NYMC Faculty Publications

Older Psychodynamic Psychiatrists: Practice Metrics and Subjective Observations

Author Type(s)

Faculty

DOI

10.1521/pdps.2025.53.3.306

Journal Title

Psychodynamic Psychiatry

First Page

306

Last Page

336

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Department

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

aging, practice patterns, practice wills, retirement, telemedicine, therapeutic relationship

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

A survey of 20 older psychodynamic psychiatrists was conducted to determine practice metrics, venues of clinical care, and clinician’s subjective observations. The post-pandemic normalization of teletherapy, societal acceptance of psychoactive medication into the practice of psychotherapy, significant advances in medical care for older persons, and increased utility of computer technology have enabled clinicians to work into their later years. The integration of supportive therapeutic techniques with psychoanalytic principles coupled with long-term weekly or biweekly treatment has largely replaced intensive formal psychoanalytic therapy of an earlier era. How aging may impact the therapeutic relationship and matters of health and mortality may need to enter the therapeutic dialogue. Minor deficits in cognitive function may be offset by note-taking and session reviews. The benefits of wisdom and experience often unburdened by the demands of earning a livelihood or furthering professional ambitions may render care by secure older psychodynamic psychiatrists effective.

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