Accelerated Dynamic Experiential Psychotherapy: What It Is And How It Works
There are more and more newly created models and approaches within the psychotherapeutic clinical context. One of these models, of recent appearance, is accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy, created by Dr. Diana Fosha
In this article we will explain, in summary, what this therapeutic model consists of, what its 4 main foundations are and how it can help people reduce their emotional suffering.
Accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy: what is it?
Accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy (AEDP) is an integrative model within psychotherapy, and is specially designed to treat psychological trauma. It is based on healing and a non-pathologizing view of symptoms, and is aimed at the transformation of the person. This therapy, on the other hand, is psychodynamic and psychoanalytic.
Accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy was created by an American psychologist, Dr. Diana Fosha, PhD. Diana Fosha founded the AEDPT Institute in New York (USA), and is currently its director. At this center she also teaches clinical psychology classes and works as a psychotherapist.
To develop this model, Fosha understood people’s suffering as opportunities to heal and experience greater transformation, and accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy was based on this idea. According to its author, this transformation would not be possible without certain experiences of suffering.
In fact, this therapeutic model uses the term “Transformance” to refer to that force that motivates the individual to strive to heal, be authentic, vital and connect with themselves.
Regarding its influences, accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy draws on different disciplines or therapeutic orientations. These are: attachment theory, therapies focused on the body itself, affective neuroscience and different transformational studies.
The goal of accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy is to help the patient become stronger in the face of adverse life circumstances, and especially after experiencing a traumatic situation
To achieve this objective, the therapeutic relationship established between patient and psychologist is essential; This relationship must provide a secure base for the patient, where they can express their most intimate emotions and fears, as we will see later.
Through this therapy model It works on trauma, loss and the painful consequences of certain life experiences as well as in other aspects or symptoms that may arise throughout the therapeutic process.
4 fundamentals
Accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy is based on 4 foundations or pillars, which include its philosophy. These points are key to developing an effective psychotherapy process within this approach, and they are the following:
1. The power of being understood
Accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy is based on the idea that being listened to heals. This is essential for many people, and is actually one of the foundations of any psychotherapeutic process.
Thus, within this approach, a space is promoted to explore the patient’s needs and desires, and thus enhance change The therapist will help the patient explore all these feelings that arise from her traumatic experience.
2. The ability to heal
Another foundation of accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy is faith in the patient’s healing capacity, which is found within himself.
Sometimes, but This capacity is blocked by life circumstances or especially painful experiences The therapist here will have the mission of promoting this capacity, which is actually intrinsic to each person.
3. The ability to experience emotions
The next foundation of accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy consists of the importance of discovering the individual’s ability to experience emotions. These emotions can be positive or negative, but the important thing is that they are shared and processed.
In this context, the so-called “corrective emotional experiences” appear, which are part of the psychotherapeutic process, and which They help the patient to challenge their ideas and select those experiences that can really help them Thus, through different techniques within the therapy, a new way of experiencing emotions is opened up by the patient.
4. Exploration of wounds
The last foundation or pillar of Accelerated Dynamic Experiential Psychotherapy involves exploring the patient’s emotions in their maximum depth, so that they can heal. This involves exploring her “wounds,” her traumas, and her weak points.
Through healing, transformation is achieved towards a healthier interpretation of reality, according to this therapeutic model. For healing to occur, the processing of emotions, both positive and negative, is essential. The therapist accompanies the patient throughout this process.
The role of the therapist
What role does the therapist play in accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy? It is the essential piece so that the patient has a secure base from which to explain how they feel. Thus, the therapist must show an open and close behavior towards the patient, and eliminate any hint of judgment or prejudice.
The important thing is to create a space of tranquility and understanding, so that the person can open up To do this, and as in all psychotherapy, it is also important for the therapist to show security and convey to the patient the message that “they are not alone.”
It may happen (and it should happen) that a space of tranquility and trust opens up for the patient, and it may be the first time for many that they do not feel alone. To do this, all behaviors expressing feelings expressed by the patient must be reinforced, since there will be moments of vulnerability and suffering that must be addressed and contained.
On the other hand, accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy gives great importance to the patient’s body movement, as well as their facial expression, tone of voice, eye movements, gestures in general, posture, etc. The therapist, at all times, must attend to these behaviors, to be able to connect with the patient and explore with them.
Positive experiences
Accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy also places great importance on the patient’s positive experiences, as they are very beneficial for their healing or transformation process. These experiences allow you to work with positive affects In addition, positive emotions must also be processed and regulated, just like negative ones.
In fact, and as a way to confirm its usefulness, it has been observed how these positive experiences help in the patient’s recovery. Thus, we see how this psychotherapy model is based on a non-pathologizing view of symptoms, and how it is based above all on healing and positive emotions.
Who can use this therapy?
Logically, people well trained in it. Luckily, it is not limited to psychologists, but psychiatrists, social workers, etc. can also practice accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy.
However, within the health context and as far as psychologists are concerned, The ideal is that the person has the General Health Master’s Degree or the PIR (Resident Internal Psychologist), in addition to having clinical training and experience.
