Psychodynamic Intervention in Crisis

Abstract

This paper presents a framework for brief, intensive psychotherapeutic intervention for acute distress, manifested by feelings of depression, anxiety or anger, isolation and loneliness, that arise when crises provoke unconscious conflict. This therapy uses a technique to develop a "benevolent transference" for symptom relief and as a groundwork for gaining insight. Interventions to facilitate this process will be illustrated with case illustrations.