Reviewing the websites of residential therapeutic programs in the United States you are hard pressed to find one that actively promotes their use of psychodynamic psychotherapy. This is because psychodynamic psychotherapy has often been perceived as less scientific than behavioral or cognitive approaches. However, a growing body of research now demonstrates that psychodynamic psychotherapy is not only effective but also achieves outcomes comparable to and exceeding those of other evidence-based treatments. Although rooted in the theories of Freud from the first half of the 20th century, psychodynamic psychotherapy has been continually studied, investigated, and developed by researchers and clinicians, leading to it becoming a decidedly evidence based practice with a large body of empirical support. This blog explores the robust evidence for the effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapy and its ability to address a wide range of mental health issues and its unique ability to foster enduring and comprehensive change.

One of the foundational pieces of evidence supporting psychodynamic psychotherapy is Jonathan Shedler’s 2010 groundbreaking meta-analysis published in the American Psychologist. Shedler reviewed numerous studies and demonstrated that psychodynamic therapy achieves effect sizes comparable to those of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), often considered the gold standard for evidence-based practice. For example, the study reported effect sizes of 0.97 for overall symptom improvement, a figure that places psychodynamic therapy among the most effective treatment modalities. Additionally, Shedler’s analysis revealed that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to deepen and sustain over time, even after the therapy concludes. This durability distinguishes it from many short-term interventions whose effects may diminish after treatment ends.

Another critical study conducted by Leichsenring and Rabung (2008) in JAMA Psychiatry examined the efficacy of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LTPP). Their meta-analysis, encompassing 23 studies and over 1,000 participants, found significant benefits for individuals with complex mental health conditions such as personality disorders and chronic depression. The results showed large effect sizes for both general symptom reduction and specific interpersonal functioning improvements. The authors argued that LTPP’s exploration of unconscious processes and relational patterns uniquely positions it to address deep-seated issues that other therapies tend to overlook.

Further research has validated psychodynamic psychotherapy’s effectiveness in specific populations. For instance, Abbass et al. (2006) published a meta-analysis in Harvard Review of Psychiatry, focusing on short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP). This analysis included 23 studies and demonstrated that STPP is highly effective in treating a range of conditions, including somatic symptom disorders, depression, and anxiety. The effect sizes for STPP were particularly notable for improving interpersonal relationships and emotional regulation, two areas critical for long-term well-being.

Neuroscience has also entered offered compelling support for psychodynamic psychotherapy. A 2019 study by Cabaniss et al. in Frontiers in Psychology integrated findings from attachment theory and neurobiology, emphasizing how psychodynamic interventions foster changes in brain regions associated with emotion regulation and interpersonal connection. This research highlights the therapy’s ability to produce measurable, biologically grounded changes, aligning psychodynamic principles with contemporary scientific paradigms.

In addition to its immediate clinical benefits, psychodynamic psychotherapy promotes enduring personal growth. A 2014 study by Town et al. in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics revealed that patients who underwent psychodynamic therapy often reported increased self-awareness, improved emotional insight, and better relational dynamics long after treatment ended. These findings underscore the therapy’s focus on addressing the root causes of psychological distress rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy can be particularly valuable for young adults in their 20s as they navigate the transition to independence and adulthood. This life stage often involves challenges such as establishing a sense of identity, building healthy relationships, and making career choices. The therapy’s focus on uncovering unconscious patterns and resolving inner conflicts can help young adults gain clarity about their goals, improve emotional regulation, and develop a stronger sense of self. Research shows that addressing these foundational issues early can set the stage for long-term success and resilience, making psychodynamic psychotherapy an essential tool for fostering independence and personal growth in emerging adulthood.

While psychodynamic psychotherapy was historically criticized for lacking empirical validation, contemporary research has firmly established its status as an evidence-based practice. Studies consistently show its efficacy in treating diverse mental health conditions, its capacity for fostering meaningful and sustained change, and its alignment with emerging neuroscience. As the mental health field continues to evolve, psychodynamic psychotherapy remains a vital and scientifically supported tool for achieving the deep, lasting self-awareness that remains the foundation for building a meaningful and satisfying life.

Written by Jacob Gelles