Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy

What is AEDP and how does it work?

Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) is a healing-oriented psychotherapy model that Dr. Diana Fosha developed in the late 1990s. AEDP helps individuals process overwhelming emotions—particularly those linked to trauma and attachment hurt—within a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship.

AEDP believes that everyone has innate strengths and the capacity to heal. The therapy unlocks these natural healing abilities through emotional and relational experiences. Therapists create a safe space where clients can explore and process intense feelings. Together, therapist and client build a strong, compassionate relationship that "undoes aloneness"—a core concept in AEDP that addresses our fundamental need for connection. Healing occurs when people no longer feel alone with their emotional pain.

Clients learn to face and process core emotions like sadness or anger rather than avoid them. AEDP uses the "Change Triangle" model to guide clients from defensive patterns to deeper feelings. This unlocks authentic self-compassion and creates positive change. The emotional processing work fosters transformation, promotes changes in the brain, and builds lasting resilience.

What can AEDP help with?

AEDP addresses a wide range of mental health concerns including trauma and PTSD, anxiety disorders and depression, relationship difficulties and attachment issues, emotional dysregulation and negative self-image, and grief, loss, and life transitions. AEDP focuses on underlying emotional patterns rather than just surface symptoms, making it effective for individuals whose difficulties stem from unresolved emotional experiences.

Why you might be interested in AEDP

AEDP can accelerate healing—positive changes often occur fairly quickly. The model restores confidence in your inborn ability to heal while improving emotional resilience and connection with others. Clients who engage in AEDP often build healthier relationships and develop more secure attachment patterns.

Clients completing AEDP often report lasting emotional relief and growth, increased self-awareness and compassion, a stronger ability to cope with future challenges, and a more positive outlook with renewed sense of purpose. Rather than simply managing symptoms, AEDP addresses the core emotional patterns that create suffering, allowing for deep and lasting change.

What does the research say about AEDP?

AEDP effectively treats a broad range of psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, emotion dysregulation, negative thinking, and interpersonal difficulties. Research shows that improvements from AEDP remain significant not only immediately after treatment but also at 6 and 12 months, supporting its long-term value for mental health recovery and growth. Studies show large effect sizes for symptom reduction and improvements in positive functioning, including well-being and self-compassion.