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Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) is for adults who have experienced emotional pain in the past that, because it has not been adequately addressed and processed, interferes with current functioning. The problems might manifest in a number of different ways, from excessive anger to relationship difficulties to PTSD to eating disorders, poor self-esteem, and depression. They may also be accompanied by physiological symptoms. AEDP helps people accept and digest challenging emotional experiences.

People need AEDP as a way to manage distressing emotions—including anger, shame, and guilt—that in some way hamper the ability to function and form satisfying relationships in the present. The therapist-client relationship is believed to provide corrective emotional and relational experiences that facilitate positive changes in brain function, forge pathways for processing traumatic experiences, and allow resolution of emotional pain.

Once individuals have established a strong bond with the AEDP therapist and the therapist has established a safe and secure environment, clients are encouraged to explore their most painful emotional experiences. They may be asked to pay attention to disquieting body sensations as well as to psychological discomfort. Individuals learn how to process emotions, rather than avoid them. Through the strength of the therapist-client bond, each session is intended to provide a powerful positive experience for individuals, enabling growth.

AEDP is intended to treat the unprocessed emotional pain caused by earlier distressing experiences, which commonly includes behavioral avoidance of current situations and experiences for fear that they will reactivate painful feelings. Emotional pain and avoidant behavior play a role in a wide array of mental health conditions, which is why AEDP is applied to the treatment of a range of disorders including depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship difficulties, and eating disorders.