DYNAMIC AND CLARIFYING THERAPY
How is therapy beneficial?
In therapy, the client and the therapist create new perspectives and examine obstacles and possibilities. The main goal of the sessions is that the client will experience a change towards more well-being in the desired direction. In an open (non-judgmental) and confidential conversation, working through and gaining perspective in areas where problems and stagnation exist is easier.
About affect-focused therapy (ISTDP)
I work with affect-focused therapy according to ISTDP (Intensive Short-term Dynamic Therapy), where the client and I work together around the client’s wish for change and improvement.
An essential part of therapy is to approach the feelings that have been given too limited space in life and now hinder, for example, closeness in relationships, feeling present, being active and vital, feeling well-being and creativity in life.
I work with a version of ISTDP (affect-focused therapy) where the focus is more on positive processes and experiences than ISTDP therapy generally is. We, psychologists, learn a lot about psychopathology and less about more constructive factors and processes that exist alongside problems and challenges clients wish to deal with.
In the therapy room and online
I listen and explore with the client what experiences, mindsets, and habits might be strengths or obstacles for change. The client and I strive to be open and investigative for change to occur.
We work together and actively so that the client will feel better (for example, health, relationships, everyday life, work). The client notices when improvement occurs and describes what gives direction and what insights and changes follow. S/he/they also pay attention to obstacles and challenges in therapy and life. The client and I are interested in change and development, so we pay attention if the treatment becomes stagnant or misunderstandings arise.
Research on affect-focused therapy (ISTDP)
ISTDP therapy is a well-researched form of therapy, see scientific studies for example Abbas et al. (2012) and Lilliengren et al. (2016). Studies show that ISTDP is suitable for anxiety, depression, relationships, lack of independence, bodily problems (problems with pain, dizziness, stomach problems) etc. Both short- and long-term problems have been treated with good results.
