Affect-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy is a collective name for various experience-based forms of therapy with a focus on affects (feelings). An affect-focused psychotherapy provides the opportunity to pay attention to and approach affects in depth in a close and trusting relationship (therapist and patient). In order to get more in touch with their feelings and needs, the patient needs help to see and release destructive defenses or patterns, in order to be able to replace them with more balanced ways of dealing with, for example, anxiety and fears. Therefore, the therapist is active, focused and as close to the experience as possible.

Emotion-Focused Therapy, or EFT, is a specialization within affect-focused psychotherapy. EFT has as its starting point that our emotions are decisive for how we feel, and that they give us information about our thoughts, needs and goals. When, for various reasons, we fail to use emotions to orient ourselves, we easily get stuck in pain and lose the opportunity to achieve our goals and satisfy our needs. In EFT, the therapist is actively involved and guides the patient. Together, you work to examine and experience recurring painful feelings. In this way, the patient can come into contact with important needs and new feelings that can help the patient further.

Affect Phobia Therapy, or APT, is a specialization within affect-focused psychotherapy. APT is about reducing the individual's fear of emotions because such fears are believed to be a central cause of many mental health problems. When people find it difficult to respond to their emotions in a healthy way, it can develop symptoms and/or unhealthy behaviors. This can mean, for example, that one avoids certain emotions that are experienced as too difficult and painful.

Therapist and patient work together so that the patient can put up with having these feelings and act in a more effective and healthy way.