The effectiveness of accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP) in private practice settings: A transdiagnostic study conducted within the context of a practice-research network.

Abstract

Accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP) is an integrative model of psychotherapy that brings together relational and experiential work, with the aim of not only alleviating suffering but also bringing about flourishing. The present study took place within a developing AEDP practice research network and examined outcomes for 62 self-referred adults treated using a 16-session format of AEDP treatment. Participants completed self-report measures before and following treatment. Measures assessed a variety of psychological problems, subjective distress, as well as aspects of positive psychological functioning. Treatment occurred in naturalistic independent practice outpatient settings in the United States, Canada, Israel, Japan, and Sweden. Large effect sizes (d > 0.80) were obtained for clinical problems and subjective distress. The majority of patients evidenced clinically reliable change according to Jacobson, Roberts, Berns, and McGlinchey's (1999) criteria. Effectiveness was further examined by dividing the sample into a clinical group with pervasive and severe problems and a subclinical group with fewer problems and mild severity. Within the clinical group, total and global scores on all measures improved significantly following treatment. Effect sizes were d > 1.00 for all scales. The subclinical group also demonstrated significant improvements, with effect sizes ranging from d = 0.46 to d = 2.07. These results provide initial empirical support for the effectiveness of AEDP as a model of therapy that can effect meaningful and significant improvements across a range of psychological symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).