Do We Really Need Psychodynamic Therapy?1

Abstract

This research-focused chapter attempts to justify the continued relevance of psychodynamic therapy for clinical practice. Evidence collected over the past several decades indicates that it is a flexible treatment, at least as effective as other approaches, and leads to significant reductions in patient healthcare costs. In addition, psychodynamic therapy may be associated with unique clinical benefits beyond symptom reduction. Further, a number of important psychodynamic constructs (e.g., the therapeutic alliance, attachment theory) have been adopted by other orientations, and this trend continues to the present (e.g., corrective emotional experiences, mentalization). Finally, the current and future challenges for psychodynamic therapy are briefly reviewed.