Dr. Liat Leibowitz talks with Prof. Aner Guvrin and Dr. Sharon Ziv Beiman

For decades, psychodynamic therapy was viewed as an “unscientific” approach—rich in clinical intuitions but lacking solid research. While other approaches have accumulated “evidence-based,” dynamic therapists have found themselves on the defensive, forced to justify their work in the face of criticism for its lack of empirical evidence.

The new book "The Evidence for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy," by Kevin McCarthy, Carla Capone, and Liat Leibowitz, dramatically changes the picture. The book presents the wealth of research that has accumulated over the past few decades, proving not only that psychodynamic therapy is effective, but that in many cases its effects are deeper and more lasting than other approaches.

Recent research shows that the improvement in psychodynamic therapy continues and deepens even after the end of treatment - a unique phenomenon that is almost nonexistent in other approaches. The book does not stop at proving general effectiveness; it examines research evidence for each of the unique components of psychodynamic therapy - from working with transference and countertransference, through processing and insight processes, to the mechanisms of brain change that occur in therapy.

What makes the book unique is its bridging of two seemingly separate cultures: the rich and complex clinical world of the therapy room, and the research world that demands measurement and proof. The authors succeed in telling the story of how and why psychodynamic therapy works, while weaving current research findings into the clinical narrative. Each chapter focuses on a central event or process in therapy: the therapeutic alliance, ruptures and repairs, supportive and interpretive techniques, termination and early terminations.

The authors tackle fundamental questions: What does "scientific evidence" mean in the context of mental health care? How are subjective processes such as transference or insight investigated? The book shows that modern research has developed sophisticated tools for studying the subtle processes of dynamic therapy, and that the results confirm many of the traditional clinical insights - while also challenging and refining them.

Perhaps most importantly, the book restores professional confidence to psychodynamic therapists. There is no longer any need to apologize or explain why we work the way we do. There is now an impressive body of research knowledge that confirms the psychodynamic approach, without sacrificing the depth and complexity that characterize it. The evidence does not replace clinical wisdom, but rather enriches and strengthens it.

On the evening of the launch, we will talk with Dr. Liat Leibowitz, one of the authors of the book, about:

• How has the status of psychodynamic therapy changed in the era of "evidence-based medicine"?

• What is the most surprising evidence of the unique effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy?

• Does research confirm classic concepts such as the unconscious, transference, and defenses?

• What is the difference between demonstrating general effectiveness and understanding the specific mechanisms of change?

• How does the demand for "evidence" affect professional identity and daily therapeutic practice?

• What does the future of research in the field look like, and what questions still remain open?

Dr. Liat Leibowitz - Clinical Psychologist, Instructor and Responsible for Clinical Internship at the "Avaha" Boarding School, Therapist and Instructor at a Private Clinic in Kiryat Bialik and within the Psychotherapy Laboratory at the University of Haifa. Researches mechanisms of change in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the University of Haifa. Facilitates training and group instruction in short-term dynamic therapy using the "Central Conflict in Relationships" (CCRT) approach.