Experience of self-discovery and change in a psychodynamic internet delivered programme for university students...

Psychodynamic "talking" therapies have been adapted to be delivered over the internet, with remote guidance from a therapist. The aim of this study is to explore participants' experiences of change during an internet-delivered psychodynamic psychotherapy (iPDT), with findings discussed in the light of psychodynamic theory.

Interviews were conducted with fifteen university students who had taken part in a 10-week therapist-supported iPDT programme for low mood. Data was analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Participants described several experiences which fit closely with the hypothesized change mechanisms for iPDT, including: increased capacity for self-observation, learning to directly feel and accept difficult emotions, coming to recognize and change maladaptive defences, making sense of how early experiences had contributed to the development of these defences, and experimenting with new ways of relating to others and self.

Overall, participants' experiences of change and self-discovery align with psychodynamic theory. This journey was described by many as an empowering yet challenging process.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06133582.