Dynamic psychotherapy: a 50-year perspective

Dynamic psychotherapy is a method of treatment for psychiatric disorders and emotional problems that comprises a spectrum of approaches ranging between supportive and analytic peripheries. Although they are deployed in differing degrees and manners, all forms of dynamic psychotherapy derive their therapeutic powers from five components: support, hope, a certain kind of listening, insight, and guidance. Attentive listening is particularly important, while insight, although essential, is a complex phenomenon whose therapeutic value may be overestimated. In spite of claims to the contrary, some degree of guidance is universal. The use of cognitive-behavioral techniques is not incompatible with dynamic psychotherapy and can sometimes be useful. If certain limitations are accepted, dynamic psychotherapy can make a potent contribution to the alleviation of emotional distress and disorder.