Get to the Heart of What’s Holding You Back with ISTDP

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) helps you understand and release the emotions behind anxiety, depression, and self-criticism – so you can live with clarity and confidence.

Start your Healing Journey

What is Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)?

Do you ever feel trapped in cycles of pleasing, self-criticism, or worry – even when you know better?
These patterns aren’t flaws. They’re defense mechanisms your mind uses to keep painful emotions at bay.

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is a focused, collaborative therapy designed to help you uncover and process those hidden emotions safely.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, ISTDP goes beyond surface-level conversation to address the root causes of distress.

ISTDP isn’t about quick fixes – it’s about real, lasting change.

ISTDP will teach you to:

  • Recognize the ways you block or avoid feelings.

  • Understand the anxiety signals your body sends.

  • Access and process emotions that have been stuck for years.

Benefits of ISTDP

People who try ISTDP often describe it as life-changing because it helps them connect to their true emotional selves.
Here are some benefits you may notice:

  • Deeper Emotional Awareness

    Understand what you’re truly feeling beneath anxiety or anger.

  • Reduced Anxiety and Physical Tension

    Calm the body by addressing what’s really underneath.

  • Improved Relationships

    Communicate more honestly and connect authentically.

  • Greater Self-Compassion

    Shift from self-criticism to understanding.

  • Faster Progress

    Many clients make more progress in months of ISTDP than in years of talk therapy.

How Does ISTDP Work?

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is an active, focused, and collaborative form of therapy. Rather than just talking about your challenges, we pay close attention to what’s happening in the moment, your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations.

Together, we explore how your mind and body react when emotions begin to surface. Many people have learned to push feelings aside to stay safe or in control. Over time, these habits – like overthinking, people-pleasing, or detachment – can create tension, anxiety, and a sense of being stuck.

Through gentle curiosity, we begin to notice how your body signals distress – a tight chest, a racing heart, a knot in the stomach. These sensations point toward emotions waiting to be felt. As awareness grows, you learn to regulate anxiety, face emotions that once felt overwhelming, and connect more deeply with yourself.

ISTDP is structured yet deeply human. Step by step, it helps you slow down, tune in, and discover that your emotions are not threats, but powerful sources of clarity and connection.

The ISTDP Process

  1. Identifying Defenses
    We begin by noticing how you protect yourself from discomfort – through pleasing, analyzing, or shutting down. Understanding these defenses reveals what they’re guarding.

  2. Understanding Anxiety
    We look at how your body responds when emotions arise. A racing heart or stomach tension often signals that a feeling feels unsafe. Together, we help your body calm so you can stay present.

  3. Accessing Core Emotions
    Once it feels safe, we approach the emotions beneath anxiety – like anger, grief, or love. Feeling these emotions fully helps you reconnect with your authentic self.

  4. Processing and Integrating
    As you experience and understand these emotions, old avoidance patterns begin to release. You gain relief, insight, and a stronger sense of inner balance.

Is ISTDP Right for You?

ISTDP may be a great fit if you:

  • Feel “stuck” despite trying other kinds of therapy.

  • Struggle with anxiety, depression, or relationship patterns that repeat.

  • Notice you avoid conflict, numb out, or overthink when things get emotional.

  • Want to understand why you feel the way you do, not just manage symptoms.

If you’re ready to face what’s been holding you back – with guidance, safety, and compassion – ISTDP can help you reconnect to your authentic self.

FAQs about ISTDP

Have questions about my practice in general? Check out my FAQs page.

More FAQs

Your emotions are trying to reach you. Let’s listen together.

You don’t have to keep fighting your feelings or living with constant tension. ISTDP can help you move past defense and anxiety—and toward clarity, confidence, and peace.

Please reach out for a free consultation with me.

Email: ben@benorlandocounseling.com

Phone: 571-721-1950