Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)

A therapy for adults (ages 18+) with Major DepressionThe therapy is predicated on the premise that many psychological disorders, including Major Depression, are based on attachment and the emotional effects of broken attachments. Interruptions and trauma to human attachments may cause a cascade of complex emotions which may become blocked and avoided. When later life events stir up these feelings, anxiety and emotional defenses may be activated. These reactions may be totally unconscious to the person having them, and the result is ruined relationships, physical symptoms, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, work dysfunction and a range of psychiatric symptoms. A proportion of all patients/clients with anxiety, depression, substance use, and interpersonal problems have this emotional blockage problem. This therapy is designed to focus on emotional awareness and the ability to feel these emotions to heal and overcome these behavioral and psychiatric symptoms. 

Focus Population
Adults
Target Problems or Risk Factors
Mental Health Problems
Level of Intervention
Indicated
Settings in Which Program Can Be Delivered
Behavioral Health Organization or Agency, Community, Medical or Health Setting, including residential treatment centers
Latinos in Participant Samples
No Information
Type of Program
Generic
Registry
CEBC
Strength of Evidentiary Support
2-Star (⭐⭐) CEBC - Depression Treatment (Adult)
Cost of the Program
No
Availability of the program in Spanish and/or Portuguese
No Information
Contact Information
Danielle Haber, M.D.
University of California-San Diego
Email: drdhaber@gmail.con
Phone: 858-401-9922