Since the 1950s a shorter, more intense type of psychodynamic therapy has emerged. Following its introduction in a series of workshops, the method of short-term psychodynamic therapy (also know as intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy – ISTDP) was eventually developed in the 1960s and 1970s by psychiatrist Habib Davanloo. Davanloo’s aim was to enhance the efficacy of psychoanalysis and minimise the length of treatment.

While the primary goal of short-term psychodynamic therapy is very similar to psychoanalysis (and thus psychodynamic therapy), rather than acting as a neutral observer of a client’s personal development, a short-term psychodynamic therapist will be an active advocate of change. They will guide the client through the process by applying non-interpretative techniques including encouragement to feel. This method was essentially founded on Davanloo’s discovery that the dynamic unconscious has many layers. His specific interventions allow the therapist to access those layers, and when applied in a specific style and at specific times in the therapeutic process, help the client to overcome unconscious blocks and resistance as quickly and efficiently as possible.