Problem-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Problem Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a modified psychoanalytic treatment approach that addresses patient’s specific problems, including symptoms, personality issues, relationship struggles, and behavioral difficulties. The primary facets of this treatment approach are described, including identification of problems and their associated triggers and feelings, and developing a psychodynamic formulation to aid therapists in addressing specific areas of difficulty. Modifications of psychodynamic techniques to target problems, including use of the transference, are described. Values of this approach in managing termination and helping the patient to develop psychodynamic skills are also discussed.