Experience with Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)?

August 14, 2013 7:19 PM

I'm searching for a therapist to help me deal with ongoing anxiety and insecurity issues. I came across someone who looks promising and practices ISTDP, which I had never heard of before. I did some googling and it looks legit, but wondered if any of you have any experience with this? thanks!
posted by meb123 to Health & Fitness (4 answers total)

I don't have experience with it, but I do know that it's often just called "Intensive Dynamic Psychotherapy," abbreviated IDP. There have been a lot of studies on it (it's generally regarded as being just as effective as CBT), and that phrasing might turn up more if you're Googling.
posted by jaguar at 7:26 PM on August 14, 2013

I'm sorry, I screwed up the shortened version. It's "Interpersonal Psychotherapy," abbreviated IPT, sometimes also includes "short-term."
posted by jaguar at 7:28 PM on August 14, 2013

All types of legitimate psychotherapy are basically equal in efficacy and effectiveness. ISTDP is no different. The real issue is whether or not you will get along with the therapist and whether the model of therapy comports with your feelings about how your psyche works and what needs to change. I wrote a previous comment about how to get the most out of therapy based on what current research indicates works best in therapy.
posted by OmieWise at 4:41 AM on August 15, 2013

I am seeing an ISTDP therapist - I did not know in advance this is what he practiced - and have now read a lot of its main literature. I'm a sceptic in general, but find the logic of ISTDP very convincing.

I agree with OmieWise that the relationship with the therapist is as or more important than what flavour they practice. ISTDP is a rather direct and confrontational type of therapy and can be tough, but then, all therapy is tough and is meant to be just that. It seems to be working well for me. Memail me if you have specific questions or if you want to read up and need recommendations.
posted by prolific at 11:18 AM on August 15, 2013