Dynamic accelerated experiential psychotherapy: what it is and how it works

A type of psychological intervention designed by Dr. Diana Fosha.

There are more and more newly created models and approaches within the clinical psychotherapeutic context. One of these models, of recent emergence, is dynamic accelerated experiential psychotherapy, created by Dr. Diana Fosha.

In this article we will explain, in summary form, what this therapeutic model consists of, what are its 4 main fundamentals and how it can help people to reduce their emotional suffering.

Accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy: what is it?

Accelerated Experiential-Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) is an integrative model within psychotherapy, and is specially designed to treat psychological trauma. It is based on healing and on a non-pathologizing vision of the symptomsand is oriented to the transformation of the person. This therapy, on the other hand, is psychodynamic and psychoanalytic.

Accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy was created by an American psychologist, Dr. Diana Fosha, PhD in Psychology. Diana Fosha founded the AEDPT Institute in New York (USA), and is currently its director. She also teaches clinical psychology and works as a psychotherapist.

To develop this model, Fosha understood people's suffering as opportunities to heal and experience a major transformation, and she based her work on this idea.This was the basis for Accelerated Dynamic Experiential Psychotherapy. According to its author, such transformation would not be possible without certain experiences of suffering.

In fact, this therapeutic model uses the term "Transformation" to refer to that force that motivates the individual to strive for healing, authenticity, vitality and self-connectedness.

In terms of its influences, accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy draws from different disciplines or therapeutic orientations. These are: attachment theory, body-centered therapies, affective neuroscience and different transformational studies.

Objective

The objective of accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy is to help the patient to become stronger in the face of adverse life circumstances, especially after having experienced an adverse situation. especially after having experienced a traumatic situation..

To achieve this objective, the therapeutic relationship established between patient and psychologist is fundamental; this relationship must provide a safe base for the patient, where he/she can express his/her emotions and innermost fears, as we will see later on.

Through this model of therapy trauma, loss and the painful consequences of certain life experiences, as well as other aspects or symptoms, are dealt with in this model of therapy.as well as other aspects or symptoms that may arise during the therapeutic process.

4 rationale

Accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy is based on 4 foundations or pillars, which reflect its philosophy. These points are key to developing an effective psychotherapy process within this approach, and are as follows:

1. The power of being understood

Accelerated Dynamic Experiential Psychotherapy is based on the idea that being listened to heals. This is essential for many people, and is in fact one of the foundations of any psychotherapeutic process.

Thus, within this approach, a space is promoted to explore the patient's needs and desires, and thus enhance change.. The therapist will help the patient to explore all these feelings born out of his or her traumatic experience.

2. The capacity for healing

Another foundation of dynamic accelerated experiential psychotherapy is faith in the patient's capacity for healing, which lies within him or herself.

Sometimes, however, this capacity is blocked by life circumstances or particularly painful experiences.. The therapist's mission here will be to foster this capacity, which is actually intrinsic to each person.

3. The capacity to experience emotions

The next foundation of Accelerated Dynamic Experiential Psychotherapy is the importance of discovering the individual's capacity to experience emotions. These emotions can be positive or negative, but the important thing is that they are shared and processed.

In this context, the so-called "corrective emotional experiences" appear, which are part of the psychotherapeutic process, and which help the patient to challenge his or her ideas. help the patient to challenge his or her ideas and to select those experiences that can really help.. Thus, through different techniques within the therapy, a new way of experiencing emotions opens up for the patient.

4. The exploration of wounds

The last foundation or pillar of Dynamic Accelerated Experiential Psychotherapy involves exploring the patient's emotions to their fullest depths so that they can heal. This involves exploring their "wounds", their traumas and weaknesses.

Through healing, transformation is achieved towards a healthier interpretation of reality. a healthier interpretation of realityaccording to this therapeutic model. For healing to take place, the processing of emotions, both positive and negative, is fundamental. The therapist accompanies the patient throughout this process.

The role of the therapist

What role does the therapist play in Accelerated Dynamic Experiential Psychotherapy? The therapist is the essential piece so that the patient has a secure base from which to explain how he/she feels. Thus, the therapist should show an open and approachable demeanor towards the patient, and eliminate any hint of judgment or prejudice.

The important thing is to create a space of tranquility and understanding, so that the person can open up to the patient.. For this, and as in all psychotherapy, it is also important that the therapist shows security and transmits to the patient the message that "he/she is not alone".

It may happen (and it should happen) that a space of tranquility and trust opens up for the patient, and it may be the first time for many that they do not feel alone. For this, all the behaviors of expression of feelings manifested by the patient should be reinforced, since there will be moments of vulnerability and suffering that should be addressed and contained.

On the other hand, the accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy gives much importance to the patient's body movement, as well as his facial expression, tone of voice, eye movements, gestures in general, posture, posture and posture.gestures in general, posture, etc. The therapist, at all times, should pay attention to these behaviors, in order to connect with the patient and explore together with him.

Positive experiences

Accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy also attaches great importance to the patient's positive experiences, as they are very beneficial for their healing or transformation process. These experiences allow to work with positive affects. In addition, positive emotions must also be processed and regulated, just like negative ones.

In fact, and in order to prove their usefulness, it has been observed how these positive experiences help in the patient's recovery. Thus, we see how this model of psychotherapy starts from a non-pathologizing vision of the symptoms, and how it is based above all on healing and positive emotions.

Who can use this therapy?

Logically, people well trained in it. Fortunately, it is not limited to psychologists; psychiatrists, social workers... can also practice accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy.

However, within the health context and as far as psychologists are concerned, ideally, the person should have a General Health Master's degree or the PIR (Resident Internal Psychologist), in addition to having clinical training and experience.

Bibliographic references:

• AEDP: Neuroplasticity in Action | In English with Spanish Translation | Diana Fosha, PhD | Barcelona, Spain. (2019). CCCB Barcelona Seminar.
• AEDP Europe. (2019) What is AEDP or Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy?
• Markin, R. D., McCarthy, K. S., Fuhrmann, A., Yeung, D., & Gleiser, K. A. (2018). The process of change in accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP): A case study analysis. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 28(2): 213-232.
• Vergara, C. (2017). Towards a psychotherapy based on the neuroscience of emotion. Review of the book the healing power of emotions: affective neuroscience, development and clinical practice. Actuality in Psychology.