Brief dynamic psychotherapy : an exploration of attitudes and practice among a group of local clinicians - some implications for training

Abstract

This study explores brief dynamic psychotherapy as a model of intervention with the individual adult client. The rationale for examining this area emanated from a few aspects. Firstly, increasing numbers of research studies indicated that the median length of psychotherapy, whether in private practice, or in community mental health centres, was actually of brief duration, whether planned or not; secondly, emerging studies indicated the proven effectiveness of brief intervention; and thirdly, the current emphasis on practice accountability with a more conscious use of time and outcome, were motivating factors to explore this model in practice. In addition, the study aimed to explore elements from the broader psychoanalytic tradition, which could be shaped and offered within a brief dynamic model of therapy.