Psychodynamic Resources
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is often portrayed as an unscientific, outdated approach to therapy without an evidence base - better off forgotten in favor of CBT, which is fast, structured, simple, and widely considered the gold standard according to the evidence.
But is this the reality? Recent research challenges these assumptions. The articles presented here demonstrate that:
- Contemporary psychodynamic therapy has a robust evidence base showing both effectiveness and lasting change
- The evidence for standardised therapies like CBT may not be as strong as commonly presented
- Different therapeutic approaches may work through common mechanisms, with the therapeutic relationship being particularly important
Featured Articles
That was then, this is now.
A jargon-free introduction to contemporary psychodynamic therapy that challenges outdated stereotypes. Dr. Shedler explains how modern psychodynamic approaches help people understand themselves more deeply and create lasting change. Written for both clinicians and the public, this influential paper demonstrates why psychodynamic therapy remains highly relevant in today's mental health landscape.
View PDFGetting to Know Me: The Hidden Power of Psychodynamic Therapy
Written for a general audience, this engaging article challenges common misconceptions about psychodynamic therapy while reviewing compelling evidence for its effectiveness. Dr. Shedler demonstrates how modern psychodynamic therapy helps people develop deeper self-understanding and achieve lasting psychological growth.
View PDFWhere is the evidence for evidence-based therapy?
A provocative examination of what "evidence-based" really means in psychotherapy. Dr. Shedler challenges common assumptions about therapy research, revealing how the most widely promoted treatments may not be as effective as claimed. This influential paper exposes troubling research practices and asks whether we've confused marketing with science.
View PDFEvidence for Psychodynamic Therapy: A Letter to WHO
Leading researchers challenge WHO's narrow focus on CBT, presenting comprehensive evidence that psychodynamic therapy is equally effective for depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and other conditions. This powerful open letter makes a compelling case for including psychodynamic approaches in global mental health guidelines.
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