FAQs
1. What is AEDP?
AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) is a trauma-informed, attachment-based approach that helps people heal by safely experiencing emotions in the presence of a supportive therapist. It’s based on the idea that we’re wired for healing when we feel safe, understood, and not alone. AEDP is evidenced based and is grounded in neuroscience, attachment theory, somatic awareness, psychodynamic theory, and emotion research,. It has a growing body of research supporting its effectiveness for trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns.
2. How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If something in your life doesn’t feel quite right—emotionally, relationally, or internally—therapy may be worth exploring. You don’t need to be in crisis or have a clear diagnosis to benefit. Many people start therapy simply because they want to understand themselves better, feel less overwhelmed, or experience more ease and connection in their lives.
3. How long does therapy usually last?
The length of therapy varies from person to person. Some people come for short-term support around a specific concern, while others choose to stay longer to work through deeper patterns or long-standing issues. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you and regularly check in about what’s feeling helpful and what you need.
4. How often will we meet?
Most clients meet weekly or bi-weekly, especially at the beginning, as this helps create continuity and momentum. That said, frequency can be adjusted depending on your needs, goals, and schedule. We’ll decide together what feels most supportive.
5. How do I know if a therapist is a good fit for me?
A good fit often feels like a sense of safety, respect, and being genuinely understood. It’s important that you feel comfortable enough to be yourself and to share honestly, even when things feel hard. If you ever have questions or concerns about the fit, those conversations are welcome and can be part of the work.
6. What if I don’t know what to talk about or what I’m feeling?
That’s very common, and you’re not expected to have clarity when you start. We can slow things down and gently explore what you’re noticing—thoughts, emotions, body sensations, or even just a sense of being stuck. Part of therapy is learning how to listen to yourself with more curiosity and compassion.
7. What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?
That experience matters, and it doesn’t mean therapy can’t help now. Different therapists and approaches can feel very different. AEDP places a strong emphasis on emotional safety, connection, and helping you actually experience change—not just talk about problems. We’ll move collaboratively and check in along the way to make sure the work feels meaningful and supportive.
8. Does AEDP involve using parts work similar to IFS?
Yes, but with differences. Both AEDP and Internal Family Systems (IFS):
Recognize that we have different parts of ourselves (for example, protective parts, anxious parts, younger wounded parts)
Approach these parts with curiosity, respect, and compassion
Understand that protective parts developed for good reasons
Avoid pathologizing or trying to “get rid of” parts
In AEDP, parts are understood within a relational and emotional healing process, rather than as a formal internal system.
Parts often show up naturally as we track emotions and experiences(e.g., “A part of you wants to move closer, and another part feels scared.”)
The therapist helps you stay connected to your core emotional experience while honoring protective responses
There is less emphasis on naming or mapping parts and more emphasis on what the parts are protecting and what happens when safety and support are present
Healing occurs through new emotional experiences in relationship, not primarily through internal dialogue with parts
10. Is AEDP right for me if I feel emotionally numb or disconnected?
Yes. Many people come to AEDP feeling disconnected from their emotions. We work gently and respectfully, helping emotional awareness grow naturally over time—without forcing anything.
11. Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. AEDP does not require retelling traumatic experiences in detail. We focus on what feels present and manageable now, and we move carefully, with attention to your nervous system and sense of safety.
12. How is AEDP different from other types of therapy?
AEDP focuses less on analyzing problems and more on helping you experience healing moments in real time. The therapeutic relationship itself is an active part of the work—you’re not doing this alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.