Here’s a comparison table of ISTDP, Person-Centered Therapy, CBT, and Attachment-Based Therapy based on their main features.
Key Feature |
ISTDP (Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy) |
Person-Centered Therapy |
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
Attachment-Based Therapy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Unconscious emotions and defenses; emotion release; deep emotional contact | Client self-awareness and self-directed growth | Cognitive restructuring, behavior modification | Secure attachment, repairing relational wounds |
| Therapist Role | Active and directive; challenges defenses and anxiety regulation | Non-directive, empathetic, supportive | Directive, structured, educative | Supportive, empathetic, relational |
| Techniques | Pressure on unconscious feelings, defense clarification, emotion breakthrough | Unconditional positive regard, congruence, empathy | Cognitive restructuring, exposure, skills training | Exploration of past attachment experiences, relationship repair |
| Time Frame | Brief (intensive and focused on quick results) | Long-term, based on the client’s pace | Can be brief or long-term, depending on goals | Long-term, depending on attachment issues |
| View of Problems | Problems arise from repressed feelings and defenses | Problems arise from incongruence between self-image and reality | Problems arise from faulty thinking patterns and maladaptive behaviors | Problems arise from attachment injuries and unmet relational needs |
| Goal of Therapy | Mobilize unconscious emotions and remove defenses | Facilitate personal growth and self-actualization | Change thinking and behavior patterns | Build secure attachment, heal relational wounds |
| Mechanism of Change | Emotional breakthroughs leading to new awareness | Increased self-acceptance, self-understanding | Thought challenging, behavior change | Creating new relational experiences |
| Client’s Role | Engaged, willing to experience deep emotions | Autonomous, self-exploring | Active participation in cognitive and behavioral tasks | Engaged in exploring past attachment relationships |
| Research Support | Effective in character disorders, depression, and somatization disorders | Effective for broad personal development and self-growth | Strong evidence base for anxiety, depression, and behavior disorders | Effective for relational issues and trauma recovery |
| Typical Use Cases | Treatment-resistant cases, depression, somatic disorders | Personal development, self-esteem issues | Anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD | Trauma, relational difficulties, early attachment disruptions |
Each therapy has its unique strengths depending on the nature of the client’s challenges. ISTDP is highly focused on breaking through unconscious barriers quickly, while Person-Centered Therapy emphasizes a more gentle and empathetic growth process. CBT is very structured and works well with cognitive and behavioral issues, and Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on relational healing and long-term attachment repair.
