Life Transitions Psychodynamic Therapy

Life Transitions

Life transitions can be rewarding, but that doesn't mean they are necessarily easy. Change usually comes with mixed emotions, challenges and stress. It's natural to feel anxious, confused, unsettled and fatigued, no matter how you have looked forward to a change. While promotions at work can be positive and exciting, there are also negative transitions that could make you feel hopeless and negative, anxious and unable to see the solutions to the inevitable problems you face.


Some of the common transitions that people face include moving house, divorce, remarriage, empty nest syndrome, concerns about aging, adjusting to a new job, illness, or death of a loved one.

During periods of transitions, it's common for emotions from some of your past experiences to be triggered, which can make the current situation feel so much worse. That's when confusion takes over, leaving you feeling out of control and confused.

Transition counselling can help you deal with your life changes and the emotions that you are feeling in a safe and effective manner. You will be able to find the root causes of your reactions and you will be able to face the changes head on. You may even be able to push past your self-imposed limits to broaden your horizons and find a strong, new you.

You will gain clarity and understanding, as well as self-confidence to help you feel more grounded and you will develop a sense of purpose in your life. Transition therapy  has helped hundreds of thousands of people to come to terms with difficult issues in life and you can too.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who addresses transitions, you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy can help clients to become aware of feelings of vulnerability that have been repressed from their conscious awareness. This approach is based on the theory that every person has an unconscious which stores vulnerable and painful emotions that are too deep to handle on a conscious level.

Psychodynamic Therapy addresses the defense mechanisms that  have been developed. Defense mechanisms can sometimes do more harm than good. By resolving vulnerabilities such as repression and denial, painful emotions and memories can be processed in order for the defense mechanisms to be resolved, or reduced.

Therapists use a range of core principles in Psychodynamic Therapy, based on the client's needs. It will help the client to gain perspective while recognizing behaviours, actions, responses and character traits that can be transformed.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Psychodynamic Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Sharon Jeyakumar

Ph.D., R.Psych
Are you feeling stuck in old patterns and unable to move forward? Are you looking for a safe space to work through your challenges? I am a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years’ clinical experience across various... Read more

Raazhan Rae-Seebach

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Raazhan Rae-Seebach is a registered psychologist who works from an integrated, psychotherapeutic approach that includes mindfulness, meditation, spiritual and existential practices focused... Read more

Elizabeth Medina

MCP, RCC
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Medina, I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC, and I hold a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. I am currently working at Skylark Counselling Clinic in Downtown... Read more

Toni Pieroni

M.A., RCC
I believe that healing, growth and development occur within the context of relationship. Therefore, choosing the right therapist is a critical aspect of the therapeutic process. I bring over 40 years of personal... Read more

Emma Ellison

MCP, RCC
Transpersonal Psychotherapist Doula & Traditional Birth Attendant Birth Integration & Spiritual Care Practitioner My approach Just as a seed will grow into a plant, and a plant will seek water and... Read more

Rachel Moxham

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
My relational and feminist approach to counselling emphasizes the mutual formation of people through their relationships. With it, I support you in finding your own self in the tangle of relations with friends, family,... Read more

Karen Ergas

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a registered psychologist with over 25 years experience working with individuals who struggle with all types of disordered eating and related conditions. My background includes individual and group therapy,... Read more

Jeff Ross

M.A., RCC
 Feel good about the possibilities that life has to offer. Are you seeing life clearly? Do you tell your family and friends “I’m fine” even though you know you are not? Do you feel... Read more

Jan Paris

M.A., RCC
I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience working in private practice and the voluntary sector.  I work with individuals, couples, groups and families. I... Read more

Geraldine Brooks

Ph.D., R.Psych
My counselling is holistic, informed by scientific advances in psychology and neurology as well as Transpersonal, Jungian (the theories of C.G. Jung) and Energy Psychologies. I address a wide variety of client concerns... Read more

Brenda Casey

B.A. Hons, RCC
    • Video on profile
PLEASE NOTE: Telephone counselling available, though couples counselling only conducted in person.                    ... Read more

Edie Reiman

M.S.W., RSW
*****Edie Reiman MSW, RSW is a Psychotherapist, Life Coach and Presenter. Private Practice located in South Surrey/White Rock, BC.  Video and Tele-Counselling/Coaching with clients in Vancouver,... Read more

Judith Setton-Markus

M.Ed., R.Psych
Judith Setton-Markus is a Registered Psychologist licensed with the College of Psychologists of BC #1712. She is also a Psychoanalyst and Psychoanalytically Oriented Psychotherapist, a member of the Western Branch... Read more

Robin Willis

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
It takes courage to reach out and seek help - to not go it alone. If you have found your way here, you have taken a brave first step. Life might not offer a clear handbook, and at times, our internal stories may... Read more

Marilyn Kwong

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a Registered Psychologist (#2043) with specialized training in helping people with their emotions and relationships in a deep and experiential way. Relationships have a huge influence on how we feel about... Read more

Ben Bjorgaard

Ph.D. (cand), RCC
By addressing troubling thoughts and feelings, self-sabotaging behaviors, and traumas, life can be made more manageable, productive, and fulfilling. Feelings such as grief, shame, anxiety, sadness, and anger often... Read more

Ira Yakubovitz

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Helping people to find their way through mid-life’s challenges and transitions. Life can be a wonderful mix of challenges and opportunities. Lately it may feel like mostly demands and responsibilities have been... Read more

Kathleen Cain

M.Couns., RCC
Life can be really hard sometimes, for a lot of different reasons. And sometimes, what makes it even harder, is feeling alone in it. This can make us feel confused, hurt, angry, anxious, depressed, isolated, overwhelmed... Read more

Sharon Southey

M.A., RCC
Sharon Southey is a skilled professional with a nursing background, who has been counselling people since 1992. She likes to work with individuals who are teenage or adult, families of all types and couples,... Read more

Monique Silverman

M.A., RCC
  My Approach My work is primarily relational, experiential and emotion-focused. This approach is called Accelerated Experiential Psychodynamic Therapy (AEDP) and seamlessly encourages you to engage with your... Read more

Dave Vass

M.Couns., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
I have specialized training in the treatment of Type-C Personalities (Conscientious/Competent/Self-Controlled). Who, or what is Type C ?? People tend to be quite familiar with Type A and Type B personalities. But... Read more

Claire Sutton

M.A., RCC
I help people who feel stuck. I help people who are angry and overwhelmed. I help people who are afraid of change, afraid of making the wrong decision and afraid that they might not be good enough.  I help... Read more

Youki Kato

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and a certified Expressive Arts Therapist. I have expertise in helping people who have experienced Domestic Violence or are... Read more

Andria Wrench

M.A., RCC
As a counsellor in the Vancouver and New Westminster areas since 1993, my practice has included working with individuals and groups (in person and online) who are managing a wide variety of challenges that have... Read more

Jeff Morley

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am an experienced Registered Psychologist (#1577), as well as a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress.  In my practice I help people working through different challenges in their life from relationship and... Read more

Virlyn Collantes

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
About Me I offer individual and couples therapy whether in-person or virtual sessions. I am a fervent advocate for addressing the root causes of individuals' and couples' issues and firmly believe that every... Read more

Susan Brook

Ph.D., RCC
You may be in pain and seeking healing, or simply have a sense that life could be better. You probably look to the world as though you are successful and coping well, but you don't feel like that inside. In holding... Read more

Anne Pustil

M.Ed., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counselor and I work with clients all over the world who are dealing with issues that include: Anxiety and Stress Marital/Relationship Conflict Unresolved Trauma Depression... Read more

Begum Ozeke

MCP, RCC
Welcome! I support individuals and couples through a wide range of challenging issues and specialize in culturally-sensitive Trauma treatment. I have extensive training and experience working with adult survivors of... Read more

Kristen Drozda

M.Ed., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and I am honoured to provide individual and confidential support to teens (13+), young adults, and fellow grownups as you explore and grapple with your inner well-being and... Read more