Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is an evidence-based therapy that promotes healing through experiential learning.

The ISTDP therapy process involves:

1) Paying attention to bodily experience moment to moment

2) Becoming more mindful of feelings, anxiety, and defense mechanisms

3) Turning away from habitual, automatic defenses and toward feelings instead

4) “Unlocking” and integration of previously unconscious material

As a result of this process, there is an increase in:

1) Compassion for oneself and one’s longings—which defenses had defeated

2) Capacity to channel feelings into adaptive actions so one can achieve their goals in life

[This introduction is adapted from of a long-form article by Jon Frederickson]

There are over 60 research sutdies attesting to the effectiveness of ISTDP. It has been used to treat a wide range of mental health problems, from relatively straightforward issues to more complex, “treatment-resistant” conditions such as complex trauma, personality disorders, and medically unexplained physical symptoms.

At its heart ISTDP is about removing barriers to emotional closeness—both with oneself and others. As such, you can expect you relational skills to strengthen as a result of being in ISTDP therapy.

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is unique because it quickly targets the unconscious emotional patterns that drive behavior. While traditional therapies often explore these issues over a longer period, ISTDP is more direct, aiming to bring these hidden emotions to the surface right away. This allows people to address deep-seated conflicts and unacknowledged feelings much faster, promoting quicker emotional shifts.

What makes ISTDP even more unique is the way the therapist is actively involved in the process. Instead of a passive listening role, the therapist creates an environment where clients are encouraged to confront their emotions with intensity. This active engagement often leads to emotional breakthroughs, helping people move past old defenses and make real changes in their lives.

The approach is also highly personalized. ISTDP isn’t a one-size-fits-all therapy—it’s customized to each person’s specific emotional challenges and defense mechanisms. The therapist tailors their methods to the individual, helping them unpack repressed feelings and break free from long-standing patterns. This focus on personalization allows for significant progress in a relatively short amount of time.

In short, no. ISTDP interventions are tailored each patient’s level of emotional tolerance. Therapists receive extensive training on monitoring anxiety signals that require a slowing down of the therapy process.

While the overarching goal of ISTDP treatment is to integrate deeply buried feeling and resolve emotional wounds, the foundation that allows this to happen is safe and respectful therapeutic environment.