BROOKE POMERANTZ, LCSW | CALIFORNIA THERAPY & THERAPY IN OAKLAND
Psychodyanmic Therapy in OaklandPsychodynamic psychotherapy operates on the assumption that we are all guided by thoughts and feelings that are outside of our awareness, and that a significant part of the work of the treatment is to make space to bring aspects of ourselves that are out of our awareness into consciousness.
What Is Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy operates on the assumption that we are all guided by thoughts and feelings that are outside of our awareness (unconscious), and that a significant part of the work is to bring aspects of ourselves that are out of our awareness into consciousness.
Therapy gives you a steady place to think through these changes, process what’s hard, and feel less alone with it. Together we make room for what’s present now, so life can feel more grounded, meaningful, and connected.
What are the Tenets of Psychodynamic Therapy?
It values the therapist/client relationship and the idea that patterns of relating in therapy may reflect larger patterns in life.
It includes an emphasis on affect and emotions and finding language to describe how we are feeling and experiencing the world.
It is guided by the belief that early life experiences, especially with caregivers, are formative in shaping our identities and personality structure.
Contemporary psychodynamic therapy recognizes the impact of stressors, systemic injustice, unconscious racism, and implicit bias on a person’s experience.
How Psychodynamic Therapy Supports You
Psychodynamic therapy offers a space to uncover what’s beneath the surface, explore patterns shaped by the past, and create new ways of living in the present:
Exploring the past: We look at how early experiences and old coping strategies shaped you, honoring what once helped while opening space for healthier patterns now.
Emotional struggles: This approach is effective for depression, anxiety, mood dysregulation, anger, psychosis, personality disorders, and relational or developmental trauma.
Integrating other tools: While psychodynamic work is my foundation, I also draw from CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and ACT when helpful.
Whole-person healing: We may also focus on sleep, nutrition, creativity, nature, and community to support wellness and balance beyond the therapy room.
My Style in Session
1) When an individual enters treatment, we discuss what they are seeking help with and then begin to discuss what aspect of their struggles feels most pressing.
2) I listen and respond to what is shared, what is unsaid, what is communicated nonverbally, and what may be expressed less consciously.
3) I listen for unconscious narratives that may be guiding how a person walks through the world, and we examine these together.
4)I also pay attention to my emotional responses to clients as a tool to help me understand them better.
What to Expect in Our First Sessions
Explore Your History
In our first few meetings, I’ll take time to understand your story, what you’re struggling with, what feels most pressing, and what kind of support you’re looking for.
We’ll talk about your history, your relationships, your coping strategies, and your daily life.
Set Goals
We’ll also notice patterns together, what emotions are present, what may be expressed less consciously, and how you tend to cope.
By around the fifth session, we’ll start shaping treatment goals and keep adjusting as your needs evolve.
Review & Iterate
This early work lays the foundation for our psychodynamic therapy.
As we continue, we’ll bring unconscious patterns into awareness, explore emotions and relationships, and create space for more authentic ways of living.
About Me
I’m Brooke Pomerantz, a licensed therapist based in Oakland and working with clients across California, New York, and Indiana. My approach is warm, curious, and collaborative. I love this work because I’ve seen how it can lead to profound and lasting change.
Brooke Pomerantz
Brooke Pomerantz is a compassionate and experienced licensed clinical social worker dedicated to providing supportive therapy services in Oakland and through teletherapy across California. With a focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment, Brooke helps clients navigate life’s challenges, fostering growth and healing through personalized therapeutic approaches.