Home › Psychoanalysis
A deeper, longer-term therapeutic exploration to uncover unconscious patterns, resolve long-standing conflicts, and foster profound personal transformation.
An Experienced Guide. A Fascinating Journey.
Psychoanalysis is the most in-depth form of psychotherapy — a sustained, collaborative exploration of the mind that goes beyond managing symptoms to understanding their roots. It examines how unconscious patterns, early experiences, and unresolved conflicts shape your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and choices today.
Through a close, trusting relationship with the analyst and a process of open, reflective conversation, psychoanalysis helps you discover the hidden layers of your inner world. This understanding — hard-won and lasting — creates the conditions for genuine and enduring change.
Psychoanalytic treatment is typically more intensive and longer-term than standard psychotherapy, often meeting several times per week. This frequency allows for deeper work and more thorough transformation. All sessions are conducted via secure video conference or phone call.
Deep Work
Uncovering how early experiences shape present behavior
Identifying unconscious conflicts driving repetitive patterns
Understanding the deeper meaning of dreams, symptoms, and slips
Exploring how the past continues to influence current relationships
Resolving long-standing emotional or relational conflicts
Developing a richer, more integrated sense of self
Achieving lasting freedom from chronic anxiety, depression, or emptiness
Fostering deep and enduring personal growth
Patient Experience
Psychoanalysis is a courageous undertaking — a willingness to look honestly at yourself, your past, and the forces that have shaped you. It requires time and commitment, but for those who engage fully, the rewards can be profound and lasting.
Patients often describe a growing sense of wholeness — the ability to inhabit more of who they truly are, to take greater responsibility for their lives, and to build richer, more authentic relationships with others.
"When people experience traumatic events as children, they often have difficulty connecting the threads of their life as adults... psychoanalysis helped me see my whole self and live more parts of my self."
— P.C., Washington, D.C.
Dr. Gardner's Qualifications
Graduate, Adult Psychoanalysis — San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute
Former Faculty, San Diego Psychoanalytic Center
Member, San Diego Psychoanalytic Center
Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology
Distinguished Life Fellow, American Psychiatric Association
Common Myths vs. Realities
Myth: Psychoanalysis takes forever.
Reality: The length varies. While deep work takes time, the gains are lasting rather than temporary.
Myth: It's only about the past.
Reality: Understanding the past is a means to transforming the present and future.
Myth: It's passive and aimless.
Reality: It's an active, collaborative process with meaningful goals and measurable outcomes.
Explore Further
Collaborative, insight-oriented therapy for personal and professional challenges.
Learn moreBuild on your core strengths to overcome obstacles and achieve greater fulfillment.
Learn moreConsultation for mental health professionals and physicians on complex cases.
Learn moreTelehealth Appointments Only
All sessions are conducted via secure video conference or phone — providing private, convenient care from wherever you are. Dr. Gardner is not currently accepting new patients. Existing patients are welcome to reach out directly.
For existing patients and professional inquiries. All appointments conducted via video conference or phone.