Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT)

This is a short-term (16 session) psychodynamic therapy. It was developed for use in NHS IAPT services. It  was designed for people who are suffering with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety,  stemming from relationship difficulties.

This therapy can be very effective in helping people to identify, and address, the causes and nature of repeated and unhelpful patterns of relating in adult life. 

What is the difference between Attachment-Based Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and DIT?

DIT is a semi-structured therapy which focuses on helping people to identify and change unhelpful relationship dynamics. Issues in the client’s background are only explored in order to cast light on the possible causes and nature of their current problems. Therefore, it is not designed to  directly address or process complex or deep-seated issues, such as trauma stemming from severe neglect or abuse in childhood.  This being the case, it is more likely to be suitable for people who are coping reasonably well generally, but who wish/need to address repeated and unhelpful patterns of relating; which are having an ongoing negative impact on their sense of themselves, and on their relationships with others.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy on the other hand, is designed to address more deep-seated and complex issues. There is more time and space in this kind of therapy to talk through and process traumatic experiences, so that people can than be freed up to focus on, and begin to resolve, their current issues.

Things are not always as clear cut as this, however. This being the case, which of these therapies would be most likely to be both safe and effective for someone is something which would be discussed and agreed during the initial assessment appointments.