ISTDP was developed by Dr Habib Davanloo of McGill University and since its conception it has been taught extensively worldwide as part of multiple education courses. Relevant research has been and is still being carried out, particularly at the Centre for Emotions and Health in Halifax, Canada. The ISTDP method requires that the therapist be especially active during sessions, trying to aid and encourage the patient to overcome their defences, perceive and experience their emotions. It is intensive, as it involves substantial mobilisation of the patient by the therapist, and is shorter in duration.

The aim of ISTDP is for the patient to manage to experience all of their repressed emotions – which are frequently activated, tormenting them in the process and compromising their daily lives and relationships – and simultaneously to create a structural shift in their character and personality; by being increasingly able to tolerate the anxiety generated by their emotions, as well as by feeling better with themselves and others, the client succeeds in improving their interpersonal relationships. This results in a positive effect on their performance at work and their relationships, thus rendering the patient more able to derive joy and satisfaction from daily activities.