture a road map through counselling therapy to find more meaningful connections with yourself & others, gaining more confidence & peace. Picture finding yourself again, a greater love for yourself & your life. Imagine a transformed you and a better future. In my practice, you will be provided with a safe & caring environment. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life!
Renata Roma
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I offer support for individuals dealing with anxiety, including high-functioning anxiety, OCD, intrusive thoughts, and phobias, including animal-related fears. Many of my clients come in with relationship struggles. I also specialize in pet loss, and anxiety related to pets.
Sophie Cohen
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Trauma-informed therapy available virtually
Martha Li
Registered Psychotherapist
I am a Registered Psychotherapist based in Oakville, Ontario. I help you feel understood and supported as we explore what's weighing on you. Together, we uncover patterns, build coping strategies, and nurture the skills you need to thrive. My goal is to create a safe space where you can grow, heal, and feel more connected.
Zarifa Andani
MPCC-P, RTC-C
This work isn’t about fixing your parts—it’s about helping you feel more like your whole self again. We can work together to slow down, get curious, and listen deeply. Our internal body wisdom is an integral source of information that speaks more significantly than words. Real change is possible when ALL of you feels safe enough to be seen and supported, just as you are.
Matthew Pitts
Registered Psychotherapist
I work with individuals and couples, focusing on areas like anxiety, relationship conflict, career stress, and recurring interpersonal patterns. My approach is collaborative, reflective, compassionate, and direct when helpful. Drawing from experience in family law, finance, marriage, and parenthood, I help clients navigate conflict, stress, and personal growth.
Shayesteh Zarieh
Registered Psychotherapist
Let’s be honest—starting therapy isn’t always a bold, empowered choice. Sometimes it’s a quiet, messy, or reluctant one. Maybe you’re simply tired of pretending everything’s fine. This space is for the parts of you that don’t have to be impressive, productive, or put-together. The parts that are unsure, grieving, angry, numb, or just curious about what else is possible.
Laura Clarke
Registered Psychotherapist
I’m a registered psychotherapist supporting individuals who feel stuck in patterns of self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, or disconnection in their relationships. My approach is warm, grounded, and conversational - integrating Narrative Therapy, EFT, Somatic, and Trauma-Informed practices to nurture safety, awareness, and sustainable change. Complimentary consultations available.
Lester Vega
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I offer psychotherapy rooted in both psychodynamic and Jungian approaches for adults living with the lasting impact of early adversity, complex trauma, and attachment wounds. Together we explore anxiety, burnout, relationship patterns, grief, shame, spirituality, and dreams at a pace that fits your nervous system. I provide secure online therapy across Ontario and a free 30‑minute consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Psychodynamic
What is psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is an approach rooted in psychoanalytic theory that explores how unconscious processes, past experiences (particularly early relationships), and recurring emotional and relational patterns shape current psychological difficulties. Unlike classical psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy is typically conducted in weekly sessions face-to-face, is more flexible in its format, and may be shorter or longer depending on goals. It focuses on insight into patterns, the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle of change, and the emotional processing of past experiences.
How does psychodynamic therapy differ from CBT?
CBT focuses on identifying and modifying current thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours, with structured homework and techniques. Psychodynamic therapy explores the historical origins of current difficulties, works with unconscious patterns and defences, uses the therapeutic relationship itself as a primary source of data and change, and is typically less structured and less symptom-focused. CBT tends to be shorter and more focused; psychodynamic work tends to be longer and more exploratory. Both have strong evidence, and many therapists integrate elements of both.
What does psychodynamic therapy address?
Psychodynamic therapy addresses depression, anxiety, personality difficulties, relationship patterns, identity and self-esteem issues, trauma, grief, somatic symptoms with psychological roots, and difficulties with intimacy and attachment. It is particularly valuable for people with complex, long-standing patterns that have not responded to briefer approaches — those who feel they understand their problems but keep repeating them, or who sense there are deeper layers not addressed by symptom-focused work.
What is the transference and why is it important in psychodynamic therapy?
Transference refers to the emotional reactions and relational patterns that the client brings to the therapeutic relationship — ways of experiencing the therapist that are rooted in past relationships rather than the therapist's actual qualities. In psychodynamic therapy, these transference reactions are not seen as problems to be avoided but as valuable data — windows into the client's internalized relational world. Exploring transference in the therapeutic relationship allows patterns to be observed, understood, and changed in a live, immediate context.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Psychodynamic therapy ranges from brief (Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, 16–40 sessions) to open-ended long-term work over several years. Brief psychodynamic therapy uses a specific focus agreed upon at the start to concentrate the work. Long-term therapy allows more thorough exploration of deeply rooted patterns. The duration depends on the person's goals, the complexity of their concerns, and practical factors. Short-term psychodynamic therapy has strong evidence for depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms.