Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)

Three techniques are used to support transformation during accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP), including the following:  

Relationship techniques 

Relational techniques utilize the client-therapist relationship to support the client's willingness to speak openly within the safety of therapy sessions and learn from the experience. Below are a few of the techniques that might be used in a session: 

• Building the client-therapist relationship by noticing how they feel as they talk to one another
• Expressing the therapist’s empathy and support for the client
• Sharing how the client impacts the therapist 
• Collaborating with the client in verbal and non-verbal communication

Restructuring techniques 

Restructuring techniques may help the therapist process the moment-by-moment details of each session and help the client notice patterns in their experience. Below are a few restructuring techniques used in therapy: 

• Monitoring changes in a client's openness vs. defensiveness
• Tracking changes in a client’s positive and negative relational experience
• Identifying and labeling defensive responses, helping the client see how they were helpful in the past but have negative consequences now
• Working on responses to anxiety, guilt, and shame so they can be better controlled
• Pointing out and changing maladaptive patterns of behavior in interpersonal relationships

Experiential and affective techniques 

Experiential and affective techniques are designed to help clients bypass emotional defenses, express core feelings that they were previously unwilling to talk about, and discover new emotional solutions. These techniques might include the following: 

• Encouraging the client to talk in detail about their trauma
• Helping the client through the mourning process to move toward self-healing
• Identifying body language impacted by speaking about trauma
• Identifying and acknowledging how a client experiences emotion
• Asking a client to imagine how they would respond in certain emotional moments from their past

An AEDP professional is often heavily involved in the therapy process because they guide the individual through the four states. Therapists can observe a client and watch for changes in facial expressions, eye movement, tone of voice, and body language. They are also open about how they feel during each session and how they’re impacted by specific topics the client shares.

To be successful, accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP) requires a strong emotional connection between the client and therapist. Expect to spend a fair amount of time building a healthy therapeutic alliance with your mental health provider. The first few sessions may be spent creating a safe and supportive relationship so you are comfortable speaking without inhibition in future sessions. You may get to know your therapist more personally than in other types of therapy. 

Once a solid relationship has been established, sessions may focus on talking through trauma or adverse experiences from the past. Your therapist may ask you questions about your challenges so you can process what happened. A therapist may support you with the following techniques: 

• Learn to notice and accept emotional processes
• Notice “glimmers” of growth that occur within your trauma narrative
• Be aware of shifts in your emotional connection
• Practice dyadic mindfulness³
• Recognize transformation that’s taking place within yourself through the work you’re doing in therapy 

By exploring your fear and pain in a professional environment that is safe and therapeutic, AEDP may provide healing and transformation.

The AEDP model was developed to treat trauma and stressor-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder (ASD). However, the modality can be effective for multiple mental health conditions due to its adaptability and usage of numerous therapeutic techniques, such as attachment-based support,⁴ trauma-informed care, and person-centered guidance. 

According to the AEDP Institute, this therapeutic modality “is transdiagnostic, i.e., it can effectively treat trauma, depression, emotion dysregulation, negative thoughts, experiential avoidance, and interpersonal problems.” For this reason, this modality can address a range of mental health challenges. 

Techniques used in accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy include the following: 

• Safe and informed therapist risk-taking 
• Client-therapist bonding and a professional relationship 
• Openness and willingness
• Culturally informed and trauma-informed care
• Building self-compassion and self-esteem 

The focus on emphasizing safety can make accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP) suitable for those experiencing low self-esteem, stress, conflict in interpersonal relationships, and challenges with avoidance. Due to its roots in attachment theory, AEDP may help those with attachment difficulties, especially if they have experienced childhood neglect or abuse. Couples having trouble communicating or struggling with emotional intimacy in their relationship might also benefit from the treatment. 

The AEDP Institute clarifies that this treatment method is not suited for all clients, specifying that people with the following challenges should be referred to a clinician who can better meet their needs:

• Active suicidal ideations
• Addiction and substance misuse
• Bipolar disorder
• Moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder 
• Crises that require immediate intervention

Fosha and her colleagues completed a study to determine the long-term outcome of participating in AEDP. Sixty-three clients completed 16 sessions of AEDP treatment and then completed six-month and 12-month follow-up questionnaires. The researchers found they successfully maintained their post-treatment therapeutic gains at both intervals. They reported decreased symptoms of depression, fewer negative thoughts, and improved mental health. Clients with more severe symptoms experienced more significant improvements. The authors assert that these findings demonstrate the long-term effectiveness of AEDP and its ability to reduce psychological struggles and improve positive functioning. 

In another study, Fosha examined the effectiveness of AEDP in independent practice settings. Sixty-two adults completed 16 treatment sessions, completing self-report measures before and after the treatment period. Participants were in outpatient settings in the US, Canada, Japan, Sweden, and Israel. The participants experienced clinically significant improvement in their symptoms, and those with more severe symptoms saw the most significant improvement. 

Since AEDP is relatively new compared to other therapy models, its implementation isn’t as widespread as other treatments. Researchers argue that more novel forms of treatment, such as AEDP, may be beneficial beyond the traditional methods that therapists have typically used. One recent suggestion is the integration of remote measurement with AEDP using wearable wellness trackers. 

Because the AEDP method relies so heavily on the body language of the patient, this technique could provide more insight into the client’s physical experience that occurs as they discuss their trauma. It could also offer a series of baseline data that alerts clinicians if a client begins to demonstrate physical signs of distress, such as a prolonged increased heart rate. 

The AEDP Institute offers a directory of AEDP-trained psychotherapists. Clinicians are listed according to their level of training in AEDP but may have additional experience as a therapist. Search the directory by your area to connect with local providers. Listings include information about whether the therapist accepts insurance, their services, and ways to communicate through their website or email.

The International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association also offers a therapist directory that lists all IEDTA members. Scroll through the directory to discern if any clinicians are available in your area. Listings provide information about a clinician’s services, training and experience, licensure, and contact information.

There are also several directories for AEDP therapists that focus on a specific geographical area, including:

• AEDP UK
• AEDP Australia
• AEDP Metro DC
• AEDP Europe

Accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy is a relatively new model of therapy, which may limit the number of trained providers in your area. Online therapy is an option that could allow you to participate in AEDP therapy through your computer or cell phone. Using online platforms like BetterHelp, you can search for or request a provider trained in AEDP methods and meet with them via phone, video, or live chat.