Dialogues: Similarities and Differences Between the Psychodynamic Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioural Approaches Regarding Case Conceptualization and Treatment of Anxiety

Psychoanalytic and later psychodynamic traditions (PD) historically preceded behavioural and cognitive-behavioural approaches (CBT). Similarly, several waves of CBT evolved over the years, each one proposing to address the limitations of previous theories and practices. Predictably, the more recent theories were presented as improvements or counter-arguments against the shortcomings of previous traditions, creating an adversarial relationship among proponents of each view. This book discusses various perspectives, within but also outside each of these traditions, based on original reports of experts in each area. The current volume makes no effort to present one view as superior to the other. At the same time, it will make no effort to present an integrative view, as we believe that it is not to the benefit of our patients to promote approaches that have not been put to the test, either empirically or practically, when separate traditions have cumulative evidence to present as to their effectiveness. At a conceptual level, each tradition ought to have the theoretical breadth and depth to encompass most aspects of what the clinician will encounter and that having the need to borrow from other traditions may mark the limits of each perspective. However, what the book does aim for is to present in detail how each tradition conceptualizes and treats anxiety disorders and in doing so to highlight the theoretical constructs and clinical methodologies that may point to similar etiological and maintenance mechanism and to mechanisms of action that bring about positive chance. That is, even when different terminologies, concepts and even aims are presented, the targeted mechanism and produced outcome may share essential similarities. The following sections aim to address these points.