Clinical Psychology

shall see, IPT is the most empirically supported of
all psychodynamic therapies and appears to be a
worthy alternative form of psychological treatment
for major depressive disorder.

Summary Evaluation of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

In this section, we review the available empirical
evaluations and offer some general observations
about those psychotherapeutic practices that trace
their origins to the psychoanalytic method. Our
evaluation of psychodynamic psychotherapy is
informed by the American Psychological Associa-
tion’s Society of Clinical Psychology (Division 12)

Web site on Research Supported Psychological

Treatments (http://www.div12.org/Psychological-

Treatments/index.html), as well as several recent

major reviews (e.g., Cuijpers et al., 2011; Gibbons

et al., 2008; Shedler, 2010).

Does Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Work?

What evidence is there that the psychodynamic

approach is efficacious or effective? The support

for the efficacy and effectiveness of psychodynamic

psychotherapy with children and adolescents is not

promising. Few studies have been published that

suggest any significant effects of psychodynamic

approaches to therapy for most major diagnoses in

youth (Chorpita et al., 2011).

Focused Therapy BOX13.3 Focus on Clinical Applications: Features of Emotion-

IPT is a brief form of psychodynamic psychotherapy

that has been used in numerous research studies. It is

one of the treatments cited as examples of empirically

validated/supported treatments by the Division 12 Task

Force of the American Psychological Association.

Weissman and Markowitz (1998) discuss the pri-

mary features of IPT.

Focus

IPT focuses on the connection between onset of clinical

problems and current interpersonal problems (with

friends, partners, relatives). Current social problems are

addressed, not enduring personality traits or styles.

Length

Typically 12 to 16 weeks.

Role of the IPT Therapist

IPT therapists are active, non-neutral, and supportive.

They use realism and optimism to counter patients’

typically negative and pessimistic outlook. Therapists

emphasize the possibility for change and highlight

options that may effect positive change.

Phases of Treatment

1. First phase(up to three sessions): This includes a
   diagnostic evaluation and psychiatric history, an
   interpersonal functioning assessment, and patient
   education about the nature of the clinical condi-
   tion (e.g., depression). The therapist provides a
   clinical formulation of the patient’s difficulties by
   linking symptoms to current interpersonal prob-
   lems, issues, and situations.


2. Second phase:Depending on which interpersonal
   problem area has been chosen (e.g., grief, role
   disputes, role transition, interpersonal deficits),
   specific strategies and goals are pursued. For
   example, treatment focusing on role disputes
   would aim to help the patient explore the prob-
   lematic relationships, the nature of the problems,
   and the options for resolving them. If an impasse
   has been reached in a relationship, the therapist
   helps the patient find ways to circumvent whatever
   is hindering progress or to end the relationship.


3. Third phase(last two to three sessions): The
   patient’s progress and mastery experiences are
   reinforced and consolidated. The IPT therapist
   reinforces the patient’s sense of confidence and
   autonomy. Methods of dealing with a recurrence
   of clinical symptoms are discussed.

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