Atlanta Specialized Care offers psychodynamic therapy in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and to the surrounding communities. Therefore, clients have local access to therapists trained in both EDT and ISTDP.
and Alpharetta – ISTDP & EDT
At Atlanta Specialized Care, our evidence-based approaches include Experiential Dynamic Therapy (EDT) and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). These methods help clients work through anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship struggles. As a result, clients experience greater emotional awareness, deeper connection, and lasting change.
What Is Psychodynamic Therapy in Atlanta?
Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape present thoughts, emotions, and relationships. At Atlanta Specialized Care, we provide psychodynamic therapy in Atlanta through two evidence-based modalities, Experiential Dynamic Therapy and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy. The aim is simple, identify defenses, regulate anxiety, and help you experience core emotions safely so real change can begin.
Experiential Dynamic Therapy (EDT)
EDT helps you notice and set aside automatic defenses that block feeling. Sessions are active and present focused; the therapist tracks moment-to-moment shifts in emotion, tension, and avoidance. With anxiety regulation in place, you can contact the feelings underneath shame, guilt, or fear, then process them directly. Many clients describe a clearer sense of self, less reactivity, and more ease in relationships.
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)
ISTDP uses a structured, time-efficient approach to break through avoidance and access core emotions quickly. The therapist applies focused questions, clarifies defenses, and monitors anxiety so the work stays both safe and effective. As emotions surface and resolve, symptoms tend to lessen; clients report fewer panic spikes, reduced depressive weight, and improved day-to-day functioning.
How Psychodynamic Therapy Works
Our clinicians at Atlanta Specialized Care deliver Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy with a structured, supportive approach. ERP is thoughtfully adapted to each client’s needs, ensuring every step builds toward greater confidence and symptom relief.
Assessment
Every course of psychodynamic therapy begins with a careful assessment. Your therapist gathers information about your history, current symptoms, and goals, then identifies the defenses and avoidance patterns that keep difficult emotions out of awareness. This groundwork creates a clear roadmap for treatment.
The Process
In each session, the therapist works actively with you to notice defenses as they appear, regulate anxiety, and make space for underlying emotions to surface. Rather than only talking about problems, you are encouraged to experience emotions directly in the moment, which helps shift long-standing patterns.
The Outcome
As emotions are experienced and resolved, symptoms often lessen. Clients frequently report reduced anxiety and depression, improved confidence, healthier relationships, and a greater sense of authenticity. The changes extend beyond symptom relief, reshaping how you respond to challenges in everyday life.
Benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy
While psychodynamic therapy can feel emotionally active, that work often opens the door to durable change. Because it helps the mind and body process what has been held beneath awareness, clients frequently notice shifts that extend well beyond the therapy room.
Decades of research support EDT and ISTDP as effective approaches for a wide range of mental health concerns, including somatic symptoms linked to emotional stress.
Some of the most common benefits include:
- Reduced symptom burden, anxiety and depression often ease as core conflicts resolve
- Improved regulation, fewer emotional ups and downs and a stronger sense of control
- Physical relief, tension, fatigue, and stress-related discomfort often lessen as the nervous system stabilizes
- Better relationships, communication, boundaries, and connection improve
- Clearer self-understanding, insight into patterns leads to more authentic choices
- Faster access to root issues, EDT and ISTDP help bypass overthinking and avoidance
For individuals who have felt stuck in other forms of therapy, psychodynamic work with EDT and ISTDP can provide access and momentum that feels both surprising and steady. Although results vary, even a handful of sessions can begin to shift long-standing patterns related to anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship strain.
EDT and ISTDP: How These Therapies Work Together
At Atlanta Specialized Care, we often integrate multiple therapeutic approaches to create more comprehensive and effective results. Experiential Dynamic Therapy (EDT) and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) work in tandem to help clients access and process emotions with both safety and precision.
Getting Started with Psychodynamic Therapy in Atlanta & Alpharetta
Because psychodynamic therapy with EDT and ISTDP requires specialized training, it is important to work with a clinician who understands both the technical and emotional aspects of this approach. At Atlanta Specialized Care, our therapists are experienced in trauma-informed care and skilled in guiding clients through the deeper layers of emotional healing.
We provide services in Atlanta, Dunwoody, and Alpharetta, offering compassionate and focused care to help you move past long-standing challenges. As a result, many clients find the confidence to begin their healing journey.
If you are ready to take the next step, contact us or request an appointment to begin your therapy journey.
FAQ About Psychodynamic Therapy
What is psychodynamic therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is an approach that explores how unconscious patterns, past experiences, and defenses shape current thoughts and emotions. Because it focuses on root causes, clients often see deeper, longer-lasting change.
How is psychodynamic therapy different from regular talk therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy emphasizes experiencing emotions in the moment, rather than only discussing them. As a result, clients often make faster breakthroughs and sustain progress.
What issues can psychodynamic therapy help with?
Psychodynamic therapy is effective for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and stress-related physical symptoms. It can also address performance blocks and recurring patterns of self-sabotage.
What are EDT and ISTDP?
Experiential Dynamic Therapy (EDT) and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) are two models of psychodynamic therapy. While EDT focuses on present-moment awareness, ISTDP applies structured techniques to help clients break through avoidance.
Is ERP therapy available through telehealth?
Yes. At Atlanta Specialized Care, you can receive ERP therapy either in-person or virtually, making it easy to access expert support from home.
How do EDT and ISTDP work together in therapy?
EDT and ISTDP balance one another. Because EDT creates safety for exploring emotions and ISTDP brings focus and efficiency, together they help clients process feelings at a safe pace and achieve lasting results.
Where can I begin psychodynamic therapy near me?
Atlanta Specialized Care offers psychodynamic therapy in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and to the surrounding communities. Therefore, clients have local access to therapists trained in both EDT and ISTDP.