Home › Psychotherapy / Psychoanalysis
A shared, collaborative exploration aimed at alleviating suffering and building greater self-understanding, self-confidence, and fulfillment.
The Work
Psychotherapy and psychoanalysis are shared, collaborative efforts between patient and therapist aimed at the alleviation of suffering and the improvement of health and well-being. Together we work to understand the patterns — conscious and unconscious — that shape how you think, feel, and relate to others.
Often, the solutions we developed to navigate early challenges become counterproductive when our circumstances change. Exploring these patterns with a trusted therapist can open the door to new ways of understanding yourself — and new possibilities for how to live.
Treatment may be brief and problem-focused or longer-term and exploratory, depending on your needs and goals. All appointments are conducted via secure video conference or phone call.
Treatment Options
A collaborative, insight-oriented process for working through personal and professional challenges, improving relationships, and building emotional resilience. Sessions may be brief and problem-focused or longer-term and exploratory.
Managing anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions
Understanding recurring patterns in relationships
Developing more effective coping and communication skills
Building self-confidence and a clearer sense of identity
Improving professional performance and personal fulfillment
A deeper, more intensive form of treatment that examines unconscious patterns, unresolved conflicts, and the roots of long-standing difficulties. Typically conducted several times per week, psychoanalysis invites profound and lasting personal transformation.
Uncovering unconscious patterns and their origins
Resolving long-standing emotional or relational conflicts
Developing a richer, more integrated sense of self
Exploring how the past shapes present relationships and choices
Fostering deep and lasting personal growth
Philosophy
At the heart of this work is a trusting and respectful therapeutic relationship. Dr. Gardner brings a genuinely collaborative spirit — working with patients to understand their unique experiences, strengths, and challenges.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all technique, the approach is tailored to each individual: their history, goals, and pace. The goal is not just symptom relief, but greater self-knowledge, increased confidence, and a fuller, more satisfying life.
Dr. Gardner trained in Adult Psychoanalysis at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, following his psychiatry residency at UCSD School of Medicine where he served as Chief Resident.
"Working together, we listen, understand, and create better solutions."
— Dan Gardner, MD
Psychiatrist & Psychoanalyst · Del Mar, California
M.D., Northwestern University Medical School (Honors Program)
Psychiatry Residency & Chief Resident, UCSD School of Medicine
Graduate, Adult Psychoanalysis — San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute
Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology
Telehealth Appointments Only
All appointments are conducted via secure video conference or phone call — providing convenient, private care from wherever you are in San Diego and beyond. Dr. Gardner is not currently accepting new patients. Existing patients and healthcare professionals are welcome to reach out.
For existing patients and professional inquiries. All appointments conducted via video conference or phone.