What is Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)?

AEDP is an evidence-based approach that goes beyond traditional "talk therapy." By integrating attachment theory, neuroplasticity, and a bottom-up approach, AEDP provides individuals with a holistic way to process past experiences in the present moment.

AEDP is human first, therapist second. The approach is based on the understanding that the brain is highly adaptable and that all people have the innate capacity to heal.

Photography by Matko Photo, Hamilton ON

AEDP emphasizes how the therapeutic relationship, body and emotions are the main sources of healing. This means that AEDP works not just with thoughts and beliefs, but also with the underlying emotional and physiological experiences that are often connected to trauma and suffering.

“The roots of resilience...are to be found in the sense of being understood by and existing in the mind and heart of of a loving, attuned, and self-possessed other.” ― Diana Fosha (Founder of AEDP)

One of the key scientific foundations of AEDP is the concept of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. In the context of therapy, neuroplasticity means that the brain can actually "rewire" itself.

Rewiring promotes the emergence of new patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior as a result of positive and supportive therapeutic experiences. AEDP fosters emotional healing by allowing clients to process and integrate emotions in a safe environment. The experience of being fully seen and understood in therapy can stimulate neuroplastic changes, leading to healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking and feeling.

The therapist helps clients safely access and process those emotions, helping them to release emotional burdens and find new ways of being with themselves. This can result in greater self-awareness, healing, new insights and emotional freedom.

AEDP can be helpful for people experience:

• Low confidence and self-criticism

• Feeling burdened by traumatic experiences

• Feeling stuck and unfulfilled

• Anxiety, guilt, shame, and depression

• Difficulty in building deep meaningful connections with others

• Feelings of low self-worth and disconnection from the self

  
  

"People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset I don't find myself saying, 'soften the orange a bit on the righthand corner.' I don't try to control a sunset. I want with awe as it unfolds." - Carl Rogers

To book a free 15-minute consultation for therapy contact Mikayla Rukavina, MSW, RSW at mikayla@therapywithmikayla.ca Therapy is offered in-person in Hamilton, ON Canada and virtually (video) for residents of Ontario, Canada.

For more information checked out: www.aedpinstitute.com