THE FUTURE OF PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY

This article attempts to discern the future of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Of increasing interest are (1) developmental arrests in infancy and early childhood; (2) focus on treatment of personality disorders and "difficult" patients; (3) the dyadic character of the therapeutic relationship; (4) the therapeutic alliance; (5) developments in neuroscience and pharmacotherapy; (6) group, marital, and family therapies; (7) brief and time-limited therapies; (8) attempts to devise specific treatments for specific disorders; (9) treatment manuals; and (10) continued search for the mechanisms of change in personality and behavior. Psychodynamic theory and practice have proven remarkably viable and adaptable, a judgment that is exemplified throughout.