Brief dynamic psychotherapy: a critical look at the state of the art

A review is presented of brief dynamic psychotherapy, with special emphasis on the work of Sifneos, Malan, and Mann. The techniques involved in the process are examined. Despite beliefs to the contrary, it seems possible to make use of transference, especially the transference/parent link. It is also evident that Sifneos and Malan aim at selecting patients in whom they discern oedipal issues. Selection criteria are discussed, though evidence for either reliability or validity of these criteria is lacking. Adequacy of brief dynamic psychotherapy remains unestablished. Critics notwithstanding, there has been no adequate test of the models discussed. The elements of the appropriate study are outlined.