Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)

Catalog description

This one-credit elective will introduce students to Accelerated Experiential Dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP). AEDP is a model of psychotherapy that focuses on healing-oriented techniques and aims to achieve a transformation in client behavior by exploring the in-depth processing of difficult emotional and relational experiences, actively helped by an engaged therapist. This innovative model has roots in and resonances with many disciplines including interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, emotion theory and affective neuroscience, body-focused approaches, and transformational studies. Evidence demonstrates AEDP to be effective with Depressive Disorders, trauma, and creating secure attachment. This course will enable students to have an understanding of the theoretical foundations of AEDP and to gain competence in its strategies of intervention. Classes will consist of lecture and discussion, viewing videotaped sessions of clinical work, and practice of interventions in small groups.