Annual MGH Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Case Conference: Locked-in: Reminiscing of a Glorious Past, Ruminating on an Ideal Future

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is one of the fundamental treatment modalities for all mental health professionals, and research confirms its efficacy and value (Abbass et al, 2006; Anderson & Lambert, 1995; Knekt et al 2008; Leichsenring et al, 2004; Leichsenring & Rabung, 2008; de Maat et al 2013; Shedler, 2010. Moreover, the principles rooted in the practice of psychodynamic therapy (e.g., empathy, the therapeutic alliance, unconscious meanings, transference, countertransference, and resistance) apply broadly to all mental health treatments.

Intensive and ongoing training paired with supervised clinical experience is required to become competent and maintain competency in the practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Despite the need for ongoing training and education, there have been major cuts over the past decades in mental health spending at state and national levels that have led to significant reductions in psychodynamic training. The current gap between clinicians’ needs for training and the available resources designated to meet those needs continues to widen and affects best practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy.