About Charles M. Cutler, Ph.D.
Licensed clinical psychologist. Educator. A practitioner whose career has been guided by a single conviction - that people have the capacity to grow and create more meaningful lives.
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Purdue University
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Harvard Medical School
Graduate
Minnesota Psychoanalytic Institute
Faculty Member
San Diego Psychoanalytic Center - Teaching & Supervision
Biography
A life dedicated to understanding people
Dr. Cutler has been practicing psychotherapy in La Jolla, California and has over thirty years of experience - building the kind of deep clinical expertise that only comes from sustained, careful work with a wide range of patients and concerns.
He received his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Purdue University, where he developed a rigorous foundation in psychological assessment and psychotherapy. Following his doctorate, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School, where he trained in psychoanalytically informed treatment and deepened his understanding of human development and psychopathology.
Dr. Cutler works with adults, seniors, adolescents, couples, and families presenting with a broad range of psychological concerns - from anxiety and depression to relationship difficulties, grief, and the challenges of major life transitions.
His approach is grounded in the conviction that lasting change is possible for virtually anyone willing to engage in the work of therapy. He believes that understanding - of oneself, one's history, and one's patterns - is the foundation from which real change is built.
In addition to his private practice, Dr. Cutler is a faculty member of the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center, where he teaches and supervises psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers in advanced psychotherapeutic technique - a role he finds deeply rewarding and that keeps him closely connected to the evolving field.
Education & Training
Formed by the best institutions in the field
Dr. Cutler's training spans two of the most respected institutions in American psychology and medicine, followed by decades of ongoing clinical development in private practice.
Undergraduate Studies
Dr. Cutler completed his undergraduate education, where he developed an early interest in the psychological dimensions of human behavior and inner life that would guide his career.
Purdue University
Dr. Cutler earned his doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Purdue University, one of the country's leading research institutions. His training encompassed psychological assessment, individual and group psychotherapy, and the scientific foundations of clinical practice.
Harvard Medical School
Following his doctorate, Dr. Cutler was selected for a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School - one of the most prestigious training programs in American psychiatry and psychology. There he deepened his expertise in psychoanalytically informed therapy, human development, and the treatment of complex psychological conditions.
Minnesota Psychoanalytic Institute
Following his postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Cutler pursued advanced training at the Minnesota Psychoanalytic Institute, earning certifications from both the American Psychoanalytic Association and the International Psychoanalytic Association - two of the most respected credentialing bodies in the field. This rigorous postgraduate program deepened his understanding of unconscious processes, early development, and the relational dynamics underlying psychological life.
Private Practice, La Jolla
Dr. Cutler has maintained a private practice for over three decades - treating individuals, couples, adolescents, and families across the full range of psychological concerns. Alongside his clinical work, he continues to teach and supervise at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center.
Approach & Philosophy
The belief that change
is always possible
Dr. Cutler's approach to therapy is shaped by decades of clinical experience and a deep respect for the complexity of each patient's inner life. He works in a thoughtful, exploratory manner - not from a rigid protocol, but from careful listening and genuine curiosity about the person in front of him.
"No matter what you may believe, you have the capacity to grow and create a more meaningful life."
His training in psychoanalytic thought informs his sensitivity to the ways in which the past shapes the present - how early relationships, unprocessed experiences, and unconscious patterns can quietly drive behavior in ways that are difficult to see from the inside.
Every person is unique
Treatment is tailored to the individual, not applied from a one-size-fits-all framework. Dr. Cutler adapts his approach to fit the person, not the other way around.
Understanding precedes change
Lasting change comes from genuine insight - not just symptom management. Dr. Cutler helps patients understand the patterns and sources of their difficulties, not simply manage the symptoms.
The relationship matters
The therapeutic relationship is itself a vehicle for healing. The quality of trust, safety, and understanding between patient and therapist is central to what makes therapy work.
Confidentiality is absolute
Everything shared in session stays in session. Dr. Cutler takes the privacy and trust of his patients seriously and maintains strict confidentiality in all aspects of his practice.
Teaching & Supervision
Committed to
the next generation
of clinicians
Beyond his private practice, Dr. Cutler serves as a faculty member at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center - one of the premier psychoanalytic training institutes in Southern California.
In this role he teaches courses in psychoanalytic theory and psychotherapeutic technique, and provides clinical supervision to psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers who are completing their advanced training.
This ongoing engagement with the teaching and training of mental health professionals keeps Dr. Cutler actively connected to the field's evolving literature and ensures that his own clinical practice continues to reflect the highest standards of care.
Member, American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA)
One of the oldest and most respected psychoanalytic organizations in the United States.
Member, International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA)
The worldwide organization for psychoanalysis, connecting practitioners across 50+ countries.
Faculty, San Diego Psychoanalytic Center (SDPC)
Teaching and supervising the advanced training of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.
Credentials & Memberships
Trained at the
highest levels
of the field
Dr. Cutler's professional credentials reflect a career of sustained commitment to clinical excellence, advanced training, and engagement with the broader professional community.
Purdue University
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology - one of the nation's leading research universities.
Harvard Medical School
Postdoctoral training in psychiatry and psychoanalytically informed treatment.
Minnesota Psychoanalytic Institute
Postgraduate certificates to deepen psychotherapy skills through a psychoanalytic lens.
APsaA & IPA
Member of both the American Psychoanalytic Association and the International Psychoanalytic Association.
A personal note
"Getting help from a psychologist is an act of courage."
Dr. Cutler understands that reaching out to a therapist is not easy. He takes that trust seriously - and brings the same care, attention, and commitment to every patient relationship that has characterized his practice for over three decades.
Schedule a ConsultationNot sure where to start? Explore all services or read the FAQ.