Evidence for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy | The Carlat Psychiatry Podcast

This episode delves into psychodynamic psychotherapy, addressing common misconceptions and how evidence for its effectiveness is defined. Guest expert Dr. Jonathan Shedler shares insights into the value and relevance of this therapeutic approach. 💡Carlat Psychiatry: https://www.thecarlatreport.com/ 🎧Carlat Podcast: https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs... ➡️Earn CMEs: https://www.thecarlatreport.com/CME ================ Follow Carlat: 🔴SUBSCRIBE ► / @thecarlatreport ➡️Twitter: / CarlatPsych ================ 00:00 Intro 00:04 Podcast ================ What is psychodynamic psychotherapy, and how do we define "evidence" for its effectiveness? In this episode of the Carlat Psychiatry Podcast, we explore the foundations of psychodynamic therapy, discussing its unique role in mental health treatment. With guest expert Dr. Jonathan Shedler, we examine common misconceptions about psychodynamic therapy, its differences from other approaches like CBT, and the growing body of evidence that supports its effectiveness. Unlike more structured forms of therapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy focuses on deeper emotional exploration, unconscious patterns, and relational dynamics that shape mental well-being. But how do we prove that it works? Dr. Shedler sheds light on how evidence for psychotherapy is evaluated, challenging the notion that "evidence-based" only applies to manualized, step-by-step approaches. This episode provides a practical and thought-provoking look at the core ideas behind psychodynamic therapy, including its role in treating anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. Learn how psychodynamic therapy differs from more structured methods, how its benefits are measured, and why some therapists believe it offers a deeper, more lasting change for patients. If you’ve ever wondered what makes psychodynamic therapy different — or if it’s truly "evidence-based" — this episode offers a balanced perspective from one of the field's leading voices, Dr. Jonathan Shedler.